Where to Stay in France: Best Student Accommodation Tips 

Studying in France? Lucky you. Whether you’re drawn in by the croissants, couture, or centuries-old campuses, one thing’s for sure—finding the right student accommodation can make or break your experience. From the artsy lanes of Paris to the beachy vibes of Montpellier, France has a ton of options. But not all of them are student-budget friendly or close to uni life.

With so many international students currently in France competition for housing is real—especially in big cities. That’s why it helps to know where to look, what to expect in terms of rent, and how to actually lock down a spot from abroad. This guide breaks down student-friendly cities, top-rated accommodations, average living costs, and a step-by-step booking playbook to help you find a place that fits your lifestyle and your loan balance. Ready to find your French home-away-from-home? Let’s dive in.

What Are the Top 3 Student-Friendly Areas in France?

Let’s be honest picking where to live in France can feel like choosing between croissants. There’s no wrong answer, but some cities just hit different for students. After digging through rankings, rent stats, and real student feedback, here are the top three places where uni life actually works:

1. Paris: Yeah, yeah—Paris. Cliché? Maybe. But it’s popular for a reason. Home to Sorbonne University, Sciences Po, and Université Paris Cité, the city has over 350,000 students, including around 20% international students. Rent here is also isn’t cheap. Average student accommodation ranges from €800 to €1,200/month. But you get killer public transport and endless things to do.

2. Lyon: It’s often ranked the #1 student city in France (L’Étudiant, 2023) for its affordability and vibrant social scene. With over 180,000 students, it’s home to Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, EM Lyon, and Sciences Po Lyon. Rent here averages around €600 to €800/month, and you’ll find cool spots in areas like La Croix-Rousse, Part-Dieu, and Guillotière.

3. Montpellier: You want chill? Montpellier delivers. It’s got that “permanently spring break, but still study” vibe. Over 25% of its population is students. The whole city kinda runs on student energy. It’s home to Université de Montpellier, Montpellier Business School, and Paul Valéry University. Accommodation costs? Around €500 to €700/month—and yeah, it’s more budget-friendly than Paris or Lyon.

Top Student Accommodations in Paris

Finding the perfect student place in Paris? Yeah… it’s not as dreamy as it sounds—at least not until you know where to look. The city is packed with housing options—but not all of them hit the right balance of price, comfort, and location. Whether you’re all about rooftop views, or prefer a peaceful, budget-friendly setup, this list has you covered. We’ve handpicked the top 3 student accommodations in Paris that students actually live in—and love: 

What Are the Top Student Accommodations in Lyon?

Lyon is way more affordable—and way less hectic—than Paris. It’s often ranked as one of France’s best student cities, and for good reason. With over 200,000 students, a vibrant cultural scene, and tuition-friendly housing, it’s a city where student life thrives. Whether you’re near Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Sciences Po Lyon, or EM Lyon, the city offers some fantastic housing options with a solid mix of comfort, community, and cost-effectiveness. Here are three student accommodations in Lyon that are worth checking out: 

What Are the Top Student Accommodations in Montpellier?

Montpellier isn’t just sunny—it’s one of France’s fastest-growing student cities, with over 70,000 students calling it home. It ranks consistently in France’s top five student cities thanks to its 300+ days of sunshine, affordable tuition, and cost of living nearly 20% lower than Paris. Whether you’re attending Université de Montpellier, Montpellier Business School, or Paul Valéry University, chances are you’ll fall for this city’s Mediterranean charm, historic tramways, and buzzing student scene. Following are the top 3 student accommodations in Montpellier: 

What Is the Average Cost of Student Accommodation in France?

Let’s be real—France isn’t the cheapest country in Europe, but it’s definitely not the most expensive either. If you plan it right, you can find a decent place to stay without draining your student loan in the first semester. On average, student accommodation in France ranges between €450 and €1,200 per month, depending on the city, type of room, distance from university, and whether you opt for a shared flat or a private studio. Here’s a city-wise breakdown to give you a better picture: 

How to Book Top Student Accommodations in France?

Booking student housing in a new country can feel overwhelming. Between French rental laws, time zones, and the pressure to find “the one”, it’s a lot. But don’t stress. With the right moves, you can go from “where do I even start?” to “room secured” without pulling an all-nighter. Here’s how students are actually booking smart in 2025: 

1. Use a Verified Platform: Platforms like University Living only list pre-verified, student-friendly properties. This skips the whole landlord drama, language barrier, and dodgy deposit scams. 

2. Set Your Priorities: Budget, location, room type, private vs shared—figure out what matters most. Are you okay with roommates? Do you need to live walking distance from campus? 

3. Use Filters Like a Pro: Don’t scroll aimlessly. Use location filters (near your uni), set your budget ceiling, and check options that include “all bills included” or “student-only housing.” These save you a ton of mental math and reduce unexpected costs later. 

4. Be Flexible With Your Move-In Date: If you’re struggling to find housing starting on your exact date, try adjusting by a week earlier or later. You’d be surprised how many listings open up just outside your preferred window.

5. Ask to See a Virtual Tour or Video: Can’t visit in person? No problem. Many platforms offer 360° tours or video walkthroughs. If they don’t—ask. It’s not weird. It’s smart.

Conclusion

Let’s wrap it up. Whether you’re eyeing a chic rooftop in Paris, a cozy studio near a Lyon tram stop, or a breezy Montpellier flat with roommate-friendly vibes, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But here’s what you can count on:

• Paris is iconic—but pricey. Great for culture lovers and city-hoppers.
• Lyon blends affordability with energy, perfect for balanced student life.
• Montpellier wins on weather, vibe, and budget, ideal for chill-focused study.

Rent will likely range from €500 to €1,200/month, depending on location, privacy, and perks. And if you’re booking from overseas? Stick with verified platforms like University Living, set your priorities early, and don’t be afraid to ask questions—because a well-chosen room means fewer headaches and way more baguette breaks.