Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT)South Africa

Climate
Cape Town lies in the Southern Hemisphere and has a Mediterranean climate. This means it is a winter rainfall area – remember your umbrella and raincoat – with winter daytime temperatures between 8° C and 25° C, although the nights are colder. The summers are usually warm to hot and dry. Temperatures can reach 35° C.

Money matters
The currency in South Africa is the Rand (ZAR), which is equal to 100 cents. You will have to declare the amount of currency you have with you on arrival at Customs and Excise. You will need some cash when you arrive, but it will be wise to bring most of your money in traveller's cheques which can be cashed at most major banks or at a branch of Thomas Cook or American Express.

Most retail outlets accept credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diner's Club. You can also open a bank account at a local bank which will give you a bank card for cash withdrawals at an automatic bank machines (ATM). Well-known banks that are close to the Technikon include ABSA, First National Bank and Standard Bank, which also have ATMs on the Main Campus.

When you budget for your time as a student, you should remember that you will be required to purchase certain textbooks and stationery that could amount to over R2 000 per year. Other expenses could include:

• R1 800 per month for food, toiletries, transport, telephone calls, etc. (depending on whether you make your own meals or purchase take-aways)
• Set up costs when you arrive (see section on accommodation)
  
• Trips and holidays.

Computer facilities
We have excellent computer facilities on campus. Within the first few days of the new term, you will be given access to these facilities which are made available at a minimal fee. Computer facilities are available 24 hours a day.

Library
The library facilities are extensive at the Cape Technikon and are made more so with its very close links to the other four tertiary education institutions in the Western Cape: University of Cape Town, Stellenbosch Univerity, University of the Western Cape and the Peninsula Technikon. Visit the library web pages to find out more.

Public transport
If you are living in a Technikon residence, your accommodation will place you within close proximity of the Technikon, but you may be required to make use of buses, trains or taxis in getting around the city. Transport to the main campus is available from those residences that are not within walking distance at a reasonable fee.

Driving in South Africa
In South Africa we drive on the left-hand side of the road. You have to be a minimum of 18 years of age to drive a car. It is recommended that you obtain an international driver's license if you intend driving in SA.

Health issues
There are generally no vaccination requirements for entering South Africa. The Cape region is not a malaria or tropical disease infected area. If you should decide to travel in South Africa, be sure to consult Student Welfare and Health about any vaccinations you may need. As mentioned in your acceptance letter, you are also required to take out medical insurance upon registration at the Technikon.

Safety issues
On arrival you will be briefed regarding general security issues. It is recommended that you do not travel alone in the city, especially at night. Certain areas of the city are not safe and you will be informed of these during your orientation. If you ever are uncertain, be sure to contact your coordinator or peer helper before venturing off on your own.

Some suggestions: keep your valuables locked away; do not carry large sums of money; do not display valuable items such as cameras, expensive jewelry, etc. when you walk on the street.

CONTACT

Main Campus
Keizersgracht & Tennant St
District Six, Cape Town

+27 +21 460 3911

Granger Bay
Beach Road
Mouille Point

+27 +21 440 5700

Mowbray Campus
Highbury Road
Mowbray

+27 +21 680 1500

Wellington Campus
Van Riebeeck St
Wellington

+27 +21 864 5200

Postal address

Cape Technikon
P.O. Box 652
Cape Town 8000

Direct enquiries about applications, courses and admissions to:
Applications Office
Cape Technikon
P.O. Box 652
Cape Town 8000

Tel: +27 +21 460 3236/3733/3861/3393

Fax: +27 +21 460 3698

Email: internationaloffice@cput.ac.za