Experience in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa by Kate Leigh

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

It is a small city, however the beach and the mountains are an how away either way. You are able to get out of the city and into the country side in a matter of 25 minutes. The city has some really beautiful buildings, many are really run down though in the last few years there has been a drive to restore them to their former beauty. There is always something to do on the weekend with your mates.

What is the student lifestyle like in Pietermaritzburg?

Its what you make of it, its all about living in digs and getting involved in a sports club. Because there is no student accommodation on campus, one needs to find a digs to live it and through that you will have endless adventures.

How much does it cost to live in Pietermaritzburg?

It is a lot cheaper than in your bigger city centers such as Johannesburg and Capetown.

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

It isn't easy as one would need to find a digs so I would recommend one getting hold of lecturer and they would be able to put one in contact with a few students who may live somewhere with a room available or know of one.

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

Wow there are so many favorites..... if one were to venture into the midlans one would find a variety of options from traditional Afrikaans food to your bistro type dishes. If one were to take a trip to Durban one would have try the famous "Durban Curry'. May favorites would be boboti and Chicken tikka masala.

What places would you recommend visiting in Pietermaritzburg?

I wuld definitely take a trip into the midlands meander and go from coffee shop to coffee shop stopping at all the little craft shops in between. These include leather items, traditional bead iteams and many more.

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

Pietermaritzburg is fairly limited but Hilton is 20 minutes away and has some great options. For lunch and breakfast I would definitly fist La Popote situated on a little farm and serves a range of dishes - Afrikaans, french, italian and all are outstanding. For dinner I would go to a taste of Thai or Old main and test the the craft beers.

What advice would you give future students heading to Pietermaritzburg?

Get in touch with a student in the same year as you and get them to help you find accommodation and that way you would have a friend when you arrive. I would also recommend you have a drivers license as everything is a little distance from campus so you may want to hire a car and go explore.