🏠 Housing — France
How difficult is it to find student housing in France?
In Paris and other major cities, it is very competitive. Campus France states that CROUS residences are the first choice for many students because rent is low, buildings are often close to campus and students may qualify for CAF housing assistance. However, Campus France also notes that demand is much higher than supply.
Students should start searching as soon as they receive admission. For September intake, the best time to start is between March and June. Waiting until August is risky, especially in Paris.
CROUS student housing
CROUS residences are public university residences. They are the cheapest student housing option in France and are usually managed through regional CROUS offices. Campus France gives typical monthly rents of about €450 in Paris and €350 on average elsewhere in France. Service-public.fr gives a broader CROUS price range of about €200 to €500 per month depending on the accommodation type.
Typical CROUS prices:
- Small room with shared facilities: €200 to €350
- Renovated room or studio: €350 to €500
- Paris and Île-de-France: often €400 to €550
The main disadvantage is availability. Scholarship students, exchange students and students with social priority may have better chances, but there is no guarantee.
Private student residences
Private student residences are easier to book than CROUS but more expensive. They are usually furnished and may include Wi-Fi, laundry rooms, gym, study spaces and reception services.
Typical prices:
- Medium cities: €450 to €750 per month
- Lyon, Bordeaux, Lille, Toulouse: €550 to €900
- Paris: €700 to €1,200+
Private residences are useful for first-year international students who want a secure place before arrival, but they can be expensive.
Shared flats and private studios
Shared flats, or colocation, are very common. A private room in a shared flat is usually cheaper than a studio and gives more flexibility.
Approximate monthly prices:
- Paris: €700 to €1,100 for a room, €900 to €1,400+ for a studio
- Lyon: €450 to €700 for a room
- Toulouse, Lille, Nantes, Grenoble: €350 to €600 for a room
- Smaller cities: €300 to €500 for a room
Many landlords ask for a guarantor. International students without a French guarantor should check VISALE, a free public guarantor scheme, and CAF housing allowance after arrival.
Best platforms to find housing in France
- CROUS / MesServicesÉtudiant: official public student housing.
- Lokaviz: student housing platform connected to CROUS.
- Studapart: used by many French universities and schools. Studapart says it works with more than 150 French schools and universities and lists accommodation in more than 40 French cities.
- SeLoger: private apartments and studios.
- PAP.fr: direct landlord listings.
- Leboncoin: local listings, but beware of scams.
- La Carte des Colocs: shared flats.
- Adele.org: student residences.
- HousingAnywhere, Spotahome and Uniplaces: useful for booking from abroad.
Final advice
France can be affordable if you get CROUS or CAF support, but private housing in Paris can become expensive quickly. Always prepare your documents early: passport, admission letter, proof of funds, guarantor or VISALE, and deposit. If you need help choosing between French cities, comparing housing budgets or preparing your admission plan, we can help.
Frequently asked questions
When should I start looking for student housing?
Start as soon as you receive your admission. In competitive cities, apply for dormitories immediately and begin searching for private rooms 2 to 4 months before arrival. Never send money before verifying the landlord, the contract and the address.
This is starter guidance and changes often — always confirm on the official source before applying.
Use the free Scholarship Finder and country comparison, then get a personal plan.