Housing
Learn more about rental housing options on Saba.
Housing on the Island of Saba
Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM), located on the island of Saba in the Dutch Caribbean, helps students find housing and settle into life on the island.
Finding housing in a new country is an important part of preparing for medical school. Our Saba-based Student Housing Coordinator, Margaret Charles, helps incoming students navigate local housing options, explore dormitory placements and prepare for life on the island of Saba.
While SUSOM does not offer university-owned on-campus housing directly attached to academic buildings, students have access to dedicated, university-managed dormitory housing as well as off-campus private rentals. Margaret can help students:
- Identify rental options based on their needs and budget
- Navigate dormitory placements and room assignments
- Review and understand rental agreements with private landlords
- Communicate with local property owners and managers
- Support lease signing where appropriate
- Understand all-inclusive fees vs. separate utility expenses
- Navigate considerations for families and pets
- Connect you with other SUSOM students looking for a shared rental
- Answer questions about island transportation, buses, and settling into life on Saba
Meet Margaret Charles
Margaret Charles has been part of the Saba University School of Medicine (SUSOM) community since April 1, 2001, bringing more than two decades of experience and knowledge to her role. Since 2010, Margaret has served as SUSOM’s Housing Coordinator, supporting students as they explore their housing options and settle into life on the island of Saba.
With extensive experience working with SUSOM students and a deep understanding of the local community, Margaret is a valuable resource for students preparing for their move to the island. She helps students explore their housing options, provides guidance throughout the housing search process and is available to answer questions and offer support along the way.
Whether you are arriving on the island of Saba for the first time or preparing to transition to off-campus housing, Margaret is here to help make the process as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Recommended Housing Option: Hillside Saba Dormitory
Premium accommodation in the heart of The Bottom — just a 4-minute walk to campus.
Unaccompanied first-semester students at SUSOM are expected to live in one of the dormitories. Hillside (Buildings 1, 2, and 3) provides furnished student housing situated just 252 meters along a lit footpath from the medical school.
What’s Included:
- Your Own Private Bedroom: Includes a desk designed for heavy studying, a lamp, closet, chest of drawers, twin bed, sheets and a blanket (students need to bring their own pillow).
- Full-Size Kitchen & Living Area: Equipped with a full-size fridge, cooktop, microwave, toaster and coffee maker, separate from sleeping areas.
- Shared Bathrooms: Two bathrooms shared per four-person unit (you share with only one roommate, not an entire floor).
- Modern Conveniences: Central air conditioning throughout and pay-per-use laundry facilities on-premises in Building 1.
Simple All-Inclusive Cost:
- $3,950 USD per semester (Everything included: Rent, electricity, water and fiber internet paid once per semester — no utility accounts in your name or bills to manage).
- Paid in full before arrival ($2,000 USD serves as the deposit to secure your room).
Off-Campus & Private Island Rentals
Explore housing options across Saba
Students in upper semesters or those moving with families or pets can choose from a variety of rental apartments and cottages located across the island of Saba. All rental properties on the island come fully furnished.
| Area | What to Consider | Distance & Transportation |
|---|---|---|
| The Bottom | Home to SUSOM, central village nestled between the sea and Mount Scenery. Highest density of student life and amenities. | ~4–10 min. walk to campus. Island bus routes run directly through the village. |
| Windward Side | Quaint, higher-elevation village with shops, dining and hiking trails. Popular for students looking for a quiet retreat off-campus. | ~10–15 min. drive or bus ride along “The Road.” |
Transportation & Getting Around Saba
The island of Saba is five square miles with one main road, making getting to campus simple and stress-free:
- Walking: If you live in The Bottom or at Hillside Dorms, your daily commute is a quick 4 to 10-minute walk along paved, night-lit footpaths.
- Island Shuttle Bus: The island of Saba features a reliable island-wide shuttle bus system that runs frequently between Windwardside, St. John’s and The Bottom. Buses regularly stop near student housing areas and campus, making a personal car unnecessary for most students.
- Taxis & Rides: Local taxis are readily available for supermarket runs, airport/ferry transfers or trips across the island.
What to Budget For
Planning your housing budget
When comparing rental options on the island of Saba, keep these financial details in mind:
Dormitory Rates
$3,950 USD per semester for Hillside (includes all utilities, water, electricity and fiber internet).
Private Rentals
Rates vary by location and size. Ensure you ask whether electricity and water are included, as utility costs on island locations can vary.
Security Deposits
Typically equal to one month’s rent for private off-campus rentals.
Furnishings & Supplies
All rentals come fully furnished. You only need to supply personal items, bath towels and pillows.
Moving to the Island of Saba
Preparing for your move
Choosing a Roommate
If you prefer to rent an off-campus house or apartment, Margaret can connect you with prospective roommates in your incoming class.
Bringing Your Family
Private off-campus rentals in The Bottom or Windwardside offer multi-bedroom options for spouses and children. Margaret can guide you through family immigration requirements.
Bringing a Pet
While pets are not allowed in the Hillside Dormitories, certain private landlords allow pets. Contact Margaret early to request pet relocation guidelines and paperwork for the Dutch Caribbean.
Short-Term Stays
If you are arriving early or have guests visiting, short-term room rentals at Hillside may be available depending on capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
While academic buildings and dormitories are physically separate, SUSOM coordinates directly with Hillside Dorms located right in The Bottom – a 4-minute walk (252 meters) from campus. First-semester unaccompanied students are expected to reside in the dorms.
Yes! Our Student Housing Coordinator, Margaret Charles, works directly with local landlords across the island of Saba to help upper-semester students, families and students with pets find vetted off-campus apartments and cottages.
Dormitory spaces are allocated upon acceptance and submission of your housing form. If you plan to live off-campus in private housing, we recommend contacting Margaret Charles 6 to 8 weeks prior to the start of the semester.
No. Most students walk to class if living in The Bottom. For those residing further out (such as Windwardside), Saba’s regular island bus service stops right near housing areas and delivers students directly to campus.
Yes, all student accommodations on the island of Saba, including Hillside Dorms and private apartments, are fully furnished with beds, study desks, seating and essential kitchen appliances.
If you live in Hillside Dorms, zero utility setup is required – electricity, water, and fiber internet are included in your flat semester fee. For private off-campus rentals, Margaret can clarify whether utilities are bundled into your lease or billed separately.
Pets are not permitted in the Hillside Dormitories. However, if you plan to bring a pet, Margaret can assist you in finding pet-friendly private housing and provide the required entry guidelines for bringing animals to the island of Saba.
Yes. While dorm rooms are single-occupancy within shared student quads, Margaret can help families secure private, multi-bedroom homes or apartments in The Bottom or Windwardside.
Ready to start planning your move to the island of Saba?
You don’t have to navigate the housing search alone. Connect with our Student Housing Coordinator to start exploring your options and prepare for your move to Saba.