Experience in Stellenbosch, South Africa by Lyndré

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

I love this town. You don't need transport in town as you can walk (or cycle) practically everywhere, however, you'll need your own transport for when you tour the surrounding wine estates.

Source

What is the student lifestyle like in Stellenbosch?

As a student town, it's bustling with young adults during the day and especially at night. It's quieter around June/July and December/January as these are vacation times.

How much does it cost to live in Stellenbosch?

Living expenses are pretty cheap (food, entertainment, toiletries, etc. ) with the most expensive being accommodation (electricity and water is usually incl in the price). Although, with the weak exchange rate of the South African Rand (ZAR), foreign students will find accommodation to be pretty reasonable. Backpackers are really cheap. Hotels and more luxurious accommodation is obviously more expensive.

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

Short term, i. e. backpackers, no. There are very reasonable short term options available at short notice, but its always better to book ahead. Long term, yes. About 25, 000 students attend Stellenbosch Univ. and many of them live in town (or at least try to). Accommodation options, short and long term, are available for viewing on the Internet so take time to search through different sites and availabilities.

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

In general, South African food is great. There is a wide variety available for all tastes. You can go for a good hearty stew, or huge meaty burgers or ribs, or go for healthier options with fresh foods and salads. As a student town there are loads of fast food outlets, but also really affordable family and student places with brilliant meal choices. And of course, many upmarket cuisine places for the working class too.

Source

What places would you recommend visiting in Stellenbosch?

• Pubs: De Akker, Mystic Boer, Bohemia, Stones, Aandklas (stay azay from Terrace).
• Nature: Jonkershoek Nature Reserve, J. S. Marais Park. Hiking Stellenbosch and Helderberg Mountain.
• Heritage: NG Moederkerk (Church), Oom Samie se Winkel.

Source

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

Yes, just about everywhere is great. My fav restaurants are Gino's, Trumpet Tree, Ocean Basket, and Hussar Grill.

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

The nightlife is great. During semester times (except exam times) the town is usually pumping at night, especially on Wednesday evenings ("Klein Saterdae"). Besides the pubs I mentioned earlier, it's great going to Cat Walk, Nu Bar and Springboks for dancing. If you're interested in the traditional Afrikaans two-step style dancing ("sokkie") then you should visit Opskop (although it is about 5 min outside of town so you'd have to drive).

What advice would you give future students headed to Stellenbosch?

Stellenbosch is great, and the University too, although you can run into a few problems there (administrative). If you do, just ask for help from passer-by or strangers, just about everyone speaks English. Overall, South Africans (especially those from the Cape Town area) are really nice to foreigners and most students would be glad to help you. Recently (2014), there have been quite a few safety issues for students (particularly females). Just practice common sense and watch out for certain seedy characters or situations. South Africa is a wonderful country with exceptional natural and cultural beauty, but you should be aware that in a third world country such as this just how prevalent petty theft, breaking and entering, carjacking, armed robbery, etc. is. The University's web page has some practical advice for students regarding safety and settling in, also the International office hosts some really nice events for foreign students.