Experience in Tunis, Tunisia by Horizons

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

You could enjoy your stay in Tunis as a student if you are in company of friends from your home town with whom you could share your concerns and happy moments, and with whom you can plan things and respond to administrative paperwork and staff.

What is the student lifestyle like in Tunis?

It depends on whether a student has enough money to rent $400 decent studio in a residential area. Otherwise, a student should look for two, or more flatmates, to split the rent.

How much does it cost to live in Tunis?

A minimum of $400 monthly rent for a bedsit in a residential area.
Most residential areas like ennasr, Jardins Menzah2, Lac 2 are a few kilometres away from the centre of Tunis.

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

Not if you go to a local estate agent, but in that case, the agency will ask you to pay the equivalent of one-month rent as a commission.

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

That's Tunisia big advantage: You can buy fresh veggies and fruits all year round, these are specially good in Winter season.
You can eat in Baguette & Baguette, a franchise with many outlets in Tunis. It serves salads, different types of sandwiches, pizzas, all kinds of light meals.
Bab El Houma in Géant mall offers good quality 'lablabi' (chickpeas soup), Ajja, brik, Kuskus, etc. ) at a reasonable cost (TND 5 to TND 10)

What places would you recommend visiting in Tunis?

I'd recommend a visit to Korbous, a spa-village one-hour drive from Tunis. El Jem Amphitheatre, Jerba souks.

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

Dar El Jeld offers upper scale good quality traditional Tunisian dishes. Baguette & Baguette is ideal for students on a budget.

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

Yes, there are concerts and events held downtown in Le Théatre Municipal. The Medina Festival is interesting for those keen to learn about Tunisian musical heritage. Carthage International festival is an option for students staying over in summer.

What advice would you give future students heading to Tunis?

Better live in company of other fellow students.
Ask for the price before committing yourself to buy something, if you're not shopping from a supermarket.