Student halls of residence in Strasbourg

Bonjour ! Are you going to study in Strasbourg for a while and are looking for accommodation? In this article we tell you everything you need to know about student residences in Strasbourg: their advantages and disadvantages, the differences between private residences and those associated with universities, tips for finding affordable options and answers to the most frequently asked questions. Let's get started!

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Strasbourg

In this section we tell you what the most important characteristics of this type of accommodation in the French city are:

Pros of living in student dorms in Strasbourg

They encourage a community environment, facilitating new friendships and support networks between students from various disciplines and cultures.
Many are located close to universities and colleges, which reduces transportation time and cost.
They offer access to relaxation areas, study areas, laundries, and in some cases, gyms and cafés, which is convenient for students.
They regularly organise activities and events that promote social interaction and cultural enrichment, taking advantage of the vibrant life of Strasbourg.
All spaces in the residences are usually heated. This is very important, keep in mind that the weather in Strasbourg in winter is very cold. The minimum temperatures are below zero and it snows some days!
The cleaning of common areas is managed by the residences themselves, which avoids generating problems of this type among residents.

Cons of living in student dorms in Strasbourg

They often implement strict rules regarding visits, noise, and use of common areas, which can be quite restrictive.
Sharing kitchens can lead to congestion during peak hours and disagreements over cleanliness and utensil use.
Living among international students can limit integration into the local community and practising French with local students. Try to make the most of your stay in Strasbourg!
They can be noisy, especially during nights and weekends, which can interfere with studying and rest. Also, if there’s something happening all the time, it may be difficult to concentrate on studying when required.

Private student residences in Strasbourg

Since it’s a city that welcomes a large number of students every year, in Strasbourg you’ll find a large number of private student residences. They’re usually located in strategic areas of the city, providing easy access to universities, city centres, and essential services. For example, there are some in the areas of Neudorf and Meinau, others in Krutenau and Esplanade, and others in the area of Cronenbourg. In all these areas there are faculties and campuses of different institutions, such as the University of Strasbourg, the Louis Pasteur University and the Marc Bloch University.

In private student residences in Strasbourg, the type of accommodation offered usually varies between studio apartments and rooms with a private bathroom. Normally the first ones are the most expensive, but they also give more privacy and space. Furthermore, it’s common that they’re fully furnished with everything necessary to receive students.

Residences usually have common spaces to encourage a sense of community among residents. In Strasbourg, it’s common for private residences to have study rooms, relaxation rooms with sofas to watch TV, some games like foosball, and a gym.

Another difference that residences have with private apartments is the offer of services which they include. For example, they all have cleaning of common areas, building maintenance and 24-hour security included in the rental price. In addition, sometimes you can hire services for an extra price, such as the cleaning of your room or washing sheets and towels.

CROUS Residences in Strasbourg

In Strasbourg, as in the rest of France, universities don’t offer their own student residences. Instead, students can opt for CROUS residences, which are public accommodations funded by the French government. This type of accommodation turns out to be a fairly economical option compared to other forms of student accommodation available in the city. However, getting a place in these residencies can be competitive, since both local and international students seek to secure a space due to its economic accessibility. Therefore, it’s crucial to pay attention to the application deadlines to increase your chances of getting a place in these residences.

In the CROUS university residences you’ll be able to choose between single rooms and studio apartments. The latter are the ones with the highest price, because they have a private bathroom and kitchen. For their part, some rooms have a private bathroom, while others have a bathroom shared with other nearby rooms.

Among the facilities that make the stay more enjoyable, the CROUS residences usually have study and work rooms, relaxation areas with TV and cinema, gym and sports area, laundry, library, music, and restaurant. Those located on the outskirts of the city, such as in the area of Neudorf, can offer access to tennis courts, barbecues, and a garden.

Another detail to take into account is that most CROUS residences also have bicycle parking, one of the preferred means of transportation for students in Strasbourg.

University Residences of the University of Strasbourg

As we indicated previously, this institution doesn’t have its own residences, but rather offers accommodation to some students through CROUS. However, keep in mind that these places are intended mainly to low-income students, who have priority in the allocation of places.

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

Rent cheap student residences in Strasbourg

In Erasmus Play, you have the possibility to explore a wide range of private and verified residences available during your stay in Strasbourg. Use filters based on your preferences, including price range, to discover the perfect accommodation that fits your needs. In addition, it offers the convenience of making your booking securely and completely online.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Strasbourg

Are there CROUS residences in Strasbourg?
Yes, in Strasbourg there are CROUS residences that offer affordable accommodation for students. These residences are part of the French state-subsidised public accommodation system, intended to facilitate access to affordable housing for national and international students. They have different types of rooms and apartments that fit various needs and budgets.
What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Strasbourg?
They require being a student of an educational institution in the city. Additionally, you must complete an application, which may include the Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE) for CROUS residences, and presenting documents such as identification, university acceptance letter, and proof of financial solvency. Some residences may also require a security deposit and sometimes a co-signer or guarantees.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Strasbourg?
In France there’s the CAF scholarship (called APL - Aides Personnalisées au Logement in French) which is designed to cover part of the cost of accommodation for students. Check if you meet the requirements to request it, and if the accommodation you choose allows it. Also remember that, if you’re going to go on Erasmus to Strasbourg, you can use the scholarship awarded to each student to cover the expenses of the stay.
When to book a student residence in Strasbourg?
We recommend that you begin the reservation process as soon as you have confirmation of admission to the University in Strasbourg. This means that you should do it several months in advance and before the start of the academic semester, since the demand for accommodation increases considerably as the start of classes approaches.
Are there male and female university residences in Strasbourg?
In general, student residences in France, including those managed by CROUS and other entities in cities such as Strasbourg, tend to offer mixed accommodation with inclusive policies, focused on equality and diversity.