Housing near University of Jordan: 2026 student guide

What Campus Reviews Reveal About Life at the University of Jordan

The University of Jordan (UJ) sits in the Al Jubayha district of Amman, covering a very large area. Google reviews (4.3 stars from 4,354 reviews) give a mixed but informative picture of daily student experience.

“The UN OF JOR located in AL Jubiyha in Amman city. It’s very large area and many way to access the different buildings in the campus. The most accessible is the North gate, from there you can walk to different locations,” writes reviewer Osama Younes (4 stars, 3 months ago). This comment highlights the campus scale and the importance of knowing which gate to use.

Another reviewer, OQAB ALOQAB (4 stars, a year ago), notes: “The enrollment acceptance rate is 100% no matter what is your GPA, this goes for Bachelor’s, Masters, and PhD, you pay the tuition fee and you’re good. Almost all doctors give PowerPoint slides for free of course and there’s absolutely no need to buy the books to get an A, that’s how reliable the slides are.” This suggests a fairly open admissions policy and digital-dependent learning, which may reduce the need for a dedicated study space at home.

However, facilities can be a pain point. Mujahid Sa (1 star, a month ago) writes: “The nearest bathroom to the library is gonna take more than ten minutes to get there, so how can I focus on my work? Can you please just build more toilets?” This points to infrastructure gaps that could influence where you choose to live — proximity to the library and its facilities matters.

On the positive side, Yacoub Al-Afeef (5 stars, 2 months ago) describes UJ as “Jordan’s largest and first university” established in 1962, “a leading global educational institution, known for its commitment to excellence and diversity in academic offerings.” The campus is well-regarded overall, but practical issues like distance between buildings and limited restrooms should factor into your housing search.

City Context: Amman and the Al Jubayha Area

Amman is the capital and largest city of Jordan, with a population of over 4 million. The University of Jordan’s main campus is located on Al Jama’a Street in the Al Jubayha area, about 8 km north-west of the city centre. This is a well-connected part of the city, with a mix of student housing, shops, and cafes. The area is relatively dense, and many students choose to live within walking distance or a short bus or taxi ride away.

Public transport in Amman consists mostly of shared minibuses (servis taxis) and regular taxis. A dedicated bus rapid transit (BRT) line, the Amman Bus, also connects parts of the city, including stops near the university. Walking is feasible if you live in Al Jubayha or adjacent neighbourhoods like Al Abdali, Al Hashmi, and Sweileh — but the campus size means you may still need to walk 10–20 minutes within the university itself.

Cost of living in Amman is moderate by regional standards, but varies significantly by neighbourhood. Student housing options include university dormitories (limited and often with waiting lists), private shared apartments (the most common choice), and studios. Lease terms are typically for one academic year, with monthly rent payments.

Budget Bands (Indicative — Confirm with the Operator)

Because no official price data is provided by the university for external housing, the following are typical ranges observed in the Al Jubayha area for the 2026–2027 academic year. Always verify with the landlord or operator before signing.

• Shared room in a private apartment: 100–200 JOD per month per person (indicative — confirm with the operator). Includes basic furniture, shared kitchen and bathroom. Utilities (water, electricity, internet) are usually extra.
• Single room in a shared apartment: 150–250 JOD per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). More privacy, but still common areas.
• Studio apartment (private): 200–350 JOD per month (indicative — confirm with the operator). Fully independent, usually with a kitchenette and bathroom. Higher end for well-located or furnished units.
• University dormitory (double room): Approximately 80–150 JOD per semester (indicative — confirm with the operator). Very limited availability; priority often for first-year or international students.

These bands assume a mid-range standard. Luxury apartments in newer buildings can exceed 500 JOD. Most students opt for shared apartments to keep costs manageable while remaining close to the north gate.

Walk vs Transit Trade-Off

The main campus has multiple gates, but according to Osama Younes, the North gate is the most accessible. If you live within a 15-minute walk of this gate, you can avoid transport costs and the hassle of parking (which is limited). The trade-off: rent tends to be higher in the immediate vicinity (especially on Al Jama’a Street). A 5- to 10-minute walk to the north gate typically yields the most convenience, but you may hear street noise.

If you choose a cheaper apartment farther from campus (e.g., in Sweileh or Al Abdali), you will likely rely on minibuses or taxis. A shared minibus ride costs 0.30–0.50 JOD per trip, and a taxi from central Amman to UJ costs about 4–7 JOD. The time trade-off: a 15-minute walk vs a 10-minute bus ride plus waiting time. For students with classes scattered across the large campus, even living near campus may still require internal walking of 10–20 minutes to reach specific buildings (especially the library, as highlighted by Mujahid Sa’s review). Consider mapping your daily route: if you spend most of your time at the Library, live near the building closest to the library entrance.

Shortlist Logic: How to Choose a Residence Near UJ

Without an actual list of nearby residences provided, you can apply the following logic when evaluating any listing:

1. Prioritise the North Gate area. According to Osama Younes, the North gate offers best access to different buildings. Filter your search to properties within a 10-minute walk of the North gate. Use Google Maps to check walking time (not driving time).

2. Check proximity to a restroom or the library. The only consistent complaint in reviews points to bathroom shortage near the library. If you plan to study there often, look for housing within a 5-minute walk of the library (or at least near a campus building that has adequate facilities). Alternatively, choose a studio or apartment with a private bathroom to avoid campus restroom queues.

3. Verify transport options from the listing. For apartments farther out, confirm which bus line stops nearby and its frequency. Amman Bus route 16 and 17 pass near UJ. A taxi stand near the north gate is also convenient. Ask the operator for the nearest bus stop and walking time to campus gate.

4. Consider shared vs single occupancy based on budget and study needs. If you need quiet for study, a single studio (indicative 200–350 JOD) may be worth the extra cost. If you are social and budget-conscious, a shared room (100–200 JOD) works, but ensure flatmates are compatible.

5. Inspect the apartment for basic amenities. Given that PowerPoint slides are used heavily (per OQAB ALOQAB’s review), you may not need a large desk but reliable internet is essential. Confirm internet speed and whether utilities are included in rent. Also check for water heater availability — Amman winters can be cold.

6. Read recent Google reviews of the building or landlord. While individual property reviews are not given in the data, you can search for the building name on Google Maps. Look for mentions of noise, security, maintenance, and landlord responsiveness.

7. Negotiate the lease start date to align with the academic calendar. The university year typically runs from September to June. Confirm with the operator whether you can move in a week early and if the lease covers summer break if you plan to stay.

By applying this logic — and always confirming prices and terms directly with the operator — you can narrow down options effectively without needing a pre-compiled list.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it better to live in the university dormitory or a private apartment near UJ?

It depends on your priorities. Dormitories are cheaper (indicative 80–150 JOD per semester for a shared room — confirm with the operator) and provide a built-in social environment. However, availability is limited, and rules can be strict (curfews, guest policies). Private apartments offer more independence and comfort, but are more expensive. For most masters and PhD students, private housing is the norm. For bachelor’s students, the dormitory may be a good starting point for the 2026–2027 academic year if you apply early.

2. How safe is the area around the University of Jordan?

Al Jubayha is generally considered a safe, student-friendly area. The campus has campus security, and the streets near the north gate are well-lit and busy during the day. As with any city, avoid walking alone late at night in isolated spots. Most student housing is clustered in residential blocks, which are secure. Always check whether the building has a 24-hour doorman or security gate before signing a lease for the 2026–2027 year.

3. What is the typical commute time from nearby neighbourhoods to the university?

• Al Jubayha (within 1 km of campus): 5–15 minutes walk.
• Sweileh (2–3 km): 10–20 minutes by minibus or 20–30 minutes walk.
• Al Abdali (4–5 km): 15–25 minutes by taxi or bus.
• Downtown Amman (7–8 km): 20–30 minutes by car/taxi in moderate traffic.

Traffic in Amman can be heavy during peak hours (8–9 AM and 3–5 PM). If you rely on public transport, add 10–15 minutes buffer. For the most reliable commute, choose a location within walking distance of the north gate.

Last updated: 2026. All prices mentioned are indicative — confirm with the operator before any commitment.

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