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Known for its university atmosphere and mountainous surroundings, this French city is ideal for students. Are you looking for a student residence in Grenoble? In this article we tell you everything you need to know about this type of accommodation: its pros and cons, alternatives between private and university residences, as well as tips to find affordable alternatives. We’ll also answer the most frequently asked questions to help you make your choice. Let's get started!
Below we mention the most notable pros and cons of living in this type of housing in this French city:
Grenoble has a wide range of student residences for both French and international students. They’re usually located in convenient neighbourhoods such as central Grenoble, ideal for those who want to be close to the main universities and services; Savoie, a quiet area with access to green spaces; and Europole, a modern district with good transport links.
As for accommodation, options range from individual studio flats, perfect for those seeking privacy, to shared flats, ideal for those who want a more social environment. Studio flats are usually fully furnished and equipped with a private bathroom and a compact kitchen, while shared flats have common areas, such as a living room and kitchen, which promote coexistence and make it more economical.
The shared facilities in these private residences are a major attraction. Many have study rooms, ideal to prepare for exams or doing group work, as well as leisure areas, gyms and laundries. Some even offer outdoor spaces, such as gardens or terraces, where you can relax or enjoy outdoor activities.
In terms of services, these generally include internet connection, surveillance systems, and maintenance of common areas. As additional services, it’s common to find optional room cleaning, parking spaces for bicycles or cars, and the option to purchase breakfast or meals.
Another type of accommodation that functions like private student residences in Grenoble are "foyers". These are accommodations run by associations, sometimes religious, aimed at young people between the ages of 18 and 26. They can be mixed or exclusively for men or women, and give priority to young workers or students on work placements.
Public student residences in Grenoble aren’t offered by universities, but are run by the CROUS. They’re the most economical and popular option among students. However, there are limitations: availability is limited for international students, as priority is given to those who have French government scholarships based on social criteria. In addition, the application process has strict deadlines, with applications needing to be submitted in July for the start of the academic year in September.
CROUS residences in Grenoble are located in different neighbourhoods of the city, offering proximity to various campuses and universities. For example, some of the areas where they are located include the city centre and Saint-Martin-d'Hères.
These residences offer a variety of accommodation options, including single rooms, studio flats and shared flats, all of which are furnished and equipped with the essentials to move in.
The common facilities in these residences aren’t usually as varied or modern as those in private residences. However, they typically include study rooms, leisure areas, and laundries. Moreover, services such as internet connection, security systems, and maintenance of common areas are offered. Some residences also offer additional services, such as bicycle and vehicle parking, and access to cultural and sports programmes, enriching the student experience in Grenoble.
As you might expect, this institution doesn’t have its own residences, but offers accommodation to its students through CROUS. Bear in mind that places for international and exchange students are limited, so it’s advisable to apply as soon as possible to increase your chances of being accepted.
If you’d like to know about accommodation near Grenoble Alpes University, read this article.
With Erasmus Play, you have access to a comparison tool that brings together verified accommodation options to make your search faster and more efficient. Easily find residences that suit your needs and, best of all, manage the entire process online! This way, you can focus on discovering the wonders of Grenoble and enjoying its lively student life.
You must be enrolled at a local educational institution and, in many cases, be between 18 and 26 years of age. Some residences may require a financial guarantor or proof of financial solvency. It’s also essential to meet the application deadlines, as demand is high and places are limited. Finally, certain residences may have additional criteria, such as priority for students in specific programmes or with scholarships.
The residences run by CROUS offer furnished accommodation with prices ranging from €200 to €500 per month. On the other hand, private residences provide additional services and tend to have higher prices, with rents ranging from €250 to €750 per month, varying according to location and amenities offered.
Yes, there’s financial aid available for students. The CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales) offers financial assistance for accommodation, available to both national and international students. In addition, the Erasmus scholarship awards a certain amount to those who participate in the programme, which can be used to cover accommodation costs during their academic stay.
To apply for university accommodation with the CROUS in Grenoble, you must complete the Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE) between 15 January and 30 April prior to the start of the academic year. Private halls of residence, on the other hand, usually accept applications throughout the year, although it’s advisable to apply several months in advance due to high demand.
They usually include services such as internet connection, water, heating, and maintenance of common areas. Some private options may include optional cleaning or breakfast, depending on the contract. However, services such as electricity and parking spaces are often billed separately. In addition, in some cases, basic items such as bed linen or kitchen utensils aren’t included.