So I have been studying in Dubai for nearly three years now.

Here are a few observations I made along the way:

General

1. New countries have a certain smell that takes a while to get used to (especially in malls and public transport)
2. The sky does not look like the sky – too much dust and humidity
3. If you lose something, it’s probably not lost so don’t panic
4. Go check the last place you saw it – it will likely still be there (even if it is an iPhone or Laptop)
5. If it’s not there, ask the nearest security guard, they’ll probably know where it is
6. The malls are humongous and a must see
7. There is a lot to do and buy (if your wallet is willing and you’re not on a student budget)
8. Skimping on food purchases to buy clothes is bad for your health

Food

9. Try new foods when you have the chance
10. They’re good sometimes and you might find your new favourite dish (Dates – the fruit – ‘nough said)
11. If they don’t agree with you, you know what to avoid in future
12. Just because you can order food online, it doesn’t mean you should
13. You can only eat McDonalds so many days in a row before you start feeling sick
14. Make that any kind of take-out food (sorry Subway I still love you though)
15. Subway cookies are a gift
16. Learning to cook a dish or two is a life saver – for your wallet and your waistline
17. Even a sandwich or something (come on everyone can make a sandwich)
18. Always pack snacks to class – else you will be banging on the vending machine before the end of the day
19. Your bottle of water is your best friend (except during Ramadan)

Transport

20. Finding the cheapest mode of transport available is essential to survival
21. The bus/metro is much better(cheaper) than a taxi (if you live close to a stop and it’s not the summer)
22. Invest in a Nol card and make sure you have cash to top up
23. Sometimes taxis have a weird smell so take some perfume along (especially on those long trips to and from the airport)
24. Taxis are not always around when you need them, so make sure you have alternate plans
25. Uber is great (if you have Dad’s credit card)
26. Get your driver’s license as soon as you can (and a car would be good too)
27. Warning: getting your license is expensive so be prepared for lots of payments and a LOT of tests
28. Petrol is super cheap in Dubai, so it’s worth it at the end

Communication

29. Get a good data plan ASAP
30. There is wifi in most public places but when you’re trying to get home, Google Maps is your bestie
31. Skype works (most of the time)
32. Whatsapp calls, Facetime and any other voice or video communication usually does not work

People and Customs

33. There are people from all over the world in the UAE – Always have an open mind
34. If you don’t know what “yallah” or “habibi” means, you soon will
35. Be mindful of the rules of the new country – you don’t accidentally want to offend people or land up in jail
36. Be respectful of all people and their customs – you will learn a lot so be prepared for a bit of culture shock
37. If you wear shorts to uni, be prepared for stares (or you might not be let into class)
38. Make sure you know when Ramadan is!

Friends

39. Make friends on the first day of uni – it’s better to get lost with someone than alone
40. Try your best to remember everyone’s names – when in doubt, add them on Facebook
41. Introductions usually start with “Hi my name is ___ and I’m from ___ but I’ve been living in Dubai for ___ months/years”
42. Don’t be surprised to hear at least 3 different languages being shouted across classrooms at any given moment
43. You will make amazing friends that will teach you about the world

Teachers

44. Lecturers are also from various places so listen well during the first class to make sense of any unfamiliar accents

University

45. Take the stairs when you can
46. Trust me when you see those extra kgs popping up from all the McDs you will wish you took those stairs every day
47. Take a jacket/hoody
48. I know it’s hot outside but the A.C. is famously freezing in classrooms (and in malls for those who can afford to go)

Most importantly

49. Dubai is part of a beautiful country
50. It will start to feel like home before long

I hope this was helpful (and a bit amusing) to anyone who is new to Dubai.

Lots of love

xoxo

Binx

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