How to get student accommodation in France: Know all options

We had discussed in our previous article the types of scholarships in France and how to apply for them. Now, it is time to know how to secure accommodation in France and to facilitate the search process for the student.

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How to get accommodation in France for international students?

Indeed, it is better to determine what he/she desires according to his requirements, budget, and length of stay, in addition to taking the following points into consideration:

Taking the initiative to search and book the place of residence before traveling.
Contacting the admission authority regarding university accommodation, in case you prefer it over other accommodation options.
Get a general idea of accommodation and living prices in the country. Indeed, this makes it easy to choose the type of accommodation according to your budget.
Avoid sharing accommodation with other students in the first year of school, unless you are already familiar with them.
When obtaining your accommodation, make sure to always read the contract carefully.
Setting the monthly budget and including the rent of the housing with all the associated bills according to its type and the terms of agreement with the owner such as electricity, water and internet bills.
In case of any problems, the student should go to the international student office located in all universities, and obtain the necessary support and assistance.

Learn also the cost of Studying and Living in France.

It should be noted that France provides accommodation subsidies for foreign students, just like French students. Basically, they are in the form of scholarships depending on the type of student’s accommodation.

Moreover, these benefits are divided into social as well as personal benefits, and their value varies according to the amount of rent the student pays compared to his financial situation. Here is some important information on accommodation types:

Student residences and university campus accommodation in France

Some are on-campus buildings, some are outside. However, they fall under one administration, which is the Krause administration or the regional center for university and social work.

Obviously, in these types of campuses or residences, there are rooms equipped with all student needs for furniture and appliances. Basically, the room rates for these residences range from 250 to 350 euros a month. However, due to its limited numbers, it is not enough for all international students. Hence, the student will find it very difficult to get a room in one of them.

Student housing in individual studios in France

This is the most popular student accommodation option in France. It’s also the type of housing landlords in the country offer the most. Moreover, in student residences, one-room studio-type housing constitutes most of the offers. Also, the majority of these individual studios for students are furnished. However, this depends on the region and city you’re staying in France.

Furthermore, you can find this type of accommodation in all French cities. And the monthly rent ranges between 400 and 700 euros per month, depending on the facilities, size of the room and the city of residence of the student.

Flat-sharing or rent a private apartment in France

Renting an apartment along with one or more roommates in France may be a more affordable option than renting an individual housing as a student. And the number of students who choose this option has been increasing in the last years. Usually, each student has their own rooms, and share the living room, bathroom, and kitchen.

Another advantage of this option is that students have a much more room than if they rent just an individual studio in a building. Furthermore, the price per m² in this type of student housing is lower compared to the private option.

Homestay in France

This type of accommodation arrangement is suitable for short stays, except when there is understanding and harmony between the two sides, the student and the owner.

Basically, it is to rent a room with full furniture from the owner of the house or the resident. Moreover, the prices for such rooms range between 200 and 300 euros per month, which oftentimes includes breakfast and dinner.

The cost of this type of accommodation is lower in the smallercities and the French countryside.

How much is student accommodation in France?

Rent and student accommodation expenses in France depend mostly on the city the student lives in. Whatever option they choose, rent in the major cities such as in the capital, Paris, is very expensive. Basically, monthly student housing in Paris can cost between 600 and 1,000 euros.

In cities fairly affordable, such as Marseille or Grenoble, student accommodation costs around 250 euros. In Lyon, you may expect to pay more than 800 euros for an individual student accommodation.

One very important condition about student renting accommodation is to provide financial guarantees stating the continuity and commitment to pay the rent to the owner. This includes the associated bills from electricity, water, and the Internet. In addition, the student’s monthly income must be equal to the value of the rent for three months.

In the event that the student is one of the beneficiaries of one of the scholarships in France, governmental or private, the granting authority will be responsible for paying the specified warranty value. Basically, this value is sufficient to cover the value of one month’s rent with all the bills, even if the accommodation arrangements are not within the scholarship.

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