10 Apps you cannot live without in Stellies!

1.   Checkers sixty 60 

When you’re constantly walking, the shops are a long, long way away. They move even further when you’re carrying litres of water and shopping bags. I used to think the alternative was going hungry, until I discovered Checkers Sixty 60. 

It’s super simple, order your groceries online and within an hour they are delivered to your doorstep. Most people order their weekly grocery shop using this app.

2.   Uber

Believe it or not, some people have never used an Uber in their life. I hadn’t. That is, before Stellenbosch. 
Now it is the most convenient app I have, giving me the opportunity to travel further by simply ordering a car and driver to pick you up at your location and drop you somewhere else. The Uber will usually arrive within 10 minutes. 
Even if you do not use it always, it is super great to have the app downloaded (and a credit card attached) in case you end up somewhere on a night out and want to avoid a dodgy walk home. 

Pro tip: always check the number plate of your Uber as it arrives.

3.   Eskom se Push

This app has become my daily scheduler! Giving updates on when and how long load-shedding is (South African term for power cuts). With it, I can plan my day – usually going to campus during loadshedding, and making sure I do all my cooking before the power goes off. 

 

4.   Banking app

Whichever bank you choose, they usually have an app. On it you can typically track your spending, send money via EFT and if you lose a card you can block it immediately. All these things are very convenient and important in managing your money.

 

5.   Splitwise

This app is for those with roomies! It’s an app that splits all expenses, which helps if you’re living with someone and are constantly sharing expenses. Everything from the dishwashing liquid to your grocery shop can be split equally, avoiding the awkward need to owe money.

 

6.   Djol 

Yes, this is the Afrikaans word for “crazy”. And it is pretty crazy, considering it was created by one of Stellenbosch’s own students. It’s a great app that shows specials in Stellies for every day of the week. You can grab some real deals in terms of food and drinks specials using this app. 

 

7.   Stellenbooks 

Textbooks! No thanks mum, I’ll go without.
Brand new textbooks are very expensive, and most students are severely broke after their first week back because of this. But Stellenbooks is a market place for second-hand textbooks. The app is well run, and you get your textbooks fairly quickly. It’s also a student start-up, so you see them collecting books some Fridays on the Rooi Plane. 
The plus side is that you can also sell your textbooks again once you move onto second year – so at least some of the money is recovered.

 

8.   Yaga / Drip markets

These are two different apps that both sell preloved clothing. The thrifting space in Stellies is hugely active, and you can find some real gems. It’s a great option, especially because you’ll find a lot of the Cape Town style here. 

 

9.   FindMy

On Apple products this is a default app. But it is so important to activate it! Unfortunately devices do get stolen, this is just one way of making it harder for them to disappear. 

10.   MySun Meals

This is for the res students! Whilst it’s not an actual app, it is very useful to have the link to your res meals website as an icon on your screen (google how to do it). Most people update their food quota’s daily, this makes it quick and easy to do that.

 

(Bonus) 11.  YR weather

When I say weather in Stellies is unpredictable, it REALLY is unpredictable. Some sunny days end up raining, others are just windy. Instead of getting drenched it’s better to put the link to the weather app on your screen as an icon (google how to do it). YR is usually accurate, but there are many other weather websites you can use.

Those of my "go-to" apps. Comment below if you have any other app suggestions!