Student Housing in France (2025): A Detailed Guide to Finding and Affording Accommodation in Major Study Cities

France remains one of the most attractive study destinations in the world — academically, culturally, and professionally. Yet despite the appeal, finding housing is consistently the hardest part of student life. This expanded guide explains every major housing option, your financial advantages, how to legally and safely rent in France, and city-by-city insights including major universities and schools to help you navigate the market with confidence.

Understanding French Student Housing: The Main Categories

1. CROUS Residences (State-Subsidised Student Housing)

CROUS offers France’s most affordable student accommodation: studios, single rooms, or shared units. These are furnished, close to universities, and often include communal kitchens, laundry rooms, and student services.
They are particularly prioritized for low-income and scholarship students.

Pros: Most affordable option, furnished, close to campus.
Cons: Limited availability; competitive in major cities.

2. Private Student Residences (PBSA)

Purpose-Built Student Accommodation (Résidences étudiantes privées) are modern, amenity-rich buildings offering: furnished studios, en-suite rooms, communal study rooms, gyms, onsite laundry, social events

These are more expensive than CROUS but far easier to secure and extremely convenient for international students.

3. Shared Apartments (Colocation / Flatshares)

Flatsharing is common among French and international students. You rent a room and share the kitchen and living spaces.
Great for those seeking:

• lower costs

• built-in social life

• central locations

Popular platforms like colocation sites and agency-managed flatshares dominate big cities like Paris, Lyon, and Lille.

4. Private Studios and One-Bedroom Units

Private studios offer independence and comfort, especially for postgraduate or PhD students.
Expect higher rent, especially in cities like Paris, Bordeaux and Nice.

5. Short-Term Furnished Housing / Co-Living

Short-term furnished rentals and co-living spaces are increasingly popular among:

• exchange students

• students arriving before securing a long-term lease

• those who value flexibility

These allow you to settle quickly, complete paperwork, and then choose a long-term home once you know the city better.

Financial Tools Every Student Should Use

Visale Guarantee (Free Guarantor Program)

If you don’t have a French guarantor (most international students don’t), Visale can act as one for free.
This makes landlords much more willing to accept your application.

CAF Housing Allowance (APL)

CAF offers monthly rent subsidies for qualifying students, including some international students. The amount depends on: income, city, rent, and student status. You can apply online after securing accommodation.

Scholarships and CROUS Priority

Students receiving CROUS bursaries often get priority access to subsidised housing.

Lease Essentials in France (What to Expect)

• Furnished lease (meublé): commonly 1-year or 9-month (student version).

• Unfurnished lease (non meublé): minimum 3 years.

• Security deposit: typically 1 month of rent (furnished) or slightly more.

• Entry/exit inspection (État des lieux): critical to protect your deposit.

Student Housing by City

Below is the expanded city-by-city guide now including France’s major universities and grandes écoles in each location.

Paris

France’s largest university ecosystem and the most competitive housing market.
Expect high rents and extremely high demand.

Major Universities & Grandes Écoles:

• Sorbonne University

• Université Paris Cité

• Sciences Po

• Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

• Paris-Saclay University (south of Paris)

• École Polytechnique

• HEC Paris (Jouy-en-Josas)

• ESSEC Business School

• École Normale Supérieure

• PSL University

Housing Tips:

• Start your search 3–6 months early.

• CROUS and low-cost studios fill up extremely fast.

• Consider flatshares in the outer arrondissements for better pricing.

• Short-term furnished housing is often necessary before signing a long-term lease.

Lyon

A major student and cultural hub with more accessible rents than Paris.

Universities & Grandes Écoles:

• Université Lyon 1 (Claude Bernard)

• Université Lyon 2

• Université Lyon 3 (Jean Moulin)

• École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

• EM Lyon Business School

• INSA Lyon (engineering)

Housing Vibe

Lyon is walkable, dense, and friendly. Many students prefer:

• Villeurbanne (affordable)

• Croix-Rousse (artistic)

• Guillotière (international)

PBSA and CROUS options are strong.

Toulouse

Known as the Aerospace Capital of Europe — ideal for engineering, aviation, and science students.

Universities & Grandes Écoles:

• Université Toulouse 1 Capitole

• Université Toulouse 2 Jean Jaurès

• Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier

• Toulouse INP

• Institut Supérieur de l’Aéronautique et de l’Espace (ISAE-SUPAERO)

• Toulouse Business School

Housing Vibe

More affordable than Paris and Lyon.
Students often live near:

• Capitole

• Rangueil (engineering campuses)

• Saint-Michel

Marseille

 

A coastal multicultural city with a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle.

Universities

• Aix-Marseille University

• Kedge Business School (campus in Marseille)

Housing Vibe

More affordable than Paris, with many students choosing:

• La Timone (near medical schools)

• Castellane

• Le Rouet

Bordeaux

Stylish, vibrant, and fast-growing with a strong international student community.

Universities & Grandes Écoles

• University of Bordeaux

• Bordeaux Montaigne University

• Kedge Business School (Bordeaux campus)

• INSEEC Bordeaux

Housing Vibe

Students enjoy:

• Chartrons

• Saint-Pierre

• Talence (near main campus)

PBSA growth is significant here.

Lille

A northern hub with excellent connections to Belgium, Paris, and London.

Universities & Grandes Écoles

• University of Lille

• Sciences Po Lille

• EDHEC Business School

• Lille Catholic University (Université Catholique de Lille)

Housing Vibe

Popular districts:

• Wazemmes

• Vauban

• République–Beaux-Arts

Colocation is very common.

Montpellier

Universities include:

• Université de Montpellier

• Montpellier Business School
  Affordable but competitive.

Nantes

Universities include:

• Université de Nantes

• Audencia Business School
  Growing PBSA supply.

Nice

Universities include:

• Université Côte d’Azur
  Mediterranean, slightly pricier, strong international presence.

Smart Tactics for Finding Housing in France

Prepare a strong dossier

Include:

• ID/passport

• university acceptance letter

• proof of income

• guarantor or Visale certificate

• previous landlord references (if you have them)

Apply early to CROUS

Especially for Paris, Lyon, and Bordeaux.

Use short-term furnished housing on arrival

This gives you time to visit neighborhoods and find the right long-term fit.

Use CAF and Visale

These tools make a real difference in affordability and approval chances.

Practical “Soft Landing” Housing Option

For students arriving from abroad or those who want a smooth transition into French life, short-term furnished apartments in Paris and other major cities can be a helpful first step. These ready-to-move-in homes typically include furniture, Wi-Fi, utilities, and flexible lease lengths — ideal for getting settled quickly while you visit neighborhoods and secure a long-term rental. Platforms such as Blueground offer flexible furnished apartments in Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux and other hubs, which can be especially practical during the first few weeks or months of studying in France.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Paying deposits before signing a contract.

• Renting without an état des lieux.

• Underestimating commute times (Paris especially).

• Forgetting to apply for CAF benefits after moving in.

• Ignoring guarantor requirements.

Final Thoughts

Housing in France is a challenge, but not impossible. With the right tools (Visale, CAF), a strong dossier, early preparation, and a clear understanding of each city’s market, you can secure accommodation that fits your budget and lifestyle. Whether you choose a CROUS room, PBSA studio, flatshare, or furnished short-term apartment, France’s university cities offer unforgettable experiences inside and outside the classroom.