Dubai, known for its stunning skyline and diverse culture, is not only a global business hub but also home to several prestigious universities and colleges. However, for students seeking accommodation in this vibrant city, finding the right place to live is essential. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve compiled a list of popular areas for students to live in Dubai, along with average rental prices for various apartment sizes and nearby universities.
List of Top Areas for Students to Live in Dubai
Dubai offers a highly suitable environment for students, both local and international, for several compelling reasons. The Emirate is home to an array of internationally renowned universities and colleges. These institutions also offer a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to postgraduate degrees, in various fields of study.
Moreover, students in Dubai have various options when it comes to finding apartments for rent. Here are some popular areas and resources for students seeking accommodation in Dubai,
Disclaimer: The following areas have been selected based on the apartment rental prices listed on dubizzle and do not necessarily reflect actual real estate transactions governed by regulations in the Emirates.
Dubai Academic City
Dubai Academic City is one of the popular and budget-friendly options with an average annual rental price of AED 21,000. While on-campus housing is limited, there are affordable off-campus options available nearby.
Moreover, the average annual rental in Dubai Academic City for Studio, 1-bed and 2-bed apartments has been recorded as AED 50,000, AED 45,000 and AED 67,000 respectively.
Additionally, the apartments for rent in Dubai Academic City are equipped with 24/7 security and ample parking facilities. Besides, this area boasts all the essential amenities that cater to students’ needs.
Nearby Universities
Dubai Academic City is in proximity to esteemed institutions such as:
- University of Birmingham Dubai: The University of Birmingham Dubai is located in Dubai International Academic City, which is adjacent to Dubai Academic City. Thankfully, the distance is also typically within a 5 to 10-minute drive.
- Amity University Dubai: Amity University Dubai is also available in Dubai International Academic City, making it very close to Dubai Academic City. The distance is also typically within a 5 to 10-minute drive.
- Manipal Academy of Higher Education: Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is located within Dubai Academic City itself, so there is virtually no distance between MAHE and Dubai Academic City.
- American University in the Emirates: The American University in the Emirates is located in Dubai International Academic City, adjacent to Dubai Academic City. Moreover, the distance is typically within a 5 to 10-minute drive.
- The British University in Dubai: The British University in Dubai is in Dubai International Academic City, adjacent to Dubai Academic City. Also, the distance is around a 5 to 10-minute drive.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
As per the H1 2023 Dubai sales property market report, Dubai Silicon Oasis is one of the popular areas for those looking for affordable apartments in Dubai. Securing an apartment in Dubai Academic City can be challenging due to the high demand among students. Nevertheless, there are numerous excellent alternatives available in the neighbouring Dubai Silicon Oasis. Positioned as Dubai’s technology hub, Silicon Oasis is strategically situated at the highway intersection of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Dubai-Al-Ain Road.
The average annual rental in Dubai Silicon Oasis has been AED 50,000. Moreover, the area also offers 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments for rent in Dubai Silicon Oasis, with average annual rental prices ranging from AED 50,000, AED 45,000 and AED 67,000 respectively.
Nearby Universities
Dubai Silicon Oasis is situated near institutions such as:
- Zayed University: Zayed University has multiple campuses in the UAE. The Dubai campus is located in Dubai Knowledge Park, which is approximately 20-25 kilometres from Dubai Silicon Oasis. Also, the driving distance takes around 20-30 minutes, depending on traffic.
- University of Birmingham Dubai: The University of Birmingham Dubai is located in Dubai International Academic City, which is approximately 15-20 kilometres away from Dubai Silicon Oasis. Besides, the driving distance is around 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
- American University in the Emirates: The American University in the Emirates is also situated in Dubai International Academic City, similar to the University of Birmingham Dubai. The driving distance from Dubai Silicon Oasis to this university is approximately 15-20 kilometres, with a typical travel time of 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic.
Dubai Media City
Dubai Media City offers a vibrant, upscale lifestyle but comes at a higher price, with an average annual rental cost of AED 286,000. It also features a wide range of housing options, from cosy apartments for rent in Dubai Media City to spacious 4-bedroom units, catering to different budgets.
Moreover, studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments for rent in Dubai Media City have average prices of AED 155,000, AED 166,000 and AED 221,000 respectively.
Nearby Universities
Adjacent to Dubai Media City is Dubai Knowledge Park, housing institutions such as:
- American University in Dubai (AUD): The AUD campus is relatively close to Dubai Media City. Moreover, the distance is approximately 2-3 kilometres.
- Hult International Business School: Hult International Business School is also located in Dubai Internet City, which is adjacent to Dubai Media City. The distance from Dubai Media City to Hult International Business School is typically around 2-3 kilometres.
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC)
Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC) has gained a reputation for providing some of the most budget-friendly rental apartments in Dubai. This makes the community a favoured residential choice for students in the city. You can also find some of the top schools in JVC. The area also boasts a comprehensive array of contemporary conveniences, including shopping malls, parks, lush green spaces and well-equipped gyms. Hence, residents can enjoy all the advantages of a gated community in JVC.
Jumeirah Village Circle offers a comfortable living environment with an average annual rental price of AED 67,000. Studio and 1-bedroom apartments are prevalent and shared accommodation in 2 to 4-bedroom units is also an option. The average rental prices of different apartment units are: studio apartments for rent in JVC are averaged at AED 40,000, 1-bed: AED 59,000 and 2-bed: AED 139,000.
Nearby Universities
JVC is conveniently located near Dubai Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village. These areas boast several universities and commuting to them from JVC typically takes around 15-20 minutes by car or public transportation.
International City
International City is another excellent choice for students seeking affordable accommodation in Dubai. It ranks at the top of the list for the most budget-friendly rental areas in the UAE and provides a variety of apartment sizes to choose from.
From studios and spacious 1-bedroom apartments to 4-bedroom apartments. The rent of apartments in International City has been averaged at AED 34,000 annually.
Studio apartments for rent in International City are available at an average yearly price of AED 23,000. The 1-bedroom apartment rent in International City has averaged AED 34,000 the rent of 2-bedroom apartments has averaged AED 51,000.
Nearby Universities
This area provides easy access to institutions such as the University of Wollongong in Dubai and the Rochester Institute of Technology. International City is typically within a 15–20-minute drive or accessible by public transportation from these universities.
Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT)
For students enrolled in an institution at Dubai Knowledge Village, Jumeirah Lake Towers is one of the most popular areas to live. The area features a range of amenities along with 24/7 surveillance.
JLT is a popular choice among students with an average annual rental price of AED 92,000. It offers various apartment sizes, from studios to 4-bedroom units, catering to different preferences. Average rental prices range from AED 53,000 per year for studio apartments, AED 76,000 per year for 1-bedroom apartments in JLT and AED 111,000 per year for 2-bed apartments.
Nearby Universities
JLT residents have easy access to institutions like Dubai Knowledge Park, which offers a range of educational programs. The distance to universities in Knowledge Park from JLT is typically around 15-20 minutes by car or accessible via public transportation.
Dubailand
Dubailand stands out as a cost-effective residential option for students in Dubai. This area boasts a multitude of residential buildings complete with contemporary amenities and facilities.
Living in Dubailand provides a comfortable lifestyle, surrounded by convenient local amenities. What’s more, it’s just a short 20-minute commute to reach Dubai Academic City from this location. Besides, you can also find a range of popular schools in Dubailand.
On average, the annual rental rates for studio apartments in Dubailand have amounted to AED 162,000. Additionally, tenants have spent AED 36,000 annually for studio apartments, AED 43,000 for 1-bed and AED 88,000 for 2-bed apartments in Dubailand Oasis.
Nearby Universities
The area offers proximity to institutions like Dubai International Academic City and Zayed University, making it convenient for students. Depending on the specific location within Dubailand, the commute to universities can vary from 15 to 30 minutes.
FAQs
Is Dubai a good place for students?
Dubai is becoming a top study-abroad choice for international students. It hosts many international campuses, providing diverse course options. Additionally, students can work part-time, gaining valuable professional experience while studying in Dubai.
Where do students live in Dubai?
Popular areas for students to live in Dubai include:
- Dubai Academic City: Affordable, near the University of Birmingham Dubai.
- Dubai Silicon Oasis: Affordable, close to Zayed University.
- Dubai Media City: Upscale, near American University in Dubai.
- Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC): Budget-friendly, convenient for various universities.
- International City: Affordable, accessible to multiple institutions.
- Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT): Popular near Dubai Knowledge Park.
- Dubailand: Cost-effective, close to Dubai Academic City and Zayed University.
With this, we end our list of popular areas to live in Dubai for students. The Emirate offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods to suit various student budgets and preferences.
Whether you’re looking for affordability, luxury, or something in between, these popular areas cater to the diverse needs of students studying in this dynamic city. Remember to consider factors such as proximity to your university, amenities and transportation options when choosing your ideal student accommodation in Dubai.
Moreover, for those planning to move to Dubai, here is how you can rent a property before flying to the Emirate. You can also explore other neighbourhoods and find a range of apartments for rent in Dubai.
Stay tuned to the dubizzle property blog to get more information on the most affordable areas for students to live in Dubai.
