Rhodes University

Rhodes University have provided us with this useful guide with top tips for students wishing to study with them.

Money Matters and Units of Measure

South Africa uses the Rand.  R1-00 consists of 100 cents.

Foreign currency – US Dollars, British Pounds, Euros etc. cannot be used as legal tender in the country.  Most major credit cards are generally accepted throughout – ideally VISA or MASTERCARD.  Banks will convert travellers’ cheques and cash foreign currency, but stores and shops will not.  ATM machines will recognise major credit and debit cards.

There are four banks in town, should you require them:

Standard Bank             High Street

First National Bank   Allen Street

ABSA                           High Street

Nedbank                  High Street

Capitec                    High Street

South Africa is decimalised and has been since 1960.  Hardly anyone will understand miles/pints etc.  Distances are measured in meters/kilometres; fluids in litres; weight in kilograms.

Documentation for Application 

Following a 3 page Application form we will need the following supporting:

·         Official university transcript

·         Two letters of recommendation from faculty members at your home institution

·         A short personal statement indicating why you wish to attend Rhodes

·         Two colour passport-sized photographs

Mobile phones Internet and the QUOTA system

There are four major mobile networks students can choose from namely; Vodacom, MTN, Telkom and Cell C. A sim card for any one of the mobile networks can be purchased within Makhanda from retail outlets such as PEP stores, Checkers, Pick n Pay or directly from the vendor (MTN only). The prepaid option is flexible as students can purchase airtime as and when they need it. Airtime can be used to purchase data bundles or for voice calls and text messaging. Further information specific to each mobile networks can be accessed via the links below:

Vodacom  

MTN

Telkom

Cell C

Note that contract options are unavailable to foreigners therefore exchange students will not qualify and must utilise prepaid (cash) options only.

QUOTA

It is important to note that Rhodes uses a quota system to manage its Internet bandwidth. Internet bandwidth in South Africa is still very expensive, and as a result Rhodes has limited Internet bandwidth. Due to this, Rhodes allocates each user with a portion of the Internet bandwidth (“quota”).  Once you have used up your quota, you will be denied access to the Internet for a specific amount of time.  The quota is calculated on a two-week sliding scale, so that it is your total use for the last two weeks that determines your access.  As you get close to using up your quota, you will experience a delay in your connection and an e-mail will be sent to your student e-mail account warning you that you are about to reach your quota, and once you reach your quota, you will be cut off until your total use decreases again. All students will be awarded a quota of an estimate of 5gigs per week.

Sites on the Rhodes intranet do not count towards your quota, so even if you have used up your quota and have been denied access to the Internet, you will still be able to access your student email, the library, and all Rhodes sites.

Weather

Makhanda formally Grahamstown has weather rather than a climate!  The weather fluctuates wildly here, and a bright and sunny day may end with a rain storm.  Cold fronts sweeping in from the southern oceans affect the weather throughout the year.  It is quite common for temperatures to vary from 30 down to 15 degrees Celsius (about 90 – 50 F) in a few hours.  Summers are warm or hot and fairly wet, and winters are cool.

Language

South Africa has 11 official languages.  You will get by perfectly adequately with English in the Eastern Cape.  You are likely to hear Afrikaans and isiXhosa spoken in Makhanda formally Grahamstown.

We follow the British spelling of English in many words.  It differs from the American spelling of several words, mainly those with z’s in them (eg. organise), and words like “colour.”  Certain American terms (eg. “the drug store”) will not be known here and might occasion blank looks.

You may hear some of the following local words amongst others:

Braai           =      barbecue

Robot           =      traffic light

Just now      =      does not mean immediately, but in the next while

Now now     =      also does not mean immediately, but in the next while

Shame         =      used to denote sympathy

Dining Hall Meals

On a daily basis, Catering provides convenient and flexible access to a variety of value-for-money, nutritious meals in the Hall dining rooms. Rhodes uses a computerized Meal Booking System that allows each student to choose the meals that they want and to select the diet they prefer.

All dining halls on campus have the same menu:

Dining Hall Menu

DINING HALL MEAL TIMES:

Breakfast:

• 07h00 to 08h15 – Weekdays

• 08h00 to 09h15 – Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays

Lunch:

• 12h00 to 14h00 – Weekdays

• 12h00 to 13h30 – Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays

Supper:

• 17h00 to 18h30 – every evening

The Grahamstown restaurant guide

Lifestyle in Grahamstown is relatively cheap as many restaurants and retail outlets often have student discounts or weekly in-house specials. A meal for two will cost approximately R 350 on average but this may vary depending on where you go. There are some trendier places such Major Frasers or The Highlander whilst a more chilled setting can be found at the local treasure, the Rat and Parrot. Household items (groceries) can be purchased from Pick N pay, Checkers or Spar whilst clothing can be bought from retailers such as Woolworths, Mr Price and many others.

The Bakery (38 Somerset Street)

This small artisanal bakery situated on the corner of Somerset and High Street (Opposite the famous Arch) offers freshly baked breads, pastries and healthy, delicious ‘food on the go’.

The Barista Sisa (38 Somerset Street)

Treat yourself to a cup of coffee between shows at this authentically African coffee shop located in a restored historic building on the corner of Somerset and High street known as Opposite the Arch.

Cafe Delizzia (112 High Street)

Looking for a good sit-down special? Pop in here any day of the week, plus make a turn for Cafe Delizzia’s famous breakfast specials.

Cafe D’Vine (31 New Street)

Expect a relaxed tea-by-the-pot-type of vibe from this charming little café. Cafe D’Vine serves breakfast, brunch and lunch with the option to enjoy your meal in a tranquil (inside or outside) environment. Try the thin-slice pizzas or the freshly baked cakes with coffee.

Gino’s Italian Restaurant & Take-Away (Hill Street)

This cosy family restaurant has an extensive menu featuring everything from burgers to authentic Indian curries. But the pizzas and pastas are popular choices, with options including napolitana, arrabiata or carbonara pasta; and vegetarian, seafood and meat pizzas like the Hawaiian or the Mexicana. Also look out for the daily specials.

Handmade Coffees (Somerset Street)

It’s what it says on the label: fresh handmade coffee that’ll keep you warm for the duration of the festival.

Haricots Deli & Bistro (34 New Street)

Haricots is a go-to for just about any occasion – whether you want to pop in for a quick coffee and cake, or for a more substantial breakfast, lunch or dinner. The lunch menu features a selection of dishes like creamy mushroom pasta or a satisfying steak and chips; while the dinner menu includes dishes like Malay chicken curry served with rice and veggies. Don’t forget to take an Insta-worthy pic in front of the stairs by the entrance.

 Major Fraser’s Craft Bar and Eatery (38 Somerset Street)

This is the spot for a great vibe with delicious artisanal wood-fired pizzas, your favourite craft beer and gin cocktails. The pizza names are inspired by the military and highlights include The Private (margherita on Major Fraser’s rustic woodfired base), The Lieutenant (a vegetarian pizza topped with avo, smoked feta, caramelised onions, rocket and herb oil), and The Major topped with honey-glazed bacon, avo and smoked feta.

Olde 65 (65 New Street)

This Grahamstown icon offers the best of both worlds – it’s a restaurant offering anything from traditional South African food to burger and chips by day, and the best club experience by night.

Pothole & Donkey (123 to 125 High Street)

Pothole & Donkey offers a great, relatively small breakfast menu with quirky dish names like Donkey Cart (mince and one egg on toast) and The Pothole Breakfast (two eggs, bacon, tomato and a slice of toast). There are also pastas, salads, wraps and baked goods. The drinks menu includes house wines, a variety of classic cocktails and a selection of hot beverages.

The Rat & Parrot (59 New Street)

Were you even in Grahamstown if you didn’t go to this legendary establishment and order the bacovian (bacon, avo and feta) or meaty treat (bacon, ham, salami, beef, garlic and barbecue sauce) pizza and a few draughts? The pub fare isn’t half bad either, with dishes like steak, egg and chips; or the double hake and chips.

Red Café (127 High Street)

This quaint café is situated upstairs, with the entrance close to Van Schaik bookshop on the popular High Street. It’s great for a relaxing ‘tea party’ vibe during a chilly Grahamstown winter. The breakfast special comes highly recommended, as does the Oreo and peanut butter milkshakes.

Relish Coffee, Smoothie and Sandwich Bar (8 Allen Street)

Relish is ideal for an on-the-go meal. It offers tasty but healthy sandwiches and smoothies.

Revelations Coffee Shop (5, Pepper Grove Mall, 22 African Street & Allen Street)

Revelations has an extensive breakfast menu, with R42.50 specials including wraps, waffles and French toast. Light meals stay under the R55 mark and include toasted wraps, tramezzinis, sandwiches made with homemade bread, and savoury pancakes.

 Top tip to get the most out of your year in Rhodes

Immerse yourself in the local culture and do not be afraid to ask where you are unclear. The most important thing is to remember that you are here for a holistic experience so participate in as many activities as you can without compromising your studies. At both the university and residence levels, there are many opportunities to take part in social gatherings, sporting activities and community engagement. Joining a society is another great way to meet people with interests similar to yours.