Student Accommodation Sharjah

Sharjah is one of the most beautiful student cities in the United Arab Emirates and attracts thousands of students from across the world every year. This is largely due to the presence of top universities like the American University of Sharjah (AUS), the University of Sharjah (UOS), and Al Qasimia University, known for their academic excellence and vibrant student life.

There are several popular neighborhoods in Sharjah for student living, such as Muwaileh, Aljada, Al Majaz, and Al Taawun, which offer a variety of options, including shared apartments, en-suite rooms, non-en-suite rooms, and studio apartments. Some top student accommodation in Sharjah includes properties with rent starting at just AED 765 per week.

However, with so many options available, choosing the best student housing in Sharjah can feel overwhelming for students. This is where University Living comes in. With over 10+ years of experience in the accommodation abroad industry, we have helped more than 12,000,000 students find their home away from home. So, if you are an international student looking for properties in Sharjah, you are at the right place.

In order to boost convenience and provide students with better options in terms of type of properties, the student accommodation in UAE is divided into 2 basic types, namely: Student Housing and Private Apartments. Both of these have their own pros and cons and therefore are suited for different sets of people with different budgets. Student housing is further divided into 4 types, which have been detailed in brief below:

Student Housing

Also popularly called as PBSAs (Purpose-Built Student Accommodation), these are special properties that are made specifically for student accommodation in Sharjah. The best part about these properties is that their rent includes major utility bills like electricity, water, gas, and Wi-Fi bills, along with several facilities that students might require while pursuing their education in the British city. To cater to the needs of students with all sorts of economic backgrounds, PBSAs are further divided into 4 types, which are also explained briefly below:

• Shared Apartments: These are the most affordable type of student rooms in Sharjah. Students get to share a room with 2/3 other occupants along with a shared bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Since everything is shared, the per-person costs turn out to be incredibly low.

• En-Suite Accommodation: These are the most preferred type of student apartments in Sharjah. In these properties, students get to have an entire room to themselves that comes with an attached bathroom, a shared living room, and a kitchen.

• Non En-Suite Accommodation: These properties are very similar to En-Suite Accommodations. The only difference between the two is that, unlike its counterpart, a Non-En-Suite Accommodation does not come with a personal bathroom. Students get a personal room, but the bathroom, living room, and kitchen are shared among all occupants of the property.

• Studio Apartments: These are the most comfortable and private student stays in Sharjah. In these properties, students get to have an entire unit to themselves that comes with a bed, bathroom, and a kitchen.

Private Apartments

Private Apartments are the most comfortable type of student properties in Sharjah. These are not a part of PBSAs and are leased out on an individual basis as independent homes. Students who book these properties get the entire apartment with 2/3 rooms with attached bathrooms, a living room, and a kitchen to themselves. Students must note that the rent for these properties does not include any utility bills like electricity, water, or gas. Every expense is on top of the rent you already pay. These properties are suited for both university students and working professionals.

Sharjah is a culturally rich and family-friendly emirate located along the Arabian Gulf, just a 20-minute drive from Dubai, making it an integral part of the greater Dubai-Sharjah-Ajman metropolitan area. Known as the "Cultural Capital of the Arab World" (a title bestowed by UNESCO), Sharjah stands apart from its glitzy neighbor with a deep commitment to art, heritage, and Islamic traditions. The city is famous for its beautifully restored souks, stunning mosques (including the King Faisal Mosque), and over 20 museums, such as the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization and the Sharjah Art Museum. With strict laws regarding alcohol and dress codes, Sharjah offers a calmer, more conservative, and more affordable alternative to Dubai, making it especially popular with families and students.

Every year, thousands of students come to Sharjah to study at top institutions like the University of Sharjah, the American University of Sharjah (AUS), and Skyline University College. With tens of thousands of students enrolled across these universities, finding the right student accommodation is a major challenge. Although the city offers many housing options, with rents ranging from approximately AED 1,500 to AED 5,000 per month, the search can still be overwhelming. Well, if you are looking for student properties in Sharjah, you are at the right place. We at University Living have over a decade of experience helping students find their perfect home away from home. Students can choose from the several hundred properties that we have in our portfolio!

For a long period of time, Sharjah was the largest city in the United Arab Emirates after Dubai. It is also one of the best cities in the country for students and is home to more than 20,000 students. There are several neighbourhoods in the city, and students can live in any area that they find suitable. However, it is important to note that there are several neighbourhoods which already have an established student community, and students are recommended to stay in such areas to ensure that they can reach out to their peers in case of any emergencies or concerns.

Muwaileh

One of the best neighbourhoods for student accommodation in Sharjah is Muwaileh, which is located right adjacent to Sharjah’s main education hub, the University City Sharjah. The neighbourhood is just a short 5-minute walk from major universities in the city, and therefore, has a high student population. This is one of the premier destinations for student rooms in Sharjah and is also gaining popularity among students and professionals alike! Muwaileh offers a unique balance between lifestyle convenience and high rental returns, making it consistently one of Sharjah's top choices for student accommodation. One of the best places to shop around in the neighbourhood is the City Centre Al Zahia, which is a major shopping mall located nearby and features numerous retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment options. This is a popular weekend destination for students. The best part about Muwaileh is the University City Sharjah, one of the Middle East's fastest-growing education hubs, which houses some top universities in the country, like the University of Sharjah, American University of Sharjah, and eight other colleges and institutions. Together, these universities host some 20,000 students. Muwaileh also features numerous affordable cafes and budget-friendly eateries popular with students for study breaks and socializing. The neighbourhood also houses the Al Zahia Community, which is a large residential development with parks, walking paths, and community facilities often used by students for recreation. The rent for student rooms in the neighbourhood ranges between AED 4500 and AED 5200 per month.

Aljada

Valued at AED 24 billion, Aljada is Sharjah’s largest ever megaproject, and is one of the top neighbourhoods for student apartments in Sharjah. This area is located a short 10-minute walk from the University City, and the complex features 2,473 fully furnished dormitories spread over 12 apartment blocks, including studios, En-Suite accommodations and dormitories! The community provides a complete living-learning environment where students can study, relax, and socialize within a single integrated development. The best part about this neighbourhood is the Nest Art Studio, which is a dedicated creative space within the complex for art and design students, and features facilities for various artistic pursuits. For music lovers, the Nest Music Hall is a soundproofed venue for musical practice and performances, which is available to residents. If you are a bookworm, Aljada has got you covered with the Nest Library, which is a well-stocked study facility within the complex, providing a quiet environment for academic work. The community even features gender-segregated recreational swimming pools and gyms for comfort, fitness and privacy for all residents! Also, how can we forget the Nest Amphitheatre, which is an outdoor performance and gathering space used for community events, movie nights, and student activities. This is undoubtedly one of the best neighbourhoods in the city, and the average rent for student properties in Aljada ranges between AED 4000 and AED 5000 per month.

Al Majaz

Located 15 minutes away from the University City Sharjah, one of the most desirable neighbourhoods for student rooms in Sharjah, is Al Majaz, which gives students the opportunity to enjoy a scenic waterfront living along the Khalid Lagoon! This vibrant neighbourhood is situated in central Sharjah, and is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, beautiful parks, and excellent amenities. It is best suited for students who wish to live around outdoor activities and a waterfront, due to the abundance of green spaces and waterfront promenades in the neighbourhood! One of the best places to visit in the neighbourhood is the Al Majaz Waterfront, which is a spectacular 8-kilometer waterfront promenade along the Khalid Lagoon, and features fountains, children's play areas, cafes, and restaurants. This is one of the most popular evening hangout spots in the city. The Khalid Lagoon also houses the Sharjah Fountain, which is one of the world’s tallest fountains and offers majestic evening light and water shows! The Al Noor Island, is another iconic island in the lagoon featuring butterfly house, literature pavilion, and sculpture park. This island is accessible via a pedestrian bridge from Al Majaz. One place that students can’t afford to miss in Al Majaz is Al Qasba, which is a major cultural and entertainment destination in the city, and features the eye of the Emirates Ferris wheel, musical fountain, art galleries, and numerous cafes. The average rent for student properties in the happening neighbourhood ranges between AED 2750 and AED 3500 per month.

Al Taawun

Strategically situated between the Sharjah-Dubai border, this neighbourhood is a short 10-minute bus ride from the university city and offers students the unique advantage of easy access to both emirates! In fact, the Dubai International Academic City is also a short 20-minute drive from the neighbourhood and hence, also houses students who study in Dubai but live in Sharjah for affordability! Al Taawun is one of the most affordable neighbourhoods in the city, and houses one of the biggest student communities in Sharjah! The student population in the neighbourhood keeps local cafés and budget eateries lively, creating a vibrant, youthful atmosphere. The best part about Al Taawun is its prime location and quick access to both emirates via major highways, and thus, it is ideal for students with activities or part-time jobs in Dubai. It also houses the Al Taawun Bus Station, which is a major public transport hub connecting Sharjah to various parts of Dubai and other emirates, and is a boon for non-driving students. Students also don’t need to worry about weekend grocery shopping, as the area is home to Nesto Hypermarket, which is a large budget-friendly supermarket popular with students for affordable grocery shopping and household essentials. The best spot for recreation in the city is the Al Nahda Park, a landscaped public park offering green space for picnics, jogging, and relaxation away from studies. The average rent for student properties in Al Taawun ranges between AED 2100 and AED 3000 per month.

Sharjah is one of the most affordable cities to live in the UAE, and you can expect to spend a month in Sharjah for well under 5,500 AED. Everything from food to student accommodation is affordable when compared to other major student cities like Dubai or Abu Dhabi. However, it is recommended that students make a budget and track their expenses to avoid overspending.

The table below highlights the Cost of Living in Sharjah for students:

PS: Students must note that these figures are tentative and might change based on their actual consumption and expenses! However, if students wish to have a better understanding of the cost of living in Sharjah, they can use University Living’s cost-of-living calculator!

When it comes to top student accommodation in Sharjah, there are plenty of options to choose from for students. However, there are certain points that must be kept in mind. Find a property in which utility bills are included in the rent and make sure it is located in a student neighbourhood in the city with good transport connectivity. Therefore, here are the top student properties in the city.

The rent for student accommodation in Sharjah starts at just AED 2100 per month.

• Nest Campus

• The Myriad

• ESAW Premium Student Living

• VOGO Grand

Sharjah is home to more than 150,000 residents, and therefore, to make the daily commute easier, the city has developed an extensive network of public transit systems that help them travel within the city and outside without any concerns or issues. The modes of transport in the city include buses and train services that run at regular intervals. The city also offers special discount cards that further promote affordable travel for students. These have been explained briefly below:

Mowasalat Public Buses

The bus services in Sharjah are operated by Mowasalat, which is a government transport authority. These services are the major mode of transport in the city and cover major residential areas and connect key destinations, including universities, shopping malls, and the inter-emirate border with Dubai. The main bus station in the city is Al Jubail, while Rolla and Al Wahda are other important bus stations in the city! The ticket price of these services ranges between AED 4-12, depending on the distance travelled.

University Shuttle Buses

Several universities in Sharjah operate their own private shuttle bus services for students, and this is considered the most convenient and safe way of transit for students! These shuttles pick up and drop off students from designated locations across the city to the university. Some of the major universities that provide shuttle services to students include the University of Sharjah and the American University of Sharjah. The transportation costs are generally included in the course fees; however, this might vary, based on the university!

Sharjah is one of the most beautiful cities in the country, and every year, hundreds and thousands of tourists from all across the globe visit one of the most well-preserved cultural cities in the United Arab Emirates. From museums to art galleries to mosques, Sharjah is nothing short of a paradise for people who love history and art. Some of the top tourist attractions for students in the city are explained briefly below:

Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization

Highly regarded as one of the premier cultural attractions of Sharjah, the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization is located right in the middle of the city and houses thousands of artefacts spanning the rich history of Islamic civilization, from the 7th century to the present day! The museum features rare manuscripts, intricate metalwork, beautiful ceramics, and a stunning display of Islamic scientific instruments. One of the best part about this museum is its iconic gold dome, which features an impressive mosaic of zodiac signs, and is visible from across the city! This is absolutely one of the top places to visit in the city!

Heart of Sharjah

Another one of the best places to visit in the city is the Heart of Sharjah, which is an ambitious personal project of HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al-Qasimi, which aims at restoring the old town of Sharjah back to its 1950s glory! This area consists of restored traditional Emirati houses, souks, courtyards, and alleyways that transport visitors back in time. The Heart houses the world-famous Sharjah Fort, which was once the home to the ruler of Sharjah! This area is best explored on foot, and allows visitors to appreciate the coral-stone and barjeel (wind tower) architecture that defines traditional Gulf design.

Al Majaz Waterfront

One of the best recreational and leisure spots in the city is the Al Majaz waterfront, which stretches along the scenic Khalid Lagoon! This sprawling park features beautifully landscaped gardens, children's play areas, jogging tracks, and a stunning musical fountain, which is one of the largest in the world! The Sharjah fountain goes up over 100 meters high, and is famous for its light and sound show. The area is dotted with cafes and restaurants, making it a favorite spot for families and young people to relax, dine, and enjoy the evening.

Sharjah is one of the top preferences for students in the country for higher education, and therefore, every year, thousands of students come to the city to become a part of its vibrant student community. One of the main reasons for this is the presence of some of the top universities in the country. These universities are pioneers of educational research and training in the region and, therefore, are preferred by students. Some of the top universities in Sharjah have been explained briefly below:

American University of Sharjah (AUS)

Consistently ranked as the best university in the Arab world, the American University of Sharjah was founded back in 1997 by HH Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi. Employers in the Arab countries are particularly fond of the students from the University. AUS follows an American-style liberal arts model, with English as the medium of instruction, and has a stunning, contemporary campus is located in the University City area of Sharjah. Some of the top courses chosen by students include Business Administration (MBA), Engineering, Architecture & Design, and Computer Science & Information Technology. The university has also produced several notable alumni including HE His Excellency Charles Mbakka, Mishal Kanoo, Ali Alsuwaidi, and Leila Nalouti!

University of Sharjah (UOS)

Considered as the powerhouse of educational research and training in the UAE, the University of Sharjah is one of the best public universities in the country and is known for its strong ties to the Sharjah government and its focus on serving the local community while maintaining global academic standards. Some of the top courses chosen by students include Law, Medicine and Health Sciences, Engineering, and Business & Economics! Some of the most notable alumni of the university include Mohammed Saleh, Zainab Al-Eqabi, Amna Al Shamsi, and Alaa al-Siddiq!

Al Qasimia University

One of the best universities in the world for Islamic studies is the Al Qasimia University, and is a distinctive institution named after and sponsored by the Ruler of Sharjah. The university places a strong emphasis on offering scholarships to international students from around the world, and is also home to the Islamic Cultural Center, which organizes major events like the Sharjah International Holy Quran Award. AQU is a unique destination for students interested in the Arabic language and Islamic heritage. Some of the top courses chosen by students include Sharia & Islamic Studies, Arabic Language & Literature, and Quranic Studies & Recitation!