Affordable Student Accommodation in Dubai: Best Areas, Costs, Weekend Spots & Tips
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As a developed country you will great amenities in the cities, or house there's no limit to it. But! everything comes at a price. For a good house with the modern amenities you might have to pay approximately AED 4,000 to AED 8,000 monthly for 1-BHK house. As a student you can check out for on-campus housing, shared apartments, and even private residences (slight heavy on pocket option). Let's cover some of the issues that you will find in real time while finding an accommodation for you while you are on your voyage of studying abroad in Dubai.
- High Rental Costs: Being a hub of worldclass development and considering the chaos geopolitically, right now Dubai has been a hot choice among the Indian students as well as for international immigrants (for both study, job, and settlement). So naturally the demand of accommodation is increasing day by day. You will find good accommodation bit pricey. But still you have multiple options and you fill find one that fits your budget. You will find many Indian brokers as well who can help you or connect you with someone for finding accommodation is Dubai. But ensure that you only choose the trusted ones. Don't fall into trap - check and verify things personally at your end.
- Competition: Due to high competition start your research early and make concrete plan for finding the right accommodation at right distance to local amenities.
- Limited Availability: According to UCAS, some universities may not have a dedicated student support or guaranteed on-campus housing available for international students.
The University-hosted accommodations are popular among international students for universities in Dubai like Heriot-Watt University, University of Wollogong in Dubai, Amity University Dubai, Middlesex University Dubai, BITS Pilani University, and many more.
(AED 1 = INR 23.38)
- Best areas for students in Dubai:
- Monthly cost of living for students:
- Transportation & commuting in Dubai:
- University areas and connectivity:
Best areas for students in Dubai:
Choosing the right location affects everything - rent, commute, food, and your daily peace of mind.
- Budget-Friendly (AED 1,200–3,500/month): Deira, Bur Dubai, Mirdif
| Area |
Why It’s Great for Students |
|---|---|
| Al Qusais |
Close to DIAC, metro access, affordable hostels and PGs |
| Deira |
Central location, cheap eateries, older buildings = lower rent |
| International City |
Studio/1BHKs at lowest rates, vibrant Indian/Filipino student hubs |
| Al Nahda |
Near universities, sharable flats, walkable to supermarkets, salons |
- Mid-Range (AED 3,500–6,000/month): Al Barsha, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DIAC
| Area |
Why Students Prefer This Zone |
|---|---|
| Dubai Silicon Oasis |
Tech-centric, close to Amity University & BITS, New buildings, modern studios |
| JVC (Jumeirah Village Circle) |
Affordable 1BHKs, student-friendly cafés, community vibe |
| Bur Dubai |
Historic feel + central, walkable, multicultural, diverse crowd |
- Premium (AED 7,000–15,000/month): Knowledge Park, Internet City
| Area |
Why High-End Seekers Choose This |
|---|---|
| Dubai Marina |
Beachfront life, luxury buildings, scenic views, walk to restaurants |
| JLT (Jumeirah Lake Towers) |
Next to Marina, upscale yet peaceful, top facilities |
| Business Bay |
High-rise apartments, great for part-time working students |
Deira is usually the cheapest, with monthly rents starting from AED 1,200 (around INR 28K). Closer you move to the main city, higher the cost.
| Area |
Avg. Rent (Monthly) |
Nearby Universities |
Safety |
Estimated Monthly Living Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) |
AED 3,000–5,000 |
Heriot-Watt, BITS Pilani, Amity, Manipal, SP Jain |
High |
AED 4,500–6,000 |
| Dubai Knowledge Park |
AED 4,000–6,000 |
Middlesex, University of Wollongong, Murdoch, SAE |
High |
AED 5,500–7,000 |
| Al Barsha |
AED 3,000–4,000 |
Close to Knowledge Park, Dubai Internet City |
High |
AED 4,500–6,500 |
| Deira |
AED 1,200–2,500 |
Accessible to various campuses via metro |
Moderate |
AED 3,000–4,500 |
| Mirdif |
AED 2,500–4,000 |
Accessible to DIAC and other institutions |
High |
AED 4,000–5,500 |
| Bur Dubai |
AED 1,500–3,000 |
Accessible to various campuses via metro |
Moderate |
AED 3,500–5,000 |
Monthly cost of living for students:
If not planned properly, Dubai can drain your savings. Average monthly spend for an international student: INR 90K to 2.65L, depending on lifestyle. Rent eats up the biggest chunk. PGs, hostels, and homestays can help you save a lot. (AED 1 = INR 23.38)
| Category |
Estimated Monthly Cost (AED) |
Converted Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rent |
1,500 – 7,500 |
INR 34,050 to 1,70,250 |
| Utilities |
500 – 800 |
INR 11,350 to 18,160 |
| Internet & Mobile |
400 – 700 |
INR 9,080 to 15,890 |
| Groceries |
800 – 1,200 |
INR 18,160 to ₹27,240 |
| Transport |
300 – 500 |
INR 6,810 to 11,350 |
| Entertainment |
500 – 1,000 |
INR 11,350 to 22,700 |
| Total |
4,000 – 11,700 |
INR 90,800 to 2,65,590 |
Transportation & commuting in Dubai:
Dubai’s transport network is top-notch. 600+ bus stops, metro, trams, and taxis connect every corner.
Get yourself a Student NOL Card from RTA you’ll get 50% off on all metro, bus, tram, and marine rides.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Bonus: It also gives retail discounts up to 70% at select outlets.
Apply on the RTA website or Nol Pay App using your student ID and enrolment proof.
University areas and connectivity:
Most top universities in Dubai i.e. Heriot-Watt, University of Wollongong, Middlesex are well-connected via metro and bus routes. These are surrounded by student hubs like Knowledge Park, DIAC, Internet City, and Al Barsha. Good connectivity = easier commute + more social life.
| University |
Public Transport |
Cafes & Student Spots |
|---|---|---|
| Hult International Business School Dubai |
Metro: Dubai Internet City (M1); Tram: Palm Jumeirah; Buses: 8, 83, 84, 88, X28, F55A |
Knowledge Village cafés, Dubai Marina eateries |
| Heriot-Watt University Dubai |
Metro: Dubai Internet City (M1); Buses: 8, 83, 84, X28, 88, F55A |
Dubai Marina cafés, Knowledge Village spots |
| University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD) |
Metro: Dubai Internet City (M1); Free UOWD shuttle |
Knowledge Village cafés, Dubai Marina eateries |
| Manipal Academy of Higher Education |
Buses: RTA services to DIAC |
DIAC cafés, Silicon Oasis eateries |
| Amity University Dubai |
University bus service; RTA buses |
DIAC cafés, Silicon Oasis eateries |
| Middlesex University Dubai |
Metro: Dubai Internet City (M1); Buses: 8, 83, 84, X28, 88, F55A |
Knowledge Village cafés, Dubai Marina eateries |
Final Tips for Booking Accommodation Before You Arrive
Before you arrive here's a final checklist for you:
- Do a video tour before booking
- Verify the owner/agent’s details
- Understand deposit and notice terms
- Check Wi-Fi, AC, maintenance response
- Note nearest metro, grocery, and medical shops
- Keep one temporary stay option ready for backup
Finding a place in Dubai can feel tricky at first, but once you get the rhythm, it’s manageable. Start early, cross-check twice, and don’t rush right place will find you as soon as you stop settling for “anything.”
According to some of the unofficial yet reputable sources, the cost of living in Dubai for International student can be high if not planned properly. The average monthly cost can range from INR 90 K to 2.65 L, which largely depends on the lifestyle of a student. Rent is the the biggest chunk in the total monthly cost which can be lesser if options like PG, Homestays, and private pods are considered.
As a student
Based on a variety of factors like rent, utilities, internet, groceries, transport, and entertainment, below is the estimated monthly cost that can be incurred by an International student in Dubai:
Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (AED) | Estimation Monthly Cost (INR) |
|---|---|---|
Rent | AED 1,500 – 7,500 | INR 34,050 to 1,70,250 |
Utilities | AED 500 – 800 | INR 11,350 to 18,160 |
Internet & Mobile | AED 400 – 700 | INR 9,080 to 15,890 |
Groceries | AED 800 – 1,200 | INR 18,160 to ?27,240 |
Transport | AED 300 – 500 | INR 6,810 to 11,350 |
Entertainment | AED 500 – 1,000 | INR 11,350 to 22,700 |
Total | AED 4,000 – 11,700 | INR 90,800 to 2,65,590 |
(AED 1 = INR 23.38)
One of the toughest considerations for an international student is to 'where to live in Dubai as a student'. It is important to consider the location as this factor decides the monthly rent in relation to the connectivity, facilities, and cost of living.
Some of the top locations a student should go for include:
- Dubai International Academic City (DIAC)
- Dubai Knowledge Park
- Al Barsha
- Deira
- Mirdif
- Bur Dubai
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
Student accommodation in Dubai varies based on the lifestyle and personal preferences of a student, for instance, a student choosing to live at Private Hostels, Homestays & PGs, University-hosted accommodation can save significantly.
The table below shows the type of accommodation against the respective monthly cost:
Type
Avg. Monthly Cost
University-Hosted Accommodation
AED 1,600 to 3,750 (INR 4.6 L to 8.18 L)
Private Hostels
AED 1,200 to 2,500 (INR 28.06 K to INR 58.4 K)
Student Apartments & Shared Flats
AED 3,000–6,000 (INR 70 K and INR 1.4 L)
Homestays & PGs
AED 2,000–3,500 (INR 46.7 K to INR 81.8 K)
Luxury Rentals
AED 8,000–15,000 (INR 1.87 L to 3.50 L
Budget Rentals
AED 2,500–4,000 (INR 58.4K and INR 70.1 K)