Living in Cape Town as a Student:
Things I Didn't Expect...
January, 2025 | Vera De Prie
When I decided to move to from Amsterdam to Cape Town for a few months to do an internship, I had all my expectations lined up. Still, there were many things that completely surprised me—from the weather to how you get around on a daily basis.
In this blog I’d like to share some unexpected discoveries that might help you planning your trip to Cape Town.
Climate
You’d think South Africa is always warm, but that’s not always the case. When I arrived in Spring it was surprisingly cold during the day and in the evening. Even in summer, the temperature can drop very quickly. So, when someone tells you to “dress in layers,” don’t take it as a joke. Trust me, it’s better to be prepared and always have layers with you. Even if it’s 30°C and sunny, a chilly wind can suddenly pick up, and a sweater is not unnecessary. But for when it gets hot never forget to put on suncream because the UV radiation in South Africa is so high you will be roasted in less than an hour.
Supermarket Prices
I expected grocery shopping to be cheaper than in the Netherlands. To my surprise, supermarket prices are nearly comparable to what I’m used to back home—especially for imported products, which are quite expensive. Sometimes, eating out often feels cheaper, as dining at a restaurant is almost half the price of what you’d pay in the Netherlands.
Weekend Getaways near Cape Town
One of Cape Town’s biggest perks is how close you are to nature reserves and safari parks. This makes it easy to go on weekend trips and to explore the diverse landscapes South Africa has to offer and see the amazing wildlife. While South Africa is huge, there’s plenty of places to visit within short distances from Cape Town. I’ve taken several weekend trips to places like Hermanus, Cederberg, West Coast National Park, Silvermine Nature Reserve, and Stellenbosch. I would never guess that there were so many cool places nearby so don’t forget to safe up some money. Don’t forget to make a nice group of friends to share the costs and the fun.
New Western City?
Cape Town has a surprisingly Western vibe. From trendy coffee shops with great coffee to almost everyone speaking fluent English, it’s not what I expected. That said, there are still big social contrasts. On the highways and outside supermarkets, you’ll see signs of poverty. I’d really recommend booking a township tour to get a better understanding of Cape Town’s layered society. The city itself can sometimes feel like an isolated bubble, full of trendy spots and vibrant energy. But it’s important to stay aware of the economic differences that exist alongside all that.
Security
What really surprised me was the amount of security visible on the streets. It’s not just at stores, offices, and parking lots, but also on busy streets like Long Street, even at night. On several occasions, I was advised to remove or hide my gold jewellery under my clothing. Security also reminded me not to wear my nicest jewellery and to leave expensive items behind to stay safer. I also found that moving around in groups and mostly using Ubers made me feel more secure.
Moving to Cape Town has been an eye-opening experience for me. It’s a city with diversity, adventure, and an amazing culture that I will forever keep in my heart.
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Written by
Vera De Prie
As marketing & communication intern at Gap Africa I take care of the social media, including creating and generating content and blogs for the website. As a student from the Netherlands, I choose a company that, like me, has a deep love for travel and exploring the world but wants to do so in a sustainable way. I am honnored to develop my communication and marketing skills during these five months in the beautiful city Cape Town.