Orientation
Attend the scheduled mandatory orientation sessions for new International students.
Know your city
Whether you have travelled by road, rail or air, you will leave Gaborone fondly remembering her as Gabs City, or simply GC! With a little something for everyone, your stay in GC will have you feeling like you have diamonds at the soles of your feet. So, go ahead and whip out your diary, and prepare to be entertained by compelling art shows, fascinating cuisine, thrilling nightlife, and engaging beauty of the people and surroundings of the capital.
At the heart of this cosmopolitan city is a bustling business district, a true hub for professionals and a melting pot for the trendy. Experience breath-taking views of the city and magnificent sunsets from sky-high lounges and restaurants. The CBD is also home to luxury hotels, massage parlours, high-class salons, exclusive shopping centres, 3D cinemas, vibrant eateries and clubs.
Entertainment, Arts and Culture
The city of Gaborone proudly celebrates the nations’ historic roots, inviting you to the stories of our founding fathers at the Three Chiefs Monument, and our natural history at the National Museum and Art Gallery.
Envelop yourself in arts and culture exchanges at (to name a few);
Looking for live performances? GC has you covered with captivating shows and events at;
- Maitisong Theatre,
- Mantlwaneng Theatre,
- Stanbic Bank Piazza,
- The No. 1 Ladies’ Café.
- Bojanala Waterfront.
If outdoor adventure tickles your fancy, head on to
- Gaborone Game Reserve
- Botanical Gardens
- Yatch Club
- Kgale Hill
- Mokolodi Nature Reserve
- Lion Park
- Livingston Memorial
- Mogonye Gorge
Travelling around the city
Gaborone offers a variety of safe transport options to get around the city.
- Minibus Taxis
The cheapest and most common public transport option is the minibus which will get you close enough to where you need to go. Minibus taxis have designated routes clearly marked by route numbers on the vehicle. You can get the following route to and from UB: Tlokweng route 4, Tlokweng Route 6, Broadhurst Route 5, Broadhurst Route 2, Block 8 Route 3.
- Shared Taxis
Shared hail down taxis cost slightly more than minibus taxis but will take you direct to your destination. These are shared with other passengers and the driver has the discretion to agree to take you to your destination. You may inquire from the driver for dedicated service that will attract a special rate.
- Call Cabs
These are the most convenient and operate 24 hours a day. They however cost significantly more. They offer a dedicated service to any destination in the city and you usually phone them to request a service. A few companies now offer online/mobile apps to request a cab.
Safety and security
Gaborone is a safe city with well policed streets and low crime. It is however advisable to avoid walking alone.
Safety and security on campus and in residence halls
On-campus security services are available 24 hrs for your convenience and safety. The offices are centrally located within campus. UB Protection Services offers safety escort services to students as they manoeuvre around campus if they feel unsafe. Emergency phone number: Campus Protection Services @ +267 355 2396
Health and wellness
The University has a health clinic on campus headed by a medical doctor and is accessible to students. After hours a resident nurse is contacted to attend to emergencies. The clinic has an ambulance and it chaperones students to the UB clinic and even to referral hospitals during emergencies. The nearest government hospital is half a kilometre away from UB campus and a private hospital about 2km away. There are other medical facilities around the UB campus.
Only students enrolled in UB are covered and have access to the university medical facilities, but this excludes major medical problems such as operations or overnight stays at the hospital. You may want to make other arrangements in case of major emergencies. Do find out more details from your preferred medical insurer.
Weather
Experience winter like no other with cold spats in the morning (sometimes close to zero degrees Celsius) and warm and pleasant afternoons (but there is no snowJ. Summer temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius so be sure to have sunscreen, hats, sunshades and a bottle of water when going out in summer.
Experience the culture
Add a little adventure to your stay and go on a cultural getaway to a traditional village just outside the city. You will enjoy traditional cuisine, singing, dancing, folk tales and conclude your day with a sleepover in a traditional mud hut. Wake up to the magnificent African sunrise and make your way to the Mokolodi Nature Reserve for a game drive and bush lunch braai. Experience this adventure from as little as P1, 400.
Accommodation and dining
On-Campus accommodation
For more information visit the Student Welfare department or contact;
Graduate Housing
Mr Motsietsi L.Basima
Telephone: (+267) 355 5206
Student Centre Building (Block 139 / Office130)
Email: basimam@ub.ac.bw
Undergraduate Housing
Mr Keoagile Lebotha
Telephone: (+267) 355 4620
Student Centre Building (Block 139 / Office130)
Email: lebothak@ub.ac.bw
1st Year Undergraduate Housing
Ms. Masego R. Oabile
Telephone: (+267) 355 2897
Student Centre Building (Block 139 / Office134)
Email: makgabem@ub.ac.bw
Meal system
Students have a choice of taking meals at any of the two cafeterias on campus or a variety of food outlets on and off campus.
NB: A meal plan stipend will be provided for the UB exchange students as stipulated in the partnership agreement.
Other essentials
Electricals / Electronics
Botswana uses 240 volts of electricity as opposed to 110 volts used in some countries. For wall sockets we use 3-pin round and square sockets (include standards and pics).
Money matters
There are several ATM machines within the University campus where students can withdraw cash. The ATM machines are visa and maestro compliant. Forex transactions may be done at nearby malls.
Getting your mail
Use the following address:
for example:
Ms Naledi Disana
C/O Office of International Education and Partnerships
Block 139/126
P. Bag 0022
Gaborone
Botswana
Shopping for essentials
The nearest shopping centre, called Riverwalk, is less than 2kms away from the university where you will find food, utensils, clothing, toiletry, electronics and much more. There are also a number of restaurants and a multiplex cinema.