Student Accommodation Abroad Tips for UAE Students

When should UAE students start searching?

Ideally, you should start looking for accommodation as soon as you receive your university offer, or even earlier — alongside your application process.  
The reason: good student accommodation (especially shared housing or purpose-built student flats) tends to get booked fast, especially for international intakes.

Early search helps you avoid last-minute scramble, overpaying, or ending up in low-quality housing.

What documents do I need to secure a room abroad?

Typical requirements (depending on country/ landlord/housing provider) include:

• Passport copy

• Proof of university admission/offer

• Proof of funds (to cover rent & living expenses)

• Sometimes a security deposit and/or references

Should I choose on-campus or off-campus housing?

• On-campus (university dorms/halls): Often simpler for first-year students; more secure; utilities + wifi are sometimes included; easier social support.

• Off-campus (shared flats/houses, private rentals, student apartments): Often cheaper, more flexible and offer more independence. 
  

Before making your decision, you should consider prices, distance/commuting to campus, including bills (utilities, internet), and whether you prefer the buzz of shared living or the privacy of your own space.

How to compare prices across countries (UK vs Canada vs Australia)?

A useful tool is the IDP Cost of Living Calculator, which lets you estimate living costs (including accommodation) depending on destination, city, housing type (own apartment vs shared), and area (city-centre vs suburbs).

Beyond that, you should convert estimates to your local currency to evaluate affordability relative to your home budget and income source (savings, scholarships, family support, part-time work, etc.). Also factor in exchange rate fluctuations if paying from abroad.

To help you plan smarter, we’ve outlined the average accommodation costs across key study cities with lifestyle factors and AED estimates to make budgeting easier.

Notes:

• Rent widely varies by city and housing type. For example, London is significantly more expensive than many smaller UK university towns.

• Shared housing (flatmates, budget student flats, halls with bills included) tends to be cheaper and more predictable for budgeting.

• Always check what’s included: utilities, internet, heating — which can make a big difference.

You don’t have to do this alone! Explore trusted housing options and plan your budget with IDP’s Student Essentials.

• Booking too late — good student housing gets booked early; last-minute options are limited, expensive or low quality.

• Choosing the cheapest rent without checking commute — a cheap flat far from campus might save rent but cost you time and transportation money.

• Ignoring contract terms — e.g. whether utilities are included, length of contract, deposit terms, and house rules.

• Paying landlords directly via unsafe/unverified channels — risk of scams. It is better to use verified agents or secure payment methods.

• Not checking what “bills included” actually means — sometimes only water, not electricity or internet; or heat may be “extra”.

• Booking too late — good student housing gets booked early; last-minute options are limited, expensive or low quality.

• Choosing the cheapest rent without checking commute — a cheap flat far from campus might save rent but cost you time and transportation money.

• Ignoring contract terms — e.g. whether utilities are included, length of contract, deposit terms, and house rules.

• Paying landlords directly via unsafe/unverified channels — risk of scams. It is better to use verified agents or secure payment methods.

• Not checking what “bills included” actually means — sometimes only water, not electricity or internet; or heat may be “extra”.

From the data above, if you’re budget-conscious, the most affordable (on average) tend to be:

• Regional UK cities (outside London) — lower rent, lower cost of living.

• Shared housing in Australia or New Zealand — especially shared houses or student apartments rather than private studios.

• Smaller cities or universities with on-campus housing (if available) — can significantly reduce monthly costs.

Destinations like Toronto or London remain popular for their universities and job/internship opportunities — but you’ll need to budget generously if you choose those.