Top 5 student cities in France

Discover the favourite cities for university students in France and what makes them unique.

Are you planning your studies or exchange programme and want to discover the 5 best cities to study in France? This country is one of the most popular university destinations in Europe thanks to its prestigious education system, rich cultural life, and international atmosphere. From metropolises such as Paris and Lyon to smaller, charming towns, each destination offers a different experience for students.

In this guide, we'll tell you about the five most outstanding university cities in France, with their pros and cons, renowned universities and average prices for student accommodation. This will allow you to compare options and find the destination that best suits your lifestyle and budget.

What's more, through our platform you can search for and book verified student accommodation in France, compare prices and find your ideal room near the campus or in the most popular neighbourhoods among young internationals.

Paris

Paris is the capital of France and the most popular student and tourist destination in the country. It’s a city steeped in history, art, and entertainment for everyone. There’s always a great student atmosphere and lots of partying practically every day of the week. It’s an incredible destination, guaranteed!

Pros and cons of studying in Paris

Paris has its advantages, but also some challenges that are worth knowing about.

Pros of studying in Paris

The student atmosphere is incredible! Endless cultural, leisure, and entertainment options.
It allows you to travel easily to other parts of France and Europe.
It has prestigious universities.
You’ll be able to explore its historical heritage.

Cons of studying in Paris

Very high cost of living in all aspects.
Difficulty finding accommodation due to high demand.
Fast pace and heavy traffic.

Top Universities in Paris

Some of the most prestigious universities in the country are located in this city.

Sorbonne Université (Sorbonne University)

You’ve probably heard of it before. It’s one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in Europe, well-known for its programmes in the areas of humanities, sciences and medicine. It has five campuses in the city of Paris, all located in different areas.

See our guide to accommodation near Sorbonne University for more information.

Sciences Po Paris

Specialising in social and political sciences, it’s one of the world's most renowned universities for training leaders, economists, and diplomats. Its campus in Paris is located in the Saint-Germain-des-Prés neighbourhood. If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to accommodation near the Sciences Po Paris.

Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne (Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University)

This institution is renowned for its programmes in social sciences, law, and economics, and has a large French and international student community. It has buildings in various parts of Paris, such as the Latin Quarter, Croulebarbe, and Olympiades.

Explore locations, neighbourhoods, and tips in the guide to accommodation near the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.

Student Housing in Paris

Although rental costs in Paris are among the highest in France, many students choose to live in this city because of everything it has to offer. Rooms are generally the most sought-after type of accommodation as they’re the most economical, costing between €500 and €1,000 per month. Studio flats usually start at €1,200 and up.

If you’re going to study in the French capital, check out our guide to accommodation for students in Paris with information you need to know.

Lyon

Pedestrian walkway along the river in Lyon with classic residential buildings and trees lining the shore.

Lyon is the third most populous city and the second most important university city in France after Paris. It’s located between the capital and the Alps and has a very good academic offering. With a strong student life, a wide range of cultural activities and a more balanced cost of living than the capital, it’s a very attractive destination for international students.

Pros and cons of studying in Lyon

Like any large university city, Lyon has its advantages and some aspects to consider before choosing it as a destination.

Pros of studying in Lyon

Great international community.
Its cuisine is famous throughout the country.
It has a wide variety of cultural and leisure activities on offer.
Good location and connections for travelling around France and Europe.

Cons of studying in Lyon

Winter can be long, rainy, and grey.
Rents are high.
There’s a lot of demand for accommodation, so you need to start your search as soon as possible.

Top Universities in Lyon

The University of Lyon brings together several universities and institutes, one of which stands out for the number of international students it welcomes:

Universitè Jean Moulin-Lyon 3 (Jean Moulin-Lyon 3 University)

It has three different campuses: "Le campus des Quais" on the Claude Bernard quay, "Campus de la Manufacture" in the Monplaisir district, and "Bourg-en-Bresse Campus" in the town of the same name, about 70 kilometres from Lyon.

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near the Universíté Jean Moulin-Lyon 3.

Student Housing in Lyon

The cost of living in Lyon is high, but not as expensive as Paris. However, accommodation prices tend to be high, although this always depends on the area and type of accommodation. For example, a room in a shared flat usually costs between €400 and €650 per month, while a studio flat can cost around €700 to €1,450 per month.

Are you planning to study in Lyon? Don't miss our guide to accommodation for students in Lyon, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Lille

Classic architecture and brick buildings in Lille's old town, a key university destination near the Belgian border.

Located in northern France, near the Belgian border, Lille is one of the most welcoming university cities with the best student atmosphere in the country. Its medium size, youthful atmosphere and excellent connections to other European capitals make it an ideal choice for those seeking a more relaxed experience with a good vibe and academic quality.

Pros and cons of studying in Lille

Lille offers many opportunities, albeit with challenges:

Pros of studying in Lille

The atmosphere is cosy but very lively.
The cost of living is lower than in larger cities.
Travel easily through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany.
Extensive cultural and leisure activities.

Cons of studying in Lille

The climate is cold and rainy for much of the year.
Some university programmes are taught mainly in French, so it’s important to know the language before arriving.
As it’s a smaller city than Paris or Lyon, nightlife is more limited.

Top universities in Lille

Lille is home to universities with excellent reputations.

Université de Lille (University of Lille)

It’s one of the largest public universities in France. It stands out for its focus on research, innovation and a wide range of academic programmes in science, technology, humanities and health.

Its campuses are spread across different neighbourhoods in Lille. If you’re going to study there, don't miss our guide about accommodation near the Université de Lille

Université Catholique de Lille (Catholic University of Lille)

This private university is one of the most renowned in the country, with a friendly atmosphere and several international programmes. It has campuses in Lille and other French cities.

In this guide, we tell you more about its locations and how to find housing near the Université Catholique de Lille.

Student Housing in Lille

Rent for students in Lille is more affordable than in most large French cities. A room in a shared flat can cost around €400-500, while a studio flat usually starts at €650 per month.

If you’re going to study in this northern city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Lille with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Bordeaux

Neoclassical limestone buildings surrounding the Place de la Bourse in Bordeaux.

Bordeaux, in south-western France, is an elegant, historic city with a very good quality of life. It’s famous for its wines and architecture, and also offers a modern and dynamic university environment. It’s ideal for students seeking a balanced experience between study, culture and tranquillity, with the charm of living near the Atlantic Ocean.

Pros and cons of studying in Bordeaux

Living and studying in Bordeaux has great benefits, although there are also some challenges that are worth knowing about.

Pros of studying in Bordeaux

It’s a safe, clean city with an excellent public transport network.
It has a very active cultural life, with festivals, museums, and events throughout the year.
Its climate is temperate throughout the year.
It’s close to the sea.

Cons of studying in Bordeaux

The price of accommodation has risen in recent years, although the cost of living remains lower than in Paris.
The demand for student accommodation is usually very high.
It may be quiet for those looking for a very intense nightlife.

Top Universities in Bordeaux

Among its main institutions are:

Université de Bordeaux (University of Bordeaux)

This university is well-known for the quality of its research and welcomes a large number of international students every year. Its campuses are located in Bordeaux and the surrounding area, in neighbourhoods such as Talence, Carreire, and Bordeaux-Bastide.

Find useful information about areas and accommodation in the accommodation guide near the University of Bordeaux.

KEDGE Business School

It’s one of the most prestigious business schools in France and Europe, with international recognition. Its campus in Bordeaux is located in the Talence neighbourhood, in the south.

For more information, check out our guide to accommodation near the KEDGE Business School.

Student Housing in Bordeaux

Rent for students in Bordeaux varies depending on the neighbourhood and type of accommodation. On average, a single room in a shared flat or residence usually costs between €500 and €700 per month. Studio flats are more expensive, with a minimum of €1,000 per month.

Are you looking for accommodation in this city? Read our guide to student accommodation in Bordeaux and find the most convenient neighbourhoods.

Toulouse

Cityscape of Toulouse, one of France's best university cities, famous for its youthful atmosphere and the River Garonne.

Known as "the pink city" because of the colour of its brick buildings, Toulouse is one of the most popular university cities among students in France. Located in the south of the country, it’s a fairly quiet city but with a young and lively atmosphere. It’s also an important technological and aerospace centre.

Pros and cons of studying in Toulouse

Toulouse offers an academic experience with advantages and disadvantages that are worth knowing about.

Pros of studying in Toulouse

It has a very international atmosphere, with a large community of Erasmus students.
Prices are lower than in Paris or Lyon, for example.
It’s a medium-sized city with an excellent quality of life.
It has a pleasant climate most of the year.

Cons of studying in Toulouse

Before the start of term, it can be very difficult to find accommodation.
Public transport is sometimes overcrowded during rush hour.
It doesn’t have very good connections with other European cities or countries.

Top Universities in Toulouse

Toulouse is home to several renowned institutions, such as:

Université de Toulouse (University of Toulouse)

This is, in fact, a grouping of several higher education institutions. One of them is the Université de Toulouse I Capitole, whose campus is located in the city centre.

If you’re thinking of studying there, we recommend reading our guide to accommodation near the University of Toulouse.

Université de Toulouse - Jean Jaurès (University of Toulouse - Jean Jaurès)

It’s renowned for its focus on humanities, arts, languages and social sciences, with a very active and multicultural campus.

Find out more details in the guide to accommodation near the Université de Toulouse-Jean Jaurès.

Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier (University of Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier)

It’s renowned for its programmes in science, technology, engineering and medicine, and for its links to the aerospace and innovation sectors.

Find the best areas to live in our article on housing near the Université Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier.

Student Housing in Toulouse

The cost of rent in Toulouse is generally average compared to other large French cities, but it always depends on the area you’re in. For example, a room in a shared flat can cost between €450 and €600 on average, while a studio flat costs around €700 (although in a more remote neighbourhood it can cost around €400).

If you’re going to study in the pink city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Toulouse with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Find accommodation in France with Erasmus Play

Choosing between the five best cities to study in France depends largely on your budget and the lifestyle you’re looking for. From the cosmopolitan atmosphere of Paris to the warmth of Toulouse or Bordeaux in the south, to the quieter life of Lille in the north, they all offer a unique experience and a high-quality education.

With Erasmus Play, you can easily compare different types of student accommodation in France, filtering by price, location and type. You can also make your booking securely, so you can focus on your university experience to the fullest.

Other guides on studying and living in France

If you’d like more information about the country and these cities, you can read our guides on various topics: