Popular Areas to Rent Apartments Near Colleges in Dubai
Dubai is an ever-expanding metropolis with a masterfully planned urban landscape. The emirate has dedicated educational districts which are home to many internationally acclaimed institutions, including colleges and universities. The educational zones are seamlessly connected to nearby commercial centres and residential neighbourhoods. Aspiring residents can find several areas offering apartments for rent near colleges in Dubai, making commuting to the institutes and the city easier.
Exploring the Areas to Rent Apartments Near Colleges in Dubai
| Community | Avg. rent | Studio | 1-Bed | 2-Bed |
| International City | 44,000 | 29,000 | 53,000 | 72,000 |
| Dubai Marina | 148,000 | 132,000 | 96,000 | 154,000 |
| Dubai Silicon Oasis | 68,000 | 43,000 | 64,000 | 93,000 |
| Jumeirah Lake Towers | 108,000 | 52,000 | 87,000 | 138,000 |
| Dubai Media City | 209,000 | NA | 135,000 | 212,000 |
Disclaimer: The areas and average apartment rent listed are according to dubizzle data. They may not represent the actual market transactions.
Featuring various flat types and configurations, the list of popular areas to rent apartments near colleges in Dubai includes:
International City

International City is known for affordable rentals near universities in Dubai. The community is characterised by its country-themed residential clusters and offers a comprehensive range of daily conveniences, including grocery outlets, lifestyle services and recreational facilities. Its thoughtfully planned road network and well-connected streets ensure smooth mobility within the neighbourhood, while direct access to major UAE highways such as E311 and Ras Al Khor Road enhances connectivity to the rest of the emirate. With Academic City situated nearby, International City also benefits from 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
The rent for apartments in International City is affordable compared to other areas on the list, averaging AED 44k a year.
Dubai Marina
Dubai Marina, a vibrant neighbourhood that combines a towering skyline with a pristine waterfront, is situated along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11). Its central location makes commuting convenient for residents and visitors alike. The area is also close to several key educational institutions, making it one of the most sought-after destinations for renting apartments near colleges in Dubai. Some of the 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 has many residential high-rises, offering a wide range of apartments available in different configurations. The average annual rent for apartments in Dubai Marina is AED 148k.
Dubai Silicon Oasis

Dubai Silicon Oasis (DSO), known for its status as a business-friendly free zone, also offers a variety of options for renting apartments near Dubai universities. Offering easy access to many key educational facilities, DSO also makes the list of popular areas for students in Dubai. Situated near the intersection of Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) and Dubai–Al Ain Road, DSO enjoys proximity to Academic City, which hosts several prominent educational institutions, including:
- 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
The apartments for rent in DSO are available in different layouts and specifications. The average yearly rent of an apartment in the free zone is AED 68k.
Jumeirah Lake Towers
A bustling neighbourhood known for its high-rises and waterfront attractions, Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT) is also preferred for renting apartments near colleges in Dubai. Its central location makes it ideal for residents seeking a lively urban lifestyle. Bordering Dubai Marina and positioned along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), JLT offers seamless access to public transport, including the Dubai Metro and bus networks. Students and academic professionals living here enjoy easy commutes to many nearby colleges and universities, such as:
- 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
Apartments for rent in JLT offer scenic waterfront and skyline views with the convenience of a range of amenities and facilities. The asking rent for apartments in the vicinity averages AED 108k per year.
Dubai Media City
A thoughtfully designed hub for media and the entertainment industry, Dubai Media City occupies a prime location. Alongside its state-of-the-art media institutions, the neighbourhood is also a popular staycation destination, home to hotels such as Radisson Blu and Media One. Its strategic position provides easy access to waterfront attractions and upscale areas like Palm Jumeirah, JLT, and Dubai Marina. Compared to other neighbourhoods, Dubai Media City is particularly convenient for students and academic professionals, with several prominent educational institutions within walking distance, such as:
- 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
Those renting an apartment in Dubai Media City can pick from a variety of unit configurations. The average yearly rent for apartments in the neighbourhood is AED 209k.
FAQs
Are there affordable apartments for students near universities in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai offers several areas with affordable apartments for students near universities, including International City, DSO and JLT.
What should students consider when renting near colleges in Dubai?
Students should consider proximity to their campus, annual rental budget, transportation and available amenities when renting near colleges in Dubai.
Are furnished apartments available near colleges in Dubai?
Yes, furnished apartments for rent in Dubai are available in residential communities near colleges and universities.
There you have it – a list of popular areas to rent apartments near colleges in Dubai. From nearby transportation options to everyday facilities, student-friendly rental areas in Dubai offer a well-rounded lifestyle. These are also the areas to buy apartments near colleges in Dubai, with average prices starting from AED 741k.
For more information on buying and renting in Dubai, stay connected to dubizzle’s property blog.