For international students moving to France, securing comfortable and affordable accommodation is a crucial part of the study abroad journey. Whether you’re studying in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille, or smaller student cities like Grenoble or Rennes, France offers a range of housing options—each with unique features, costs, and benefits.

🏫 1. University-Managed Student Housing (CROUS Residences)

The CROUS (Centres Régionaux des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) network manages public student residences subsidized by the French government. These are among the most affordable and reliable housing options in France for students.

• Features: Furnished rooms or studio apartments, access to kitchens, laundry, Wi-Fi, and sometimes cafeterias.
• Cost: Typically €150–€400/month, depending on city and room type.
• Eligibility: Priority to scholarship holders, low-income students, and early applicants.
• Application Process: Students must apply via the Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE) between January and May for the next academic year.
  👉 etudiant.gouv.fr |
  👉 messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr

🏢 2. Private Student Residences

If you are unable to secure CROUS housing or prefer modern amenities, private student residences are a great alternative. These buildings are designed for students and usually offer higher-end services.

• Features: Ensuite bathrooms, shared or private kitchens, laundry facilities, high-speed internet, common rooms, gyms, and secured entry.
• Cost: €500–€900/month depending on location and services.
• Popular Providers:
  • Nexity Studéa – nexity-studea.com
  • Les Belles Années – lesbellesannees.com
  • Suitétudes – suitetudes.com
  • Fac-Habitat – fac-habitat.com

  Most of these providers operate in major student cities across France, including Paris, Lille, Marseille, Toulouse, and Nantes.

🌐 3. Global Student Housing Platforms

International students often prefer booking housing before arriving in France. Global platforms offer verified listings, virtual tours, and direct bookings.

• AmberStudent – Ideal for international students, listings near French universities.
  👉 amberstudent.com
• Spotahome –  Offers virtual visits, booking support, and verified properties.
  👉 spotahome.com
• HousingAnywhere –Great for short- and mid-term student rentals..
  👉 housinganywhere.com
• Uniplaces –Provides fully furnished accommodation with multilingual support.
  👉 uniplaces.com

🏘️ 4. Private Rentals & Flatshares (Colocation)

Renting a private studio or apartment is another common option, especially for students who prefer independence or live with family. Flatsharing (colocation) allows multiple students to share rent and utilities.

• Costs:
  • Paris: €700–€1,200/month
  • Lyon, Lille, Nantes: €400–€700/month
  • Flatsharing: €300–€500/month per student
• Top Property Websites:
  • leboncoin.fr – France’s largest classifieds site
  • seloger.com – Studio/flat rentals
  • pap.fr – No agency fee rentals
  • studapart.com – Student-focused platform linked to universities
• Tip: Always check if utilities (electricity, heating, water) are included in the rent. Some listings are “charges comprises”, which means bills are included.

🌏 5. South Asian & International Student Support Networks

For students from India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Nigeria, Ghana, or Vietnam, several informal support networks help with accommodation:

• Facebook Groups – city-specific communities, e.g., “Indians in Paris – Accommodation”, “Bangladeshi Students in France”, “Africans in France – Student Support”.
• WhatsApp and Telegram Housing Groups shared among university communities.
• Campus France Country Desks: Guidance on safe and affordable housing.
  👉 campusfrance.org
• South Asian Student Associations (SAARC or Indian associations) – Temporary accommodation or subletting leads.

💶 6. Apply for CAF (French Housing Allowance)

Nearly all students in France, including internationals, can apply for a monthly housing subsidy through CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales).

• How much? The amount varies depending on income, rent, and housing type, and can cover up to 35–50% of rent.
• Requirements: Residence contract, visa/residence permit, French bank account, and proof of student status.
• Processing time: 1–2 months after arrival.
  👉 caf.fr

📌 Accommodation Tips for Students in France

• 🕒 Apply Early – Start housing search 3–6 months before arrival, especially for Paris and Lyon.
• 🔐 Avoid Scams – Never pay deposits without a signed contract and verified source.
• 🛬 Temporary Stay – Book short-term Airbnb or hostel for 1–2 weeks while finalizing long-term housing.
• 🗣️ Language – Use translation tools or French-speaking friends when dealing with landlords. Most listings are in French.