Dubai International Academic City
Next to several university campuses, with purpose-built student residences.
Shared flat AED 1,800 – 2,800
Studio AED 3,500 – 5,000
Life in Dubai
What it costs, where students live, how to get around and what everyday life is like.
Monthly budget estimator
Choose an area, housing and lifestyle to see a realistic monthly range.
Estimated monthly budget
AED 3,450 – 5,350
- RentAED 1,800 – 2,800
- Food & groceriesAED 1,200 – 1,800
- TransportAED 300 – 500
- Phone & internetAED 150 – 250
Estimate only. Excludes tuition, visa fees, health insurance and one-off costs such as deposits.
Where students live
Rent per month for one student, by type of housing. Most students live close to their campus or a Metro station.
Dubai Silicon Oasis
Quiet, modern community close to RIT Dubai, with supermarkets and parks nearby.
Shared flat AED 1,800 – 3,000
Studio AED 3,500 – 5,000
Al Barsha
Central and busy, with good Metro access to Knowledge Park and Internet City.
Shared flat AED 2,500 – 3,800
Studio AED 4,500 – 6,500
International City
One of the most affordable areas in Dubai; expect a longer daily commute.
Shared flat AED 1,300 – 2,200
Studio AED 2,800 – 3,800
Approximate ranges. Rents change often — ask us for current prices near your campus.
Everyday life
Getting around, the weather, safety and culture — the basics for your first weeks in Dubai.
Getting around
The Dubai Metro (Red and Green lines) connects many key areas, and buses fill the gaps. You pay with a Nol card, and students can apply for a discounted student Nol card. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to use but cost more for daily travel. Some universities run shuttle buses to nearby residences and Metro stations.
Weather
Hot and sunny most of the year. Summer (around June to September) is very hot and humid; winter (around November to March) is warm and pleasant. Campuses, malls and public transport are air-conditioned.
Safety
Dubai is widely regarded as a safe city with low levels of street crime. Follow local laws and use common sense, as you would anywhere.
Lifestyle & culture
More than 200 nationalities live in Dubai and English is used everywhere in daily life. You will find food from every part of the world, beaches, parks and a busy calendar of events. The UAE is a Muslim country: dress modestly in public places and be respectful during Ramadan.
Last updated: October 2026
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