Yes, France can be expensive—but students have insider tricks to stretch their euros. Here’s how to eat, travel, and study without overspending.
Housing
- CROUS Residences: Government-subsidized housing starting at €250/month.
- Flatshares: Many students rent with others via websites like leboncoin.
Food
- CROUS Cafeterias: €3.30 per meal.
- Markets: Local produce is cheaper than supermarkets—visit open-air markets.
- Wine: A bottle of good French wine can cost €3–5.
Travel
- Ouigo Trains: Budget-friendly alternative to TGV, connecting major cities.
- Carte Jeune: Discount rail card for students under 28.
- Blablacar: Ridesharing platform widely used by students.
Free Fun
- First Sunday of each month = free museum entry (Louvre, Orsay, Pompidou).
- Student discounts at nearly every cultural site.
France can be expensive, but with student perks, it’s possible to live well on a budget.