Going to university is like a great adventure for most students who dream of pulling out all the stops in their lifestyle. With no parent breathing down their neck, nagging them about clothes, food, study or bedtime, it’s party time. Right?

Not entirely. The last couple of years have witnessed students moving away from campus independence and back in with their parents. The killing instalments of a student loan, struggles with dirty laundry, eating dorm food, living with strangers and keeping an eye on the slippery cumulative grade point average (CGPA) can be exhausting. Therefore, many are opting for hot, home-cooked meals, clean clothes and a well-turned down bed as they beaver away on college assignments.

If you have chosen a competitive degree and at a college that enables you to walk, cycle or take the bus to be in class, why not opt to stay at home?

Hop, skip and jump. This was not an option for students in the UAE a few years ago. However, now, for thousands of UAE students aspiring for world-class higher education, obtaining it on home turf is no longer a fantasy.

The UAE is home to about 120 universities, which includes both national and international institutions and offers internationally accredited degrees.

The Dubai International Academic City (DIAC) alone has 21 of the UAE’s 37 International Branch Campuses (IBCs); it hosts 20,000 students from 125 different nationalities in 400 higher education programmes.

So, while a huge contingent of students from local schools have been slogging away at SAT, TOEFL and IELTS exams and laboriously filling out international admission forms, there are others who have decided to stay a hop, skip and jump away from home. All they need to do is take a cab, metro or bus to classes each day.

Financial sense

This not only makes sound financial sense — saving on spiralling costs of lodging, boarding, travelling and tuition fees in countries like the US, UK, Canada or Australia that can be prohibitive — it gives the student the psychological advantage of continuing their studies within a familiar environment.

They seem to have the best of both worlds – internationally recognised, world-class education with family, friends and a community right around them. For students who wish to experience dorm life, many universities offer boarding for local students and that gives them the chance to experience independent living even as they look forward to being home on weekends.

Education spoke to students who have opted to stay with their family and pursue their studies here.

“Opting to stay back gave me the right work, study and home life balance” - says Kevin Klijnsmit, MBA student at the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD), Dutch national, who has lived here since childhood.

“For me, there were three clear choices when I was looking at my options for higher education – to return home to Europe; to look into opportunities for distance learning programmes with institutions based overseas; or attend a local institution with an international connection, such as the University of Wollongong in Dubai (UOWD).

“I ultimately elected to study in the UAE. UOWD gave me the opportunity to get an international degree in the place I was already settled.

“The real benefit for me was that I was able to continue in my existing job, retain my networks and progress professionally alongside my education, in addition to the social benefits of remaining amongst an established support network.

“The format of delivery at UOWD suited my schedule, allowing me to achieve the right balance between work, study and home life.”

“The safety and security offered here is unparalleled” - says Muna Gasim, Freshman at the business programme at the American University of Sharjah, Sudanese national, born brought up in the UAE.

“Growing up in the UAE, I always had the notion that perhaps one day, I would embark upon a journey that would enable me to study abroad in a country that to me was new and filled with wonderful adventures.

“Ironically, as I grew up, I realised that the UAE was as bright and beautiful as any country I could or will ever live in. So I do not regret one bit my choice of studying here. It is this choice that has allowed me to meet wonderful people from all around the Middle East, as well as several parts of the world. It is not just the amazing friends I have here but also the safety and security that comes with living in a country like the UAE. The only other thing I could ask for is an education that will allow me to be the successful entrepreneur I plan to be. I have embarked upon a fashion styling business venture and intend to grow my business in this country.”

“Studying here helped me stay in my comfort zone” - says Youssef Ezzeddine, a final year BBA student at Skyline University College, Tunisian national who has lived in Sharjah and has a large circle of friends here.

“While choosing a university, apart from its reputation and the choice of information systems as a specialisation, I was also looking at the fee structure. There is a huge financial burden to study abroad. Luckily, that was not the same when I decided to study at Skyline University, Sharjah in UAE as I have my friends and family here.

“Secondly, studying closer to home also erases any possibilities of drastic changes in situations and you do not have to undergo major adaptations. Besides that, the people I love were always around me.

“Studying at home also gave me the option to remain employed and apply the learning directly in the job. Also, I can also study at my own pace. The most important thing, however, is the quality of education. I am very happy and satisfied with my decision.”

Syed Imran, MBA student, Emirati national, who chose studying at Amity University because of the course content and international exposure, says, “More nationalities mean more interaction, which allows a person to come out of his comfort zone. Besides that, I get to meet fellow students from different interest groups that gives me an opportunity to develop other talents, even as staying at home gives me the time and luxury to pursue them.

“There are so many things to look forward to here – Expo 2020, GITEX - besides the booming businesses; just the right buzz for any student planning to take up a career right after college. I would not want to miss all this for anything.”