Housing near Bar-Ilan University: 2026 student guide

What Campus Reviews Reveal

Bar-Ilan University sits in Ramat Gan, a city east of Tel Aviv. The student body is diverse, with a mix of Israeli and international students. Campus reviews offer a candid look at daily life, though they span several years and reflect very different experiences.

Evie Fox (rating 1, a month ago) wrote: “The management doesn’t care. They may give you a few phone numbers and claim you can ‘call them and ask any questions you have.’ But after the moment you call and ask a critical question, they’ll ghost you. You can call every day for weeks. They will not ‘return to you later that day’ to help you wi…” This review points to frustration with administrative responsiveness, something housing seekers should keep in mind when dealing with university accommodation or landlord issues.

Monalisa Singh Roy (rating 4, 4 years ago) offered a more balanced view: “Great place for studying and research in theoretical physics, computer science, mathematics, and also religious studies. The international students department is relatively new but doing a great job, with more time their services would be more streamlined. But they try to ensure that international s…” This suggests the international office can be a resource, even if still improving.

Money White (rating 1, 5 years ago) warned: “I have to do 7 Jewish courses because I failed on a subject. They don’t answer the phone (only if you are pressing the sign in numbe) Very bad place If you are not Religious don’t go there!!. be careful.” This review highlights mandatory religious studies – something non-religious students may need to factor into their decision.

Nehemiah Kivelevitz (rating 4, 9 years ago) noted: “The university has shuttle that goes along campus for easy transport. The studies are decent, however this really depends on which department you are in. The signing up for classes and bureaucracy is pretty awful. The student community is wonderful though!” The shuttle is still running today, and the strong community is a recurring positive theme.

Overall, campus life is academically strong in certain fields, but administrative processes can be slow. The student community is often described as warm and inclusive. For housing decisions, you’ll want accommodation that gives you convenient access to campus while also offering a supportive living environment – ideally with responsive management.

City Context: Ramat Gan and Greater Tel Aviv

Ramat Gan is an integral part of the Tel Aviv metropolitan area. It’s a green, relatively quiet city compared to central Tel Aviv – known for its large park (Park HaLeumi) and the diamond exchange district. The university campus is located in the western part of Ramat Gan, close to the border with Bnei Brak and Givat Shmuel.

Renting in Ramat Gan itself is moderately expensive but generally cheaper than central Tel Aviv. For a student budget, you can expect to pay anywhere from 2,500 ILS to 4,500 ILS per month for a shared room or a small studio – but these are indicative prices; confirm with the operator of any rental listing. Living further out (e.g., in Bnei Brak, Givat Shmuel, or even Petah Tikva) can lower costs, but commuting time increases.

The city is well connected by bus lines to Tel Aviv and other suburbs. Most students rely on public buses or the campus shuttle. Ramat Gan has a decent selection of supermarkets, cafes, and student-friendly services.

Budget Bands

Housing costs around Bar-Ilan University fall into three general bands. All figures are indicative; always confirm with the operator or landlord.

• Low budget (under 2,500 ILS per month): This usually means a room in a shared apartment with multiple flatmates, often in older buildings further from campus (e.g., in Bnei Brak or eastern Ramat Gan). Shared flats may require a lease of 6–12 months. Utilities (electricity, water, internet) are typically extra. Some students also find rooms in dormitory-style buildings, but on‑campus residences are limited.

• Mid budget (2,500–4,000 ILS per month): A private room in a newer shared apartment or a small studio unit within Ramat Gan proper, within a 15–20 minute walk or short bus ride from campus. This is the most common student range. Many rentals include basic furniture and appliances.

• Higher budget (4,000 ILS and above): A larger studio or a 1‑bedroom apartment close to the university. These are more common for couples or students who prefer complete privacy. Some modern buildings near Bar-Ilan offer amenities like gyms or rooftop terraces.

Note that prices for the academic year 2026/2027 are likely to be slightly higher than figures shown here; always confirm with the operator before signing a contract.

Walk vs Transit Trade-Off

Bar-Ilan’s campus is spread out but walkable. The university shuttle runs between different parts of the campus, making it easy to get from one building to another. If you live within a 1–2 km radius, walking is feasible – but summers are hot and winter can be rainy.

Walking is ideal if you find accommodation in the neighborhoods immediately surrounding the university: the area between Bialik Street, Herzl Street, and the university gates. Walking time ranges from 5 to 20 minutes. You save on bus fares and enjoy flexibility. However, apartments very close to campus tend to be pricier and may get noise from student activity.

Public transit (buses) covers a wider area. Most bus lines that run along Jabotinsky Street (a major artery) connect to the campus stop. A monthly student public transport pass (Rav‑Kav) costs about 220 ILS – confirm with the operator. Taking a bus from neighborhoods like Bnei Brak or Givat Shmuel adds 10–20 minutes one way. The trade‑off is that rent can be 20–30% lower.

The campus shuttle runs inside the university grounds and also makes stops at a few nearby external points (check the current schedule with the university). For students living in peripheral student villages, the shuttle can be a handy last‑mile solution.

A balanced approach: live within a comfortable walking distance (up to 1.5 km) to avoid daily bus dependence, but keep a bus option for rainy days or when carrying heavy books.

Shortlist Logic for Nearby Residences

When selecting a place to live near Bar-Ilan, apply simple criteria based on reviews and practicalities:

1. Proximity to campus. Prioritize buildings that are within a 15‑minute walk. Use Google Maps to check distances. The area south of the university (between Jabotinsky Street and Bar-Ilan Boulevard) has many apartments popular with students.

2. Responsiveness of landlord or management company. Given Evie Fox’s complaint, avoid properties managed by firms with poor reputations. Check recent reviews for the specific building. If possible, speak to current tenants.

3. Budget alignment. Stick to a band that leaves room for utilities and food. Remember that some ads exclude water/ electricity costs, which can add 300–500 ILS monthly.

4. Transport connections. If you look further out, ensure there is a direct bus that drops you at the campus stop. Line 52 (between Ramat Gan and Tel Aviv) and line 69 are common choices – verify routes on the official bus app.

5. Noise and roommates. Shared apartments can be a hit or miss. Nehemiah Kivelevitz praised the student community, so look for flats where common areas encourage interaction. If you prefer quiet, aim for a studio or a flat with older graduate students.

6. Contract length. Most leases run 12 months. If you are a visiting student, check if the landlord offers semester‑based contracts. Some student residences (notably the private dormitory near campus) offer 9‑month contracts for international students – confirm availability with the operator.

Shortlisting by these criteria will help you narrow down to a handful of options before you physically visit. It’s advisable to arrive a week early to inspect the final candidates in person.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do international students typically find housing near Bar-Ilan University?

Most international students start by contacting the university’s international student department, which can provide lists of recommended private apartments or shared flats in the area. Many also use Facebook groups (e.g., “Ramat Gan Rentals” or “Bar-Ilan Students”) and local websites like Yad2 (in Hebrew, but can be translated). Always verify listings by requesting a video tour and speaking with the landlord directly. Avoid paying deposits before signing a contract – confirm refund conditions with the operator.

2. Is it safe to walk to campus at night?

Ramat Gan is generally considered safe for pedestrians, even after dark. The campus itself is well‑lit and has security guards. However, some neighborhoods near Bnei Brak may feel less secure late at night. As a rule of thumb, stick to main streets (Jabotinsky, Herzl, Bar-Ilan) when walking alone and keep your phone charged. Walking in groups is always preferable. The campus shuttle also runs until late evening – check the exact schedule with the university.

3. What is the typical total monthly cost of living including housing?

As a rough guide, a student living near Bar-Ilan in 2026/2027 can expect:

• Shared room rent: 2,500–3,500 ILS (indicative – confirm with operator)
• Utilities (electricity, water, internet): 300–500 ILS
• Food: 1,000–1,500 ILS
• Public transport: 220–250 ILS
• Miscellaneous (phone, laundry, leisure): 500–1,000 ILS

Total: approximately 4,500–6,500 ILS per month. These numbers are indicative and can vary significantly based on lifestyle and exact location. Always confirm with the operator before making a budget.

Data as of 2026 – prices and routes may change.

See also: listing details · browse more