After gaining admission to a university in France, the next step is to acquire accommodation as it forms part of the requirements in obtaining a student visa.
There are many student accommodation choices (CROUS, Studapart, Lokaviz, On-campus housing,etc.) of which CROUS is the most popular and sought after. The Regional Centre for University and School Work (CROUS) is a public organization in charge of student administration. In other words, they oversee social assistance to students, welcoming international students, help with student accommodation and restaurants (university catering), as well as promoting culture.
There are about 27 CROUS (regional centers). That means that according to the city you will be going to , you will have to contact a different CROUS.
APPLYING FOR ACCOMMODATION AT CROUS.
Before you can apply for accommodation at the CROUS, you have several steps to follow:
- You first need to login to messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr to fill in your DSE (student social file).
This step is mandatory to make your housing application. A template has been provided here to guide you.
- Once your application is validated, you need to visit trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr International students will be able to access the portal and to choose their rooms in July.
You will have up to 6 housing requests: two wishes per city, out of a maximum of three cities. You may also use the interactive map to select the geographical area you wish to focus on!
- Every room has its own detailed description. You will find information on the surface, the price of rent, the booking fee, the address, transports, nearby schools, the equipment provided as well as a description of the accommodation and the residence (bicycle shed, Wi-Fi, laundry room).
- Once your wish confirmed, you will have to pay for the reservation and your room will be ready starting September 1st.
CAUTION!
Choosing a room on the CROUS website does not guarantee you getting the accommodation as it is highly competitive. Therefore, we advise students to apply for other room choices as early as possible. You could also find possible accommodation through the links below:
- APPARTAGER (Rented Appartment)
- CHEZ L'HABITANT (Rented Appartment)
- ROOMLALA
There are many other accommodation links available in the document below
The international student residence of Paris
Located in the 14e arrondissement of Paris, the Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CIUP) is a sprawling collection of university residences that house nearly 6,000 students, scholars, scientists, artists, and athletes from all over the world. Room rents vary depending on the amenities provided, the occupant’s age, and the duration of their stay.
To live at CIUP, one must be enrolled at an institution in the Paris region and working on a master’s degree or above. Learn more at the CIUP website under the tab Faire une demande de logement (apply for housing).
Student residences owned and managed by private companies
Privately owned and operated student buildings are a good alternative if you’re not able to get a room through CROUS. The rents are often higher than in CROUS buildings, but they’re competitive with other forms of student housing. The everyday advantages are many: group life, furnished rooms, internet, gym, laundry facilities, etc.
To gain an idea of the space offered in private student residences, check out the websites of the following companies: PARME, Suitétudes, Les Estudines, NEXITY Studéa, Fac-Habitat, Cardinal Campus, Néoresid, Kley, Student Factory.
Hostels for students and youth
Run by nonprofits (often religious organizations), most hostels offer lodging for young people between the ages of 18 and 25. Some are single-sex; others are mixed. Priority is usually given to young workers (engaged in apprenticeships, work-study, or practical training) or to students performing internships. But you can apply even if you’re "just a student". Rooms are less expensive than in private student residences. Expect to pay about €600 in Paris; €400 elsewhere. Some hostels offer meal plans.
To learn more, visit the sites of the national union of student houses, the association of youth residences and hostels, and the national union for youth housing.
