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Student City Guide: Lagos 2025, we discussed the following in details, a most read for Gen Z moving in to Lagos.

Your Ultimate Eko City Adventure!

• Lagos City Guide: At A Glimpse
• What are the Best Places for Students to Stay in Lagos?
• Top Universities in Lagos
• Lagos City Guide: Where to Eat in Lagos?
• Lagos City Guide: Things to Do in Lagos
• What are the common ways to travel in Lagos?
• How to enjoy life in Lagos?
• Side Hustles for Students in Lagos
• How to make your life a bit easier living in Lagos?
• Types of Student Accommodations in Lagos and the best place to get one online 

Lagos, Nigeria's largest city, is a vibrant and dynamic metropolis that attracts students from all over the country and beyond. Known for its bustling markets, lively music scene, and entrepreneurial spirit, Lagos offers a unique and exciting environment for students. While it presents its own set of challenges, with careful planning and an adventurous spirit, students can thrive in this energetic city.

This Lagos city guide is your ultimate resource for navigating student life in Lagos in 2025.

Lagos City Guide: At A Glimpse

​​​​​Before diving into what Lagos City Guide has to offer, here’s a quick snapshot of essential details about the city, including population, universities, transport, and living expenses.
 Population: Over 20 million
 Major Universities: University of Lagos (UNILAG), Lagos State University (LASU), Covenant University, Pan-Atlantic University, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
 Transportation: Buses (Danfo/BRT), Tricycles (Keke Napep), Motorcycles (Okada), Ride-hailing apps
 Average Living Expenses (per month): ₦100,000 - ₦3,500,000 (depending on lifestyle and accommodation)

What are the Best Places for Students to Stay in Lagos?

Lagos offers a variety of accommodation options for students, depending on their budget and preferences. Here are some popular areas:
  Yaba: Close to UNILAG and YABATECH, a bustling area with student-friendly housing.
  Akoka: Another area close to UNILAG, known for its vibrant student life.
 Ojo: Home to LASU, offering affordable accommodation options.
  Ikeja: A more central location with a mix of residential and commercial areas, providing access to amenities and entertainment.
  Surulere: A lively area with a good mix of residential and social activities.
When choosing accommodation, consider check out realtypro where you will find various listings. These will help you filter factors such as proximity to your university, safety, affordability, and access to transportation. Options include:
  University Hostels: On-campus accommodation, often the most affordable option.
 Private Hostels: Off-campus hostels with varying levels of amenities and security.
  Shared Apartments/Room Rentals: Renting a room or sharing an apartment with other students, offering more independence.

Top Universities in Lagos

Lagos is home to a number of prestigious universities and higher education institutions, attracting students from across Nigeria and beyond.
1. University of Lagos (UNILAG)
Founded in 1962, the University of Lagos is one of Nigeria's premier universities, renowned for its academic excellence and diverse range of programs. UNILAG offers undergraduate and postgraduate courses in various fields, including engineering, law, medicine, and the humanities.
2. Lagos State University (LASU)
Lagos State University is a state-government-owned university with multiple campuses across Lagos. LASU provides affordable and quality education in a wide range of disciplines.
3. Covenant University
Located just outside Lagos, Covenant University is a private Christian university known for its emphasis on discipline, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
4. Pan-Atlantic University
Pan-Atlantic University is a private university offering programs in business, law, and media and communication. It is known for its focus on ethical leadership and professional development.
5. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)
Yaba College of Technology is one of Nigeria's oldest and most respected polytechnics, offering a range of technical and vocational programs.

Lagos City Guide: Where to Eat in Lagos?

Lagos boasts a vibrant and diverse culinary scene, offering everything from local street food to upscale dining experiences.
1. Amala Shitta - A Taste of Local Cuisine
Amala Shitta is a popular spot for traditional Yoruba cuisine, especially amala, a local delicacy. It offers an authentic taste of Lagos.
2. Terra Kulture - A Cultural Dining Experience
Terra Kulture is more than just a restaurant; it's a cultural center that offers a unique dining experience alongside art exhibitions, theatre performances, and book readings.
3. Bukka Hut - Affordable Nigerian Food
Bukka Hut is a chain of restaurants offering affordable and delicious Nigerian dishes, perfect for students on a budget.
4. Chicken Republic - Quick and Easy Meals
Chicken Republic is a popular fast-food chain in Nigeria, offering quick and convenient meals, especially chicken and rice dishes.
5. Yellow Chilli - Upscale Nigerian Dining
For a more upscale dining experience, Yellow Chilli offers a modern take on Nigerian cuisine, showcasing the rich flavors of the country.

Lagos City Guide: Things to Do in Lagos

Lagos offers a wide range of activities and attractions for students to enjoy, from cultural experiences to outdoor adventures.
1. Visit Lekki Conservation Centre
Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and explore the Lekki Conservation Centre, a nature reserve with a canopy walkway, wildlife viewing, and picnic spots.
2. Explore Freedom Park
Freedom Park is a memorial and leisure park built on the site of a former colonial prison. It hosts concerts, festivals, and cultural events.
3. Relax at Tarkwa Bay Beach
Take a boat trip to Tarkwa Bay, a serene beach on an island, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and escaping the city crowds.
4. Experience the Nightlife in Ikeja
Ikeja, especially the area around Allen Avenue and Opebi, is known for its vibrant nightlife, with numerous bars, clubs, and lounges.
5. Shop at Balogun Market
For a truly authentic Lagos experience, visit Balogun Market, a sprawling market where you can find everything from fabrics and clothing to electronics and household goods.

What are the common ways to travel in Lagos?

Navigating Lagos can be challenging, but there are several common modes of transportation.
1. Buses (Danfo/BRT)
Danfos are the iconic yellow minibuses that are the backbone of Lagos's transportation system. BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) buses are a more organized and efficient option on designated routes.
2. Tricycles (Keke Napep)
Keke Napeps are three-wheeled vehicles that are useful for navigating shorter distances and congested areas.
3. Motorcycles (Okada)
Okadas are motorcycles that are often used to bypass traffic, but they can be risky. They are banned in many areas of Lagos.
4. Ride-hailing Apps
Ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt are increasingly popular in Lagos, offering a more convenient and safer way to get around.

How to enjoy life in Lagos?

Despite its challenges, Lagos offers a vibrant and exciting lifestyle.
1. Attend Felabration
Felabration is an annual music festival celebrating the life and legacy of Fela Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat musician. It's a must-attend event for music lovers.
2. Visit the National Arts Theatre
The National Arts Theatre is a landmark cultural center that hosts plays, concerts, and other performances.
3. Enjoy Live Music
Lagos has a thriving live music scene, with many bars and clubs hosting live bands playing various genres, from Afrobeat to highlife to hip-hop.
4. Explore the Food Scene
From street food to fine dining, Lagos offers a diverse and delicious culinary scene. Be adventurous and try new things!
5. Experience the Nightlife
Lagos's nightlife is legendary, with something for everyone, from clubs and lounges to live music venues and street parties.

Side Hustles for Students in Lagos

To help manage expenses, students in Lagos can explore various side hustles.
1. Social Media Management
Many businesses and individuals need help managing their social media presence, creating opportunities for students with social media skills.
2. Content Creation
With the rise of digital media, there's a growing demand for content creators, including writers, bloggers, and video producers.
3. Tutoring
Students can offer tutoring services to younger students in various subjects.
4. Fashion Design/Tailoring
Lagos is a fashion-forward city, and students with sewing or design skills can offer tailoring or fashion design services.

How to make your life a bit easier living in Lagos?

Living in Lagos can be challenging, but here are some tips to make it easier.
1. Handling Emergencies (Security/Health Issues etc.)
 Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure your safety.
 Know the locations of nearby hospitals and clinics.
 Have emergency contacts readily available.
2. Navigating Transportation
 Plan your routes in advance and allow extra time for travel due to traffic.
 Use ride-hailing apps for safer and more convenient transportation, especially at night.
 Be cautious when using public transportation and be aware of your belongings.
3. Useful Websites and Apps
 Google Maps: For navigation and traffic information.
 Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Bolt): For transportation.
 Jumia Food: For food delivery.
 Paystack/Flutterwave: For online payments.