International students seeking affordable housing along with their studies must consider France as their choice to pursue their higher education. French culture has certainly captured the attention of international students seeking to study and settle with a promising career in French universities. Pursuing any range of study levels in France is highly affordable, and study housing in France for 2025 is even cheaper.
However, the living expenses for international students in France vary based on their lifestyle choices. So, what does the living cost look like? This blog post will cover every essential detail to cover your living expenses in France as an international student and plan accordingly.
Most Affordable Accommodation Options for Students in France
As a first-time visitor to France for study purposes, you might be confused about the sort of housing to rent in the first place. Many doubts and questions might be occupied in your mind related to finding an affordable place, possible ways to clear monthly room stay rents, finding a guarantor, and more. It’s quite normal to be confused given your situation, and this blog will help you find a better place to live in France for your higher studies, as we list all types of accommodative options and the right ways to apply for them under one roof.
Some noteworthy accommodations, along with accommodation costs for students in France, are listed below.
University Residence Halls
The student residence halls are managed by France’s regional centers, which have been dedicated to providing valuable student-based services. They are publicly owned and one of the top affordable housing options for French students. Commonly called CROUS, the rooms in Paris cost about 400 EUR, and in other cities, they are around 200 EUR.
- How do you obtain a room in a CROUS residence hall?
As a student studying in France, you can inquire about the availability of rooms at the French institution's international office if they have a valid agreement with CROUS. Find the CROUS, who is said to be responsible for the area under which you are about to be studying.
Remember, given the purpose of postsecondary education, one CROUS is set up for every academic institute. The CROUS is managed individually according to the place where it has been established, and each one has its own website. Make sure to reach out and contact the CROUS that correlates with your academy and is said to be coming under the institution that you have chosen to continue higher studies in France.
Upon discovering the official website, you need to find the ‘international’ or ‘housing tab’ to understand the procedure for applying for a room under university residence. You must fill out and submit the ‘international housing’ application even before the last submission date, as mentioned on the website, to ensure getting a living space in France under your name.
Student Residencies By Private Companies
Getting to stay in university residence halls can be competitive. If you cannot find a room there, then student apartments in France managed by private companies are considered a better option[3] [4] . Although these student residencies are more expensive than the university residence halls, you can explore many facilities and stay-related advantages.
- Private Apartments
Renting a room in private apartments for French international students in the studio apartment type will be the best option for students looking forward to living and studying alone. Private apartments offer higher costs, and students are expected to pay about 800 EUR in Paris and 400 EUR in other nearby cities.
- How To Rent Private Apartments for International Students in France?
As a student, you can rent a room from private apartments in France by contacting the property owner or a reputable rental agency. If you are approaching a rental agency, then you need to pay extra fees than your monthly room rent, given their private apartment searching services. Adding to it, security deposits are collected by both private apartment owners and rental agencies. Apartments are usually rented either furnished or empty. Both have their own set of costs; inquire about the same and ensure you can meet with the room stay rent before signing an agreement.
Shared Apartments
One effective way to reduce your overall living cost is to choose to stay in a shared housing space in Francefor international students. Splitting the overall monthly room stay rent and utilities, living in shared apartments is highly beneficial and lets you save money.
- Living with a Elderly Resident/French Family
This is one popular accommodating option for students to live in France and an opportunity to better understand French culture. Families provide lower rent for students who are ready to assist them while staying in their house space. Make this your last option, and go for it only if you can handle the everyday routine of elderly residents along with yours.
Preparing to Secure Your Accommodation
Required Documentation
To finalize a rental agreement, you’ll need to provide certain documents. While requirements may vary, ensure you have:
- A valid ID card.
- A residency permit (e.g., VLS-TS) if you’re a non-resident in France.
- A student card and proof of current enrollment.
- A guarantor’s letter along with proof of their identity.
Finding a Guarantor
A guarantor is essential in France, as they act as a financial safety net should you be unable to pay rent. While most landlords require a French guarantor, the VISALE system offers a solution for students without one. This rental guarantee service can be applied for before your arrival in France.
Room Rent Subsidy for Students in France
Students living in France for study purposes may be eligible to apply for a house rent subsidy through Caisse des Allocations Familales (CAF). This French government-based subsidy can indeed reduce your overall student housing in France for 2025, a more affordable one. The eligibility criteria depend on your monthly income, family situation, and more. The CAF is certainly a reimbursement, and it can take months or even more to find out which ones you are eligible to apply for in the first place. You must find a housing space that can affordably accommodate your budget and then look out for CAF options to explore.
Many international students visiting France to continue their studies benefit from CAF programs. As a student visiting France, you must hold onto VLS-TS, a long-stay visa, and a residency permit to qualify for CAF assistance. Every other process related to the CAF application can be done online. Make your research on the internet, understand the eligibility criteria, and then look out how much assistance the CAF program can yield every month given your room stay rent.
Finding a GARANT to pay your student housing rent in France
A garant is an individual who can guarantee to pay off your accommodation cost in France, irrespective of the private apartment, shared living, or student residences that you have chosen to live in for study purposes. Typically, the garant must be French or said to be living in France. As a guarantor, they will rent out an apartment whether you are a French individual or not. Finding such guarantors can be a challenging task, and if you can land one, then for sure, the room stay rents are about to be bypassed and help in a way to focus on your studies.
Wrapping It Up
The student housing in France for 2025 has a lot of diversified accommodation options to explore for international students, given your budget and living preferences. Starting from CROUS residence hall to private apartments, as a student, you have a wide range of living spaces to pick from to meet your needs. Considering the financial help options and the valid tips mentioned to save on your monthly expenses, you can ensure living in a comfy and enriching space while continuing your higher studies in France. Go for third-party room searching services only when you cannot find a housing space, given your time limit when researching for the best one.
