Things to keep in mind as an international student in Dubai

Are you a foreigner shortlisting universities in Dubai for your higher education? If yes, this guide for international students in Dubai is for you. As you go about evaluating your university choices, there are several things you should keep in mind as a potential overseas student in Dubai. Before you fret over what these things are, let’s skip to our exclusive tips for international students in Dubai.

The Basic Guide for International Students in Dubai

The Cultural Shock

No matter how good you are at absorbing the various quirks of different cultures, the Emirati traditions are bound to take you by surprise. To help you get accustomed to the region, you need a comprehensive guide for international students in Dubai. The UAE is a 200-nationalities strong region – an area so culturally diverse that it’s often difficult to distinguish the various traditions that blend into this melting pot. But even with so many religions and ethnicities living here, Islam is the official religion of the UAE.

Someone who isn’t acclimatised with Islamic traditions may find a lot of religious and cultural practices of Arabs a bit odd. So, as a basic guideline be careful about the following things to avoid unnecessary embarrassment:

• No public displays of affection with anyone, regardless of gender
• No public drinking, brawling, swearing or rude gesturing
• Always dress modestly, especially when attending local festivals

Getting Around Dubai

Getting around Dubai is no joke, especially when you can’t bicycle or walk around town in the sweltering heat. Taxis are expensive. So, the only real and affordable options you have to get around the city without breaking your bank is via the public bus or rapid transit line, Dubai Metro. It is best if you familiarise yourself with the routes and areas that you would frequently visit. Also, there wouldn’t be any point to this guide for international students in Dubai if we didn’t tell you a timesaving hack. As soon as you arrive in Dubai, purchase a rechargeable NoI card for yourself. It’ll save you long queues and drastically decrease your commute time. 

If you do however have a higher budget for transportation as an international student, you could look at getting a licence and renting a car in Dubai or purchasing one second hand. 

Accommodation for Students in Dubai

This perhaps is the most important thing in this guide for international students in Dubai. When you’re an foreign student in Dubai, finding a home away from home is not that difficult. Accommodations of all types are available in abundance throughout Dubai. Where you stay, boils down to a matter of preference on your part. A lot of students prefer staying in on- or off-campus student housing provided by their universities. These accommodations are closer to campus and easier on the pockets. However, they are available in limited numbers and you might miss out on them if you’re not quick enough. Thankfully, there are many affordable areas to rent studio apartments in Dubai.

Besides that, most universities in Dubai are concentrated in two major districts – the Dubai Academic City and Dubai Knowledge Village. These areas are surrounded by residential districts that offer affordable living and accommodation, such as Dubailand and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC).  For more options, check out our post on the most popular area for students to live in Dubai.

Health Insurance for International Students in Dubai

Foreign students in Dubai need to have health insurance. In fact, it is an essential requirement for your student visa application. Without reliable health insurance, your application to study in Dubai will not be entertained. Medical care in Dubai is expensive. Add that to your already high tuition fee and accommodation expenses and you might start worrying about the money situation – unless that’s not a problem at all.

Having health insurance helps you evade the high healthcare costs in Dubai. Sometimes, your healthcare is sponsored by the university, like in the case of Middlesex University Dubai. In such a situation all your medical insurance bills are included in your Student Visa Package fees. Alternatively, some universities allow student healthcare to be sponsored by their respective families. It’s always better to know how things work for your priority list.

Work Opportunities for International Students in Dubai

Perhaps the most commonly asked question overseas students have is: can international students work and study in Dubai? Our guide for international students in Dubai will answer this question with complete clarity.

Until recently, overseas students in Dubai could not work, but that has changed now. International students can take up part-time jobs and internships in Dubai as long as they fulfil the legal criteria and their respective university’s requirements. The student visa still doesn’t allow full-time jobs for foreign students in Dubai.

Part-time jobs for international students in Dubai require a work permit from the UAE Labour Department. Unless you have a university sponsorship, you will not be granted the part-time work permit. Part-time jobs for international students in Dubai are available as both on-campus and off-campus work. A lot of universities provide year-round on-campus jobs in various departments that can add valuable exposure to your experience.

Just like part-time jobs, a plethora of internships for international students in Dubai is up for grabs. But before you start, you need permission from your respective universities to register yourself for a specific internship program. Some of the best universities in Dubai even have their own internship programs where they help students gain exposure through relevant placements.

Student Life in Dubai

Quality higher education is not the only thing that makes your student life in Dubai worthwhile. This vibrant emirate has all the elements that ensure you have a ball during your stay as a student in Dubai. Our guide for international students in Dubai would be incomplete if we didn’t tell you how and where to have fun while you’re studying there. Whether you’re living in off- or on-campus student accommodation or a rental studio in Dubai, there is plenty to enjoy in the city. Restaurants, nightlife, beaches, festivals and tons of activities in Dubai make it an excellent destination for overseas students. The best part is that not everything has to cost money – there are actually a lot of things to do for free in Dubai.  

That’s all about the tips for international students in Dubai for now. Keep in mind that Dubai can be very different from other higher education destinations around the world. For overseas students in Dubai, it’s good to expect the unexpected. So, don’t make up your mind without experiencing life here. If you want to have an easy-going time while studying in Dubai, follow this guide for international students in Dubai.

Studying in Dubai can be career-defining for you and not knowing what this amazing city has in store for you can make it difficult to reach an ultimate decision. We hope this guide for international students in Dubai helps you familiarise yourself to the local environment and gets rid of any qualms you had about making the move. For any feedback or queries regarding the same, hit us up on social@bayut.com. While you’re in Dubai, follow MyBayut to stay updated with everything happening in and around Dubai!