Job Discussion Forums

baa_baa · Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 265

Hey All,

I just got my visa letter. Everything looks ok except for accommodation. I will be receiving a housing allowance. Can anyone get me a number of a real-estate close to that university. I hear that its far out of the city so hopefully 17000 saudi riyals will be enough to find a clean decent apartment... right? Confused

They will give it to me upon arrival am I right? Anyone?

Thanks for your help... Smile

baaaaa

edit:Im going through dubbizzle.com I found a suitable house for 15000 at alfaysaliah.

is that close? can u give me street names at least? please any help would be great..

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world

It's impossible to secure housing while outside the country. Wait until you arrive in Saudi Arabia before focusing on where you'll live. Besides, what might appear "suitable" on the Internet could turn out to be funky in person. As for your questions about when you'll get your housing allowance, check with the uni's recruiter.

For a map of Jeddah's districts, do a google search on jeddah saudi arabia and click on maps.

lcanupp1964 · Joined: 12 Dec 2009 Posts: 381

You should get a 10,000sr (around $2,600) advance on your second or third day in country. It will be paid back when you get your first paycheck. The housing allowance will be given to all teachers sometime around Nov/Dec. The thought is that one can use the 10k advance to get set up as the housing allowance is being processed. BTW, you will also get an 8,500sr furniture allowance around the same time as you receive the housing money.

You can find many places near the campus for around 20,000sr a year for a nice enough one/two bedroom Apt. You will get phone numbers to housing agents that can help you find a place, but I would recommend that you meet as many of the 250 plus teachers at the ELI and get their feedback on apartment buildings that have apartments for rent. The housing agents will charge around 500sr for their services and may only show you a few places.

I would advise you to come with at least 1000.00 USD. Very Happy

Nomad Soul is 100% right... Don't try to do anything about housing until you get here.

scot47 · Joined: 10 Jan 2003 Posts: 15343

I also say DON'T EVEN TRY TO DO ANYTHING UNTIL YOU GET TO JEDDAH.

baa_baa · Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 265

Nomad Soul lcancupp1964 thanks for the advice and details. Ill stop searching. I felt better when you guys mentioned that they would give me contacts of housing agents.

Scott Shocked

I won't. Im like worried now.. I thought I was doing the right thing. But Ill take your advice.

Im so happy excited super worried scared all at once.. I have read so many posts on saudi experience and just feel horrified...I do not know what to expect. I just wish they had arranged an accommodation.

They say I need to be there on the 6th of August. I have a feeling I am coming in early... So it will be me myself in the desert...

I think Ill start blowing in to a bag... Anyways thank you all for your posts... ILL wait till I get to Jeddah...I hope everything goes smooth....

Richard62 · Joined: 08 Aug 2011 Posts: 38

Is your offer for the main campus, or for the KAU Rabigh or Asfan campus?

baa_baa · Joined: 04 Dec 2011 Posts: 265

nomad soul · Joined: 31 Jan 2010 Posts: 11454 Location: The real world