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Housing & Student Life
Mini-busses
Very cheap (R3-R6) and easy to use, so long as you know the route that is being taken. One very easy route to take is along Main Road, and it runs from the downtown mini-bus terminal to a district called Wynberg. Mowbray and Rondebosch (which are very close to UCT) are about in the middle of this route. You can get to some of the beaches (Clifton, Camps Bay) by taking a mini-bus into downtown, and then getting off at the terminal there and getting onto another mini-bus that goes to Camps Bay. Just remember, don't take them at night, and don't get into an empty one.
Train
Good to use when going to Muizenberg (a good beach south of Cape Town where the water is often much warmer than on the Atlantic side), to Simon's Town, or to Stellenbosch (the region with lots of wineries). Not very expensive.
Taxi
The best way to get around at night. If you're in a small group, it isn't too expensive. Check around for good prices and ask other students. Some cheaper taxis are individuals who operate their own businesses and are not part of a company.
Traveling Outside Cape Town
Traveling is a must, and you should try to see as much as you have time for and can afford. Any place you decide to go to will be worthwhile. Places people talked about: Etosha in Namibia, Kgalagadi in the Northern Cape, the Drakensberg Mountains of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Kruger National Park.
Remember to check for visa requirements (there is for sure one for Mozambique and Zambia). Also be sure to see if you will need medication to prevent malaria if you will be traveling to an area where it is endemic. Malaria is pretty widespread over much of southern Africa, so there is a good chance you will need it. You can easily get medication in South Africa or bring some with you from the States.
Day Adventures
Table Mountain
Definitely worth exploring several times. You can buy maps of the trails so that you don't get lost. You can also choose to hike to the top and take the cable car down, or take the cable car up and hike down. Take plenty of water. Be sure that the weather is clear so that you don't get stuck in fog or clouds. Table Mountain is called such because in the summer it is often covered with a "tablecloth" of clouds.
Simon's Town
Get there by taking the train from Mowbray or Rondebosch headedsouth. Simon's Town is known for the colony of penguins that live there. To get to the colony, walk into town from the train and follow the signs or ask for directions. If you go beyond the official entrance to the park, you will make your way to a beach where you can swim with the penguins themselves.
Stellenbosch
a good weekend trip. Take the train from the main train terminal in town. There are several hostels in Stellenbosch. You can rent bikes to travel around to the different wineries, or book ahead and go on an official tour, although these can be expensive (usually starting from around R250). It is difficult to walk from one winery to another. This is also home to the University of Stellenbosch, so there is a good student scene here and good nightlife. Be prepared to hear a lot of Afrikaans (although virtually everyone speaks English as well).
Knysna
A good trip for a long weekend. You can take a bus out there or hire a car. The beaches and scenery here are beautiful. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, etc. It's a common vacation spot, so there are plenty of places to stay, but check ahead in summer months.
Money
It is best to take several forms of money. You should bring some Rand with you so you'll have some as soon as you arrive. You should also bring a debit card if possible, but be sure to check to see if you will be charged withdrawal fees. Be careful of scam artists - don't let anyone try to help you at the ATM and it is best to use ATMs at reputable banks (Standard Bank, Absa, First National). Travelers' checks are also a good idea. You can get them exchanged at most major banks or at Cavendish Mall in Claremont at the Banking Area, but you will almost always pay a service fee. Credit cards are also widely accepted in stores and grocery stores in Cape Town. The most important thing is to make sure you have some form of access to cash.
Mini-busses
Very cheap (R3-R6) and easy to use, so long as you know the route that is being taken. One very easy route to take is along Main Road, and it runs from the downtown mini-bus terminal to a district called Wynberg. Mowbray and Rondebosch (which are very close to UCT) are about in the middle of this route. You can get to some of the beaches (Clifton, Camps Bay) by taking a mini-bus into downtown, and then getting off at the terminal there and getting onto another mini-bus that goes to Camps Bay. Just remember, don't take them at night, and don't get into an empty one.
Train
Good to use when going to Muizenberg (a good beach south of Cape Town where the water is often much warmer than on the Atlantic side), to Simon's Town, or to Stellenbosch (the region with lots of wineries). Not very expensive.
Taxi
The best way to get around at night. If you're in a small group, it isn't too expensive. Check around for good prices and ask other students. Some cheaper taxis are individuals who operate their own businesses and are not part of a company.
Traveling Outside Cape Town
Traveling is a must, and you should try to see as much as you have time for and can afford. Any place you decide to go to will be worthwhile. Places people talked about: Etosha in Namibia, Kgalagadi in the Northern Cape, the Drakensberg Mountains of Kwa-Zulu Natal, the Okavango Delta in Botswana, Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Kruger National Park.
Remember to check for visa requirements (there is for sure one for Mozambique and Zambia). Also be sure to see if you will need medication to prevent malaria if you will be traveling to an area where it is endemic. Malaria is pretty widespread over much of southern Africa, so there is a good chance you will need it. You can easily get medication in South Africa or bring some with you from the States.
Day Adventures
Table Mountain
Definitely worth exploring several times. You can buy maps of the trails so that you don't get lost. You can also choose to hike to the top and take the cable car down, or take the cable car up and hike down. Take plenty of water. Be sure that the weather is clear so that you don't get stuck in fog or clouds. Table Mountain is called such because in the summer it is often covered with a "tablecloth" of clouds.
Simon's Town
Get there by taking the train from Mowbray or Rondebosch headedsouth. Simon's Town is known for the colony of penguins that live there. To get to the colony, walk into town from the train and follow the signs or ask for directions. If you go beyond the official entrance to the park, you will make your way to a beach where you can swim with the penguins themselves.
Stellenbosch
a good weekend trip. Take the train from the main train terminal in town. There are several hostels in Stellenbosch. You can rent bikes to travel around to the different wineries, or book ahead and go on an official tour, although these can be expensive (usually starting from around R250). It is difficult to walk from one winery to another. This is also home to the University of Stellenbosch, so there is a good student scene here and good nightlife. Be prepared to hear a lot of Afrikaans (although virtually everyone speaks English as well).
Knysna
A good trip for a long weekend. You can take a bus out there or hire a car. The beaches and scenery here are beautiful. There are lots of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, climbing, etc. It's a common vacation spot, so there are plenty of places to stay, but check ahead in summer months.
Money
It is best to take several forms of money. You should bring some Rand with you so you'll have some as soon as you arrive. You should also bring a debit card if possible, but be sure to check to see if you will be charged withdrawal fees. Be careful of scam artists - don't let anyone try to help you at the ATM and it is best to use ATMs at reputable banks (Standard Bank, Absa, First National). Travelers' checks are also a good idea. You can get them exchanged at most major banks or at Cavendish Mall in Claremont at the Banking Area, but you will almost always pay a service fee. Credit cards are also widely accepted in stores and grocery stores in Cape Town. The most important thing is to make sure you have some form of access to cash.