Affordable Accommodation Facilities in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students

Accommodation Options in Saudi Arabia for International Students

1. University Dormitories (On-Campus Housing)

Pros:

• Affordable and convenient

• Close to academic buildings and facilities

• Often includes utilities and internet

• Secure and safe

Cons:

• Limited privacy

• May have rules or curfews

• Gender-segregated (men and women have separate accommodations)

2. Off-Campus Apartments

Pros:

• More privacy and independence

• Can live with friends or fellow students

• Greater flexibility in terms of location

Cons:

• Higher costs (rent + utilities + furnishing)

• You’ll need to arrange internet, electricity, etc.

• Transportation might be needed

Popular Cities with Student Apartments:

• Riyadh

• Jeddah

• Dammam

• Medina

3. Private Student Housing

Pros:

• Designed for students

• Offers a balance of independence and community

• Furnished with study spaces, Wi-Fi, etc.

Cons:

• May be more expensive than university housing

• Limited availability depending on the city

4. Shared Accommodation / Flatshares

Pros:

• Cost-sharing makes it more affordable

• Great for social interaction and language practice

Cons:

• Must be careful when choosing roommates

• Legal rental agreements may be required

5. Host Families (Less Common)

Pros:

• Cultural immersion

• Home-cooked meals and local insights

Cons:

• Not widely available in Saudi Arabia

• May come with lifestyle restrictions

Cost Range (Estimates per Month)

Type	Estimated Cost (USD/month)
University Dorms	$100 – $300
Shared Apartment	$200 – $500
Private Apartment	$400 – $800+
Private Student Housing	$300 – $600

 

Universities in Saudi Arabia

Cost of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students

 Cost of Accommodation in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students (Monthly Estimates)

Accommodation Type	Cost Range (SAR)	Cost Range (INR)*	Notes
University Dormitory	300 – 1,000 SAR	6,700 – 22,000	Often subsidized or free for scholarship students
Shared Apartment	800 – 1,500 SAR	18,000 – 33,000	Popular with Indian and other expat students
Private Apartment	1,500 – 3,000 SAR	33,000 – 66,000	Suitable for students who want privacy or live with family
Private Student Housing	1,200 – 2,000 SAR	26,000 – 44,000	Offers amenities, good for new arrivals
Host Family (rare)	1,000 – 2,000 SAR	22,000 – 44,000	Culturally less common, but may exist via programs

Factors That Affect Cost:

• City: Riyadh and Jeddah are more expensive than cities like Dammam, Abha, or Hail.

• Room Type: Single rooms cost more; shared rooms save money.

• Furnishing: Fully furnished places cost more, but save setup hassle.

• Bills: Check if internet, electricity, water are included.

Tips for Indian Students:

• University Scholarships: Some Saudi scholarships (like KASP or Islamic University of Madinah scholarships) cover housing 100%.

• Indian Communities: There are sizable Indian student groups in major universities—joining them can help you find roommates or housing leads.

• Cooking: Many Indian students prefer accommodation with kitchen access due to dietary preferences (veg, halal, spices).

• Roommates: Sharing with fellow Indian students can cut costs and make the transition easier.
   

Study in Saudi Arabia

Affordable Accommodation Facilities in Saudi Arabia

1.  University Dormitories (On-Campus Housing)

Best for: Students on scholarships or studying full-time
Cost: Free – 1,000 SAR/month (0 – 22,000/month)
Includes: Basic furnishings, utilities, internet, and sometimes meals
Pros:
Highly affordable or free
Safe and secure
Easy access to campus
Cons:
Limited privacy
May be gender-segregated

2.  Shared Apartments / Flatshares

Best for: Students and young professionals
Cost: 800 – 1,500 SAR/month (18,000 – 33,000)
Includes: Rent only – utilities may be separate
Pros:
Lower cost than solo apartments
Shared bills
Can choose roommates (often from same nationality)
Cons:
Varies in quality
Need to manage housework, bills

3.  Private Rooms in Family Apartments (For Male Students/Workers)

Best for: Solo male students or workers
Cost: 600 – 1,000 SAR/month (13,000 – 22,000)
Includes: Room only (sometimes shared bathroom and kitchen)
Pros:
Very affordable
Common in cities like Riyadh, Jeddah, Dammam
Cons:
Limited privacy
May have restrictions (curfews, no visitors)

4.  Budget Furnished Studios (Outside City Centers)

Best for: Students or workers looking for independence
Cost: 1,200 – 2,000 SAR/month (26,000 – 44,000)
Includes: Furnished studio with kitchenette and bathroom
Pros:
Private and fully equipped
Good for long-term stay
Cons:
Further from city/university
Higher cost than shared housing

5.  Mosque-Adjacent Hostels or Sponsored Housing (Rare but Free)

Best for: Religious students (e.g., studying at Islamic University)
Cost: Free – subsidized by the institution
Includes: Dorms, food, allowances
Pros:
Fully free
Designed for international Islamic students
Cons:
Available only at select institutions (e.g., Madinah, Umm al-Qura)

 Cities with Cheaper Accommodation

• Hail

• Abha

• Tabuk

• Al-Ahsa

• Buraidah

• Najran
   

Part-time Job Options in Saudi Arabia for Indian Students