Job Discussion Forums

robotboy · Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 18

How big are the apartments? I've been told single teachers can get a three bedroom apartment. Is the maintenance good? What about the furniture? Can my same s--partner live with me? I heard there are no G problems at this place, is it true?

millie18 · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 185

Haven't heard too many complaints about the housing in general though I can't speak to the # of rooms and maintenance first hand.

As for a same sex partner, how are you planning to get him/her into the country? In order to stay long term s/he will need a sponsor. QU will not provide that and you won't be able to get it either. Technically, homosexuality is illegal and if QU finds out, you'll either not be hired, or terminated or if someone is feeling vindictive (even if you could get your partner into the country) you could both be arrested, jailed, lashes (usually not for white westerners) and deported.

Do people have same sex partners here who co-habit discretely? Yes, but not usually in company sponsored accomodation living amongst co-workers, many of whom will be muslim and will frown on your relationship at best. Complaints filed with the police or QU will be acted on.

thursday12 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 93

-the apartments r a pretty gud size, great kitchen but bedrooms r small
-no prob wid yer pardner as there r coupla G guys at work includin one 'o
da honchos
-don't flaunt yer wares & keep discreet like da lady sez
-most neighbors r pretty tolerant

wilberforce · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 647

I've been to a party at one of these apartments. Let me tell you, they're much better than the ones on offer at the Gulag. Pretty spacious and even have sports facilities and a pool. But bleak.

robotboy · Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 18

How many bathrooms?
Is there a balcony?
What about parking? Do you have to fight for a place?
Is there a gym with the swimming pool?
What about the noise factor - can you hear your neighbors breathe?

dmm · Joined: 20 Apr 2008 Posts: 5

There are two complexes you could move to but most likely Al-Zahoor 2- The other one is nicer but a single person most likely won't get put there- Al-Zahoor is also farther from QU so the daily commute can be tiresome. The complex is close to large shopping areas and is centered well in the City. Your apartment is big, no balcony, noise with the windows closed is pretty good. In the living room, you can hear hall noise but in my building not too annoying. What is good in some aspects of the apartment here is you can be very invisible; this could bode well with you and your partner. I have neighbors downstairs I haven't seen in a month. This anonymity might seem isolating but could favor no hassles, also I have other neighbors that I see daily and other buildings have gatherings on rooftops and socialize often. It just depends where you get put, and really the group of people. Security is lax here, and your partner would probably just be assumed as a teacher.

Also, about the apartment complex- it is a bit dirty- not built great but not awful- lately a bit of a roach problem- major appliances work pretty well- maintenance is spotty- but generally repairs of a minor nature will get fixed- cleaning-best to hire a maid (not live-in)- dusting being never ending - There is a nice swimming pool that is covered- great when school is in and Friday mornings- a terrible gym inside the club house- will do if desperate- a couple of great gyms close by- membership is pretty reasonable- there is a small store in the complex that has the basics-

Everyone will have different opinions of the place. I think it will depend on where you are now and what you expect from a place. I don't mind it- some annoyances but nothing that makes me want to pack up and move.

I hope this is helpful

robotboy · Joined: 27 Feb 2009 Posts: 18

Sounds pretty good but looks like it won't be my next home.

stickleback · Joined: 01 Jul 2008 Posts: 76

The housing is one of the best things about the place. But the furniture is cheap and falls apart.

wilberforce · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 647

Where was that wild party with all those QU teachers?? They looked sozzled!!

cowpoke · Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 7

A couple of questions -
Do these QU apartments have cable TV? If they do, who pays for it?
What about Internet, it is included or not? Do we have to bring our own dishes and pots or are these provided? (If they are, are they new or used?) Exactly how far is this place to the university and how long does it take? Does it really take one hour or more to get to work?

Is there a choice of accomodation? I was told new teachers were housed in one place but from reading these posts, it looks like there are a couple of places. Who does the maintenance in the halls? Are they kept clean or do we have clean up after messy neighbors (that's what I do now). I am definitely looking forward to this place.

Any information would be helpful.

millie18 · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 185

Usually in Doha (and I would imagine this applies at QU) there is a security/maintenance staff for your accomodation. They are responsible for anything that "hits" the hallways. However, sometimes they need to be prodded into prompt action - I find that giving "rewards" helps a great deal should a situation arise that isn't dealt with quickly enough for me. That can take the form of 5 - 10 Riyals (about 3USD max depending on the dirtiness of the job) or a couple of malt beverages from my own stash - which can be tricky. Many of the maintenance/security guys are from Nepal or other countries where alcohol is OK and here they don't have access to it usually (strictly controlled on who gets a liquour license) however, as always, it only takes one nosy neighbour to complain to spoil it for us all.

Use your common sense, talk to them, treat them with respect and they will be willing to help when you have a concern.

thursday12 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 93

-maintenance guys at Zuhoor OK
-usually come when dey're called
-keep da place purty clean
-gotta watch yer cars - some scratchers goin round & scratchin cars
-some teens got nuttin ta do but hang around makin noise
-keep yer doors locked - recent apartment break-in
-free net connection ta QU
-if ya want ya can pay Q-TEL fer private service

thursday12 · Joined: 10 Nov 2006 Posts: 93

-Facebook warning
-don't post yer private pix on Facebook
-students got real riled up & started sendin dem around
- real embarassin fer some teachers

wilberforce · Joined: 27 Dec 2008 Posts: 647

Wise words about Facebook Thursday. A lot of people were astonished to see those pictures. About the break-ins, very unfortunately this is becoming more common. Make sure you keep everything locked, windows, doors and cars. Don't tempt the thieves.

cowpoke · Joined: 15 May 2009 Posts: 7