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The total monthly occupancy cost in Dakar is made up of several components that international students should budget for carefully.
Dakar in brief for international students: Rent a furnished studio near UCAD or ISM for 150,000–400,000 FCFA/month. Budget for a security deposit (up to 2 months' rent), agency fees (~1 month's rent), and separate utility bills. Key student neighbourhoods: Mermoz, Point E, Fann, Ouakam, and Médina. Always sign a written lease and request a move-in inventory (inventory).
Finding long-term student accommodation in Dakar requires understanding a rental market that is dynamic, diverse, and governed by specific local rules. Whether you are enrolling at Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) in Fann, studying business at ISM in Point E, or attending ESMT, your choice of neighbourhood will directly affect both your daily commute and your monthly budget. Rents in Dakar are denominated in West African CFA francs (FCFA) and vary significantly by area: from 100,000 FCFA/month for a basic studio in Médina to over 500,000 FCFA/month for a furnished apartment in Mermoz or Fann. This guide covers the key student neighbourhoods, typical rental budgets, lease requirements, and practical tips for securing a long-term rental in Dakar as an international student.
Dakar, the capital of Senegal, is the main destination for international students in West Africa, anchored by Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) — the country's largest public university — alongside private institutions such as ISM and ESMT. The long-term rental market offers a wide range of options, from basic studios in Médina from around 100,000 FCFA/month to furnished apartments in Mermoz or Point E at 300,000–550,000 FCFA/month. Under Senegalese law (Décret n° 2023-382 of 24 February 2023), the security deposit is capped at two months' rent for leases under 500,000 FCFA/month, and agency fees typically equal one month's rent. Students should plan for significant upfront costs and always request a written inventory (inventory) at move-in.
Finding long-term student accommodation in Dakar requires understanding a rental market that is dynamic, diverse, and governed by specific local rules. Whether you are enrolling at Université Cheikh Anta Diop (UCAD) in Fann, studying business at ISM in Point E, or attending ESMT, your choice of neighbourhood will directly affect both your daily commute and your monthly budget. Rents in Dakar are denominated in West African CFA francs (FCFA) and vary significantly by area: from 100,000 FCFA/month for a basic studio in Médina to over 500,000 FCFA/month for a furnished apartment in Mermoz or Fann. This guide covers the key student neighbourhoods, typical rental budgets, lease requirements, and practical tips for securing a long-term rental in Dakar as an international student.
Dakar's rental market offers a wide range of options for international students, from affordable shared rooms to well-equipped furnished studios. The currency used is the West African CFA franc (FCFA/XOF), and rents are always quoted per month. Students should be aware that landlords frequently require several months' rent upfront: the first month's rent, a security deposit of up to two months' rent (capped by Décret n° 2023-382 of 24 February 2023 for leases under 500,000 FCFA/month), and, if using an agency, a fee equivalent to approximately one month's rent. Budgeting for these upfront costs is essential before signing any lease in Dakar.
One of the most common mistakes made by international students searching for long-term rentals in Dakar is underestimating the total move-in cost. Many students budget only for the first month's rent, not realising that landlords typically require a security deposit (caution) of one to two months' rent upfront, plus agency fees equivalent to approximately one month's rent if the property is found through an agency (Keur-Immo, 2024; RentPackage, 2026).
A second frequent error is signing a lease without a written inventory (inventory). Without this document, tenants risk losing their deposit at the end of the tenancy, as there is no baseline record of the property's condition (Keur-Immo, 2024).
Finally, students sometimes overlook the fact that utilities are almost always billed separately in Dakar. Water (5,000–20,000 FCFA/month) and electricity (10,000–50,000 FCFA/month) can add meaningfully to the monthly cost, especially if air-conditioning is used (Loger-Dakar, 2024).
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Fann and Fann Résidence sit right beside the UCAD campus. Point E is home to ISM; Mermoz and Sacré-Cœur are very popular, and the Médina or Castor remain the most affordable.
Before you arrive, browse Loger-Dakar, Keur-Immo or Appart.sn. A Home Finder based in Dakar views homes for you and checks the landlord, which matters given the fraudulent listings.
Landlords ask for an ID, proof of income or employment and sometimes a guarantor's letter. As a student, also present your enrolment and proof that your funds cover the rent.
The deposit cannot exceed two months' rent for a monthly rent of up to FCFA 500,000. The Home Finder helps you present the application and reviews the lease before you pay.
Start before you arrive: demand around UCAD and ISM is strong at the start of the academic year in October. Listings on Loger-Dakar, Keur-Immo and Appart.sn can be browsed remotely.
Leave time to plan for the move-in costs: the first month, a deposit of up to two months and agency fees of about one month's rent. Also insist on a written entry inventory.
A studio costs roughly FCFA 100,000 to 300,000 a month in student areas, and up to FCFA 400,000 to 550,000 a month for a more central furnished one. Add water (FCFA 5,000 to 20,000 a month) and electricity (FCFA 10,000 to 50,000 a month).
On move-in, count the first month, a deposit of up to two months' rent and about one month of agency fees.
First contact:Your home finder offers a free call to understand your needs.
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