Experience in Nairobi, Kenya by Daisy

What is it like to live in Nairobi? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Nairobi is such an amazing place to live in. It is growing everyday and that means different opportunities arise every single moment. From the food industry to the entertainment industry and hopefully with my help art industry shall be one of the things that shall grow just as rapidly.
It is a beautiful city overall.
Crime rates are just as high, if you know my city then you shall not be too unfamiliar with the term "Nairobbery" which is a combination of the term Nairobi and Robbery (God bless the creatives huh?) but if careful and always alert there is no way it can affect you.
The hotels industry is growing too. We have massive hotels coming up to accommodate those of a higher and middle class al though I haven't got the chance to step in to many of them, the few that I have had the privilege to be a part of, ensure you a good stay and an amazing experience.
We have three wildlife reserves and parks within the city. Giraffe Center, Nairobi National Part and an elephant orphanage all that offer you the experience of wildlife within the city and showcase all the beauty Nairobi has to offer.
There is always a way to commute between two place either through public transport, cabs, hired vehicles and motorcycles.
The weather is always great. Sun is always out but some days it is very cold.
Living in Nairobi is a great experience. You are exposed to very many cultures and lifestyles so whichever one fits you, you can simply blend right in :-)

What is the student lifestyle like in Nairobi?

Student lifestyle isn't too bad as well. We have different universities that are either classified as public or private universities. I attend a private university and most of my friends do too. The lifestyle varies from library resources to canteens, how we interact among one another and finally the party lifestyle.
Depending on your background and how you were brought up, these things are quite different for different people. Some speak in Swahili and a slang for Swahili know as 'sheng' while others speak in English. All courses within the university are taught in English though. We are very open and accommodating people despite our various difference that might place us in different social groups because at the end of the day we all have one aim and that is to graduate.

How much does it cost to live in Nairobi?

It is a bit costly to live in Nairobi as a student. You must be able to budget yourself well. Especially if you like to eat out, party and move socially.
I would say I spend about $10 a day (Monday - Thursday) on food and transport and the weekend I spend an average of about $60 on a party night excluding transport which might bring it up to about $80 (this is on the assumption that on both Friday and Saturday night I have a party life. To save on costs I try pick either one or the other and very rarely both unless it is a festival weekend.
Shopping as well takes a lot of money out of my pocket. With the various thrift shops that offer affordable prices on clothes the temptation is never ending to get something cute to wear.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Nairobi? Is there any advice you can give?

No, it is not difficult to find accommodation.
If visiting as a student I am sure you would like to stay in a hostel-like place because it is cheaper? Well then, from past experiences considering I was in AIESEC and we used to have interns fly back and forth, what I would advice is that you start doing your research early to find a place that can accommodate you to the best of both their and your capabilities (this is if you are planning to come and visit the country without any association to an organization). Based on my knowledge through AIESEC you are able to get accommodation due to placement in AIESEC houses. As a solo entity you shall need to go online and see fit where is the most convenient and affordable place for you to reside.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Well, the food is good. I assume you are talking about home food. It is a very biased question to ask me because I am from here but I do have a few favorite dishes such as chapati, nyama choma, githeri, matoke, pilau, ugali. The food is very different if you have never had it before. Very blunt but nutritious meals. There are different kinds of food from different cultures therefore the list of what can be available is overwhelming. All in all I'd rate the food a 3.

What places would you recommend visiting in Nairobi?

Oh Nairobi is so huge I'd say everywhere, but for each activity I shall give a place to visit to make it easier and I shall get cost effective places as well considering we can't afford it all...YET.
Shopping Malls: Westagate and Village Market have the best variety of things.
Adventure: Fourteen Falls is a very beautiful place to spend a Saturday out of the house.
National Parks and reserves: Nairobi National Park, Arboretum, Giraffe Center.
Road Trips: Naivasha's Hell's gate which is about a 2 hour drive from the city giving you ample time to head out, explore and be back just in time to catch the sunset while on the road (beautiful one I might add).

Is it good to eat out in Nairobi? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Nairobi's food industry is growing so fast. Yes, it is good to eat out in Nairobi. We now have different cuisines available and chef's with amazing kitchens and restaurants.
My favorite spots are:
J's Fresh Bar and Restaurant
Juniper's Kitchen
Purdy Arms
Alchemist (there's a food truck with tremendous food)
The Talisman
News Cafe
Artcaffe
Java House
Zen Garden
360 Degrees Artisan Pizza

Just to name a few :-)

Is the nightlife good in Nairobi? Where is good to go?

The nightlife is Nairobi is outstanding. You might think the city comes alive during the day, which it does, but at night, it is more alive than it has ever been.
Where is good to go honestly depends on an individual and the kind of music they prefer, as well as the ambiance they enjoy.
Personally considering I prefer very intimate gatherings and House music I shall recommend my favorite places of which happen to have that kind of energy and I shall recommend a few high energy clubs too that I have been a part of and found them pretty decent.
Alchemist
J's Fresh Bar and Kitchen
Junipers Kitchen
Gipsy Bar
Pavement
Brew Bistro
Havana Bar and Restaurant
Privee
Mercury Lounge

That is just a glimpse of what is out there. Westlands offers club after club all within the same street to enable easy club to club experiences. I can not name them all, what you can do though, is you can come check them out and let the world know what an incredible time you had :-)

What advice would you give future students heading to Nairobi?

If and when you head down here most important advice is to listen to what your mom tells you as she see's you off: WATCH OVER YOUR THINGS AND KEEP THEM SAFE. She knows what she is saying. I have met people who have lost their phones, money (not just little cash, I'm talking $1000+), passports etc. You are your own caretaker and giver so always make sure you are watching out for your valuables and for yourself before anything and anyone else.

Other than that very important caution, just be yourself. We will love you. There might be situations where you might encounter slight racism (no, they shall not stone you or call you out in public but they shall double or triple the price on your products in places like street markets.) I might suggest to get a local guide or someone local to help you move around and bargain such prices. That is not always the case, the ripping you off on items, but it is common so better safe.

Other than that, we are a very friendly and welcoming bunch of people. You shall have no trouble at all fitting in or enjoying yourself around the city if anything we would love to have you so start saving some money, pack a bag and come down to Nairobi.

Karibu (That is Swahili for: Welcome)