How Indian Students Can Find Affordable Student Accommodation in France in 2025?

Finding the right student accommodation is one of the most important parts of going to France. Especially for Indian students dealing with currency exchange, documentation, and an entirely new housing culture. In France, there’s no shortage of student housing option. And each of them comes with its own pricing, setup, and pros and cons. And since rent alone can take 50–60% of your monthly budget, it’s not just about what looks good in pictures. It is also about what fits your lifestyle and wallet.

This guide covers everything you need to know. It includes types of housing, rent comparisons by city, affordable cities for students, required documents, and how to book your room from India without stress. Let’s make sure your student life in France starts off on the right foot. It should be with a room you love and a price that won’t give you a headache.

What Are the Main Types of Student Housing in France?

Moving to France for studies in 2025? This is going to be an exciting journey. But also, a bit of a headache. The reason for this is that there are a variety of housing options. So, at some point things will get confusing, as is very important for you to choose the right type of accommodation for yourself. Whether you’re landing in Paris or Lyon, here’s what you need to know about the main types of student accommodation available:

1. CROUS Residences: If you are looking for student accommodation that won’t eat your bank balance alive, this is your shot. These are public student dorms managed by the French Ministry of Education. They’re heavily subsidized and meant to support international students. Monthly rent here typically ranges from €150 to €450, depending on the city and room type. In this you will get a small furnished room, a bed, desk, storage, access to shared bathrooms, and kitchens.

2. Private Student Residences: They are French version of luxury student halls. Well, not exactly luxury-luxury. But they are definitely more upgraded. Rent in here ranges from €600 to €900/month, with all utilities included. It also has amenities like a laundry room, study lounges, and gym access.

3. Flatshares: It is a smart pick for anyone who wants more space and independence. In this you rent a room in a shared apartment with 2–4 other students. It is also more flexible than dorms but cheaper than a private studio. Rent ranges from €350 to €700/month, depending on the city and the apartment size. Here you will share the kitchen, bathroom, and living room.

4. Homestays: This is your “home away from home” experience. You live in a spare room of a French family’s house. You get to eat home-cooked meals, and experience French life from close up. Rent is between €500 to €800/month, including breakfast and dinner. You get a private room, shared bathroom, and access to the kitchen.

5. Private Rentals: Finally, there’s the go-solo route in which you rent your own studio or apartment. This one gives you the most freedom. But it also comes with more stress. Rent range is €700 to €1,200/month in cities like Paris; €500 to €850/month in cities like Rennes, Nancy, or Grenoble.

What’s the Average Rent for Student Accommodation in France?

Rent in France is not one-size fits all type of situation. It depends on where you live and at what kind of place you’re renting. You must also check whether utilities are included in your rent, which will further change the price you are paying. Places like Toulouse or Montpellier offer much more affordable housing without compromising education or student lifestyle.

Rent here saves you €200–€400 every month, depending on your setup. Another thing is that accommodation costs often take up 50–60% of a student’s total monthly budget. So, planning ahead is not just smart, it is important. Now let’s break your rent in France city by city:

Which Are the Most Affordable Cities in France for Indian Students?

Paris in France is a beautiful place. With its cute cafes, and the Eiffel Tower shining at night, it feels like a dream. But living there? That dream can be very expensive. Most Indian students end up spending around €850 to €1,200 (or more) every month just on rent. And that’s before you even count food, transport, or daily expenses.

But here is the thing, France is not just about Paris. There are many other student cities that are not just lively but also budget friendly. At the same time, they also have great universities and strong student communities. That is a big plus, especially since rent usually takes up more than half of a student’s monthly budget. Following are the top affordable student cities in France for Indian students:

1. Toulouse: This place is also known as La Ville Rose. And the reason for that is its pink-colored buildings. Toulouse is considered as one of the most budget-friendly cities for students in France. More than 130,000 students live in here. And the average rent ranges from €300–€500/month for a shared flat. It is also €180–€300/month for CROUS housing.

2. Grenoble: This is science, tech, and budget-conscious students. It also has over 65,000 students. And many students here study at Université Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble INP, or Sciences Po Grenoble. The average rent here is €400–€550/month for private rooms.

3. Lille: Student population is over 115,000 here. And many of the students are at Université de Lille, EDHEC, and IESEG. The average rent is €380–€600/month. Public transport has monthly passes, and they cost around €30–€35. There is a very active cultural scene.

4. Montpellier: It has warm weather and a lively student crowd. There are around 70,000 students, giving the city permanent youthful energy. Rent for students here start from €350–€600/month. Montpellier is particularly popular with Indian students studying IT, business, or medicine.

5. Nantes: The city offers everything you need as a student. There are approx. 55,000 students and most of them are at Université de Nantes. The rent average is €380–€550/month. Studio apartments here rarely go over €700. It has a great public transport system with student monthly passes around €30.

What Documents Do Indian Students Need for Renting a Room?

If you are planning to rent student accommodation in France in 2025, you need to come prepared with your paperwork. Unlike in India, where you can sometimes get away with a phone call and half a deposit, France is all about formal documentation. In fact, don’t be surprised if you’re asked to submit a small folder of documents just to visit a room. French landlords need to verify everything. Also, if you are planning to apply for CAF housing allowance, having your paperwork ready is even more important. Following are the documents you are most likely going to be required as an Indian student renting in France in 2025:

1. Passport and Student Visa: You will require a valid passport with your long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) already stamped. Most landlords will want a scanned copy as proof that you are legally allowed to stay in France for the duration of the lease.

2. University Admission Letter: This one proves you are actually coming to France to study. In this, you will be required to show your enrollment certificate and a copy of the admission letter. Landlords usually ask for this to ensure you are eligible for student housing.

3. Proof of Income or a Guarantor: This is one of the most important documents and also the most confusing. French landlords need to know you can afford the rent every month. If you don’t have an income in France, you’ll need a guarantor. Someone who legally agrees to pay on your behalf if you can’t.

4. French Bank Account (RIB): Some landlords or agencies will ask for your RIB. These are basically your French bank account details. They are required for rent payments and deposit refunds.

5. Rental Insurance: Yes, this one surprises a lot of people. In France, rental insurance is mandatory even for student housing. The cost for this is around €40–€80/year, depending on the provider and coverage.

6. CAF Application Documents (Optional but Very Helpful): CAF housing allowance can reduce your rent by €100–€250/month. In this are going to need extra papers like:

• Valid rental contract (bail)
• Visa and passport copies
• Proof of enrollment
• French bank account RIB
• Birth certificate (officially translated into French)
• Income certificate (or your guarantor’s)

You can apply for CAF as soon as you move in. It can take up to 2–3 months to process, but payments are retroactive from the month you apply.

How to Book Verified Student Accommodation from India?

Booking a room from 7,000 km away sounds terrifying. You are putting your trust (and often your deposit) into something you haven’t seen in person. And in a country where you may not speak the language fluently? It does get’s stressful. But here’s the good news. Thousands of Indian students successfully book their student accommodation in France every year. That too before they even board the flight. The key? Knowing where to look, what to avoid, and what steps to follow. Following are the various ways in which you can book student accommodation in France:

1. Use Trusted, Student-Specific Platforms: Start with platforms that are designed for international students, not generic real estate websites. You can opt for University Living, as they provide premium housing at an affordable price. It has verified rooms with a 24/7 support system.

2. Check with Your University’s International Office: Many French universities have official housing support for international students, especially first-years. This can include:

• Referrals to CROUS rooms
• Private partner residences
• Short-term stay recommendations

3. Avoid Scams Like a Pro: Unfortunately, housing scams in France do exist. Especially on platforms like Facebook Marketplace or unverified Telegram groups. Here’s what to never do:

• Never send a deposit through Western Union, PayPal Friends & Family, or WhatsApp UPI links
• Avoid listings that have no contract, no clear address, or ask for immediate payment
• Be carefull of “landlords” who can’t do video calls or show you a copy of their ID and property proof

4. Book Temporary Housing If You’re Unsure: Not ready to commit to a long-term lease? That’s totally normal. Many Indian students choose to book a hostel, student hotel, or Airbnb for the first 1–2 weeks. This gives you time to:

• Explore neighbourhoods
• Visit properties in person
• Talk to locals or Indian student communities for advice

Conclusion

Finding student housing in France as an Indian student might feel like a big challenge. But once you get familiar with everything, it becomes a smooth process. The key is to start early, be smart about your city choice, and always book through verified channels. Cities like Toulouse, Lille, Montpellier, and Grenoble offer great universities and active student life, all without the high cost of Paris. Combine that with CAF housing allowance, CROUS subsidies, or shared accommodations, and you’re looking at serious monthly savings. 

Ready to Book Your Room?

If you want to skip the stress and secure safe, affordable, and verified student accommodation in France, platforms like University Living make it easy. You can compare properties, book from India, and get expert help on everything. All you have you to do is:

• Start your housing search early.
• Plan smart. Budget better. Live comfortably.

Book your ideal student room in France, before the rush begins.

Frequently Asked Questions