Dakar Housing Guide for Exchange Students
You’re about to move to Dakar, one of the most underrated exchange destinations in the world.
Sun every day, waves crashing on black volcanic rocks, rooftop parties in Almadies, Yango taxis weaving through traffic, thiebou dieun shared with new friends… and, yes, some power cuts, heavy heat, and negotiations that never end.
Where you live will shape all of that.
This guide is here to help you choose the right neighborhood, the right type of housing, and the right budget so you can enjoy the “teranga” (Senegalese hospitality) instead of fighting with your landlord or spending your entire exchange in traffic.
We’re writing as the Studcasa team, backed by a whole crew of students who already lived in Dakar and left super concrete details: where they lived, how much they paid, what they loved, what they would never do again.
Use this guide as a roadmap — and then use Studcasa groups + Feedback tab to talk directly to those students and fine-tune your plan.
1. Understanding Dakar: city, vibe, and reality check
Dakar is a peninsula: the city stretches along the coast with different pockets:
- a business and historical center (Plateau)
- central residential areas (Sacré-Cœur, Mermoz, Amitié, Point E, Keur Gorgui, Dieupeul…)
- coastal “expat & nightlife” zones (Ngor, Almadies, Mamelles, Yoff)
- more local, dense neighborhoods inland (Grand Yoff, some parts of Pikine, etc.)
Most exchange students are split between:
- studying in or around Sacré-Cœur / Plateau (BEM, ISM, Supdeco, etc.)
- living and going out in Ngor / Almadies / Mamelles / Yoff
Dakar is also:
- Warm to very hot almost all semester; September–October can be extremely humid.
- Very safe in student areas, as long as you’re street-smart, avoid a few zones at night, and keep an eye on your phone and bag. Popular districts like Plateau and Almadies are considered safe for foreigners, with a big expat presence.
- Heavier on the budget than many people expect. Groceries in French-style supermarkets (Auchan, Casino, Carrefour) are relatively expensive because most products are imported. Beach clubs and fancy bars feel closer to European prices than to “cheap backpacker” prices.
Students sum it up like this:
“The cost of living at first seems extremely cheap, but don’t get fooled, it gets expensive really quickly… groceries are expensive quickly, and you use taxis all the time.” — Dorian, lived in Cité Keur Gorgui
“The cost of living is quite cheap, but food in places like Auchan can be expensive because most products are imported from France. You can easily eat outside for around 1,000 FCFA and it’s actually really good!” — Adèle, Almadies
So: Dakar isn’t crazy expensive if you live and eat more locally — but if you want Western-style comfort, imported food, and lots of beach clubs, plan a solid budget.
2. Where to live: Dakar neighborhoods decoded
Here’s the big question: near the school or near the sea?
Most students choose one of three main “zones”:
- Ngor / Almadies / Yoff / Mamelles – coast, surf, bars, beach clubs
- Sacré-Cœur / Mermoz / Keur Gorgui / Amitié / Dieupeul / Liberté – more central, closer to many campuses
- Plateau & others – downtown & business area, or more local neighborhoods
Let’s go through them with real student experiences.
2.1 Ngor & Almadies: beach, surf, and nightlife
If you imagine yourself going to the beach or beach club almost every day, this is your zone.
Students are almost unanimous:
- Ngor, Almadies, Yoff, Mamelles are repeatedly recommended as the best places to live for quality of life and social life.
- It’s where you’ll find Copacabana, Secret Spot, Surfer Paradise, Basilic, Seven, Oceanium, many rooftop bars and beach clubs.
“We lived in a villa in Ngor, one of the richest neighborhoods in Dakar. Four bedrooms, eight people, a pool. Five minutes from the beach, bars and surf. I recommend living in Almadies or Ngor, the rest is in the city center and it’s hell. The other flatmates in Sacré-Cœur really didn’t like their neighborhood.” — Darius, Ngor
“I lived in a big house in Almadies with pool and rooftop, close to the beach and all the bars. Taxi rides to BEM were 30–45 minutes with traffic, but it was worth it. For social life, Almadies is the best area.” — Anaïs, Almadies
“The house is really nice because we have a swimming pool on the rooftop… we’re six friends living together… In Senegal there are a lot of insects, but that’s normal. It’s in Almadies, near bars and the ocean but far from schools.” — Adèle, Almadies
Pros
- Walkable access to beach, surf, sunset spots, beach clubs, bars and restaurants.
- Lots of other exchange students and expats, easy to meet people.
- Generally considered safe and pleasant, with many services and international cafés.
Cons
- Farther from most campuses (often 25–45 minutes by taxi depending on traffic).
- Rents are among the highest in Dakar, especially for modern villas and sea-view apartments.
- You’ll spend more on taxis because everything is by car.
This zone is perfect if:
- You care more about living by the sea and going out than about having a short commute.
- You’re ready to accept long taxi rides at rush hour and budget for it.
2.2 Sacré-Cœur, Mermoz, Keur Gorgui, Amitié, Liberté, Dieupeul
These are central, still relatively safe residential neighborhoods in the city. Many schools (BEM, ISM, others) are around Sacré-Cœur / Mermoz / Keur Gorgui.
“Our apartment was in Sacré-Cœur 3, 10 minutes on foot from BEM. Spacious and well located, with lots of shops around.” — Ladislas
“We were in Sacré-Cœur, 20 minutes by car from the school depending on traffic. Auchan 5 minutes away, residence with a guard. We didn’t have any safety issues.” — Marie F.
“I lived in Cité Keur Gorgui in the center of Dakar — very well located, close to school. I’d choose it again.” — Dorian
“My Airbnb was in Dieupeul, 20 minutes from school by taxi, about 2 euros per ride. Nice neighborhood, well located. I recommend Dieupeul, Liberté, Sacré-Cœur or Almadies. Avoid Grand Yoff.” — Charlotte
External guides also describe Point E, Sacré-Cœur, Amitié, Zone A/B as calm and relatively safe, popular with both locals and expats.
Pros
- Closer to campuses, especially BEM, ISM, Supdeco.
- Good balance between price and location. Many students pay 300–500 € per month in a shared flat here.
- Access to supermarkets (Auchan, Carrefour), cafés, small restaurants.
- Still relatively easy to reach the coast by taxi.
Cons
- Less “holiday vibe”: you’re in the city, not directly beach-front.
- Some students found Sacré-Cœur or Grand Yoff less pleasant or a bit chaotic compared to Ngor/Almadies.
- During political events or protests, some central areas like Sacré-Cœur / Plateau can see more demonstrations.
Good choice if:
- You want to reduce commute time, keep a decent nightlife, and pay a bit less than Almadies/Ngor.
- You don’t need to live on the beach, but you want a balanced, central life.
2.3 Mamelles, Yoff & Virage
These are also coastal, a bit between central and full-on Almadies vibe.
Mamelles (near the Monument de la Renaissance and the lighthouse) and Yoff/Virage are often mentioned by surfers and students:
“The best neighborhoods for living are Almadies, Ngor, Sacré-Cœur. They’re a bit far from the university (30 minutes by taxi), but you have everything around. For surfing: Ngor, Secret Spot, Virage.” — Theophile F.
“My apartment was in Mamelles; honestly too expensive for what it was but it was okay.” — Robin
These zones are a nice compromise if you want beach + slightly less crazy prices than the most premium corners of Almadies.
2.4 Plateau (downtown) and other areas
Plateau is the historical and business center of Dakar, full of offices, banks, ministries, a few nice cafés, and the port. It tends to be busy during the day, quieter at night. It’s considered relatively safe, especially around big avenues.
Most exchange students don’t live there long-term because:
- There are fewer student-friendly apartments
- Nightlife and beach clubs are more concentrated in the Almadies / Ngor direction
- Some feel the atmosphere is more “expat/business” than student
Other neighborhoods (Grand Yoff, some further out areas) tend to be more local and less recommended by students for a first exchange, mainly due to comfort, infrastructure, and distance.
“Our Airbnb 45 minutes by car from school was cheap (120 € per month) but the neighborhood was quite dangerous, far from school, and when it rained it was impossible to move. I wouldn’t recommend it.” — Marie E.
“I recommend not living in Grand Yoff; the nicer places are Ngor, Almadies, Yoff, Sacré-Cœur and Point E.” — several students echo this.
2.5 Quick comparison
| Area | Best if you want… |
|---|---|
| Ngor / Almadies | Beach, surf, beach clubs, expat vibe, many students, rooftop bars |
| Mamelles / Yoff / Virage | Surf + sea + slightly less intense nightlife / prices |
| Sacré-Cœur / Mermoz / Keur Gorgui / Amitié / Dieupeul / Liberté | Shorter commute, central location, shops & supermarkets nearby |
| Plateau | Downtown vibe, close to some offices and Trames, more “city” than student |
| More local areas (Grand Yoff, far suburbs) | Cheaper but often less safe/comfortable and far from uni & social life |
If you’re unsure, a very common pattern is:
Live in Ngor or Almadies with a longer commute, or in Sacré-Cœur / Keur Gorgui to be more central.
3. Types of housing in Dakar
You’ll see four main types of student housing:
- Shared villas / colivings
- Classic apartments
- Short-term rentals (Airbnb / Booking)
- Student residences or “managed” housing
3.1 Shared villas: the Dakar classic
Many groups of French/European students end up in big houses or villas, often with:
- 4+ bedrooms
- a pool
- a rooftop terrace
- a guardian and sometimes cleaning staff
They are usually in Ngor / Almadies / Yoff / Mamelles.
“We were eight in a house with four bedrooms and a pool in Ngor. About 250 € per month each. We were five minutes from the beach and a lively neighborhood.” — Theophile F.
“We found a big house with pool in Ngor, eight people, around 300–350 € per month each. It wasn’t the safest administratively (we paid cash, no insurance), but the vibe was amazing.” — Dora-Line
“Large house in Almadies with pool and rooftop for eight people, between 280–310 € per month each depending on how many paid the rent. Carrefour nearby for groceries.” — Anaïs
Pros
- Huge social life at home — perfect for pres, pool days, rooftop dinners.
- Sharing with many people reduces the cost of a large house.
- Usually in top locations close to the sea and nightlife.
Cons
- Contracts are often informal (paying “au black”, no clear contract, deposit in cash).
- Quality can vary: some houses look great but have issues (water cuts, electricity, old equipment, insects).
- You need a group willing to handle conflicts, cleaning, and bills together.
If you go this route, it’s extremely useful to take over a house from a previous group of students via Studcasa or to be put in touch with a landlord who already knows how student groups work.
3.2 Classic apartments
These are regular apartments for 2–6 people, in buildings with or without a guard.
Examples from students:
- Mermoz – 900 €/month, classic apartment, found via Airbnb. “Very high rent and we had to pay everything separately (electricity, Wi-Fi).” — Joshua
- Sacré-Cœur 3 – 500 € each, good location, but some extra costs and lack of transparency from the agent. — Flo
- Keur Gorgui – 600 €/month for a 150 m² shared flat, 15 minutes from uni without traffic. “Really lovely, I’d choose it again.” — Dorian
- Mamelles – 500 €/month, “too expensive for what it was, but okay.” — Robin
External rental data suggests that 2–3 bedroom apartments in Dakar typically range from about 676,000 to 1,380,000 CFA per month (roughly 1,030–2,100 €), depending on location and amenities. Students reduce their share by splitting with 3–6 people, sometimes more.
Pros
- Often more formal contracts than villas (but still: always check everything).
- Some buildings include security, elevator, generator, and parking.
- Easier for smaller groups.
Cons
- Good quality + good location can get expensive quickly.
- Electricity, water, Wi-Fi and building charges are often not included and can surprise you.
3.3 Airbnb or Booking at the beginning — then move
Several students recommend the same strategy:
“I recommend booking something on Booking or Airbnb for max one week before leaving. Once you’re there, it’s easier to find a long-term place or negotiate. Don’t pay a deposit before visiting.” — Audrey
“We lived in an Airbnb at first, then negotiated directly with the owner via WhatsApp. That’s super common.” — Elsa
This is especially useful because photos can be misleading and scams exist on some listing sites. On the ground, you can:
- visit multiple places in one day
- compare real prices
- negotiate directly with owners or agents
3.4 Student residences / managed housing
Compared to some destinations, Dakar has fewer big international student residences.
Some schools might have partnerships or dorm-style options, but the vast majority of exchange students in our community rent in the private market (houses, flats, Airbnb, or through local agents/contacts).
If your university offers a residence or a “pre-arranged” accommodation, it can be a safe option to avoid scams and chaos, but you may lose some flexibility and often pay a bit more for comfort and services.
This is where Studcasa helps:
- Use the Feedback tab to see if past students tried student residences attached to your uni, and how they liked them.
- DM 2–3 of them to ask for photos, real prices, and pros/cons.
- Compare that with coliving / villas / flats to decide what’s best for you.
4. How much should you budget?
Let’s talk numbers.
From student experiences, rent per person per month roughly looks like this:
- 250–350 € – shared villa or house (often 6–8 people), sometimes older and less formal.
- 350–500 € – many classic apartments or colivings in central areas.
- 500–700+ € – nicer modern flats, premium location, or smaller groups.
- 800–900+ € – some high-end or badly negotiated Airbnb-type places in Mermoz/Almadies.
And then there’s the rest of your monthly budget:
4.1 Utilities & hidden housing costs
Students mention systematically:
- Electricity is often expensive and rarely included.
- Water cuts and Wi-Fi cuts happen.
- Cleaning staff and guards can be included or extra.
“The rent is very high and you have to pay for everything (electricity, Wi-Fi).” — Joshua, Mermoz
“Our apartment had extra fees not mentioned at the beginning and not really justified.” — Flo, Sacré-Cœur
“Electricity wasn’t included and is very expensive.” — many groups say the same.
Rule of thumb: expect 50–100 € per month extra for utilities per person if you live in a big place with air-con, especially if you run it often.
4.2 Transport
You’ll use taxis all the time.
Most students use Yango, a local ride-hailing app similar to Uber. Officially, rides in Dakar start around 600 CFA for the first kilometer and 4 minutes, then about 118 CFA per additional km (around 0.18 €).
On student budgets and distances, that translates into:
- 1–4 € per ride inside the city if you use Yango or negotiate well with street taxis
- commuting 2 times a day (home → uni → home) can easily reach 80–120 € per month
“Find an apartment near a supermarket and a few restaurants; you’ll take taxis everywhere. With Yango it’s about 4 € for a 25-minute ride.” — Adèle
“Taxis will charge 3x the base price if you’re white; negotiating is essential.” — Flo
“I only moved by taxi. You use it all the time.” — many students
4.3 Food
Huge difference depending on your style:
- Local street food / small restaurants: You can eat for 1,000–2,500 CFA (around 1.5–4 €) and it’s often delicious (mafé, thieb, yassa…).
- Beach clubs / Western cafés / imported food: Expect European-style prices for burgers, cocktails, brunches.
“You can easily eat outside for around 1,000 FCFA and it’s really good.” — Adèle
“I was very often in beach clubs so my cost of living was higher, but I don’t regret it at all.” — Marwa
“Food in Auchan is expensive because most products are imported from France.” — multiple students
Also, a lot of students end up using delivery apps like Dakar Food, Yango Food, or Yassir, plus eating often at places such as Big M, 221, Chez Katia, Saveurs d’Asie, Elite Coffee near school.
4.4 Total monthly budget
Realistic ballpark (excluding flights & trips):
Low-ish budget (living more locally) 250–350 € rent + 60 € utilities + 70–100 € transport + 150–200 € food → around 530–700 € / month
Comfortable / “surf & beach club” lifestyle 350–500 € rent + 80–120 € utilities + 100–150 € transport + 250–400 € food & going out → around 800–1,200 € / month
Ladislas summed it up:
“The cost of living is very high, so come prepared with the budget that goes with it… but it’s an incredible city.”
5. How to actually find housing (and avoid scams)
Step 1 – Use Studcasa before anything else
The single most powerful thing you can do:
Go to the Feedback tab of your destination (Dakar + your uni).
Read through a handful of reviews — especially details on neighborhoods and rents.
DM 2–3 students with very different housing experiences:
- someone in Ngor/Almadies
- someone in Sacré-Cœur / Keur Gorgui
- someone who regrets their housing and explains why
Ask them:
- “If you had to do it again, where would you live and how much would you pay max?”
- “Is your apartment or house available when I arrive? Can I take it over?”
- “Do you have a landlord or agent contact you trust?”
Every semester, students pass down houses, apartments, and WhatsApp numbers of reliable agents. This is pure gold.
Also:
- Use the Studcasa group to see who wants to share a flat or house.
- Post something like: “Hey, I’m landing around X date, looking for 3–5 people to share a place in Ngor/Almadies or Keur Gorgui. Budget 350–450 € max. Anyone interested?”
Groups have created so many flatshares that we literally stopped counting.
Step 2 – Consider starting with a short-term rental
Because of scams and misleading photos, it’s often smarter to:
Book an Airbnb or Booking for 7–10 days max.
Once in Dakar:
- visit 3–6 apartments/houses in 2–3 days
- negotiate on the spot
- sign only once you’re comfortable
“Don’t send any deposit before you’re on site with the keys in your hands. Book a week on Booking, then find something there — it’s much easier and safer.” — Audrey
“We booked an Airbnb first, then negotiated directly with the owner via WhatsApp for the rest of the semester.” — Elsa
Step 3 – Use local agents… but carefully
You’ll hear a lot about “agents immobiliers”:
- They know what’s available.
- They can organize viewings quickly.
- BUT they often inflate prices for foreign students and may charge non-transparent fees.
Common student experiences:
“We had an agent in Sacré-Cœur. Apartment was fine but we ended up with extra fees not clearly mentioned at the start.” — Flo
“Housing can be very expensive if you don’t have local contacts.” — Marie F.
If you work with an agent:
- Make sure the fees are clear and written.
- Ask 2–3 different agents to compare offers.
- Always negotiate — more on that in a second.
Step 4 – Negotiating (literally) everything
Almost every single student says the same thing:
“Every price has to be negotiated: taxis, trips, even the apartment.” — Joshua
“The price you see is not the final one. You can always negotiate for everything, including housing.” — Basile
“When taxis announce a price, it’s usually 3x more; negotiate. After a few times, you’ll get used to it.” — many students
For housing specifically:
If you’re quoted 600 € per month for a flat:
- ask what’s included (water, electricity, Wi-Fi, cleaning, guardian)
- think about your group size (more people = better leverage)
- make a much lower counter-offer and work up from there
Be ready to walk away. There are many apartments; agents hate losing a whole group of four or six.
When you finally agree:
Clarify:
- deposit (how much? when do you get it back?)
- payment method (cash, Wave, bank transfer)
- who pays electricity & water and how (prepaid meters are common)
- what happens in case of repairs, broken appliances, or serious issues
Step 5 – Red flags to watch out for
Be careful if:
- the landlord or agent asks for several months of rent upfront in cash, with no contract
- you’re pressured to pay a deposit before visiting
- photos look too perfect for the price
- you’re asked to send money by Western Union / MoneyGram before arrival
- there’s no electricity meter shown, or no clarity about who pays what
- the neighborhood feels unsafe and there’s no guard / gate / secure entrance
In doubt: send the listing, photos and location to 1–2 past students via Studcasa and ask bluntly:
“Would you live here for a semester?”
6. Safety, scams & negotiating like a local
Dakar is widely described by students and travelers as welcoming and relatively safe, especially in the main neighborhoods mentioned earlier.
But you’re still in a big African capital: there are some scams, pickpockets and harassment — mostly avoidable with good habits.
6.1 General safety tips
Students say:
“I felt almost safer there than sometimes in France. People are so kind. They might stop you to compliment you but that’s all.” — Dora-Line
“Attention to theft but rather safe (I’m a girl and I went out and walked alone).” — Elsa
“There are beautiful areas but also areas to avoid. Don’t wander around unknown neighborhoods for nothing.” — Flo
Practical tips:
- In the evening, use Yango rather than random taxis, especially if you’re alone.
- Don’t walk alone at night in unfamiliar streets. Girls usually move in groups or with friends.
- Use a phone lanyard or strap; multiple students insist on this.
- Keep some cash hidden in a second place (bag, inner pocket).
6.2 Negotiating 101
Negotiation isn’t rude in Senegal — it’s culture.
You’ll negotiate:
- taxis
- souvenirs and markets
- sometimes housing, trips, surf lessons, SIM cards
Basic strategy:
Ask the price.
Offer half or even a third if it’s clearly inflated.
Keep smiling, be firm, be ready to walk away.
Learn a few Wolof words:
- Salaam aleykoum – hello
- Nanga def? – how are you?
- Jërëjëf – thank you
Students say using even a little Wolof breaks barriers instantly.
6.3 Money & apps to download
Nearly everyone recommends the same trio:
- Wave – mobile payment app with a blue penguin. You can pay taxis, restaurants, shops.
- Yango – ride-hailing app for taxis (and sometimes food).
- Orange Money or a local e-SIM – to have data and mobile money.
“Download Wave and Yango, and Sendwave if you need to receive money. Take an e-SIM when you arrive; they’ll explain everything.” — Ladislas & Ana
Also super important:
- Always have cash on you; card payments aren’t everywhere.
- At the airport, it’s often easiest to buy a SIM from Orange and let them set up your data and mobile money.
7. Commute & daily life from your future home
7.1 Getting around
Most students:
- never use buses (except for specific trips)
- rarely use the TER train or BRT unless they live near it
- rely almost 100% on Yango and street taxis
Common patterns:
10–15 minutes without traffic becomes 25–40 minutes with traffic at 8–9am or 5–7pm.
If you live in Ngor/Almadies and study in Sacré-Cœur or Plateau, expect:
- ~30–45 minutes in the morning
- similar on the way back
Students’ advice:
“Plan your trips with traffic in mind; sometimes teachers are also late because of it.” — Lilou
“Choose a place not too far from your campus; traffic jams are crazy at rush hours.” — Louis
“I was 10 km from my school, about 30 minutes commute. Traffic is complicated so better to enjoy a good location.” — Theophile F.
7.2 Living near the sea vs. near school
Near the sea (Ngor/Almadies/Yoff/Mamelles)
- You’ll go to the beach or beach clubs constantly.
- Many house-mates, pres, after-classes chill at Copacabana, Secret Spot, Surfer Paradise, etc.
- Longer commute, more taxi budget.
Near school (Sacré-Cœur / Keur Gorgui / Amitié / Dieupeul / Liberté)
- Easy to go back home between classes.
- Less time in traffic, less taxi budget.
- You’ll go to Almadies by taxi to go out — but that’s manageable.
There’s no universal answer; it depends on your priorities. Many students, after experiencing it, say they don’t regret choosing the sea, even with the commute. Others are happy to have been more central.
If you’re really hesitating, one smart move is:
- Start near school for 1–2 months while you settle and understand the city.
- Then, if you fall in love with Ngor or Almadies, move there with people you met.
8. What to check before you sign
Here’s a simple checklist you can literally keep on your phone.
Visit checklist ✅
When you visit an apartment or house, check:
Neighborhood
- Is it close to a main road? (taxis)
- Are there shops / pharmacies / small restaurants within walking distance?
- Does it feel lively and safe?
Building & security
- Is there a guardian at the entrance?
- How do you get in at night? Gate? Code?
- Are there bars on windows, especially ground floor?
Inside the place
- Do all AC units work?
- Water pressure in showers?
- Test Wi-Fi on your phone.
- Any obvious mold, leaks, broken windows, exposed cables?
- Kitchen: fridge, stove, gas or electric, enough utensils?
Services & extras
- Is cleaning included? How often?
- Is there a generator for power cuts?
- Are beds + mattresses decent (many students underestimate this)?
Contract & money checklist 💸
Before you pay:
Rent per month in CFA and in €.
What is included?
- water
- electricity
- Wi-Fi
- guardian / cleaning
Deposit amount and conditions to get it back.
Payment method:
- Wave / Orange Money / bank transfer / cash.
Exact start and end of the rental.
What happens if something breaks (AC, fridge, etc.)?
Whenever possible, get something written (even simple) and WhatsApp conversations that confirm the deal.
If something feels off, send it to previous students or drop it in the Studcasa group. You’ll know quickly if it’s standard or not.
9. Making the most of your housing once you’re there
Your house is much more than a bed — it’s your social base.
From students’ stories, here’s what really makes the difference:
9.1 Build a “village” around your place
- Choose housing close to other exchange students when possible.
- Use the Studcasa group to say: “We’re in Ngor near Copacabana — who’s around? Let’s do a rooftop dinner Friday.”
Many loved being in villas or shared flats of 6–8 people:
“We were eight students in the same house. It really made the exchange.” — several groups
That doesn’t mean you need a giant villa; even 3–4 people in a good apartment can create that “village” feeling if you’re close to others.
9.2 Accept “Senegalese standards”
Multiple students mention:
- occasional water cuts
- Wi-Fi disappearing during storms
- insects (cockroaches, mosquitoes, sometimes mice)
“In Senegal, there are a lot of insects like cockroaches and mice, but that’s normal in this country.” — Adèle
“Water and Wi-Fi cuts are recurrent in Dakar in general.” — Marie F.
Try to see it as part of the experience, not as a failure. Bring or buy:
- a good mosquito repellent and plug-in devices,
- a small battery light or power bank,
- maybe a mosquito net if you’re sensitive.
9.3 Use your first week wisely
Your first week is “make or break” for your social life:
- say yes to Trames on Thursdays, Full Moon, beach days, school events
- host small pres at your place
- invite other students who are still lost with housing to crash, talk, bond
The best ally: someone from your Studcasa group you already talked to before arriving. Meet them for a drink early, then go explore together.
10. Concrete housing strategies you can copy-paste
To wrap it all up, here are three ready-made strategies based on what past students actually did.
Strategy A – “Sea & Surf first”
Target Ngor / Almadies / Yoff / Mamelles.
Share a big house with 6–8 people.
Budget:
- 250–350 € rent
- 80–120 € utilities
- 100–150 € transport
Expect a 30–45 min commute to BEM / ISM.
Perfect if you want a holiday + nightlife + surf kind of exchange.
Strategy B – “Central & Balanced”
Target Sacré-Cœur / Keur Gorgui / Amitié / Dieupeul / Liberté / Point E.
Share an apartment with 3–5 people.
Budget:
- 350–450 € rent
- 70–100 € utilities
- 60–100 € transport
You’re closer to uni, still within taxi range of Almadies for nights out.
Good if you want a mix of studies and social life without burning your budget.
Strategy C – “Start safe, then upgrade”
Book a short-term Airbnb / Booking near your uni for 7–10 days.
Use that time to:
- visit multiple apartments
- meet other students
- decide between sea vs. center
Then move to a long-term place with people you get along with.
This is great if you’re anxious about scams or not sure about neighborhoods.
11. Before you fly: last housing & admin checklist
A few final bullet points so you don’t land unprepared:
- ✅ Talk to at least 2–3 previous students via Studcasa (Feedback tab + DMs).
- ✅ Decide if you prefer sea (Ngor/Almadies) or central (Sacré-Cœur / Keur Gorgui) — or want to start temporary and choose later.
- ✅ Download Yango, Wave, and prepare to get a SIM card (Orange) at the airport.
- ✅ Prepare 2–3 months of rent + deposit accessible in euros or CFA.
- ✅ Bring mosquito repellent, a phone strap, and photocopies of your passport.
- ✅ Mentally prepare to negotiate everything and to stay calm when things move slowly.
And maybe the most important:
“Just enjoy your trip and live the Senegal vibe. It’s one of the most underrated exchanges. People are incredibly welcoming, the trips are insane, and you’ll remember this semester forever.” — many, many students
If you want to go further:
- jump into your Studcasa group,
- present yourself,
- ask who’s looking for flatmates,
- and start building the little community that will turn a simple apartment into your Dakar home.
Made with ❤️ by the Studcasa Team