Accommodation in France for International Students - Hostel, Private, Rental, Homestays

Accommodation in France for International Students - There are many reasons why international students choose to study in France. The universities here offer various courses and opportunities for research. In addition to this, there are many affordable universities. Apart from this, the country has a rich heritage of culture, arts, and history. Some of the courses are offered in the English language so it is not mandatory to learn French to study in France. But like any other country abroad where you wish to study, you must be clear about the options for accommodation in France. Thankfully there are a number of options for international students but you must ensure it fits within your budget as the cost of living in France can be quite high.

This Story also Contains

1. Accommodation in France for international students
2. Types of Accommodation in France
3. How to find Accommodation in France for Indian students?
4. Tips while finding Student accommodation in France

Accommodation in France for international students

Accommodation is one the major components in the cost of living in France. It would be wise to check for accommodation in France for students, immediately after their admission acceptance in the university. If the candidate needs time to finalize the accommodation, they can book for at least temporary accommodation in France which provides a shelter for them immediately after landing in the country. Whether it is a on-campus or off-campus accommodation, the students can always approach the university staff or consultants for any details regarding housing availabilities.

Types of Accommodation in France

The accommodation options available in France for international students are given below

University residence halls

These residence halls are managed by France’s regional centres for student services which are otherwise known as CROUS. Residence halls are publicly owned and are an affordable accommodation option for students. The average monthly rent for the university residence halls varies based on the city. While it is around 400 Euros in Paris, it can be around 200 Euros in other French cities.

Apart from the low rental costs, the university residence halls are close to the campus and offer furnished rooms and laundry facilities. They offer opportunities for social interaction but at the same time may lack in providing privacy. The rooms could be small and there could be restrictions in the form of certain rules and regulations.

If you are not able to find a room through CROUS then you can choose to stay in residence halls managed by private organisations but they are more expensive.

Shared apartments

This is one option for students, where they can share a flat or apartment with two or more students. They can also share the rent and utilities for the flat. Apart from saving on money, shared apartments or flatshares will help you make new friends and be tolerant of differences. You will have more living space and will be able to meet lifelong friends and even have an independent life. However the disadvantages of flatshares is their location, they may be far from your campus, lack of privacy and difficulties in adjusting with your flatmates.

Private rentals

This is always a good option if other options are closed to you or are not appealing to you. Most cities in France offer private apartments to students. Though this option is more expensive than others but certainly offers more advantages. You can rent a studio apartment if you wish to live alone. You will have an independent life and access to excellent amenities and be able to live in the heart of the city. But the disadvantages are increased responsibilities and more traveling time because these apartments are usually far away from the campus. The average monthly rental for a private apartment can be around 800 Euros in a city like Paris and around 400 Euros in other cities.

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Homestays

In this option, you will stay with a local French family where you will get your one room and amenities such as an independent room, meals and laundry services. The rental cost is low and you will get a chance to know the local people, language and their culture. You can even pay subsidised rent in exchange for services such as babysitting, homework help or teaching a language to family members. The drawbacks of this accommodation option is that you will be bound by the rules of the house, cultural incompatibility and the dependency on the family for food and other comforts.

Hostels

This is a good option for international students where they can find safe and affordable accommodation. They will get quality food and laundry and cleaning services. Staying with other students in a hostel will teach you collaboration, adaptability and give you a sense of solidarity. You can expand your friends’ circle because you will get an opportunity to meet people of your age from different countries. These hostels are usually run by non-profit organisations and are separate for boys and girls. Students doing internships or apprenticeships or in work-study programs are given preference. While hostels are affordable, they lack privacy and may not offer all the comforts you need.

City-wise accommodation details in France

Even though the average accommodation rates are around 800 to 1000 Euros per month., the accommodation rates differ from city to city. The cost of accommodation in Paris for Indian students is around INR 97,700 per month.

Accommodation Rates in Few Cities of France

Average cost of accommodation in France for Students

The average rental cost for various housing options can be checked before deciding the accommodation in France. These details will help in finalizing the accommodation in France for international students.

Estimated costs of accommodation options in France

Choosing the right accommodation option in France is important when you consider the fact that the cost of living is quite high and accommodation costs will form an important component. You must choose an accommodation option that fits your budget and lifestyle.

Also read

• Top universities in France 2023
• Top reasons why you should study in France

How to find Accommodation in France for Indian students?

Finding an accommodation can always be a challenging task for many candidates in a new city. International students from India can first research the options available in the city or location of the university where they want to find accommodation and also check the transportation facilities. However, the on-campus accommodation in France will be always nearer to the university location. Students who prefer security and convenience can choose the on-campus student accommodation in France. For finding off-campus housing, there are several online platforms like Studapart.com, Airbnb, Housing Anywhere, etc. Even a few university websites also post the listing of private accommodation which helps in finding accommodation in France for international students.

Tips while finding Student accommodation in France

The following are few tips for international students while finding accommodation in France -

• Book the accommodation in advance of the planned arrival in France. It can be at least temporary or on a yearly basis.
• For budget accommodation in France for international students, they can prefer the CROUS buildings which are run by the government regional centers.
• Prefer the furnished rooms over the unfurnished rooms which save the cost of settling expenses.
• Transfer the money only after signing the rental agreements with private rentals which can save the students from a few fraud housing agencies.