SURVIVING WINTER IN STELLENBOSCH

Jule Booysen

With winter soon approaching, the warm, sunny Church Street days that we all know and love, are being replaced by strong winds and heavy rain. So, to ensure that you don’t get blown away by the Stellenbosch wind, here are some tips to keep you warm and cozy during the winter months:

1. Layers, layers, layers!

The most important tip is to layer your outfits. When stepping outside, be sure to wear a warm jacket and pair it with a warm scarf and beanie. Even if you are not prone to being affected by the cold, remember that lecture halls tend to become icy cold during winter, so to avoid freezing in class – layer up!

2. Invest in a good pair of winter boots

It is important to invest in a good pair of boots for winter, preferably waterproof or with a thick sole When walking to class, you face many puddles along the way and there is nothing more uncomfortable than wet socks. The thicker sole will keep your foot out of direct water, and the rain boots will ensure the water runs right off, keeping your feet warm and dry.

3. Prepare winter dishes

There’s nothing better than a cup of warm soup after a long day of classes. Although many of us are far from home and getting a cup of homemade soup is impossible, there is a creative substitute. Instead of preparing 2-minute noodles, buy Cup-a-Soup sachets. They are inexpensive and easy to prepare – you just add warm water, making it an easy meal to prepare during loadshedding. Borrow 2 slices of bread from your neighbour, and you’re all set!

4.

Use a hot water bottle

Sit with a hot water bottle while studying in the rec hall, and you won’t miss your bed too much There are some safety concerns with using a conventional hot water bottle, however there are safer options available. You can purchase a rechargeable hot water bottle which you plug in and charge for 15 minutes. You also get alternatives which you can heat up in the microwave.

These are just a few simple tips to survive the monstrous winter Stellenbosch experiences every year.

exploring the Charms of Church Street: A Student's Guide to Stellenboschs Cultural Haven

Carla Kotze

Immerse yourself in the ambiance of Church Street, where captivating Cape Dutch architecture, charming boutiques, art galleries, and cafés line the bustling thoroughfare With every step you take, the burdens of monotonous lectures and mounting assignments will fade away, replaced by a sense of wonder and excitement. Allow yourself to be transported, if only for a moment, into the shoes of a carefree tourist, as you stroll down the heart of Stellies: Church Street.

Your date night plans are secured with a dinner reservation at Basic Bistro. Be sure to book your table well ahead since this popular Bistro rarely has an empty table. Relax in the cozy atmosphere while exploring their wide range of delicious dishes, including burgers, pastas, steak, curry, seafood, salads, and desserts – catering for all dietary requirements.

When you are in desperate need of a break from the books, a visit to The Blue Crane & The Butterfly might just do the trick! This family-run restaurant is known for their delicious baked goods and tasty food with guaranteed value for money.This is the perfect spot to catch up on some gossip and enjoy the company of friends

There is nothing wrong with sticking to the go-to of many a student. Java Bistro serves an extensive range of bistro style foods from breakfast to dinner. Java has been a favourite among students for the past 15 years. Set the tone for the day and treat yourself to Java’s famous breakfast special at least once a week This includes 2 eggs, bacon, and ciabatta toast for as little as R29 – a blessing to a student’s budget!

Church Street is not only a foodie’s fantasy – but certainly also Stellenbosch’s fashion haven. Boutiques such as Lira and Fynn, Indian Summer, Desray – just to name a few – will prickle your fashion sense and leave you feeling inspired. You might need to practice some selfcontrol and refrain from tapping your card – for some of us window-shopping will have to suffice after peeking at the price-tags.

It's never too cold for ice cream! Indulge your sweet tooth at Kristen's Kick Ass Ice Cream, Crème de Levain, and Swirl'n, all conveniently located on Church Street. Prepare to be delighted by the irresistible offerings at Swirl'n where a visit will transport you back to the joyful feeling o being a kid in a candy store. Their selection includes a variety of soft-serve ice cream flavours, vegan options sorbets, and frozen yogurts Customize your frozen trea with a tempting array of toppings and sauces to satisfy your cravings. Meanwhile, Kristen's constantly introduce new flavours to their enticing ice cream disp that you'll be drawn back for more. For adorned setting and a range of delightful trea Levain beckons with its scrumptious crepes, handcrafted ice cream Be warned, an ice crea likely become a delightful habit you won't be a

Feeling like a tourist in your own country is n ashamed of; in fact, it can be quite refreshin pressures of student life and exams start t down, simply take a leisurely stroll down Ch Allow yourself to immerse in its vibrant atmo up the captivating sights, and let your worries

10PlacestoVisitBeforeyouGraduate

AnjaSteyn

We are fortunate enough to study in one of the most beautiful places in South Africa. Stellenboschhasalottooffer,fromamazingfoodandwinetooutdooradventures.Itwouldbe a crime if we did not appreciate it. However, it may seem overwhelming to think about experiencing everything in Stellenbosch and the surrounding area– where does one even begin?Luckily,Ihavecompiledalistof10placesyoushouldvisitbeforeyougraduate.Of course,thislistcannotincludeeverything,andIthereforeurgeyoutoexploreStellenboschon yourown–Ifindthatspontaneousadventuresoftenleadyoutothebestplaces.

Nature

1.JonkershoekNatureReserve

FirstuponthelististheJonkershoekNatureReserve,situatedamere10-minutedriveaway fromNerina.Enjoyahikewithagroupoffriendsandtakeinthebreath-takingviewofthe JonkershoekValley.Youcanalsohaveapicnicunderthetreesforarelaxeddayoutinnature.

Now,thismaybeawayawayfromStellenbosch,butitismostdefinitelyworththedrive. Located on the slopes of Table Mountain, the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens serve as a reminderthatweliveinoneofthemostbeautifulplacesintheworld.Enjoyapicnicwith friends,wanderthegardens,orcatchanopen-airconcert.

3.Babylonstoren

LocatednearPaarl,Babylonstorenisnotyourtypicalwinefarm.Roamthegardens,havelunch in the greenhouse, or peruse artisanal, organic products – Babylonstoren is sure to have somethingthatpiquesyourinterest!

ARTS & CULTURE

4.Rupert Museum

The Rupert Museum is located a mere 5-minute drive away from Nerina and sports some fantastic art collections. Best of all – you can enter for free! Join a guided tour and grab a snack at their in-house café, or work in their library. The Rupert Museum truly is a Stellenbosch gem.

5.Conservatorium

Stellenbosch University has some amazingly talented music students who perform at the Conservatorium throughout the year. You can catch a free lunch hour concert or attend a performance by the university’s own symphony orchestra. A concert in the Endler hall always lifts the spirits.

Food

6.Lanzerac

No Stellenbosch bucket list is complete without a mention of Lanzerac This wine farm is within walking distance from Nerina, and their scones will have you coming back for more.

7.Postcard Café

This restaurant has one of the best views of the Jonkershoek Valley you will ever see It is the perfect spot for lunch when you’re in the mood to get out of town for a bit.

8.Strawberry Picking

Go strawberry picking at Polkadraai Strawberry farm for a fun, relaxing activity with friends Strawberry season is between September and January, so plan accordingly!

Markets

9.Blaauwklippen Family Market

Blaauwklippen is a mere 10-minute drive from Stellenbosch and sports gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. Every Saturday and Sunday, there is a market here with good food and amazing stalls selling clothing and more

10. Dorp Street Sunday Market

The Dorp Street Sunday Market is a weekly occurrence, with loads of stalls selling secondhand clothes and other paraphernalia Take a relaxing stroll through Dorp Street and top it off with a cup of coffee from one of the many restaurants around.