Popular Areas to Buy Apartments Near Colleges in Dubai
Dubai has a diverse urban landscape that caters to the varied lifestyle needs of its residents. The emirate is home to numerous educational institutions, including colleges and universities offering graduate and postgraduate programmes. While these facilities are primarily located in dedicated educational zones, there are several areas nearby featuring apartment complexes that offer an eclectic selection of residential units for buyers and investors to pick from. Thus, a closer look at the areas to buy apartments near colleges in Dubai and the average prices of the available units can be resourceful for prospective property seekers, including students and academic professionals.
Exploring the Areas to Buy Apartments Near Colleges in Dubai
| Community | Avg. price | Studio | 1-Bed | 2-Bed |
| Dubai Marina | 3,548,000 | 1,323,000 | 1,803,000 | 2,987,000 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) | 1,120,000 | 675,000 | 983,000 | 1,502,000 |
| International City | 741,000 | 438,000 | 720,000 | 1,147,000 |
| Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) | 2,135,000 | 925,000 | 1,628,000 | 2,439,000 |
| Dubai Media City | 4,508,000 | N/A | 3,041,000 | 4,350,000 |
Disclaimer: The areas and apartment prices listed are according to dubizzle data. They may not represent the actual market transactions.
Featuring various types of flats, the list of popular areas to buy apartments near colleges in Dubai includes:
Dubai Marina
A combination of towering skyline and a pristine waterfront, Dubai Marina is a vibrant neighbourhood. It is located along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). Its central location adds to the commuting ease for everyone living in or visiting the vicinity. Dubai Marina is in proximity to many key educational institutions, making it one of the most popular areas to buy apartments near colleges in Dubai. Some nearby colleges and universities include:
- American University of Dubai: 2.8 km away
- University of Wollongong in Dubai: 3.7 km away
- SAE University College: 3.7 km away
- The University of Manchester: 3.8 km away
- De Montfort University 4.4 km away
The waterfront community offers a wide range of apartments available in different configurations. The average price of apartments for sale in Dubai Marina is AED 3.55M.
Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO)

Besides enjoying the status of a free zone benefiting businesses, DSO also offers numerous options to buy apartments near Dubai universities. One of the strategically planned Dubai neighbourhoods, DSO offers a blend of both freehold and leasehold apartments. This means local as well as foreign students and academic professionals can invest in the area. Situated near the intersection of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and the Dubai-Al Ain Road, DSO enjoys proximity to Academic City, which is home to many educational facilities, some of which include:
- SZABIST University: 3.9 km away
- American University in the Emirates: 4 km away
- The British University in Dubai: 4.9 km away
- Curtin University in Dubai: 4.9 km away
- Amity University: 5 km away
- University of Birmingham: 6.2 km away
Given its easy access to many key educational facilities, DSO is also a popular area for students in Dubai. The apartments for sale in DSO are available in different layouts and specifications. The average asking price of an apartment in the free zone is AED 1.12M.
International City

Another prominent area with affordable apartments for students in Dubai is International City. It features country-themed apartment clusters. From grocery to lifestyle and recreation, the community offers various day-to-day facilities. Plus, the unique mapping of International City with well-connected streets makes moving around the neighbourhood easier. The transportation convenience also extends outside the neighbourhood’s boundaries with seamless connectivity to the major UAE roads, including E311 and the Ras Al Khor Road. Academic City is located nearby, which means International City enjoys proximity to the following educational institutions:
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education: 5.5 km away
- University of Birmingham: 5.7 km away
- Study World: 6.5 km away
- Curtin University in Dubai: 6.8 km away
- Institute of Management Technology: 6.9 km away
- Curtin University in Dubai: 7.5 km away
Comparatively, the apartments for sale in International City are more affordable than other areas on the list. The average asking price of an apartment in the area is AED 741k.
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
A prime urban destination with high-rises and waterfront attractions, JLT has also made the list of communities to buy apartments near colleges in Dubai. Enjoying a central location in the city, it is among Dubai’s freehold areas, famed for its vibrant lifestyle. Neighbouring Dubai Marina and running along the E11 road, JLT enjoys direct access to different means of public transport, including buses and the Dubai Metro. Students and academic professionals in the area can benefit from short commutes to the nearby colleges and universities, some of which include:
- American University of Dubai: 4.0 km away
- University of Wollongong in Dubai: 5.5 km away
- SAE University College: 5.5 km away
- The University of Manchester: 5.6 km away
- Abu Dhabi University: 6 km away
- De Montfort University 6.2 km away
Surrounded by a range of facilities and amenities, apartments for sale in JLT offer a mix of scenic waterfront and skyline views. The sales price of apartments in the vicinity averages AED 2.1M.
Dubai Media City

A well-planned urban hub to facilitate media houses and the entertainment industry, Dubai Media City enjoys a prime location in the city. Alongside featuring state-of-the-art media institutions and facilities, the neighbourhood is also a staycation destination and is home to hotels like Radisson Blu and Media One. The strategic location of Dubai Media City puts it in proximity to the waterfront destinations and luxury neighbourhoods, including Palm Jumeirah, JLT and Dubai Marina. Compared to the other neighbourhoods, it is even closer to the educational facilities in the vicinity, some of the prominent ones among which are:
- American University of Dubai: 1.2 km away
- Heriot-Watt University: 1.5 km
- University of Wollongong in Dubai: 1.6 km away
- SAE University College: 1.6 km away
- Murdoch University: 1.7 km away
- The University of Manchester: 1.7 km away
- Abu Dhabi University: 2.1 km away
Buying an apartment in Dubai Media City comes with various perks, such as an easily accessible location and the nearby presence of various urban facilities, such as public transport, educational facilities, among others. Moreover, the average sales price of apartments in the neighbourhood is AED 4.51M.
FAQs
Which areas are closest to Dubai Academic City?
The areas closest to Dubai Academic City are Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO) and International City.
Are there family-friendly residential areas near colleges in Dubai?
Yes, residential areas near colleges in Dubai are known for their family-friendly neighbourhood features and facilities.
Is Dubai Marina a good choice for students
Yes, Dubai Marina has a plethora of educational institutions nearby, which makes it a practical choice for students and academic professionals.
This wraps up our list of areas to buy apartments near colleges in Dubai. From readily available transportation options to day-to-day facilities, Dubai apartments near academic institutions offer a well-rounded lifestyle. However, the average property prices and surrounding conveniences may vary from location to location. Determining the best areas to live near Dubai universities depends on the requirements, preferences and budget of the aspiring settlers.
Conducting thorough market research is essential before buying an apartment in Dubai to make a decision that goes a long way.
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