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What It’s Like to Be a Student in Dubai: Lifestyle, Culture & More
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Introduction
If you hear about Dubai, the first things that come to your mind are gold, tall buildings, luxurious lifestyle and futuristic architecture. But all this luxury and glamour is not the only thing that Dubai is popular for. Dubai is also becoming a popular hub for higher education. Due to its high focus on innovation and international partnerships, students from all over the world are coming to Dubai for higher studies.
So how does it feel to be a student in this Luxurious city?
When you study in Dubai, you get high-quality education, rich cultural experience and a wonderful lifestyle. Dubai has top globally recognised universities. They offer degrees in various areas like design, engineering, management, finance, etc. Dubai universities have modern teaching methods and access to exciting job markets.
Student life in Dubai is not just limited to books and classrooms. Students here also enjoy sunny beaches, bustling souks, desert adventures, and global cuisine. It’s a city where you can have a tea at local café after classes, explore futuristic museums on weekends and network with professionals from all over the world.
Living in Dubai means you have to adapt to certain cultural expectations and local customs. In this blog, we will get to know about the student life in Dubai. You will get to know about academic life, social experiences, work opportunities and many more things about being a student in Dubai. If you are considering Dubai for further studies then you can take help of Global Colliance. It is a leading abroad education consultant in Vadodara.
Academic Environment in Dubai
Dubai is gaining popularity as a global education destination. The city provides a dynamic academic environment which appeals to students from all over the world. The city has top-rated universities. There are local institutions as well as branch campuses of renowned universities like Heriot-Watt University, Middle Sex University, University of Birmingham and many more.
In Dubai, most programs are taught in English. This helps international students a lot. The entire curriculum of the course in Dubai is designed keeping in mind international standards and the job market. The classroom environment is typically modern and technologically advanced. Universities focus on project-based learning and real-world problem-solving.
Cost of Living and Student Budget
The cost of studying in Dubai is quite high. But if planned well, then the cost can be controlled. Dubai is well-known for luxuries but students’ life here doesn’t come with an extravagant price tag. If proper choices are made ,then you can have a good life.
Accommodation is the biggest expense. Housing provided by university or student residences will cost you around AED 2500-4500 monthly. You can also opt for off-campus housing, where you can split the rent with roommates.
Food expenses can be managed very well. There are budget-friendly street food options as well as high-end dining. Monthly expenses for groceries and occasional eating will come from AED 800 to AED 1200.
Due to the Public transport system, transportation is very cheap. Students can avail a discount on fares of metro, buses and trams. You can also take a transport pass, which will cost you around AED 300-400 per month. Mobile phones, the internet, study aids, and sporadic recreational activities are additional necessary costs. Entertainment expenses will be around AED 300-500 per month.
Student Life and Social Scene
Dubai student life combines education, culture, and recreation. You attend lectures, explore the city’s tourist attractions, or simply hang out with friends. You won’t find any dull moments in this dynamic city.
On campus life is lively and quite engaging. The majority of universities have clubs, societies and student-led events. There are tech meetups, cultural fests and talent shows. Due to these activities, students can meet new people and create new friendships.
Outside the classroom, there are a lot of opportunities in Dubai. You can go for weekend outings which include beach visits, shopping at malls, desert safaris, attending concerts etc. Foodies get a lot of food options in Dubai. You can find a variety of food options at cafes and restaurants. Students love hanging out at cafes, food courts, and late-night tea spots.
Culture, Customs and Local Etiquette
Dubai is a city where tradition meets modernity. The city encourages futuristic technology, global business and a diverse population. But at the same time, it has deep respect for its cultural roots which are grounded in Islamic values. Being a student in Dubai, you will need to blend with local culture and customs. When you do so, you will enhance your local experience.
Emirati culture is warm, hospitable, and family-oriented. The residents are proud of their heritage and welcome students. You’ll frequently hear expressions like Shukran (thank you) and Inshallah (God willing). It is regarded as highly courteous to use these gestures in everyday discourse.
Social etiquette includes being respectful to elders, using polite language, and avoiding public displays of affection. During Ramadan, even if you are non-Muslims, you shall refrain from eating or drinking in public places during daytime. This is to respect their culture.
Religious tolerance is another hallmark in Dubai. Even though Islam is the official religion but people from all faiths are free to practice their beliefs and culture. People celebrate different Festivals like Diwali, Christmas and Chinese New Year.
Work Opportunities for Students
There are a lot of post-study work opportunities in Dubai. Students here get an opportunity to work part-time as well as internships. This gives you practical exposure to the real world.
UAE Labour Law allows international students to work part-time during their studies. For this, students will need a ‘Student Work Permit” issued by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Many universities in Dubai are located in free zones like Dubai Knowledge Park or Dubai International Academic City. They help students in getting these permits and also offer on-campus jobs.
Students are allowed to work 15 hours per week or 60 hours per month during academic sessions. Some of the popular part-time roles they take up are administrative support, content creation, and campus ambassador programs.
Dubai is well-known for internships and industry placements. Many top companies collaborate with universities to offer internships and job placements. Freelancing is also quite popular in Dubai for creative and technical skills. For this, you need to get a freelancer license.
Challenges Faced by International Students
Studying in Dubai comes with a lot of benefits, but at the same time, there are a lot of challenges that students have to face. Let’s go through the challenges faced: –
Culture Adjustment
One of the major challenges that international students face is cultural adjustment. Dubai is a multicultural city which has a strong Islamic influence. Students may find it difficult or take time to adjust to local customs and traditions.
Cost of Living
Dubai has a high standard of living which can be a bit expensive. Students may find it difficult to manage accommodation, food and transport-related expenses. Students will need to take some part-time work to manage expenses.
Academic Pressure
Students may face intense pressure due to competitive programs. Managing coursework, adapting to the new education system and having good grades with part part-time job is not so easy.
Bureaucracy
Navigating bureaucracy for tasks like visa renewals, work permits, or health insurance requirements can be quite confusing.
Tips for Adapting to Student Life in Dubai
Adjusting to student life in Dubai can be smooth if done with the right mindset and preparation. Let’s go through some of the tips that can help you adjust and have a better student life in Dubai: –
Learn About Local Culture and Laws
Dubai is a culturally rich city grounded in Islamic traditions. Try to learn and adjust to local customs, dress codes and laws. If you respect the local culture, then you will be able to live happily in Dubai.
Budget Wisely
Dubai can be expensive if you don’t care about spending. Create a monthly budget for essentials like rent, food, transport and leisure. Also, look for student discounts and public transport passes. This will save you money.
Make Use of University Support Services
The majority of Universities offer you student counselling, academic help, visa assistance and career support. Do reach out to them if the need arises.
Build a Social Network
Join student clubs, attend campus events and connect with international students. A strong social circle will help you to combat homesickness and enhance your overall experience.
Stay open-minded and Curious
Dubai has people from different cultures and nationalities. Embrace these diversities by trying new foods, learning a few Arabic phrases and participating in new cultural celebrations.
Stay Organised
Managing time effectively is very important. Keep track of your assignments and job applications. You can use planners to stay on top of everything.
Conclusion
Studying in Dubai is not just about earning a degree but it’s a life-changing experience which will offer cultural diversity, academic excellence, and global exposure. From modern infrastructure to vibrant social life, Dubai provides a unique environment where students can grow personally and professionally.
When you are adapting to a new country, you may face a lot of challenges like cultural differences, budgeting and adjusting to a new lifestyle. Dubai’s welcoming atmosphere, safety and multicultural population make the transition easier.
Student life in Dubai is not limited to books and classrooms. You can spend an evening at the beach, attend a cultural fest, or network at a tech summit. As a student, you get to do a lot of things.
Dubai opens roads to endless opportunities, personal growth and unforgettable experiences. If you are planning to study in Dubai, then you can take the help of Global Colliance. It is one of the leading study-abroad consultants in Ahmedabad.
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