Moving to Riyadh as an international student can be challenging due to cultural contrasts. However, with proper research, you'll discover that student life can be interesting, diverse, and full of new discoveries.
Student accommodation in Riyadh
Most expats in Riyadh choose to live in compounds with luxury apartments and villas. Behind the intensely monitored entries, these compounds provide a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, a gym, and other playgrounds.
As an international student, however, there is a smaller chance of you settling in one of the compounds, as the prices for living here are quite steep. If your budget does not allow for luxury dwellings, you may instead opt for student residences, rooms, or apartments.
Also, keep in mind that female students are more likely to find accommodation in female-only residences, while men are restricted to male-only residences.
Media in Riyadh
Most TV programs in Riyadh are in Arabic, so if you're not familiar with the language, you might be looking for different channels. Therefore, it is important to make sure you have access to the Internet. This will allow you to access information, keep in touch with family and friends, entertainment and your studying resources. A 5G home solution will cost around 200 SAR per month. This can go up to 700 SAR a month for fiber. You may also want to consider a mobile data solution, depending on your needs.
Leisure activities in Riyadh
How do you enjoy your free time as an international student in Riyadh? Head to the National Museum, the Masmak Fortress, and the Kingdom Center with its astounding skybridge, are some of the must-sees. What about the weekends? Plan a day trip to the Arabian Desert with your new friends. During the winter, or in the evening, it is common for Saudis and non-Saudis to gather and have picnics in one of the many parks of Riyadh.
Shopping and dining out in Riyadh
If you're not keen on the desert experience, there's still a range of things to do in Riyadh as an international student, like shopping and eating out. The Souk al-Thumairi is a customary Arabian market where you can buy beautiful handcrafted products, adornments, incense, and carpets for your friends and family at home. Besides, there are a few upscale shopping centers, especially in Riyadh's business region, where you can shop Gucci, D&G, and Versace.
Alcohol is illegal in Saudi Arabia, and outings are often centered around drinking coffee or eating out. From Middle Eastern and Indian food to Italian eating and Japanese cuisines, Riyadh's eateries are amazingly diverse. There is a very large selection of restaurants and coffee shops to choose from. Do not hesitate to try out new places and let your friends recommend you places. You can also consult online reviews to make your decision!
Social life as a student in Riyadh
Making friends with fellow international students during your time in Riyadh shouldn't be a problem. However, you need to be aware of a number of social rules and norms to follow when part of a Saudi society. For instance, some universities and a lot of classes are gender-segregated, and unmarried people are not supposed to spend time alone with someone of the opposite sex.
Ever since the vision 2030 started, there have been a lot of events happening in Riyadh. You should not miss the opportunity to visit Boulevard City and its seasonal counterpart, Boulevard World. The former is free, while the second one takes place only during the winter. There are also many sports events and concerts. If you are looking for entertainment, make sure you use an app to recommend events taking place, such as WeBook!
Building relationships with Saudi nationals may be a bit more complicated. As the family has a far higher status in Saudi Arabia than in most Western countries, a great deal of mingling happens among relatives. In any case, you should endeavor to meet different people that aren't your adjacent neighbors. University is thus an excellent way to develop your social circle. Attend events with your friends and plan outings together to make your stay a memorable one.
Important:
The first thing to do before moving to Riyadh is to get international health insurance as you will not be covered by the Saudi health system.
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