You have a wide range of housing alternatives for your time for study in France. You have the option of living in a privately or publicly owned building, a student residence, or an apartment that you can share with family members or neighbors or live alone. Not to worry! The article will help you with your search by breaking down the many kinds of student housing that are available.

Start your search as soon as possible, no matter what kind of housing you decide on to study in France. Don't be afraid to make a reservation, even if it's just for a short while so that you'll have a place to stay and put your belongings when you get there. That will give you enough time to conduct a careful search for a long-term residence.

Hostels and dorms for students: Housing created especially for students or young people has a number of benefits, including lower rentals, furnished rooms, and a built-in social life—all significant commodities.

Renting out rooms and flats on the real estate market, either via an agency or straight from a private landlord: Many people who choose this option live in dorms with other students or rent a room in a house close by.

CROUS-managed residence halls at universities

The homes maintained by France's regional centers for student support, known as CROUS (centers régionaux des oeuvres universitaires et scolaires), are owned by the public and financed by the French government. Many students choose to live in CROUS buildings because of the benefits they provide: the low monthly rent ($400 in Paris; an average of €200 anywhere else in France); eligibility for housing assistance from CAF (France's family assistance fund); proximity to campus; and the abundance of opportunities for social contact with other students. Since demand far outweighs supply, the main problem with CROUS rooms is that they are difficult to find.

Residing with a family or senior citizen

Living with a French family is a popular choice for international students looking to improve their French. You receive your own room in a home or apartment, participate in French everyday life, and take use of all the amenities of a permanent residence— it's practical and affordable choice. Some families even give student’s free or discounted housing in exchange for childcare, schoolwork assistance, or language instruction.

Another option to think about is intergenerational housing. A room in their house is offered by seniors to students looking for housing in exchange for the student's comforting presence, usually overnight and throughout the evening. This service is provided by nonprofit organizations. Rents are reasonable and occasionally free.