I. Accommodation
The University offers a range of quality accommodation in the halls of residence on Campus and off Campus. All University residences are within easy walking distance of the Main Campus. University accommodation is guaranteed for all International Students and provides a safe, comfortable and supportive living environment.
Accommodation is handled by the University of Dar es Salaam Accommodation Bureau (USAB). International students are assisted by the DICA to arrange for suitable accommodation on Campus upon request. The accommodation fee per semester is $380.
DICA locates off-campus housing for international students if requested. Students may also arrange housing on their own. Prices vary depending on personal requirements.
II. Health
The University of Dar es Salaam Health Centre (UHC) provides health services to all students, staff members, staff families and to the general public. The center is located within the Mwl. Julius K. Nyerere Main Campus. The center also runs dispensaries located at Mabibo student's Hostels and IMS (Zanzibar) as well as a dispensing room at the off Campus School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) in Kijitonyama.
Students are required to fill in the medical examination form as specified in the admission letter. The medical form should be filled and approved by a recognized Medical Practitioner since your admission at the University will depend on a satisfactory medical report.
Also, all students should have an international health insurance card that provides basic health insurance which can be used in Tanzania, if not, then it is required that you pay for the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) of Tanzania. The International Office assists International Students to apply for local health
III. Security
University of Dar es Salaam ensures safety for all students. It is most likely that International students are victims of robbery in large towns and also are targeted by thieves since they believe that they carry around valuable materials. To ensure your safety, it is important to;
Safety and Security at UDSM is under the mandate of the University Auxiliary Police Department. In case of need students are advised to call the following numbers:
IV. Library
The library services are offered in two library buildings namely Dr Wilbert K. Chagula Library and the New University of Dar es Salaam Library. The library is stocked with over 600,000 volumes of print resources and subscribes to various electronic journal databases.
Opening hours
Users are required to possess valid ID cards to use library facilities. Users can get access to both print and electronic resources such as books, journals, magazines, newspapers and other materials. The services provided include:
V. Bank services
The University of Dar es Salaam through the Directorate of Internationalization, Convocation and Advancement assist International Students to open a bank account while studying in Tanzania. The banks that have branches at the Main Campus are Cooperatives Rural and Development Bank (CRDB), National Microfinance Bank (NMB), and National Bank of Commerce (NBC).
All the Banks have ATM services around the main Campus; International Students can also access Bureau de Change services in all banks and at the nearest Mlimani City Shopping Mall. You can also visit their websites below for more details:
CRDB BANK
NBC BANK
NMB BANK
VI. Transport
In Dar es Salaam public transport includes city buses known as “daladala”, Rapid Transit buses known as “Mwendokasi” and ferries whereby the fare depends on the destination of your journey. Also Uber, Taxify, registered Taxi and Bajaj are available at very affordable.
During night hours, the registered Taxi and Bajaj are mostly recommended for more comfortability and safety.