Popular areas for students to live in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi has made significant investments in international education over recent decades. Collaborations with international educational institutions have proved fruitful and many prominent universities have established campuses in the capital city. As a result, an increasing number of students are opting to study in the UAE’s capital. But what are the best areas for students to live in Abu Dhabi? Let’s take a look.
LIST OF AREAS IN ABU DHABI SUITABLE FOR STUDENTS
Here’s a list of some of the most popular places to stay if you’re a student looking for comfortable accommodation in Abu Dhabi.
Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island stands out as one of the most popular areas for students to live in Abu Dhabi, offering a perfect blend of convenience and comfort. Home to Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, the island has become a sought-after address for students seeking proximity to their campus.
With a range of rental apartments, modern facilities and easy access to the city’s main educational institutions, Al Reem Island provides a well-balanced lifestyle ideal for academic life.
Rental studio units in Al Reem Island start from AED 64k and 1-bedroom flats are available for AED 88k, making it a well-rounded option for both local and international students.
Khalifa City
Khalifa City is another excellent option for budget living for students. Located just off the main Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway, it provides easy access to Khalifa University SAN Campus and Abu Dhabi University. The area offers a calm, suburban atmosphere with green spaces, affordable rentals and essential amenities within reach.
Studio apartments for rent in Khalifa City are priced at AED 31k, whilst 1-bed flats usually have asking rents of AED 50k. With supermarkets, gyms and eateries nearby, living in Khalifa City balances cost and convenience, making it one of the most affordable areas for students in Abu Dhabi.
Al Khalidiyah
Al Khalidiyah stands out for its central location and cultural vibrancy, making it one of the popular areas for students to live in Abu Dhabi. It is home to the Emirates College of Technology with easy access to Sorbonne University and Khalifa University.
Rent here is competitive, with studios starting from AED 20K, while 1-bed rental flats in Al Khalidiyah average at AED 55K per year. Its central location and social buzz make it one of the most attractive places to live in Abu Dhabi as a student, especially for those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Saadiyat Island
Home to New York University Abu Dhabi, Saadiyat Island is synonymous with premium student living. Being one of the top areas to rent flats near colleges in Abu Dhabi, the island combines academic excellence with cultural richness, featuring landmarks like the Louvre Abu Dhabi and Manarat Al Saadiyat.
Though rents here are higher, with studios starting at AED 77K, Saadiyat offers unmatched quality and convenience. Those looking for 1-bed rental flats in Saadiyat Island can expect to pay AED 128k upwards.
Al Nahyan
Last on our list of most popular areas for students to live in Abu Dhabi is Al Nahyan. The area is well-connected and features a mix of old and new apartments at varied price points, ideal for students seeking off-campus accommodation in Abu Dhabi. It’s just a 6 minutes away from Khalifa University and 15 minutes from Higher Colleges of Technology.
Churches, temples, mosques, shops, hospitals, schools and retail malls are all in close proximity to this popular district, only adding to its appealing nature. Studio apartments to rent in Al Nahyan start from AED 11k and 1-bed flats are available for AED 45k per annum.
FAQS ABOUT STUDENT HOUSING IN ABU DHABI
Which areas offer affordable student accommodation in Abu Dhabi?
Al Nahyan and Khalifa City provide some of the most affordable budget living for students with studios starting as low as AED 11,000 annually.
Which neighbourhoods are close to major universities in Abu Dhabi?
Al Reem Island, Khalifa City and Saadiyat Island are conveniently located near prominent institutions such as Sorbonne University, Khalifa University and New York University Abu Dhabi.
WHAT ARE THE TOP UNIVERSITIES IN ABU DHABI?
Abu Dhabi’s top universities include Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies, Rabdan Academy and New York University Abu Dhabi.
When relocating to a new apartment on a student budget, it is critical to consider both cost and closeness to your educational institution. It obviously wouldn’t make sense to save money on rent but spend everything saved on commuting costs. With that in mind, our guide containing everything you need to know about public transportation in Abu Dhabi is definitely worth a read.
That concludes our look at the popular areas for students accommodation in Abu Dhabi. We hope the information provided proves helpful and that you find the perfect area for you.
Are you studying in Abu Dhabi’s neighbouring emirate? Our guide to popular places for students to live in Dubai is packed full of useful information.
