About Applied Science University – Bahrain
Applied Science University (ASU) is located in the Al Eker area of Bahrain, with the specific address 3201 Al Eker, Al Eker 623. The university is ranked 613 in the QS rankings and is a private university focused on academic and applied sciences. The campus has been described by visitors as “simply stunning” (from a Google review by Regis franklin Thangaraj), while Hatem Masri mentioned that the “campus environment is welcoming, with modern facilities and dedicated faculty supporting student success”. These first-hand impressions can help prospective students and parents understand the campus atmosphere and then consider housing options.
What Campus Reviews Reveal
Student and visitor reviews reveal several key points that are directly relevant to housing decisions.
Academic environment and program diversity
Malak Naji wrote in a review: “It is a great institution, known for its dedication to academic excellence. The university provides students with a comprehensive education that equips them with valuable skills. Applied Science University offers various programs that cater to diverse interests and career goals.” This indicates that the school offers a wide range of programs, so students may come from different majors and backgrounds, and housing needs are correspondingly diverse.
Investment in facilities
Regis franklin Thangaraj emphasized: “The campus is simply stunning, and the facilities are second to none. From the modern labs to the state-of-the-art library, it’s clear this university invests in its students. It’s comforting to know that our child has every tool they need to succeed.” This means that learning resources on campus are abundant, but students still need to make trade-offs between commuting and living convenience. If you live within walking distance, you can use the library and labs more frequently.
History and background
A review by Sheikh fahroz introduced ASU’s background: “The Applied Science University ASU, Founded by Bahraini academic Waheeb Al-Khaja… licensed by the Ministry of Education in 2004… one of the first private universities in Bahrain to teach in both the Arab…” As a relatively young private university, its campus and surrounding amenities are still developing, and off-campus housing options are mainly in newly developed areas.
City Background: Al Eker, Bahrain
Al Eker is located in the northern part of Bahrain’s main island, near the southern suburbs of the capital Manama. This area is a rapidly developing residential zone, with many new apartment buildings and villa communities built in recent years. Compared to downtown Manama, Al Eker has a lower residential density and wider streets, but commercial facilities are relatively limited. Daily shopping, dining, and entertainment needs often require traveling to nearby Manama suburbs (such as Isa Town, Riffa) or the city center.
Bahrain’s climate is hot and humid, with summer temperatures often exceeding 40°C, so walking or cycling comfort is low. Air conditioning and private cars are the daily choice for most people. For public transportation, Bahrain has a bus system (Bahrain Public Transport), but coverage frequency and routes are still improving; traveling from Al Eker to downtown Manama requires transfers, with a commute time of about 30–45 minutes. Does the school provide a shuttle bus service? You need to confirm directly with ASU, as the university has not publicly disclosed this information.
Housing Budget Segments
Housing prices in Bahrain are influenced by oil prices, expatriate population movements, and regional development. They are generally slightly lower than in neighboring Gulf countries (such as the UAE, Qatar), but still require careful planning. The following are general budget references, all indicative — confirm with the operator.
- Below 200 BHD per month (approx. 530 USD)
With this budget, you can consider a shared apartment or a single room partitioned from a house. Shared housing is common in villas or older apartment buildings near Al Eker. Space and privacy are limited, but it can effectively reduce expenses. Note: shared housing usually does not include utility bills, which need to be split among roommates. - 200–400 BHD per month (approx. 530–1,060 USD)
In this range, you can find an independent studio or a one-bedroom apartment. In newly built residential buildings within the Al Eker area, the monthly rent for a fully equipped one-bedroom is roughly 250–350 BHD. Whether you can walk to campus depends on the specific building location; most require a 10–20 minute walk. If you choose downtown Manama (more convenient for daily life), you may get a smaller apartment for the same price. - Above 400 BHD per month (approx. above 1,060 USD)
With this budget, you can rent a two-bedroom apartment or a small villa. This is suitable for families or PhD students who need extra space. In core locations of Al Eker, such properties usually come with security and parking, and it’s only a 5–10 minute walk to campus. If you choose a modern tower in the city center, commuting time will increase, but shopping and dining options are more abundant.
Budget segments are only for initial screening. Actual rents vary significantly based on floor level, furniture configuration, and lease duration. Be sure to get real-time quotes through local agents or landlords.
Weighing Walking vs. Public Transport
For students living near campus, walking is the most direct commuting method. The main roads around ASU (such as Sh. Salman Highway) have heavy traffic and limited pedestrian facilities, but the residential areas near the school gates are still suitable for walking. According to Google satellite images, there are some low-rise apartment buildings to the east and north of the campus, about a 5–15 minute walk to the teaching buildings. The advantages are saving transportation costs, flexible timing, and easy access to campus facilities (such as the library open at night). The disadvantages are exposure to high temperatures when walking in summer, and the need to pay attention to lighting when walking at night.
Choosing public buses or private cars expands the range of housing options. Downtown Manama has more apartments and richer entertainment, but morning rush hour congestion may extend commute times to 40–50 minutes. Bahrain’s bus routes currently cover the Al Eker area, but the frequency is about every 20–30 minutes, and the last bus is relatively early (usually around 9–10 pm). If relying on the bus, it is recommended to live within a 5-minute walk of a bus stop and have an alternative plan (such as a carpooling app). Taxis or ride-hailing services (such as Uber, Careem) are common in Bahrain, with a one-way trip from Manama to Al Eker costing about 5–8 BHD, but the daily expense is high.
The key factor in weighing options is whether your course schedule is fixed. If your major has many lab sessions requiring flexible access in the morning and evening, walking or living in an apartment with a reserved parking space will be more reliable. If you value urban life and socializing more, then a combination of bus and short taxi rides can be acceptable.
How to Choose Housing: A Shortlist Logic
When looking for housing in or around Al Eker, you can follow the logic below to gradually narrow down your candidate list. This logic is based on the reality that real listings are often scarce and information is fragmented, and it is recommended to combine it with on-site visits.
Step 1: List your priorities
- Maximum commute time (15 minutes walk / 30 minutes bus / 20 minutes drive)
- Budget ceiling (including utilities, internet)
- Whether you accept shared housing (privacy vs. cost)
- Whether you need a parking space or a nearby supermarket
Step 2: Search three areas
- Al Eker walking circle: Centered on ASU, within a 15-minute walking radius (about 1.2 km). Main roads include Al Eker Street and the southern section of Budaiya Highway. Listings are mostly small apartment buildings and villa areas. You can contact local real estate agents (such as through the Bahrain Property Finder platform, but the domain should not be specified).
- Isa Town and Riffa: These two towns are adjacent to Al Eker, about a 10–15 minute bus or car ride. There are more large residential communities, supermarkets, and cafes. Rents are comparable to or slightly lower than Al Eker.
- Downtown Manama: Suitable for students who want to participate in city life. Commuting time is longer, but restaurants, malls, and cultural venues are abundant. Budget allows for flexible choices.
Step 3: Verify information
- Check apartment building ratings and reviews on Google Maps, and be wary of listings with no reviews or low scores.
- Visit the site in person or entrust a friend to inspect: check water pressure, air conditioning cooling effectiveness, and surrounding noise.
- Ask the landlord or agent whether furniture, water, electricity, internet, and garbage disposal fees are included. Most apartments in Bahrain provide basic furniture (bed, sofa, refrigerator, washing machine), but not all.
Step 4: Sign a short-term contract
Students often find it difficult to pay a full year’s rent upfront. Try to negotiate quarterly payments, or look for shared housing roommates that allow monthly payments. Many landlords accept a deposit plus the first month’s rent for move-in, but there may be a mandatory contract period (such as 6 months).
Example shortlist (not specific listing names, representing types only)
- Al Eker Villa Single Room: Shared room, monthly rent 180–250 BHD (indicative), 10-minute walk to school.
- Al Eker Studio Apartment: Independent one-unit, monthly rent 300–400 BHD, 8-minute walk, low possibility of including utilities.
- Isa Town Two-Bedroom: Two-bedroom, monthly rent 350–450 BHD, requires a 10-minute drive, suitable for paired students.
- Manama City Centre Shared Flat: Shared single room, monthly rent 200–300 BHD, 40-minute bus ride, convenient for daily life.
All prices above are indicative — confirm with the operator, and carry no guarantee or recommendation meaning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the school provide on-campus dormitories?
ASU has no publicly available information on on-campus dormitories. Some students report that the school only has a small number of rooms for receiving visitors, not for long-term accommodation. Formal student housing resources can be consulted through the Student Affairs Office, but as of press time, the official body has not released dormitory details. New students are advised to prioritize renting off-campus.
Is the Al Eker area safe? Is it suitable for walking alone at night?
According to experiences mentioned by users in Google reviews, the security around the campus is good. Reviews by Malak Naji and Hatem Masri, among others, did not complain about safety issues. However, overall security in Bahrain is good, and Al Eker is a mid-to-upper residential area. When walking at night, be mindful of road sections without sidewalks and sparse streetlights. It is recommended to carry a flashlight or use phone lighting, and try to walk in groups. Living in an apartment building with security can enhance the sense of safety.
How long is the commute to downtown Manama?
Driving from Al Eker to downtown Manama (for example, the Bahrain World Trade Center or Seef area) takes about 20–25 minutes during off-peak hours, and may extend to 40–50 minutes during the morning peak (7:30–9:00) and evening peak (17:00–19:00). The bus (route A1 or some suburban lines) takes about 50–60 minutes in total including waiting time. If you choose to ride a motorcycle or electric scooter (applicable year-round in Bahrain), the time can be shortened to 20–30 minutes, but it is not recommended during the hot season.
Data as of January 2027. All rental figures are indicative — confirm with the operator before any commitment.
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