Rent an Apartment, reserve a dorm or get a hotel in Beirut?
Spoken Lebanese Arabic Courses in June
May 10, 2013How to get to Hamra in Beirut (by Bus, Service or Taxi)
June 5, 2013-How long do I want to stay in Lebanon?
-Do I want to stay near ALPS in Hamra, where it’s more comfortable and has a more Western feel? Or do I prefer something cheaper and less Western?
-How much am I willing to spend?
There are reasons why we don’t provide accommodations or make housing reservations for
students: 1) Beirut is a very diverse city. Just walk 10 minutes and you can feel like you are in a completely different town. Often times, students end up wanting to switch accommodations and areas once they get to Beirut because of this. 2) There isn’t a one size fits all solution. Different students have different wants and needs, and that’s why we want to help you find a place that is right for you so you can make the most out of your time in Lebanon. Take a look at our tips below and contact us if you have any questions:
How long do I want to stay in Lebanon?
If you are staying for 2 months or less it may be best to get a student dorm, hotel or share an apartment with someone looking for a roommate. If you are staying longer, a furnished apartment will save you money and be a good option.
NEST Student Dorms
These dorms are near ALPS Beirut in Hamra and it is best to reserve a room before you arrive. You can contact Ms. Maruzella Abboud by email at mabboud@theonest.edu.lb or by phone +961 1 34 99 01 extension 106
Join this Facebook group to find a roommate or a furnished apartment for rent. This is a good option for you to check out no matter how long you are staying. It is updated daily with rental options and foreigners looking for roommates. Feel free to post what you are looking for to the group.
Do I want to stay near ALPS in Hamra, where it’s more comfortable and has a more Western feel? Or do I prefer something cheaper and less Western?
Some students like staying in Hamra and others don’t like it at all. Living in a foreign country and learning a new language takes a lot of energy, so it can be helpful to have a close and comfortable place to stay.
Here are some good things about staying in Hamra:
-Get to ALPS Beirut quickly and cheaply
-More comfort as a foreigner
-Better electricity and internet options
If you live further from ALPS, you will save money on accommodations and be in a neighborhood that uses more Arabic and feels less Western. In exchange, it may take you longer to get to ALPS and you may not be able to use your AC all day and night due to the lack of electricity outside of Beirut. If you find a place or neighborhood you are interested in, talk to us first and we can tell you what it is like and how long the commute will be in Beirut traffic.
Here are some good things about staying away from Hamra:
-Speak Arabic on the bus or in a service on the way to ALPS
-Save $$$
-Get out of Hamra and experience the diverse neighborhoods in and around Beirut
How much am I willing to spend?
Beirut has variety in everything, and housing options and pricing are no different. In general, the closer you are to downtown or Hamra the more expensive the room. Below are some options listed from cheapest to most expensive:
2. Share a dorm or apartment
See the links above or ask us if we know of other students at ALPS looking for a roommate.
3. Rent a furnished apartment
Another link to check out is the new site Baytbaytak. It’s new, but the number of listings is growing. It’s also always worth checking out Craigslist Beirut.
4. Get a hotel
This is your most expensive option. However, it can be very helpful to book a hotel for a week or two while you get to know the city and look for an apartment or roommate.
beirut.com
A site with a lot of news about what is going on in Beirut and a listing of cheaper accommodations.
Ikama Lebanon
Is “A practical guide to Lebanon” with excellent general information in addition to hotel and furnished apartment listings.
