Student halls of residence in Lille

One of the accommodation alternatives that you can consider if you’re going to study in this French city are student residences in Lille. If you want to know more about them to decide if it’s the ideal type of accommodation for you, keep reading! In this article we tell you everything you need to know about it. From their advantages and disadvantages, to the differences between private and CROUS residences, to how to find cheap residences. In addition, we answer the most frequently asked questions that students have every year. On y va !

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Lille

These are some of the most relevant pros and cons of this type of accommodation in the French city:

Pros of living in student dorms in Lille

It’s a very simple way to meet people as soon as you arrive in the French city. Furthermore, although we recommend taking the opportunity to learn French, initially you can communicate with other residents in English.
All spaces are heated! This is important because there are older floors that are not well adapted for the winter. Keep in mind that the minimum temperatures in that season are between 1 and 2ºC every day.
Normally, all important expenses are included in the price: water, gas, Internet, electricity and heating. However, make sure that this is the case.
Many residences offer discounts or benefits for its residents in external locations, such as cinemas, hair salons, restaurants, gyms, among others.
It’s common for them to have common areas such as a gym, study rooms, patio, relaxation areas with sofas and televisions, coworking spaces and cafeteria. In addition, sometimes they organise activities and events for their residents.
Building maintenance and repairs are managed by the administration, reducing concerns for residents.
They usually have measures of security such as surveillance cameras and security personnel.
Being surrounded by other students makes it easier to build community and get mutual academic and personal support.

Cons of living in student dorms in Lille

Some of them don’t include the cost of electricity in their cost, so you will have to add a small amount at the end of each month to the rent listed in the advertisement.
They usually have strict rules regarding visits, quiet times, and use of common areas, which can limit independence.
Residence life involves sharing common spaces and often bedrooms, which can decrease personal privacy.
The high demand for facilities such as laundry rooms, kitchens and study areas can be inconvenient.
Although they adapt to the academic calendar, residence contracts can sometimes be rigid in terms of moving dates and other conditions.
Living with so many students implies a lot of constant noise and movement, which can affect sleeping or wanting to concentrate to study or do work.

Private student residences in Lille

Private residences in this French city often have convenient locations for students. That is, they’re usually located near the universities or in neighbourhoods that have good connections with the institutions and the downtown area. For example, some of the areas where you can find multiple residences are Wazemmes, Esquermes, Euralille and Saint-Maurice Pellevoisin.

Private student residences in Lille typically offer individual rooms in shared apartments, between two, three or up to four students. That is, in these apartments the kitchen is shared among those who live there (and not with the rest of the residents), while the bathroom can also be shared or private. You’ll also find studio apartments, completely for you, and studio apartments to share between two people, with separate beds.

This type of accommodation usually offers common use spaces to foster community and interaction between residents. For example, it’s common for them to have a gym, study rooms, relaxation areas with sofas and televisions, coworking, patio and cafeteria. Likewise, sometimes they also organise activities and events for residents. However, this is not always the case, so compare between the available residences to see what each one offers.

Some private residences also offer extra services such as change of sheets and towels every week, breakfast including weekdays and even rental bicycles available. Sometimes this carries an extra cost.

Regarding the cost of rent, it usually includes the costs of water, Internet, gas and electricity services. However, there are some residences in which electricity is not included, so you have to pay extra at the end of each month depending on your consumption.

In Lille, in addition to private residences, you can consider living in co-livings. These work in a very similar way, with the main difference that they can accommodate different people and not just students.

CROUS university residences in Lille

In Lille, as in the rest of France, universities do not have their own residences, but the French government offers places to students through the residences managed by CROUS. These are usually located close to the different faculties of the Lille institutions, and places are assigned accordingly (they try to assign students close to their place of study).

In these university residences, the types of accommodation you can find are: single room, shared room or studio apartments. Typically, rooms are part of a two, three or four bedroom apartment, that share a kitchen and bathroom among all those who live there. Because of this, there are usually no communal kitchens to use in other parts of the building. However, in some cases that kitchen may be very small and may not have, for example, an oven.

In terms of facilities, the CROUS residences in Lille can include study rooms, laundry by coins and common areas where students can socialise. In addition, they usually include additional services such as security and building maintenance.

University Residences of the Université de Lille

This prestigious institution does have agreements with CROUS to offer places in its residences. Thanks to this, you can access them if you are a ULille student.

If you want to know more about the accommodation near the Université de Lille, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Lille

In our search engine you can filter by residence prices! That way, it’ll be very easy for you to find a verified, affordable and available residence for your stay in Lille. You’ll also be able to filter by other characteristics that are important to you, as well as the location in which they are located. Once you find your ideal residence, make your reservation 100% online and totally securely! This way you can focus on other details of your stay in the French city, such as finding out if you can sign up to the city bike sharing system, V'lille.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Lille

Are there CROUS residences in Lille?
Yes, in Lille there are residences managed by CROUS, the organisation responsible for providing student services in France. These residences offer affordable accommodation and are designed specifically for students. They are a popular choice among national and international students due to their convenience and affordable costs, being strategically located near educational institutions and with good access to public transportation.
How much does a student residence in Lille cost?
The cost of a student residence in Lille can vary greatly depending on the location, the services offered and the type of accommodation. Generally, prices range between €200 and €600 per month. Residences managed by CROUS tend to be cheaper, while private residences can cost more, especially if they offer additional services such as a gym, laundry or larger common areas.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Lille?
In France, students can access the CAF scholarship, known as APL (Aides Personnalisées au Logement) in French, intended to help cover part of the costs of accommodation. It’s important that you check if you meet the necessary criteria to apply and make sure that the accommodation you select is eligible for it. Additionally, if you plan to study in Lille with the Erasmus program, you can also benefit from the scholarship they provide to help cover the expenses of your stay.
When to book a student residence in Lille?
It’s advisable to reserve a place in a student residence in Lille several months before your arrival, ideally before June for the start of the academic year in September. Demand for accommodation can be high, especially at the beginning of the semester. Making a reservation in advance ensures that you have more options available and avoids a shortage of places when the start of classes approaches.
Are there female and male university residences in Lille?
Yes, in Lille there are both female and male university residences. These residences are designed to meet the preferences and needs of students, offering spaces dedicated exclusively to women or men. These options allow students to choose an environment that they consider most comfortable and appropriate during their period of study in the city.