Student halls of residence in Paris

If you’re considering living in a student residence in Paris, you've arrived at the right article! Here, we tell you everything you need to know about them, their advantages and disadvantages, information on both private and university residences, how to find cheap residences and we answer frequently asked questions.

The first thing we recommend, and we can’t emphasise this enough, is to start searching for accommodation as soon as you can. The demand for accommodation in Paris is very, very high. So be patient and start seeing the different types of accommodation that adapt to your preferences and needs.

The second recommendation is that, when you find the ideal residence, room or flat for you, don't hesitate and do the booking as soon as possible! There are plenty of stories of students who thought about it for a few days and when they tried to make the reservation, they couldn't find it. Remember that in Erasmus Play you can make the reservation completely securely and online!

Now, let's go with the descriptions of the student residences in Paris. On y va !

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Paris

Below you’ll find the most relevant pros and cons of this type of accommodation:

Pros of living in student dorms in Paris

Due to the large number of students from different parts of the world who come to study in the French capital, you’ll be able to live in a multicultural and enriching environment. Take the opportunity to get to know different cultures from around the world, in addition to delving into French culture.
If you have the possibility of accessing a place in the CROUS residences, which isn’t easy at all, the cost of your rental will be quite affordable compared to private apartments.
Some offer amenities and facilities such as a gym, common areas with kitchen and sofas, patio or small garden, games room, terrace, musical instruments, and swimming pool.
They are usually fully furnished and they have everything you need to move in.
Among the services that they offer (which may or may not be included in the price) are laundry area, 24-hour security, food service, room cleaning, and bicycle parking.

Cons of living in student dorms in Paris

Many residences aren’t in the best condition. That is, they have old furniture or can even be a little neglected. Rental demand is so high that owners know they’re going to rent it anyway, so they don't invest much money in making them more welcoming.
Finding accommodation in public residences, like the ones from CROUS or the Cité Universitaire, is usually very difficult.
They may have requirements such as being of a certain age, having a guarantor or even that your University has an agreement with them. Furthermore, in public ones, you have a certain period to request your place and there’s not always enough space for everyone who requests one.
They often have many rules to follow regarding schedules and visits. Also, if you have a guest who wants to stay overnight, you have to notify them in advance and, sometimes, pay extra.
Living with so many people can affect your concentration in studying when you need it, especially if you tend to have FOMO!

Private student residences in Paris

In this French city, you’ll find a great availability of student residences. They can be located in different parts of Paris, both in the central area and in the outskirts, so you should check the connection there is with the University you’re going to go to. Keep in mind that many students from previous years say that, sometimes, it’s better to look for accommodation on the outskirts of the city and travel to classes when necessary (this is because the rental cost is usually quite high in the centre of Paris).

Private residences can be either remodelled and modern, or old and have old furniture. It’s important that you pay close attention to its characteristics, so you don't get any surprises when you arrive.

One of the main differences between this type of accommodation and private apartments is that they have some amenities and facilities that could make the difference. Among the most common ones are: gym, common areas with kitchen and sofas, patio or small garden, games room, and terrace. Some even have musical instruments or a swimming pool available to residents!

Among the private residences in Paris you can find some called “foyers d’étudiants”. These are accommodations managed by different associations, which are usually religious. They can be divided between men and women, or they can be mixed. An essential requirement that you have to meet if you want to live in them is to be between 18 and 25 years old. Also, keep in mind that they usually give priority to workers, but they also accept students if there are places.

Private residences typically include services such as 24 hour security, bicycle parking and, sometimes, room cleaning, entertainment, and organised events. Additionally, for an extra fee they can offer catering service, on a breakfast, half board (breakfast and one meal) or full board (breakfast and two meals) basis.

University student halls of residence CROUS in Paris

In Paris, the Universities don’t have their residences. Instead, there are the CROUS Residences. These are public residences subsidised by the French state, so their cost is usually quite affordable compared to the rest of the accommodation available.

An important fact to keep in mind is that it’s not always easy to get a place. As you might expect, many students, both French and international, want to live in this accommodation. For this reason, if you want to live in one of these residences, pay close attention to the deadlines for submitting your request, so you have a better chance of being accepted.

Another aspect to highlight is that not all CROUS residences are renovated and in good condition. For this reason, we recommend that you take a good look at the characteristics of each one before applying for your place. For example, in Paris, in newer residences, there are typically studio flats with a private bathroom and kitchen, while in older ones there are usually rooms with a kitchen and bathrooms that have to be shared and are in worse condition.

The facilities offered at CROUS residences are often quite basic. The most common thing is that they have laundry and a common or study room, although in some cases they may also have a small garden. Also, keep in mind that, if you stay in these residences, you’ll be able to access food at very affordable prices. In its cafes and restaurants, you can eat for around €3-4 or so!

University Residences Sorbonne University

This prestigious University has agreements with the CROUS, as well as with the foundation called International University City of Paris (Cité internationale Universitaire de Paris). It also offers housing to students, although only Master's students of the institution can apply for a place.

If you want to know about accommodation near Sorbonne University, read this article.

University Residence Halls of the Sciences Po Paris

Are you going to study at this University? The CROUS residences that have an agreement with it are only available for Master's students.

If you want to know about accommodation near Sciences Po Paris, read this article.

University Residences of the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne

This institution also has agreements with CROUS to offer residences to its students. Besides, If you want to know about the accommodation near the Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Paris

In the Erasmus Play search engine you can compare between the different verified and available student residences in Paris, filtering by price to find the cheapest one. You can also filter by other characteristics, making it possible for you to find the ideal residence for you in the French capital easily. In addition, you can make the reservation online and completely securely.

Once you've made your reservation, you’ll be able to focus on other important things about your time in Paris, like making a list of museums you can visit for free on the first Sunday of every month (like the Centre Pompidou!).

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Paris

Are there CROUS residences in Paris?
Yes, in the French capital you’ll find several residences that belong to this state and subsidised organisation. However, you have to check if the University you’re going to has an agreement with this accommodation, and if you meet the requirements to apply for a spot.
What are the requirements to apply for a place in a student residence in Paris?
There are several types of residences in Paris, which have different requirements. On the one hand, private residences usually require that you be enrolled in a University, that you present a valid identification document, and also a guarantor. In those called “foyers” they usually have extra requirements, such as being between 18 and 25 years old. On the other hand, for a CROUS residence, the first thing you have to check is if your University has an agreement with that organisation. Then, you have to fill out the forms they request, which usually require the same information as private residences.
How much does a student residence in Paris cost?
Private residences are priced between €350-2000 per month, but the average is around €550-600. Remember that the rent depends on the type of accommodation you choose, the location of the residence and the amenities it has. For its part, the cost of CROUS residences in Paris is usually between €250-500 per month, although it depends on the type of accommodation you choose for them.
What’s cheaper, an apartment or a student residence in Paris?
Normally the residences offered by CROUS, being subsidised, are the most economical. Also, private residences tend to have a higher average price than shared apartments. This is because they offer a variety of services and amenities that make the stay more enjoyable. Keep in mind that the cheaper ones tend to have old furniture and aren’t normally very cosy, so be sure to bring objects or photographs that help you feel more at home.
Are there male and female university residences in Paris?
Normally the residences are mixed, although you’ll find some that differentiate between women and men in those called “foyers”. However, keep in mind that these are usually residences run by a religious organisation, so you have to see if it’s ideal for you.