Accommodation

Flying is always a bit of a challenge for me... I can't really enjoy it like many others. Fortunately, the flight from Frankfurt to Johannesburg was very relaxed, the food was decent, and I was able to sleep a lot.

In Johannesburg, I had a few hours layover, everything went smoothly. I had plenty of time and it was all very relaxed. During the flight to P.E., I sat by the window and spent most of the time staring out because the scenery looked amazing from above. During the approach, we made a tight turn over the Indian Ocean... impressive!

In general, this impression quickly strengthened, most of us internationals are (unfortunately) Germans. Everyone is super nice, but as a result, we don't speak as much English as we would like. But there are also many from France, probably a third of all. Some Americans are here, a few from Norway and Finland, some from the Netherlands and Switzerland, one from China.

I arrived on Sunday, a day before our orientation week started. Some arrived much earlier and had the opportunity to participate in the orientation weekend at the TsiTsikamma National Park. The first evening felt a little strange because some people already seemed to know each other really well, but I still found great connections. It was good that I had already met the four Mainz students who are also here in Germany. We talked a lot about the visa and packing before departure. I quickly got to know new people besides them.

The dormitory is also great, we are the first ones to move in on some floors. Everything is still new and modern, the rooms are small but sufficient. Each person has their own shower and sink in the room, which seems strange at first, but it's definitely practical. I share two toilets and the kitchen with four other girls, who are also very nice. Three of them are from Germany, the other is from the Czech Republic.

The problem with the accommodation is that you get almost nothing provided - pots, cutlery, dishes, brooms, blankets, pillows, and many other things are simply missing. Fortunately, I knew this beforehand and brought a blanket and bedding with me - on Sunday afternoons you can't get anything in South Africa.

We have access to a small gym and several common areas, there is also a large kitchen and a braai area for barbecuing if you feel like eating with a larger group. We also have a large rooftop terrace where parties are often held.