ES Dubai - The Living Cost in Dubai: Is it Affordable for International Students?
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The Living Cost in Dubai: Is it Affordable for International Students?

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Habibi! You can come to Dubai for anything and everything – to study, work or have a perfect vacation. With more and more universities, Dubai has become a hub for international students looking for high-quality education in the United Arab Emirates. However, the cost of living is one of the biggest worries for our students who want to join our English language institute to study English in Dubai. In this blog post, we’ll give you a closer look at the cost of living as a student in this city.

First of all, it’s important to know that the expenses in Dubai can vary depending on the student’s lifestyle, where they live, how they get around, what they eat, and what they do for fun. Keeping this in mind, there are ways to keep track of costs and live on a budget while studying here.

Accommodation

House or room rental is one of the major expenses for international students, and it’s no different in Dubai. The cost of rent varies depending on the accommodation’s location, size, and quality. Students can choose to live on-campus or off-campus. At ES Dubai, we have partnered with hotels, hotel apartments, and student residence providers to offer quality accommodation services to all our students at affordable prices. However, the accommodation cost can generally range from 3,281.72 AED (893.47 USD) to 5,141.89 AED (1 399.92 USD) per month for a single-bedroom apartment, depending on the location you choose. Students can save money by sharing a flat with roommates or by choosing a smaller and more affordable accommodation option.

Transportation

As a student, commuting to the school and across the city will be another major part of your expenses. Dubai has a well-developed and reliable public transportation system, including buses, water taxis, and metro trains. The city is divided into metro zones and the public transport charges are based on the number of zones you cover. As of 2023, the cost of a one-way ticket on the metro starts from 3 AED (0.82 USD) for 1 zone, and a monthly pass costs around 350 AED (95 USD) covering all zones. Dubai also offers special economical transport solutions for shorter distances, such as electric scooters and bicycles available on hourly rental for minimal charges. Students can also consider using ride-sharing apps like Uber or Careem to save money on private taxi transportation.

Food

Spending on food is something that can add up quickly, especially if students choose to eat out at restaurants frequently. However, there are several affordable options for students, such as cooking meals at home or choosing budget-friendly restaurants where the meal cost can be as low as 25 AED (6.81 USD). If you’re looking for a quick and cheap bite, head to one of the many shawarma or falafel stalls or try some delicious local street food like manakish or karak tea. And if you’re looking for a fancy night out, there is no shortage of authentic restaurants with exceptional cuisine. Ordering food in Dubai is also easy and convenient, with many options available through delivery apps like Talabat, Instashop, Careem (UberEats), Deliveroo, Noon Food, Eat-Easy, etc. Plus, with competitive pricing, you can indulge in your favourite dishes without breaking the bank. Just be sure to do your research and plan ahead to find the best deals and make the most out of your culinary journey in Dubai!

Entertainment

Dubai is a land of wonders, fun and excitement that features a number of activities to keep you entertained with minimal expenses. With so much to do, you’ll never be bored! From world-renowned amusement parks, such as Dubai Parks and Resorts, to luxurious shopping centres, like The Dubai Mall, there is something for everyone. Discount applications such as Groupon, Cobone, The Entertainer, and more bring you the best deals across exciting activities and dining places in the city, to help you enjoy on a budget. You can also explore the amazing free experiences such as stunning public beaches, beautiful parks, and unique museums that are bonuses indeed. So whether you’re into adventure sports or looking for a fun nightclub, Dubai has it all. Explore this vibrant city and prepare for an unforgettable entertainment experience!

With proper planning and budgeting across ample available options, the cost of living in Dubai can be manageable for international students. By choosing affordable accommodation, transportation, food, and entertainment options, students can live within a reasonable budget while enjoying all that Dubai has to offer. So, to all the students who are ready to embark on an exciting journey to study English with our language institute in Dubai, don’t let the cost of living discourage you – as we will help you make it work!

Sources:

https://blog.dmcc.ae/cost-of-living-in-dubai-for-expats

https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/public-transport/Nol-Fares

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At ES Dubai, we make studying English a fun and fascinating experience for every student. A family-like atmosphere in a culturally diverse community at our school is our asset. Our school will become your second home while you learn, discover, and enjoy Dubai.