Student halls of residence in Marseille

Are you considering living in student residences in Marseille for a while? In this article you find everything you must know about them: the advantages and disadvantages, information about private and university residences, how to find affordable options and answers to the most frequently asked questions. On y va !

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Marseille

The most notable of this type of accommodation in the French city are:

Pros of living in student dorms in Marseille

It’s a simple way to interact and live with other students, which encourages making friends. You don't have to worry about being alone upon arrival!
They're usually equipped with common use facilities such as gyms, study rooms, libraries, and common areas that improve the quality of life.
Most residences are located close to universities and well connected with public transportation.
Services such as cleaning of common areas, maintenance, and reception are generally included. Additionally, many offer 24-hour security.
Some residences organise social events and activities to foster a sense of community.
Sometimes they provide help with procedures and administrative issues, facilitating the adaptation to the new life in Marseille.

Cons of living in student dorms in Marseille

The facilities like kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry rooms are shared, which can lead to inconvenience and conflicts with other residents.
The rooms are usually standard and don’t allow much customisation, which may cause some students to not feel completely "at home".
Living with many other students can result in a noisy environment, making it difficult to study and rest.
They have strict rules about noise, visits, and schedules, which can limit the freedom and flexibility of students.
Private residences are usually more expensive than renting a room in a shared apartment.
High demand and limited availability may make it difficult to find a place in the desired residence.
Life in a residence involves a constant interaction with others, which can be exhausting for more introverted students.

Private student residences in Marseille

Private residences are usually located in central and easily accessible areas, like the neighbourhood of La Timone, near the Faculty of Medicine, and the neighbourhood of Saint-Charles, near the train station and the University of Aix-Marseille.

Among the types of accommodation that you can find in the residences in Marseille, the following stand out: single rooms in shared apartments, double rooms and individual studio apartments (with a bathroom and their own kitchen). The latter are the ones that have a higher price, but give more privacy. The opposite case is that of double rooms, which provide little privacy and are generally the most economical type of accommodation.

An important characteristic that differentiates private residences from public ones and private apartments is that they usually have a wide variety of facilities intended for the common use of residents. This fosters a sense of community and allows students to spend more time together, outside of their rooms. Among the facilities that can be found the most are gyms, study rooms, game and lounge rooms, shared kitchens, and laundries. You can choose where to spend your free time with your new friends!

The residences offer various services, the most common being: security and all-day reception, maintenance and cleaning of common areas, activities, and social events. Some residences in Marseille offer other facilities too, such as occasional room cleaning services, bicycle spaces, access to terraces or green areas, and even tutoring and academic support programs.

CROUS University residences in Marseille

In France, and therefore in Marseille, universities don’t have their own residences. This is because the French government has an agency that offers accommodation to French and international students. We’re referring to the CROUS, the organisation that runs university residences in Marseille and the rest of France. The accommodation they offer stands out for being very affordable, being subsidised and giving the possibility of receiving financial aid such as THE CAF.

These residences have convenient locations for students, located near the universities. Of course, they aren’t always close to the centre of Marseille and the leisure areas, but they do have good public transport connections with which you can easily reach.

The types of accommodation that you can find in the CROUS residences are, ordered from cheapest to most expensive, the following: shared rooms, single rooms, and studio apartments. Shared rooms provide the least privacy, while studios provide privacy both in the room and in the use of their own kitchen and bathroom.

Although the university residences in Marseille don’t have a wide variety of common spaces to enjoy, they do usually have living and study rooms, as well as kitchens. In addition, the services they offer normally include laundry area, security, cleaning, and maintenance.

University Residences of the University of Aix-Marseille

This prestigious institution has agreements with CROUS, so you can request a place in one of its university residences. They’ll probably assign you one that’s located close to the campus you’re destined to, since there are four different ones in Marseille.

If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Aix-Marseille, read this article.

University Residence Halls of KEDGE Business School

In Marseille, this institution offers both places in public residences (of the CROUS) as well as private residences. One of the favourites among students is called Estudines Marseille Luminy, which is in the university city area.

If you want to know about accommodation near KEDGE Business School, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Marseille

In our search engine you can find a selection of private residences for students, all verified in the lively city of Marseille. In addition, you can check the availability of other types of accommodation, including single rooms and entire apartments. We’re sure that you’ll find the ideal accommodation for you quickly and easily! Marseille, with its rich history and beautiful Mediterranean coast, is the perfect place for your studies and university life.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Marseille

How much does a student residence in Marseille cost?
The cost varies depending on the location and amenities offered, but generally ranges between €400 and €700 per month. University residences are usually cheaper, while private residences can be more expensive. Remember that aid, such as CAF, can significantly reduce these costs.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Marseille?
Yes, there are scholarships available for student residences in Marseille. For example, the French government offers personalised housing assistance (CAF), which reduces accommodation costs. Furthermore, if you’re going on Erasmus, the scholarship from this program is designed to help cover the expenses of your stay.
Which is cheaper, a room in an apartment or a student residence in Marseille?
Generally, a room in a shared apartment tends to be cheaper than a student residence in Marseille. University residence prices often include additional services, which increases the cost. However, the exact price may vary depending on the location and amenities offered.
When to book a student residence in Marseille?
It’s advisable to book a student residence in Marseille at least three to six months in advance, especially for the start of the course in September. Places are usually limited and demand is high, so securing your accommodation in advance guarantees more options available.
Are there female and male university residences in Marseille?
In Marseille, the majority of university residences are co-ed. However, some may have separate areas by gender. It’s advisable to check with each specific residence for details on their policies.