Study abroad in Jakarta
Housing, transport, universities, language expectations and daily life for exchange students in Jakarta.
Country
IndonesiaStudent Budget
IDR 8,000,000 – 18,000,000/month
Transport Card
JakLingko card/app for MRT, TransJakarta, LRT and commuter integration; use Gojek/Grab for gaps.
Population
10.6M city / 30M+ metro area
City Vibe
Indonesia's serious urban exchange base: best for Universitas Indonesia and business/ASEAN-focused students who can handle traffic, humidity, malls, commuter rail, and a megacity rhythm.
Who loves this city?
Students interested in emerging markets, politics, business, Bahasa Indonesia, ASEAN, internships, and a less tourist-shaped Indonesia than Bali.
What makes it special
Jakarta is where Indonesia's economy, bureaucracy, media, and startup scene collide. It is not easy, but it teaches students how the country actually works.
Newcomer shocks
- Traffic is not an inconvenience; it shapes your whole week.
- UI's main student life is in Depok, not central Jakarta.
- Malls function like public squares because heat, rain, and traffic make outdoor wandering harder.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C / 24°C | Heavy rain, flooding | Wet season peak; check flood zones |
| February | 29°C / 24°C | Heavy rain | Wettest month; waterproof bag essential |
| March | 30°C / 24°C | Frequent showers | Rain easing mid-month |
| April | 31°C / 24°C | Showers | Transition; still humid and warm |
| May | 31°C / 24°C | Occasional showers | Dry season approaching; more comfortable |
| June | 31°C / 23°C | Mostly dry | Best months to explore; lower humidity |
| July | 31°C / 23°C | Dry | Dry season; city events and markets |
| August | 31°C / 23°C | Dry | Independence Day Aug 17; hot and dry |
| September | 31°C / 23°C | Mostly dry | Still comfortable; evenings cooler |
| October | 31°C / 24°C | Showers return | Rain building; pack poncho |
| November | 30°C / 24°C | Heavy showers | Wet season approaching; waterproof gear |
| December | 29°C / 24°C | Heavy rain, flooding | Wet season; check local flood alerts |
Rainy season can flood roads and slow commutes badly. Live close to campus or a rail/MRT corridor.
Packing checklist
- Lightweight breathable clothing year-round
- Compact umbrella or poncho
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Insect repellent
- Air quality mask for hazy days
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
28.1 / 100
Affordable · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | IDR 2,500,000 – 7,500,000/month | From the Jakarta snapshot student rent range; inspect contract terms and what bills include before paying a deposit. |
| Groceries | IDR 1,440,000 – 4,500,000/month | Directional grocery allowance derived from the city snapshot budget and local price basket items. |
| Transport Monthly | IDR 300,000 – 1,200,000/month | JakLingko/transit is low-cost where routes match; ride-hailing fills gaps. |
| Leisure Phone Misc | IDR 960,000 – 3,600,000/month | Planning buffer for phone, basic social life, small supplies, and local surprises; keep a separate emergency reserve. |
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Depok
Varies by street, room type, and season.Best for Universitas Indonesia; cheaper and campus-oriented.
Salemba
Varies by street, room type, and season.Useful for UI health/medicine-related campus links and central access.
Kuningan / Setiabudi
Varies by street, room type, and season.Good for internships, embassies, business district and international lifestyle.
Where to search
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Red flags
Never pay long deposits without a video visit, contract, exact address, and local verification.
Ask if electricity, water, Wi-Fi, laundry, aircon and building fees are included.
Check flood risk and commute during rush hour, not just map distance.
Safety
Safety Index
47.3 / 100
Moderate — stay alert
Crime Index
52.7 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Mostly safe in student/business areas. Main risks are traffic, flooding, air quality, phone snatching on motorbikes, and rental scams.
Top risks
- Traffic accidents — motorbike riding without proper gear is a leading risk
- Bag snatching from car windows and motorbikes in slow traffic
- Drink and food adulteration at unlicensed venues (avoid unlabelled arak)
- Flash flooding in low-lying areas Jan–Feb
- Air quality spikes (haze) — check AQI before outdoor exercise
Use Grab or Gojek for all transport — metered, trackable, safe. Avoid unlicensed ojek (motorbike taxis) at night.
Transport
🚆 MRT, TransJakarta, LRT, and commuter rail
Best for predictable cross-city routes; choose housing near a usable line.
Check current JakLingko and student rules locally.
🚌 Gojek/Grab
Useful for first/last mile and late routes, but traffic can be heavy.
No universal student discount.
Events & Activities
medium
Set up a commuter routine
First week
Low
Your semester quality depends on transport habits more than sightseeing.
medium
Old Town / Kota Tua day
Dry weekend
Low
Best easy historical orientation to colonial Jakarta.
medium
Bogor train day trip
Weekend
Low
Cooler weather and botanical gardens without flying.
medium
Jakarta Fair (Pekan Raya Jakarta)
June – July
IDR 50,000 entry (~€3)
Jakarta's birthday fair — 5 weeks of Indonesian food, culture, concerts and carnival rides
Kota Tua (Old Town) History Walk
Year-round
Free; museum entry IDR 15,000–20,000
Dutch colonial old town with Fatahillah Square, Café Batavia and bicycle hire — Jakarta's most charming neighbourhood
National Museum of Indonesia
Tuesday–Sunday
IDR 10,000 (~€0.60)
Indonesia's best museum — 140,000 artifacts from all 34 provinces; incredible Batik Hall and bronze Majapahit collection
Student Perks
Food Savings
Warung and canteen pricing
Local food keeps Jakarta affordable if you do not live on mall restaurants and delivery.
Universities
Universitas Indonesia (UI)
Indonesia's top-ranked university (QS ~206, founded 1849) with 50,000 students on a self-contained green campus — strong in medicine, engineering, law, and social sciences, in Southeast Asia's largest and most dynamic megacity.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Meeting Places 5
Public Groups 3
UI International Office
Official starting point for exchange student guidance.
Jakarta Expats
Large practical community for housing/services; verify student relevance.
Internations Jakarta
International newcomer events, more professional than student but useful for city orientation.
Forums & Advice 1
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: r/indonesia
Useful reality checks for Jakarta transport, safety and daily life. Verify legal/admin claims officially.