Decisions, decisions, decisions. From the wee ones to the big ones, life is dependent on them and arguably one the most important is where we decide to go to university (or college if you’re that way inclined).
The UAE is a popular destination for students from all over the world in which to study with many choosing Dubai and Abu Dhabi as their top picks.
But have you considered Sharjah as a potential number one preference for university?
The city has so much to offer prospective uni students from phenomenal food, brilliant beach days to wonderful waterparks and an excellent education (obvs).
Still not convinced? Check our reasons why Sharjah should be the next step.
The chilled out university city
While many will be attracted to the glitz and glam of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, Sharjah offers students (and visitors) a more relaxing environment. Too often students who are living away from home for the first time at university can become overwhelmed by the fast paced life of a new (and more than likely, bigger) city. With an emphasis on being a family city, Sharjah enables newcomers to adjust to their new surroundings at their own pace.
Meeting new people at university
Obviously one of the biggest concerns of anyone going to university is being able to meet new people and make new friends. In Sharjah, you will have plenty of opportunity to meet like-minded (and also different minded) individuals and with UAE higher education institutions attracting students from around the globe, you will have the added benefit of meeting new people from a range of different backgrounds. And with most universities based in an area of Sharjah known as University City, it’s likely everyone will, in fact, be a student with the same worries and hopes (so many friends, so little time).
Experiencing new things at university
Sharjah’s emphasis as a family city means there is tonnes of cultural and super-interesting stuff to see and do and perfect for anyone wanting to try something different. The city is the cultural hub of the UAE and has more than 20 museums including the Natural History Museum and Desert Park (because who doesn’t love going to the zoo), and it holds amazing festivals throughout the year like the brilliant Sharjah Light Festival as well as the International Book Fair which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. It might be an easy going city but it most certainly isn’t boring.
Day off from university? Head to the waterpark
Ask any student if they think their uni city would be improved by the addition of a waterpark and 100 per cent of the responses would be yes. But with Sharjah we don’t have to think about hypothetical waterparks because the city is packed full of them including Pearls Kingdom (Al Montazah Parks), voted seventh best waterpark in the world by Tripadvisor.
Forget uni work and go to the beach
Let’s go to the beach, each, let’s go get a wave (okay enough Nicki Minaj) but if you’re in the mood for a more chilled, water day experience (and getting away from the books) then heading to one of Sharjah’s exquisite beaches should be on the do list. A simple dip to refresh and reset the mind is a perfect way to take on that annoying university assignment.
Feasting at uni
There seems to be two types of university students; those who can cook up a storm in the kitchen and those who can just about make toast. Stuck in the latter category? Don’t worry because there are lots (and we mean lots) of restaurants throughout the city. From Lebanese and Turkish to Spanish and American, the city is bursting with flavour and taste, meaning students will have the opportunity to try new dishes for the first time and food from other countries without having to leave their comforts of their new city and most importantly of all, they won’t go hungry.
Bigger savings at university
Something which no student thinks about when choosing their preferences (but no doubt mum and dad does) is the financial side of university. Sharjah is cheaper than its more well-known neighbours which is great news for students. Less money on things like rent and utilities. More money on fun.
The Universities
Of course, it would be silly of us to do an article on being a student in the city without actually mentioning the universities because you are there to get an education and not just to have fun (ok dad!). Sharjah has plenty of quality educational institutions which offer a whole range of different benefits including discounts for fees for individuals who obtained top grades at school as well as looking mightily impressive on the CV for future employers.
Sharjah is not only for university students and residents. It is a great spot to in which to holiday and adventure. Check out the latest from the city here.
For everything you need to know about things to do in Sharjah, click here.
