Accommodation in Lyon, France for International Students

Lyon, France’s culinary capital and a vibrant hub for higher education, is a top destination for international students. As you prepare to move to this beautiful city where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, securing suitable accommodation is the essential first step. This guide is tailored to help international students, especially those moving for the first time, navigate the housing market in Lyon, understand their options, and settle in safely.

Types of Student Accommodation in Lyon

Finding the right type of housing depends on your budget, social preferences, and location needs. Lyon offers several categories of accommodation popular among international students:

Student Residences (Résidences Étudiantes)

These are purpose-built buildings offering studios or shared apartments exclusively for students. They are often managed by private companies (like Studapart or other private rental partners mentioned in search results) or by the CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires), though CROUS housing is highly competitive and often prioritized for scholarship students.

• • Private student residences usually offer furnished rooms, utilities included, and communal facilities like gyms, laundries, and study rooms.
• • They are convenient and secure, making them a popular choice for newcomers.

Private Rentals (Studios and Apartments)

Many students rent private apartments, either a studio for themselves or a larger apartment to share with roommates (colocation). This option offers more independence but comes with greater responsibility for utilities, contracts, and finding guarantors.

• • Studios are self-contained and popular but can be costly, especially in central areas.
• • Flatshares (colocation) can significantly reduce rent and utility costs, and are a great way to meet people.

Homestay (Logement chez l’habitant)

Living with a French family can be an excellent way to immerse yourself in the culture and practice the language. The accommodation often includes a private room and access to shared common areas.

• • This is typically a more affordable option, sometimes exchanged for minor services (like speaking English with the hosts).
• • It offers valuable cultural integration and support from locals.

For a broader overview of options available across the continent, read our guide on Accommodation in Europe for International Students.

Student Rent Ranges and Pricing Factors in Lyon

Lyon’s housing costs are generally lower than in Paris but higher than in smaller French cities. Prices fluctuate significantly based on location, size, and whether utilities are included (charges comprises, or C.C.).

Estimated Monthly Rent Ranges (Charges Included)

These are general estimates for a single student’s accommodation:

What Affects Rental Price?

• • Location: Flats near major universities (like UCLy, INSA, or Lyon 2) or in the hyper-center (Presqu’île) are the most expensive.
• • Size and Furnishings: Furnished studios (meublé) are generally more expensive than unfurnished ones, but they save you the cost of buying furniture.
• • Guarantor Requirements: Having a reliable guarantor (a person or organization who pledges to pay your rent if you default) is crucial. Services like VISALE and GARANTME are often accepted and can make your application stronger.

Best Student Areas and Neighborhoods in Lyon

Lyon is divided into nine arrondissements (districts). International students usually look for areas that balance proximity to their studies, good transport links, and a vibrant social atmosphere. Popular neighborhoods include:

Documents Typically Required and How to Prepare

Renting accommodation in France, including Lyon, requires meticulous preparation of administrative documents. Landlords are strict, and incomplete applications are often rejected. It is highly recommended that you check out our guide on Documentation Support in France for a comprehensive list.

Essential Documents for a French Rental File (Dossier)

• • Proof of Identity: Passport or EU National ID card.
• • Proof of Student Status: Acceptance letter from your Lyonnaise university or a student card.
• • Visa and Residency: Copy of your VLS-TS (long-stay visa acting as a residence permit), which is essential if you plan to apply for housing assistance (CAF).
• • Proof of Financial Resources: This is the most challenging part for international students. You will need bank statements proving you have sufficient funds to cover your rent, or proof of a scholarship.
• • Guarantor: French landlords almost always require a guarantor. If you don’t have one in France, you must use a service like VISALE (a state guarantee) or a private service like GARANTME.
• • RIB: A copy of your French bank account details (Relevé d’Identité Bancaire) once you open an account in Lyon.

Tip: Always prepare physical and digital copies of every document, translated into French if they are not already in English/French.

Common Scams in Lyon and How to Stay Safe

While Lyon is a safe city, students should be vigilant, especially when looking for housing remotely or carrying valuables. Housing scams target students desperate for accommodation, demanding deposits for properties that don’t exist.

Housing Scams to Avoid

• • Remote Deposit Requests: Never send money via Western Union, bank transfer, or cash apps before you have visited the apartment (in person or via a reliable agent) and signed a physical lease. Scammers often claim they are abroad and need a deposit to mail you the keys.
• • Too Good to Be True: Be suspicious of rents that are significantly lower than the market rate for a prime location (e.g., a studio in the 2nd arrondissement for €400).
• • Missing Contact Details: Legitimate landlords or agencies will have professional contact information and be willing to conduct video tours. Scammers often communicate only via generic emails.

General Safety & Financial Tips

• • Pickpockets: Be cautious in crowded areas like the metro, around tourist spots in Vieux Lyon, or in the Part-Dieu train station.
• • “Gold Ring” Trick: A common street scam where someone “finds” a ring and tries to sell it to you. Ignore these approaches.

Common Mistakes Students Make + Quick Checklist

First-time international movers often encounter issues related to timing and legality. Avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a smooth transition:

Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting Too Long: The accommodation search peaks in July and August. Start your remote search 3–4 months before your arrival date.
2. Ignoring the Guarantor: Assuming your bank statements are enough. French landlords rely heavily on the guarantor system. Get a service like VISALE or GARANTME organized early.
3. Forgetting About Utilities (CAF): Many international students rely on the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) housing allowance to offset rent, but you must have your VLS-TS validated to apply.

Pre-Arrival Accommodation Checklist for Lyon

• • Secure a French or international guarantor (VISALE is a strong option).
• • Have all required documents (ID, proof of funds, university acceptance) translated and ready.
• • Plan your arrival and transfer from the airport. Check out the options covered in our Airport Pickup in France guide.
• • Arrange temporary housing (hostel or short-term Airbnb) for your first two weeks, allowing time for physical viewings and paperwork if you are searching on arrival.

How Luxe Settle Helps You Settle in Lyon

Luxe Settle understands that moving to Lyon for your studies is exciting but challenging. We are dedicated to removing the stress of securing accommodation so you can focus on your education. Our services specifically for Lyon-bound students include:

• • Guaranteed Housing: We work with trusted partners to secure pre-vetted, student-friendly accommodation before you even leave home.
• • Document Preparation: We help you compile a robust rental dossier that meets the strict requirements of French landlords and agencies.
• • Local Support: Our team is available to assist you from your arrival to your move-in day, providing practical advice on everything from lease signing to utility setup.

Let us be your trusted partner for Accommodation in France. We ensure your first home in Lyon is safe and ready.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the best time to look for student accommodation in Lyon?

The best time is usually from May to July. Starting in late August/September when classes begin means intense competition and fewer good options.

2. Can I get a room with the CROUS in Lyon?

CROUS rooms are the cheapest option but are extremely competitive. Applications start early in the year (often January–May), and they prioritize scholarship holders and students under specific exchange programs.

3. What is the average cost of living for a student in Lyon (beyond rent)?

Excluding rent, a student should budget approximately €400 to €600 per month for food, transport, insurance, and leisure. Lyon’s public transport pass for students is affordable.

4. Is a French bank account required to rent an apartment?

It is generally required for rent payments and necessary if you plan to apply for CAF housing assistance. Open your bank account as soon as you arrive in Lyon.

5. What is a “Caution” (Security Deposit) in France?

The *caution* is a security deposit, typically equal to one or two months’ rent, paid when signing the lease. It is held by the landlord and returned after you move out, provided there is no damage to the property.

6. Which neighborhood is safest for a new international student?

Neighborhoods like the 6th (Brotteaux), 4th (Croix-Rousse), and areas in the 8th and 9th arrondissements are considered very safe. The key is good transport links, especially if you expect to be out late.

7. Can I apply for the CAF housing allowance immediately upon arrival?

You can start the process, but you must have a validated VLS-TS visa (which acts as your residency permit) and a signed rental contract to finalize the application and receive payments.