The Dros – Stellenbosch
It's meant to be a family restaurant but is dominated by students most days. The food is really good and pretty cheap so you can line the stomach before going out. There's plenty of seating but it gets full every weekend because of the rugby and beer.

Corner Bird and Alexander Street, Stellenbosch
021 886 4856

Barney's Beachfront – Port Elizabeth
All pubs are ultimately based on Barneys. The best mixture of food, drink, entertainment and young people making idiots of themselves at 2am. It has all the basic food groups and every kind of draught. A great place to hang out.

The Boardwalk, Marine Drive, Summer Strand
041 583 4500

Fishpaste Restaurant and Bar – Bloemfontein
At some point, Bloem has to rock and it happens at Fishpaste. The food is 'Mediterranean fusion' and the vibe is warm. Live music and good service together with healthy food make it #1 in Bloem.

31 President Steyn Avenue, Westdene
051 430 2662

Tapas Al Sol – Port Elizabeth
Tapas is the place where any bands visiting PE will play. If has a big balcony outside to take in the full view of the beach and perfect for hot nights in the friendly city. Cheap drinks and a very rowdy atmosphere in the mosh pit, good fun all round.

Brooke's Pavillion, Beach Road, Humewood
041 584 0660

The Suite – Grahamstown
The only real club in the G-spot, The Suite is really small and you're bound to know everyone there but where else are you going anyway? The music is loud and commercial and you’re bound to get as drunk as everyone else.

New Street, Grahamstown

Crowded House – Pietermaritzburg
There is a rumour that Crash DJs only have one CD. Definitely not the case and students love to drink away their stresses at this very popular spot. Music varies from commercial to 80s, almost anything. Come to boogie, not for the décor.

99 Commercial Road, Pietermaritzburg
033 345 5977

Rat and Parrot – Grahamstown
An institution in Grahamstown, every big night begins and ends at ‘The Rat’. The draught flows, the wooden floors get wet, clothes are optional and incest is rife. If you can drink like a Rhodent, you go to The Rat.

New Street, Grahamstown

Shimmi Halfabar – Hermanus
Sort of in the middle of nowhere, the Shimmi rocks a pretty upmarket crowd. A surprisingly slick interior and great view of the ocean with strong possibility of whale sightings. Mostly chilled tunes and loads of martinis. Apply tourist repellent before-hand.

Village Square, Marine Drive, Hermanus
028 312 4764

De Akker – Stellenbosch
One of the older bars in Stellies and a firm favourite with the locals. It’s open until very late and probably better for the older students, with chilled music, lots of good wine and a big screen if the bokke are on. Needs a re-vamp but still good value.

Corner Bird and Herte Streets, Stellenbosch
021 883 3512