KEI offers two housing options: homestay and residence hall.
Homestays are organized with families of UDES professors, administrators and support staff.
Most of the host families live on-campus of UDES, making it a convenient option for students.
Most bedrooms are double-occupancy.
Students have access to the bathroom, kitchen and living area.
Homestays are strongly recommended.
Most UDES residence halls are coed, although there are several that are only open to female and male students.
Rooms are double occupancy.
Five to ten rooms share a common bathroom on the floor.
Housing standards in Dar and the quality of rooms are much lower than in developed countries.
For this reason we recommend homestays.
UDES has several cafeterias and cafes on campus.
Off-campus, there are many small restaurants and cafes.
A large supermarket is also located near one of the University gates.
The University does not offer meal plans.
However, food in Tanzania is relatively inexpensive.
A large lunch costs around $1 USD.
Most homestays include breakfast and supper.
Students can also use kitchen facilities in the house to prepare meals.
There are no kitchen facilities in the residence halls.
The UDES Student Council organizes activities throughout the year, including sporting events, clubs and community service.
Sports is an important part of life in Dar, especially futball (American soccer).
Clubs are also active in support community development.
Students are encouraged to participate in campus sports and clubs.
Tanzanians like to spend their free time eating with friends, going to the beach, listening to music and dancing.
Bongo Flava is a Tanzanian music style that blends Swahili lyrics with all sorts of dialects, melodies, beats, rhythms and sound.
In recent years, this style has become very popular in Tanzania and East Africa.
Many night clubs in Dar es Salaam mix Bongo, hip-hop and other musical styles.
The most common form of public transportation in Dar are the Daladalas, privately operated mini-vans.
These vans ply a specific route with the start and ending point clearly marked on the front of the vehicle.
You can get on and off anywhere along the route by simply yelling out, "Shusha!" (pronounced SHOO-sha).
Daladalas' popularity is due to the low cost, around 250 Tzs per ride, and sheer numbers.
Taxis are also readily available.
Fairs are not fixed, so you must negotiate before getting in the car.
From the University to the City center is approximately 2000 Tzs ($1.50 USD).
KEI will provide a prepaid mobile phone shortly after your arrival.
The phone will have a small amount of credit to get you started.
The KEI On-Site Coordinator will show students how to place calls.
Additional minutes can be purchase at most convenient stores.
Internet access is available at the computer lab on campus.
In addition, there a number of low cost Internet cafes near the campus.
Mr. Daniel Mwosha and Mrs. Mabel Kayaa are the KEI On-Site Coordinators in Dar-es-Salaam.
Daniel and Mabel, husband and wife, work as a team.
They will meet students at the airport, accompany the group during orientation and excursions, and mediate any problems or conflicts you might have.
The Onsite Coordinators are available at any hour by mobile phone.
Both have lots of experience working with international students.
Mabel is also the Chief International Officer at the University of Dar es Salaam.
When you arrive at the Dar-es-Salaam airport, the On-Site Coordinator will be there to greet you with a sign identifying UDES or KEI.
Together you will travel directly to the housing and have a short time to meet your host family and stow your belongings.
Then your intensive orientation will begin!
During the first few days you will learn the basics of how to survive in Dar-es-Salaam and introduction of the next few months:
getting around
academic expectations
safety and security in Dar-es-Salaam
cultural adaptation
the history and culture of Tanzania
a few social activities to meet your fellow students
If you have any questions, be sure to ask your On-Site Coordinator!
