Paris Student Housing Playbook: Dorms, Flatshares, and Short-Term Fixes That Work

Finding housing in Paris is an art form—and a paperwork marathon. Rents vary wildly by arrondissement, many landlords require French guarantors, and the best deals disappear in hours. This playbook cuts through the chaos with vetted options, cost comparisons, application tips, and a month-by-month checklist so you can lock in a home before croissants become your coping mechanism.

Understand the Paris Housing Landscape

Typical monthly costs (2024 averages)

Housing Type	Price Range (€)	Notes
CROUS dorm (single room)	350–450	Subsidized student housing; limited inventory
Private student residence	780–1,050	Furnished studios with amenities (The Fizz, iQ)
WG/colocation (shared flat)	650–900	Depends on arrondissement; includes utilities
Homestay (half board)	850–1,100	Meals included; cultural immersion
Studio (12–18 m²)	950–1,400	Expect higher deposits; micro-apartments
Short-term serviced apartment	1,200–1,600	Flexible leases; good for bridging gaps

Budget for one month rent deposit, agency fees (up to one month), and renter’s insurance (~€40/year). Many landlords require proof of income three times the rent or a French guarantor—plan your documentation accordingly.

Option 1: CROUS Dorms (When You Can Snag Them)

The CROUS (France’s student services office) manages public dorms with unbeatable prices. Locations span from Cité Internationale Universitaire (Cité U) to suburban campuses in Nanterre or Créteil.

Pros

• Affordable rent (€350–€450) including utilities.
• Community events and campus services.
• Straightforward monthly payments via the CROUS portal.

Cons

• High demand; applications open May–June for fall arrivals.
• Rooms often basic (single bed, desk, shared bathroom).
• Location may require 30–45 minute commutes into central Paris.

How to apply

1. Create a DSE (student social file) at meservices.etudiant.gouv.fr.
2. Submit income documentation even if you receive scholarships; non-EU students still eligible.
3. Prioritize dorms near your university; list at least 5 options.
4. Accept offers quickly—slots expire within days.

If you arrive in spring, look for waitlist openings or short-term sublets from students leaving for internships.

Option 2: Private Student Residences

Modern residences like The Fizz, YouFirst Campus, Ecla, and Twenty Campus offer furnished studios with gyms, study rooms, and high-speed internet. Rents run €780–€1,050/month.

Application tips

• Apply 3–4 months ahead; many require proof of enrollment and a guarantor (see below).
• Expect to pay application fees (~€150) plus deposits.
• Some residences partner with universities; ask your international office for referral codes or discounts.

These are ideal if you prefer English-speaking staff, modern amenities, and all-inclusive billing.

Option 3: Colocations (Shared Flats)

Colocations are the heart of the Paris student experience—shared apartments with other students or young professionals.

Where to search

• Lodgis, SeLoger, Le Bon Coin, Appartager, Whoomies, Studapart.
• Facebook groups: Lodgers in Paris, Paris Expat Housing, Colocations Étudiantes Paris.
• University forums or Slack channels.

Verifying listings

• Request live video tours or send a trusted friend for visits.
• Ask for proof of ownership (titre de propriété) or previous utility bills.
• Use deposits escrow services (GarantMe, Unkle) to avoid direct wire transfers.
• Beware of deals significantly below market rates—often scams.

Colocation etiquette

• Prepare a short bio in French and English highlighting your studies, lifestyle, and budget.
• Offer references from previous landlords or roommates.
• Expect to sign individual leases (bail individuel) or joint leases (bail collectif)—read carefully.

Option 4: Homestays

Homestays provide immersion and meals, perfect for improving French quickly.

• Agencies: France Student Homestay, Foyer International d’Accueil, Cultural Homestay International.
• Costs range €850–€1,100/month with breakfast/dinner included.
• Clarify house rules (curfews, guests) and dietary needs before committing.

Guarantors, Deposits, and Legal Requirements

Guarantor solutions

• GarantMe, Unkle, Visale (free for EU students) guarantee your rent for a fee (3–5% of annual rent).
• Requires proof of funding (bank statements, scholarship letters).

Required documents (dossier de location)

• Passport + visa or residence permit.
• Proof of enrollment (attestation from your university).
• Proof of income or financial support (scholarships, statements, parental guarantee).
• French bank account RIB (open one within the first week).
• Previous landlord reference if available.

Compile these into a PDF to send with applications—speed matters.

Renter’s insurance (assurance habitation)

Mandatory in France. Providers include Luko, MAIF, Allianz. Purchase online; cost ~€4/month.

Timeline: What to Do Each Month

Timeline	Action Items
6 months before arrival	Confirm exchange acceptance, research budget per arrondissement, start dossier.
4–5 months	Apply for CROUS and private residences; set alerts on listing platforms.
3 months	Secure guarantor service approval; schedule housing visits (virtual/in-person).
2 months	Sign lease, pay deposit, arrange renter’s insurance, open online bank account (Wise/N26) for transfers.
1 month	Confirm move-in logistics, inventory, and key handover.
Arrival week	Complete check-in (état des lieux), activate utilities, register with local mairie if required.

Arrondissement Cheat Sheet

Area	Vibe	Average WG Rent	Notes
5th & 6th (Latin Quarter)	Academic, historic	€850–€1,000	Close to Sorbonne; limited inventory
10th & 11th	Creative, nightlife	€700–€900	Great for flatshares; near Canal Saint-Martin
13th	Student-heavy, modern	€650–€800	Proximity to Asian Quarter, affordable dorms
15th	Residential, calm	€700–€850	Easy metro access; families and professionals
18th & 19th	Artistic, diverse	€600–€750	More spacious; check building security
Suburbs (Montreuil, Ivry)	Affordable, RER access	€500–€700	Longer commute but bigger rooms

Short-Term Housing for Transition Periods

If official housing isn’t ready, use:

• Residences with flexible stays: The Babel Community, Urban Campus.
• Serviced apartments: StayCity, Adagio, Citadines (book 2–4 weeks).
• Hostels with monthly rates: Generator Paris, The People Hostel; great for landing pad while you search on site.

How to Avoid Paris Housing Scams

• Never pay deposits via Western Union or cryptocurrency.
• Confirm the landlord’s identity via official documents.
• Use escrow or rental platforms that hold funds until you sign the lease.
• Search the listing text on Google to see if it’s duplicated (common scam tactic).
• Trust your instincts: if the landlord is “out of the country” and can’t show the apartment, move on.

Move-In Day Checklist

• Conduct an état des lieux (move-in inspection) with landlord; photograph every room.
• Sign inventory document noting existing damage.
• Obtain copies of keys; confirm mailbox access.
• Set up electricity/gas contracts (EDF, Engie) if not included.
• Submit renter’s insurance confirmation.
• Register for Internet (Orange, SFR, Free); portable hotspots can bridge the gap.

Five Budget Hacks Unique to Paris

1. CAF Housing Aid: European residents and some long-stay visa holders can apply for a monthly stipend (APL). Submit your lease contract and income details at caf.fr.
2. Student Mobility Pass: Some universities offer subsidies (~€100) for moving expenses—ask international offices.
3. Furniture swaps: Use Emmaüs, Leboncoin, or Facebook groups for secondhand essentials.
4. Laundry plan: Choose residences with washers; laundromats cost €4–€6 per wash. Portable drying racks save cash.
5. Utility splitting apps: Tricount or Splitwise keep roommates accountable.

Contacts and Resources

• CROUS Paris: crous-paris.fr (Housing portal, meal plans, emergency scholarships)
• Studapart: studapart.com (Verified listings via university partnerships)
• HousingAnywhere: housinganywhere.com (international students)
• GarantMe: garantme.fr (Guarantor service for non-residents)
• Visa guidance: France-Visas.gouv.fr (Residence permits, housing proof)
• Expat groups: Girls Gone International Paris, Meetup language exchanges

Final Housing Checklist

• Chosen housing type (dorm, residence, WG, homestay).
• Dossier PDF complete with translations if necessary.
• Guarantor or financial proof secured.
• Lease signed, deposit paid via secure method.
• Renter’s insurance policy active.
• État des lieux scheduled and inventory plan ready.
• CAF or housing aid application submitted.
• Emergency funds set aside (at least one month’s rent).

Paris rewards persistence. Set alerts, prepare your paperwork, and communicate with landlords in polite French (“Bonjour, je m’intéresse à votre annonce…”). With this playbook, you’ll have keys in hand and a café around the corner long before midterms hit.