Let’s Talk Cape Town Living As A Student

Living in The Cape Of Good Hope can seem scary for a new student in the province. From book buying and studying, transport to campus and food, laundry as well as the purchasing of the very clothes, and even entertainment because we all need to lead a balanced life, all of this can sound expensive financially and mentally for a young student trying to make it in life. But fear not; in this article, we will give you tips and tricks on how to navigate student life in Cape Town when choosing to partner with Study & Stay.

Getting Around The Cape

As a student, you need to consider affordable ways to live in order to not have the stress of day-to-day living affecting your studies. And we are all familiar with the expenses of transportation in South Africa, and if you are new to the country, let’s just say; it is not cheap. Getting from your dorm or hostel can be a bit taxing whether you use public transport or shuttle services. When you partner with Study & Stay, you don’t have to worry. We offer shuttle services to ensure you get to and from school on time. And if you are looking to explore the Cape, here are some affordable ways to do so from Bellville and the surrounding areas:

Bus: Bus services in Cape Town and the Western Cape as a whole are favoured for their affordability and convenience. Many residents fill up Golden Arrow buses and the likes and take to their workplaces, school, and more with ease. Take advantage of this and explore the city through an affordable bus ride to the city.

Taxi: If you are from the States reading this, this does not mean a small or medium size yellow car with a yellow and black printed sign on the top. This is what you would most likely call a ‘minibus’. Usually fitting between 10 to 22 people (depending on its size), these are one of the cheapest, quickest and most convenient ways to get around. Don’t ask about the quickness, South Africans are still trying to figure out if taxi drivers don’t have their own special routes that no one else sees, as their navigation skills often tend to beat even the craziest of traffic. Anyways, we digress, but the point is, consider taking a taxi from Bellville’s taxi rank to the city as it does not cost more than R30 ($1.59, €1.45). If you are a South African resident, familiar with taxis, you’ll be happy to know that you won’t have to worry about taxi mathematics (it’s a thing), a gaartjie (taxi driver’s assistant essentially) is always there to help count the money for the driver.

E-hailing: Worldwide e-hailing service, Uber, has not only been on our shores for a while now but has also inspired other services to open up. As a student who is seeking affordability, you can compare your trip fares through a few e-hailing services such as Uber, Bolt, InDriver, and more. You can also opt for cab services from Zebra Cabs and the likes. But again, always compare fares.

Where To Find What

Now you know how to get around, let’s talk about finding affordable and convenient places to find essentials based on your needs and lifestyle.

For Food And Groceries

Cape Town’s food culture is a foodie’s dream. There are lots of different flavours from around the world and locally, as well as some of the most delicious seafood range you will ever taste in the country. Markets are also a staple, so you can pop into the likes of Maker’s Landing at The V & A Waterfront, the Oranjezicht Market near V & A Waterfront, and The Old Biscuit Mill found in Woodstock. At these markets, you can get essentials like fruit and vegetables, bread and baked goods, herbs and spices, honeys, syrups, jams, and even teas. The nice thing about these markets is that you will most likely be buying from local residents who use organic ingredients and sustainable production processes while supporting local initiatives and creating jobs. You can also visit places like Food Lovers Market, Durbanville Market, and Balmoral Market, which are fruit and vegetable stores that also sell meat, spices, and many other grocery essentials. These places are often reasonably priced or have combos that will have you saving money.

For Clothes & Laundry

At Study & Stay, we offer laundry services, so you don’t have to worry about getting your clothes clean. And if you are looking for the freshest fits that’ll have you stylish all day, every day on campus, consider the age-old way of shopping affordably, A.K.A thrifting. The city centre has a lot of places to do so, plus you can visit hospices and nursing hostels, and even dry cleaners and ask about their thrift sale items.

Keeping Fit

Cape Town has some beautiful views that you can easily take in while indulging in a power walk or run. If you are a fitness enthusiast, you may want to look at ways to keep fit, and parks are one such place. There are lots of parks in and around Bellville, and if you sign up for park runs, you will get notified each week of runs taking place in and around the Cape.

Living In Balance At The Cape

The best way to make the most out of your student experience is to lead a balanced life. Cape Town is beautiful and yours to explore. So, consider visiting the city’s Kloof, Long, Bree, and Loop streets which have some of the best restaurants. There are lots of beaches in Cape Town, so indulge in that too. Take your book, get a cab, and head to the beach for some reading and inspiration. There are also lots of galleries, as well as events such as First Thursdays which can have you enjoying the Cape Of Good Hope without breaking your bank.

Stay With Us And Benefit

Study & Stay offers affordable student hostel and apartment services that are convenient and cared for by people who are passionate about their work. Ensuring a safe and secure environment is our top priority. Our dedicated "Koshuis tannie" Maggie oversees the hostel round-the-clock, supported by a diligent team of cleaners and a vigilant night guard. To enhance your peace of mind, we have implemented advanced security measures, including a state-of-the-art security system, electric fencing, and a comprehensive fire detection system. Experience the best in student accommodation in Cape Town and partner with Study & Stay. We’d love to welcome you!