International students in France typically choose from five main housing options:

• CROUS (government student residences)
• Private student residences
• Shared apartments (colocation)
• Private studio apartments
• Homestay (living with a host family)

Each option suits different budgets, levels of independence, and lifestyle preferences.

CROUS is France’s public student housing authority and generally offers the lowest-cost accommodation available to students.

Rent range

• €150 – €400 per month (depending on city and room type)

Advantages

• Cheapest option overall
• Safe and regulated environment
• Usually eligible for CAF housing allowance
• Often close to universities or campuses
• Fixed, transparent contracts

Limitations

• Extremely competitive, especially in big cities
• Limited availability for non-scholarship international students
• Waiting lists are common

How to apply

• Apply through the official CROUS or student services portal
• Requires admission confirmation from your institution

Tip: always keep a backup option if you apply for CROUS, as places are not guaranteed.

Private student residences are the most common and reliable choice for international students, especially in their first year.

Rent range

• €450 – €900 per month (depending on city, size, and residence brand)

What’s typically included

• Furnished studio room or small apartment
• Kitchenette
• Wi-Fi (often included)
• Laundry facilities in the building
• Secure access (badges, codes, reception)
• Utilities often partly or fully included

Advantages

• Easy booking process from abroad
• Clear and standardised contracts
• Safe, modern buildings designed for students
• Frequently eligible for CAF

Limitations

• Higher cost compared to shared apartments
• A guarantor may be required in some residences

Private residences are ideal for first-year international students who want simplicity and security.

Colocation means renting and sharing an apartment with other students or young professionals, splitting rent and utilities.

Rent range

• €300 – €600 per person per month (depending on city and apartment size)

Advantages

• Lower rent compared to living alone
• More living space (shared kitchen, living room)
• Social environment and community
• Shared utilities and internet

Limitations

• Requires coordination and understanding with roommates
• Need to understand lease terms and responsibilities
• Not always fully furnished

Colocation is popular among students who want cost savings and social interaction once they are more comfortable in France.

Private studios give you full independence and control over your space.

Rent range (typical)

• Paris: €700 – €1,100 per month
• Lyon: €500 – €700 per month
• Other cities: €450 – €650 per month

Advantages

• Maximum privacy and independence
• Long-term stability once the lease is secured
• Often eligible for CAF housing allowance

Limitations

• Higher deposit and upfront costs
• Guarantor almost always required
• Harder to secure directly from abroad without local support

Homestay means living with a local host family in their home.

Rent range

• €350 – €650 per month, depending on city and services included

Advantages

• Safe and structured environment
• Cultural immersion and daily French practice
• Meals sometimes included (half-board or full-board)
• Ideal for beginners in French language and first-time travellers

Limitations

• Less independence compared to a private studio
• House rules set by the host family

A. Bail (rental contract)

The rental contract, or bail, should clearly mention:

• Rent amount and payment terms
• Duration of the lease
• Security deposit
• Notice period (often 1 month for students)

B. Security deposit

• Typically 1–2 months of rent
• Refundable if there is no damage and all bills are paid

C. Guarantor (caution)

Many landlords and residences require a guarantor who is financially stable and based in France or the EU.

Guarantor solutions

• Visale (free government guarantee, subject to eligibility)
• GarantMe and other private guarantor services
• Personal or family guarantor (when possible)

International students without a French guarantor often rely on Visale or private guarantor services.

CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) is one of France’s biggest financial advantages for students. It is a monthly housing allowance that reduces your rent.

CAF amount (typical)

• €150 – €250 per month, depending on:
  • Rent amount
  • City and region
  • Housing type and lease

Eligibility

• Long-stay student visa (VLS-TS)
• Valid rental contract in your name
• French bank account (RIB)

Documents required (common list)

• Passport
• Visa / residence permit
• Rental contract
• Rent certificate from landlord or residence
• Birth certificate (often translated and legalised)
• RIB (bank details from a French account)

CAF can significantly reduce your monthly living expenses and is a core part of most student budgets in France.

Approximate monthly budget ranges after receiving CAF support:

These ranges are indicative and depend on lifestyle, city, and housing choice.

September intake

• Best arrival window: 10 August – 10 September

January intake

• Best arrival window: 20 December – 10 January

Arriving early improves housing availability, choice, and reduces last-minute stress.

Some common red flags and scams to watch for:

Scam 1: Paying before contract

• Never transfer money without a signed rental contract and verified landlord or residence.

Scam 2: Unrealistically low rent

• Very cheap listings in Paris or other big cities are almost always fake or misleading.

Scam 3: Fake landlords

• Always verify the landlord’s ID and property ownership, especially in private listings.

Scam 4: Western Union or cash transfer requests

• Never send money via Western Union or informal methods for deposits or booking fees.

Scam 5: Fake CAF promises

• CAF is processed only via the official French government portal—no one can “guarantee” CAF in exchange for extra fees.

StudyConnectFrance supports students with all key housing decisions:

• Shortlisting safe, verified housing options (CROUS, private residences, colocation)
• Guidance for CROUS applications
• Rental contract review and red-flag checks
• Guarantor solutions guidance (Visale, private services)
• CAF application support and document preparation
• Scam prevention and platform recommendations