Paris is the world’s most visited city and home to some of Europe’s finest universities — the Sorbonne, Sciences Po, École Normale Supérieure, and the Paris-Saclay cluster. Student housing is expensive by French standards but generous government subsidies (CAF) can offset a significant portion of your rent.
CROUS Residences
CROUS (the regional student services organization) operates university housing across Paris. A 14m² chambre (room) costs €250–400/month. A 20m² studio costs €350–500/month. These are the holy grail of Paris student housing — cheap, functional, and centrally located. Apply via the CROUS website as early as possible.
Private Rentals by Arrondissement
5th (Latin Quarter) — The Sorbonne’s historic home. Rue Mouffetard’s market, the Panthéon, and Shakespeare & Company bookstore. Studios €700–1,200/month.
6th (Saint-Germain) — Chic and cultured. Café de Flore, Luxembourg Gardens. Studios €800–1,300/month. Premium.
13th (Butte-aux-Cailles) — The “village” within Paris. Affordable and charming, popular with students at Paris 7 and the Bibliothèque Nationale area. Studios €600–900/month.
18th (Montmartre) — Up the hill, north of the centre. Artistic history, stunning views from Sacré-Cœur. Studios €550–850/month.
Suburbs — Montreuil (east), Ivry-sur-Seine (south), and Saint-Denis (north — near Paris 8 and Paris 13) offer much better value. Studios €450–700/month, with metro connections to central Paris in 20–30 minutes.
Coliving
Newer coliving operators like Colonies, The Babel Community, and Sharies offer furnished rooms with shared common spaces, targeting international students and young professionals. Rooms €600–1,000/month including all bills.
CAF Housing Subsidy
The French government provides housing subsidies (APL or ALS via CAF) to all residents, including international students. Depending on your rent and income, you could receive €100–250/month. Apply as soon as you have a signed lease and a French bank account.
FAQ
Is Paris really that expensive for students? It can be — but CROUS + CAF can bring your housing cost down to €150–300/month. Combined with cheap baguettes, student-priced museum entry, and the Navigo transport pass (€84/month for all zones), a budget of €900–1,300/month is realistic.
What documents do I need to rent? French guarantor (garant) or Garantme (insurance-based guarantor service for international students), proof of enrollment, visa/residence permit, and French bank account RIB.
Do I need health insurance? EU students use EHIC. Non-EU students enroll in the French Sécurité Sociale system (free). SafetyWing covers the gap before registration.