Look, living at The ReZident is an adventure all by itself. So many spaces to discover and explore, you’ll find it hard to pick your favourite. Will it be the heated lap pool at night? Will it be the games room? One of the awesome communal spaces, or will it be the gym, the kitchen or even the super-stylish communal study area? We’ll leave it up to you to find your happy space, but the great thing is there’s plenty to choose from! You’ll have to search long and hard to find better student accommodation in Cape Town near UCT.
Why not move in a week or two before Uni start so that you can scope out the immediate area and beyond? You’ll soon feel at home in your new town. Now one thing is for certain, student living in Cape Town is not cheap. So, we had a look at a few activities you can enjoy that won’t break the bank while living it up like a local:
1. Relax, unwind and clear your head at Kirstenbosch Gardens
Take your shoes off and reconnect with nature on the beautiful lawns of Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens. Considered one of the greatest botanical gardens in the WORLD and its right down the road from The ReZident. Uniquely South African, few botanical gardens in the world can match the sheer magnificence of this beautiful setting. Grab a blanket, some friends and pack a picnic basket – you get in for 50 bucks with your valid student card.
2. Let’s go to the beach baby!
20 minutes and you could be curling your toes on the quirky and popular beaches of Kalk Bay or having a pint at The Brass Bell. The trip will set you back about R20 return (at the time of going to press), check the Metrorail app or website before setting off on your adventure. So, you can get your surf on or simply bask in the sun. Make a day of it and wander the streets with its abundance of restaurants and quaint second-hand stores. Perfect to find some decor to make your private room at The ReZident your own, or find a little pre-loved outfit to rock on your next night out. Student living in Cape Town done right!
3. Take a walk on the Wild Side
Woodstock and Observatory (or simply Obs) have been favourites with UCT students since forever. Where to begin? Bars, restaurants, pool halls, coffee shops, markets, vinyl stores, live music and more. You can spend hours and hours sitting at a cafe, having a beer or two while arguing politics, economics, or life in general with your new crew.
4. Memorable Sunrises at Rhodes Memorial
Get up early, put on your trainers, grab a flask of coffee and take a jog up to Rhodes Mem. Sit and watch the sunrise over UCT and beyond. With the huge statues of eight bronze lions, it’s hard not to feel in awe when sitting on the steps and watching the city slowly come to life. Impress your friends with the following little-known bit of trivia. Just below the memorial, you will find the ruins of a zoo! There are still some residents of Rondebosch who can remember lions roaring at dusk at feeding time. Today, you can still see the iron cages of the lion pit and a shallow crocodile pool – it makes for great Insta snaps! Look for it next to the parking lot opposite the South Stop.
Having fun doesn’t need to cost an arm and a leg. To quote Dr Seuss: “Congratulations! Today is your day. You’re off to Great Places! You’re off and away”!
