Understanding the Rental Process in France as a Student

France is one of the most developed nations in the world without a second thought. Many career-oriented people visit France for jobs and businesses. Besides, France has also gained widespread fame for providing quality education to worldwide students. When international students come to France, their vital need remains accommodation. There is no shortage of student accommodations in France. But, before renting accommodation, you need to understand the rental process in France as a student. 

Choosing the Accommodation Type 

You can find different accommodation types in France among which you can choose. 

On-Campus Accommodation: On-campus accommodations are the rooms, houses, or halls offered by universities. These accommodations can be on or attached to campus. 

Off-Campus Student Housing: Off-campus student housing is the housing offered by private owners. Such housing is specially designed for students. Students find numerous high-end and basic amenities such as internet, kitchen appliances, swimming pools, gyms, entertainment features, and more. 

Private Apartments: Private apartments are general apartments available for students. Apartments or rooms in apartments can be rented by students.  

Homestays: Homestays are the arrangements in which you can stay with families in their houses. This arrangement allows you to immerse yourself in the French culture. 

Choosing the Accommodation Variant 

There are different accommodation variants available in France among which you can select as per your preference. Some of the variants, you can get in France are: 

Ensuite Room: A room for one person with an ensuite bathroom but a shared kitchen in a bigger unit. 

Non-Ensuite Room: A room for one person with a shared kitchen and shared bathroom. 

Shared Room: A room for two or more students with a shared kitchen and shared bathroom. 

Studio: A self-contained unit for one or two individuals with a large space with an attached kitchen area and attached bathroom. 

Apartment: A flat with one or two bedrooms where one or two students can rent a bedroom. Kitchens are shared and bathrooms may either be shared or ensuite. 

Understanding the Prices 

One of the major things you have to do is to understand the prices of accommodations in different cities. The prices in the bigger cities may be higher than the other ones. For instance, the price of student accommodation Paris can be higher than the accommodations in the cities like Toulouse and Lyon.  

Documents Required for Renting 

To book accommodation, you will need to submit some documents. These documents include: 

• Proof of Identity: Passport or ID card. 

• Proof of Enrollment: A confirmation letter or student ID from your university. 

• Financial Guarantees: Proof that you can afford the rent. It might be through bank statements, a guarantor, or evidence of receiving a scholarship. 

• Guarantor Details: A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay the rent if you are unable to.  

• Visa or Residence Permit: A copy of your long-stay visa (Visa Long Séjour) or residence permit (Titre de Séjour). 

Sources to Search for Accommodation 

Local Noticeboards: You may find noticeboards in universities, cafes, campus buildings, and even grocery stores. You can contact landlords by contacting them through the details you find on noticeboards.  

University Housing Services: In France, you find many universities, which have housing offices. They help international students in securing accommodation in France. You can rent on-campus accommodation with their help. Besides, they also help you in finding different types of off-campus accommodations. 

Exploring Neighborhoods: Students can explore neighborhoods to find accommodation in France. They can look for the sign (“à louer”). Be prepared to call landlords directly. 

Word of Mouth: Talk to your fellow students, especially those who have been in the city for some time. They may know about available apartments or rooms for rent. Besides, if you have some of your acquaintances in your home country who visited France before, you can also talk to them. 

University Living: An Online Platform That Makes Things Easier for You 

Today, there are some online platforms, which make things easier for you. One of them is University Living. This platform provides services through its website (Universityliving.com) and mobile app. You can find the lists of accommodations in any French city in one place. Besides, you can compare prices, amenities, distance from the university, etc. online. You can also filter the list according to your preferences and amenities. You can directly contact landlords through this platform. Moreover, you can start the application process directly from this platform.  

Apart from student accommodation, University Living offers some other services also, such as: 

• International money transfer 

• Student Financing 

• Room replacement 

• Health Insurance (OSHC) 

• Job search 

• Test Preparation 

• Student flight tickets 

• Student e-money app 

• Room essentials 

• International SIM 

• Luggage storage 

• Online food delivery 

• Free online courses 

• Guarantor 

• Visa 

• Food delivery 

• Airport pickup 

• Travel Insurance 

• Foreign exchange 

• Student internships 

So, you get different services for students under one roof. Besides, you can book accommodation in advance through this platform. It also provides you virtual tours of accommodation properties. You can even search for and book accommodation from your native place.

Read More: Why You should Chose OffCampus Living in Lancaster 2025.