Accommodation in France for International Students

France, with its world-renowned universities, romantic cities like Paris and Lyon, and strong academic tradition, is a dream destination for many international students. However, preparing for this journey involves securing a place to live, which is often the most challenging part of relocating.

Navigating the French housing market requires careful planning, especially if you are arranging things from afar. This comprehensive guide is written specifically for you—the first-time international student—to help you understand your accommodation options, anticipate costs, and secure a safe and legal place to call home before you even arrive.

Options Overview: Where International Students Live in France

French student housing can generally be divided into three main categories, each with its own advantages and challenges:

University Housing (Cité U or CROUS)

CROUS (Centre régional des œuvres universitaires et scolaires) manages subsidized student residences, often called Cité U. These rooms are highly sought after because they are typically the most affordable accommodation option in France.

  • • Pros: Low cost, close to campuses, easy integration, often exempt from local taxes, and guaranteed safety/legality.
  • • Cons: Extremely high demand, limited availability (especially for non-exchange students), rooms are often small and basic, and application processes can be complex and strict.

Private Rentals (Studios, Apartments, Shared Flats)

The private sector offers the greatest flexibility in terms of location, size, and amenities. This includes everything from renting a whole apartment (a studio or appartement) to sharing a flat (a colocation) with other students.

  • • Studios or Apartments: Offer privacy but come with higher costs and the need for a full guarantor (often a significant hurdle for international students).
  • • Shared Flats (Colocation): A great way to save money, split utilities, and meet people. You will sign a co-lease agreement (bail de colocation).

Temporary and Short-Term Housing

Many students book temporary housing for their first month while they search for a long-term place, or if they are only staying for a semester.

  • • Host Families: Offers cultural immersion and sometimes meals, but less independence.
  • • Youth Hostels or Extended Stay Hotels: Good for short stays upon arrival but quickly become expensive long-term.
  • • Dedicated Student Residences (Private): Similar to CROUS but privately owned, usually offering higher quality rooms and amenities for a higher price.

Typical Student Rent Ranges in France

The cost of living in France varies dramatically between cities, with Paris being significantly more expensive than other student hubs. These ranges are estimates for a single student accommodation (e.g., a room in a shared flat or a small studio), excluding utilities (which can add €50–€150 per month).

Paris (The most expensive)

  • • Low Range: €650–€800 (CROUS or shared room outside the central ring)
  • • Average Range: €800–€1,200 (Small private studio in a popular area)
  • • High Range: €1,200+ (Larger, central studio or modern private residence)

Major Regional Cities (e.g., Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux)

  • • Low Range: €400–€550 (Shared room or CROUS)
  • • Average Range: €550–€750 (Small private studio)
  • • High Range: €750–€950 (Modern residence or central studio)

Smaller University Towns (e.g., Grenoble, Montpellier)

  • • Low Range: €350–€450 (Shared room or basic CROUS)
  • • Average Range: €450–€600 (Small private studio)
  • • High Range: €600–€800 (Modern accommodation)

Booking Before Arrival: Your Steps and Checklist

Securing housing before landing in France is highly recommended, especially given the competitive market in major cities. This process is complex, but manageable with the right preparation.

Key Steps for Remote Booking

  1. Start Early (4–6 Months Out): French housing contracts often begin on September 1st, meaning the peak search period is May to July. Start your research as soon as you have your university acceptance.
  2. Confirm Your Budget and Location: Know exactly how much you can afford, and identify neighborhoods near your university that fit your transport needs.
  3. Gather Documents: Prepare digital copies of everything you might need (passport, university acceptance letter, bank statements, visa/residence permit proof).
  4. Secure a Guarantor: This is the single biggest obstacle. A guarantor (garant) is legally required to pay your rent if you default. For international students without family in France, you must use a third-party service like VISALE (a state guarantee for students) or a specialized platform.
  5. Use Reputable Platforms: Stick to established student housing websites, university services, or proven relocation partners (like “>relocation services can significantly reduce stress and risk.

    Key Rules and Documentation (High-Level Guide)

    When you secure accommodation in France, two key administrative steps are necessary, and they are essential for your legal stay:

    Housing Insurance (Assurance Habitation)

    Housing insurance is mandatory for all tenants in France, covering damage (like fire or water leaks). Landlords will ask for proof of this insurance before handing over the keys. You can purchase student-specific insurance policies easily online once you arrive or arrange it through your bank.

    Applying for CAF (Housing Aid)

    The Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) is a social security fund that offers financial aid (APL or ALS) to help pay rent, including for international students. To qualify, your accommodation must be officially registered, and you must have a valid residence permit.

    While the process of applying for CAF can be bureaucratic, the aid can significantly reduce your monthly housing burden. For more detailed information on mandatory paperwork, consult our guide on documentation support in France.

    City Navigation: Finding Accommodation in France’s Top Student Cities

    Where you live in France will determine your budget and your options. Here is a brief look at finding accommodation in some of the most popular French cities:

    Paris

    The capital is challenging due to extremely high demand and cost. Students often look outside the central arrondissements (postcodes 75001–75020) and into the inner suburbs (like the areas covered by the Paris metro), especially near RER lines that connect to major universities. Look for accommodations near your commute to save time and money.

    Lyon

    Lyon is more manageable than Paris, offering a vibrant student life. Popular areas like the 7ème and 8ème arrondissements offer a good balance of cost and access to public transport and universities.

    Other French Cities

    Cities like Toulouse, Bordeaux, and Lille offer a higher quality of life for a lower rent, with greater availability of private and shared accommodation. Research the main university hubs and public transport lines before committing to a neighborhood.

    For a broader view of student living across the continent, read our main guide on Accommodation in Europe for International Students.

    Common Scams and Risk Patterns in France

    As an international student, you may be targeted by sophisticated housing scams. Be aware of the following risk patterns:

    • • The “Urgent” Landlord: Scammers often pressure you to pay a deposit immediately because the property is “highly sought after” and they are “out of the country” or can only communicate via email.
    • • No Visit Possible: Never pay money for a property you or a trusted third party (like a relocation consultant) have not physically seen or verified through a reliable platform.
    • • Unusually Low Rent: If the price is far below the market average for the area (e.g., a Paris studio for €400), it is almost certainly a scam.
    • • Requests for Anonymous Transfers: Never use Western Union, Bitcoin, or other non-traceable payment methods for deposits or rent. Legitimate landlords use bank transfers.

    How Luxe Settle Helps You Secure Accommodation in France

    We understand that navigating the French bureaucracy, securing a guarantor, and verifying properties from another country can feel impossible. Luxe Settle specializes in student relocation support in France, focusing on securing safe and legitimate accommodation for international students.

    Our services include verified property sourcing, assistance with the guarantor process (if required), lease review, and ensuring all necessary paperwork is in order for your arrival. We eliminate the risk of scams and ensure your transition into French student life is seamless. If you need help with your arrival logistics, we can also assist with airport pickup in France.