Dakar housing guide for exchange students.

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.

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

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:

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.

Students say:

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).

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.

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.

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.

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:

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.

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)?

• 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:

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.

Multiple students mention:

• occasional water cuts
• Wi-Fi disappearing during storms
• insects (cockroaches, mosquitoes, sometimes mice)

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.