Campus Reviews: What Students Say About AUS
Student reviews paint a largely positive picture of the American University of Sharjah. With an average Google rating of 4.4 out of 5 from 951 reviews, the university scores well on campus environment and management. A review by Priyadarshini Gaikwad (5 stars) notes: “The campus is huge and with lot of parking space. The campus is clean, with clean washrooms. The university has well organized teams and management.” Another reviewer, Roy (5 stars), calls it “Best University in UAE without a doubt” and praises the management as “extremely supportive, efficient and effective.”
However, a negative review from NKM (1 star) flags a concern about administrative responsiveness: “I have been trying to reach the registrar’s office at University for more than a week, but unfortunately there has been no response to my phone calls or emails.” This suggests that while campus life and facilities are strong, communication with certain offices can be patchy — something to keep in mind if you need timely document processing.
The review by Edarabia UAE (5 stars) provides context: “American University of Sharjah is a private university in the UAE established in 1997. It offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various fields including engineering, business, architecture, and arts and sciences.” This aligns with the university’s QS rank of 272 globally, placing it among the top institutions in the UAE.
City Context: Sharjah as a Student Base
Sharjah is the third-most-populous city in the United Arab Emirates, known for its cultural heritage, museums, and more affordable cost of living compared to nearby Dubai. AUS is located in University City, a dedicated education hub about 15 km east of central Sharjah. The area is quieter than downtown and primarily geared toward academic institutions, which means fewer entertainment options within walking distance but a focused study environment.
For students, this setup implies a trade-off: living near campus (within walking or cycling range) reduces daily commute time, while living in central Sharjah or even Dubai (about a 30–40 minute drive) offers more nightlife, shopping, and dining. Public transport in Sharjah is limited — buses and taxis are available, but many students rely on private cars or shared rides. The university has ample parking, as noted in reviews, so if you own or share a vehicle, commuting becomes flexible.
Budget Bands (Indicative — Confirm with the Operator)
Housing costs in Sharjah vary widely by location and quality. Rent for a single-bedroom apartment in University City generally falls between AED 25,000 and AED 35,000 per year (indicative — confirm with the operator). Shared accommodation — a room in a 2–3 bedroom flat — typically ranges from AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 per year. For those considering Dubai, rents jump significantly (expected from AED 40,000 upward), but the commute time may be acceptable for some. All figures are indicative and subject to change — always verify with the landlord or agent before committing.
Utility bills (electricity, water, cooling, internet) average AED 500–800 per month for a one-bedroom unit. Some residences include utilities in the rent; others do not. Budget an additional AED 1,000–1,500 per month for groceries and essentials in 2026, depending on lifestyle.
Walk vs. Transit Trade-off
Walking zone: Living within a 15–20 minute walk of AUS’s main gate (in University City) means you can roll out of bed and be in class quickly. The campus itself is large, so you will still need to walk across it. Walking saves money and time but limits your housing choices to nearby apartment blocks or purpose-built student housing (if available). There are a few residential compounds on University City Road, but availability is limited.
Transit zone: Most students choose to live in Al Taawun, Al Majaz, or Al Khan (closer to central Sharjah) and commute by car or taxi. A drive from Al Taawun takes about 10–15 minutes; from Al Khan, about 15–20 minutes. Public buses connect University City to the rest of Sharjah, but schedules can be infrequent — a car or ride-hailing service (Careem, Uber) is more reliable. If you rely on public transport, factor in 30–45 minutes one way, plus waiting time.
Budget trade-off: Rent in central Sharjah may be 10–20% lower than in University City, but you will face fuel and parking costs. Parking at AUS is free and plentiful, as reviewers note. So, if you have a car, living slightly farther away can save on rent without adding significant commute stress.
Shortlist Logic: How to Choose a Residence (No Specific List Provided)
No specific nearby residences were supplied in the dataset for this guide. In the absence of a curated list, you can apply the following logic to any potential housing option near AUS:
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Distance to campus — Use Google Maps to measure walk or drive time from the address to University City - Sharjah - United Arab Emirates. A walk under 20 minutes is ideal; under 10 minutes is rare. If you do not have a car, confirm that a bus route (e.g., Route 99 or 88) stops nearby.
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Rent vs. utilities — Ask the operator whether water, electricity, and cooling are included. In Sharjah, older buildings often have “chiller-free” units (central cooling included), while newer ones may charge separately. Get a written breakdown before signing.
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Safety and cleanliness — Reviews of AUS campus are positive on cleanliness; you should apply similar standards to your accommodation. Read Google or community reviews of the building, check for maintenance issues, and visit in person if possible.
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Roommates or solo — Sharing an apartment cuts costs significantly. If you are new to the city, join student Facebook groups (e.g., “AUS Housing 2026”) to find flatmates or sublets. Avoid paying deposits before viewing the unit.
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Contract length — Most leases in Sharjah are for 12 months. Some landlords allow early termination with a penalty. If you are only at AUS for a semester, look for short-term sublets near the university.
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Transport budget — If you drive, include AED 300–500 per month for petrol (depending on commute distance). If you use taxis daily, budget AED 800–1,500 per month. A monthly bus pass costs about AED 150.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I live in Dubai and commute to AUS daily?
Yes, it is possible. The drive from Dubai Marina or Downtown Dubai to AUS takes roughly 30–40 minutes outside peak hours. During morning rush, expect 45–60 minutes. Fuel and tolls (Salik) add to the cost. Many students do this to access Dubai’s social scene, but you lose study time to commuting. If you choose this option, plan your class schedule to avoid peak times.
Q2: What is the typical utility cost for a shared apartment near AUS?
For a shared two-bedroom apartment in University City or nearby areas, utilities (electricity, water, cooling, internet) typically total AED 150–250 per person per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). Older buildings may have higher cooling costs. Always ask the landlord for the average bill for the last few months before signing.
Q3: Are there any purpose-built student accommodation options for AUS?
The dataset for this guide does not include specific student housing operators. AUS itself does not appear to operate on-campus dormitories (based on available information). However, several private residences in University City market themselves as student-friendly. Search for “serviced apartments” near the university or ask the AUS student affairs office for a list of recommended buildings. Due diligence — check lease terms, security deposits, and cancellation policies — is essential.
Data as of 2026. All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator before making any financial commitment.
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