Flatshare in Lille

If you're considering living in a shared flat in Lille, it’s best to start your search early. Despite the numerous accommodations available, about 40% of Lille's population are students, making it competitive to find a good shared apartment.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Lille

Here are the pros and cons of living in a shared flat in this French city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Lille

• Many of the shared accommodations are located in neighbourhoods full of students like Vauban, Masséna, and Wazemmes.
• Renting a spare room in an apartment can help you save money, which you can then use for travel. Lille’s prime location in Europe makes it easy to visit nearby countries like the United Kingdom, Belgium, and other parts of France.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Lille

• Lille has the highest number of international students in France, most of whom seek shared flats. Therefore, it's crucial to search well in advance, especially before the semester starts.
• Some young people often have many gatherings and parties in their apartments. It's important to establish rules to ensure a positive living experience for everyone and prevent disturbances.

Erasmus Apps for your exchange programme in Lille

Erasmus+ apps offer plenty of useful information for students, covering both academic life and living in Lille. They can help you decide which neighbourhood to live in—Masséna is great for nightlife, while Vauban is ideal if you want to be close to Bois de Boulogne, the city’s green lung.

How to meet people in Lille

Here are some great ways to meet people in Lille, aside from befriending your flatmates:

Student associations in Lille

ESN Lille is well-known among Erasmus students. This association not only encourages connections between young people but also provides support and organises different activities, including workshops (like interview preparation), excursions (such as trips to the Palace of Versailles), international dinners, paintball, museum visits, and even Quidditch matches!

Facebook groups for Erasmus students in Lille

Join the Facebook group created by ESN Lille to see the calendar of scheduled activities and choose which ones to participate in. Other groups, like Erasmus Lille EP, allow you to connect with young people, check out plans, and get your questions answered. These groups are often organised by the school year.

WhatsApp groups for Erasmus students in Lille

Associations, Facebook groups, and students often create WhatsApp groups for direct communication. These groups make it easy to organise plans and meet other students.

Tips for living in a shared apartment in Lille

Keep these tips in mind when living in Lille:

• While the French are often perceived as unfriendly to internationals, people in Lille are typically quite welcoming. You'll likely feel at home and have the chance to make local friends and immerse yourself in the culture..
• Sunny days in Lille are rare. It's usually cloudy and rainy, so be prepared for the weather.
• Don't be discouraged if you hear a language you don't understand on the streets. It might be Flämisch (Flemish), the language of the Flanders region, not French.

Frequently Asked Questions about sharing a flat in Lille