Student halls of residence in Montpellier

If you're planning your exchange or studies in this French city, you're surely considering living in one of the student residences in Montpellier. And, if you're still not sure if it’s your ideal accommodation, keep reading! In this article we tell you the most important thing you need to know about residences: their advantages and disadvantages, characteristics and differences between privately owned and CROUS, and how to find affordable options. In addition, we answer the most frequently asked questions that students have. Let's do this!

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Montpellier

In this section we mention some of the most important characteristics of this type of accommodation in the French city:

Advantages of living in residences in Montpellier

Possibility of living in a multicultural environment, sharing everyday life with people from different countries and cultures.
They’re normally located close to universities, which makes getting to class quick and easy.
In Montpellier, residences usually allow you to apply for the CAF accommodation scholarship.
They tend to have common use spaces such as study rooms, gyms, and recreational areas.
Both the maintenance and cleaning of the facilities are carried out by the residence staff. This avoids one of the main reasons for conflict between roommates.
It allows greater integration into university life, by being surrounded by other students in an academic environment.

Disadvantages of living in residences in Montpellier

Could be difficult to access a place, especially in the CROUS residences.
Rental contracts are generally not very flexible. For example, some of them require a full semester's rent.
They usually have strict rules regarding access schedules, visitor restrictions, use of common spaces, among others. This greatly limits independence.
Living with so many people leads to a high level of noise and movement, which can make it difficult to concentrate on studies when necessary.
Many of the residences, especially those offered by the CROUS, have infrastructure and basic furniture. Remember to bring decoration objects to make it more welcoming, although you have to check if there are restrictions on this matter.
The rooms and bathrooms can be quite small.
When living with other students, it may be difficult to disconnect from university life and enjoy the city of Montpellier from another side.

Private student residences in Montpellier

This French city receives a large number of students every year, both national and international. Thanks to this, there’s a wide availability of accommodation, including private student residences. These residences are normally located near universities such as Université Paul-Valéry and Montpellier Business School, allowing easy access to classes and academic activities. It’s advisable that you determine where your institution’s located, so you can consider nearby alternatives.

Student residences offer various accommodation options. You can choose between single rooms, shared apartments between several residents and private studio apartments. These different alternatives vary in price and amenities, so you have to pay close attention to what you prefer.

In terms of features, many of these residences are equipped with modern facilities, including gyms, study areas, laundry, game rooms, and common spaces for socialising. It should be noted that, normally, these residences have a beautiful interior design and well-kept, welcoming spaces.

They typically offer a large number of services, some already included in the price and others available for an extra amount. For example, the most commonly included are Internet, cleaning of common areas, 24-hour security, and maintenance. In addition, some of them may include changing the bed linen, breakfast, cleaning the room, and even the dishes kit for the kitchen.

CROUS University residences in Montpellier

In France, universities don’t have their own university residences. Instead, the French government offers public residences, through the organisation called CROUS. It’s a popular accommodation option as it’s affordable (subsidised) and there’s usually a wide variety of options located close to different institutions.

In Montpellier, these residences have three types of accommodation from which you can choose: single rooms with a sink, single rooms with a small private bathroom, and studio apartments with their own bathroom and small kitchen. However, keep in mind that exchange students can only choose between single rooms with a small private bathroom, while full-course students can choose between all three options.

An important fact to keep in mind is that, in these residences, there’s a mandatory reservation period of one semester. That is, it’s not common to be able to book for less than six months. Furthermore, the places they offer are limited, which doesn’t guarantee that everyone who requests one can stay there.

The different rooms offered by CROUS are furnished with the necessary basics to move in: bed, desk, chair, and its own refrigerator. In addition, Internet use is often included in the price. However, you have to check if the other utility costs (water, electricity, gas, etc.) are included or if you have to add an extra at the end of each month.

Residences of the University of Montpellier

This institution offers some places for exchange and full-course students in the CROUS residences. Remember that the quantity offered is less than the demand, so it’s not certain that you can receive one.

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

Rent cheap student residences in Montpellier

In our Erasmus Play search engine you’ll have the possibility to compare between the private and verified residences available for your stay in the French city. In addition, you can check their images and locations on a map, making your choice as simple as possible.

Frequently asked questions about student residences in Montpellier

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Montpellier?
The main requirements include being enrolled in an educational institution in the city and having a Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE) approved, in the case of CROUS residences. International students must also comply with visa and registration requirements. Priority is normally given to students with fewer financial resources. In addition, it’s important to respect the application deadlines, which begin in January for the following course.
Are there CROUS residences in Montpellier?
There are several CROUS residences in this French city, offering affordable accommodation for students. These residences are distributed in different areas of the city, near universities such as the Université de Montpellier and the Université Paul-Valéry. They offer options ranging from single rooms to studios with kitchens, and have facilities such as shared kitchens, laundry facilities, and study rooms.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Montpellier?
Yes, in Montpellier there are scholarships that help cover the cost of accommodation. Those who go with the Erasmus program can opt for the Erasmus scholarship, which covers part of the accommodation. In addition, both French and foreign students can apply for the CAF (Caisse d'Allocations Familiales), a state aid that reduces the monthly cost of rent in residences such as those at CROUS and other approved accommodation.
What’s cheaper, a room in an apartment or a student residence in Montpellier?
In general, a student residence, especially those at CROUS, tends to be cheaper than renting a room in an apartment in Montpellier. The residences offer subsidised rates and, in addition, students can apply for help from the CAF to further reduce costs. On the other hand, renting a room in a private apartment is typically more expensive due to the rental price and additional expenses such as services and deposits. However, differences may vary depending on location and accommodation amenities.
What services do student residences in Montpellier usually include?
They generally include services such as Internet, facility maintenance, and laundry. They also offer shared kitchens or, in some cases, private kitchens in studio apartments. Many have common areas for studying and socialising, such as study or recreation rooms. Additionally, some have 24-hour security and access control to ensure the safety of residents.