University of Montpellier Housing Guide
The University of Montpellier is a public research university located in the southeastern French city of Montpellier. Founded in 1292, it is one of the oldest universities in the world, with a current QS global ranking of 430. The main campus sits at 163 Rue Auguste Broussonnet, in the city’s southern district. This guide covers what current reviews reveal about the institution, the local housing landscape, budget ranges, commuting options, and a shortlist of nearby residences you can consider.
What Campus Reviews Reveal
The university holds a 4.3 Google rating from 50 reviews. Feedback tends to split between academic praise and administrative frustration.
A five-star review from Imadud Din, posted 6 years ago, highlights the institution’s historic stature: “The University of Montpellier (French: Université de Montpellier) is a French public research university in Montpellier in south-east of France. Established in 1292, the University of Montpellier is one of the oldest universities in the world.”
Pierre Tatincloux, in a five-star review from 3 years ago, specifically praises the Montpellier Health Tutoring Association (ATSM): “The ATSM (Montpellier Health Tutoring Association), which supports PASS and LAS students, is an incredible help in successfully reaching the second year. Simply brilliant; no need for prep courses when you have a tutoring program like this!” This suggests strong support systems for health-science pathways.
However, administrative communication draws sharp criticism. Raphaël Belly, rating the university 1 star 5 months ago, writes: “Getting information from the Digital Health School (ESNbyUM) is a real ordeal: since there’s no phone number on their website (unbelievable in 2026!), you try to find a phone number on LinkedIn, only to receive a message with a different number altogether… Then, when you simply ask if the school is …” The review cuts off, but the tone indicates frustration with digital-age communication gaps.
Another one-star review from Adamant Ring, 7 months ago, states: “Please sever your ties with Olivier Abossolo” — a brief comment likely referencing a personnel issue, without further context.
Overall, the reviews point to a university with strong academic and support resources, especially in health fields, but with notable administrative hurdles that prospective students should prepare for by using multiple contact methods (email, phone, LinkedIn) and anticipating delays.
City Context
Montpellier is a mid-sized city in the Occitanie region, roughly 10 km from the Mediterranean coast. The city has a growing student population, with several universities and schools sharing the urban area. Summers are hot and dry, often exceeding 30°C, while winters are mild and damp. The city centre, known as Écusson, is pedestrian-friendly with narrow streets, while newer districts south and east of the centre feature wider boulevards and modern housing.
Public transport is managed by TAM (Transports de l’Agglomération de Montpellier), with two tram lines (1 and 2) serving the university area. The city also operates the Vélomagg’ bike-sharing system, with stations across the city. Monthly student transport passes cost around 15 EUR (indicative — confirm with the operator).
Budget Bands
All prices listed below are indicative — confirm with the operator. Rent is for a single occupancy unit (studio or one-bedroom) unless stated otherwise. Exchange rates and availability change frequently.
Economy band: 515–600 EUR per month
- Usually a small studio or a room in a shared apartment (colocation)
- May have shared kitchen or bathroom facilities
- Examples: some studios in Kabane Residence or a basic room in a shared flat near the city centre
Mid-range band: 600–750 EUR per month
- Larger studio with private bathroom and kitchenette
- Often includes utilities (water, electricity, internet) in the rent
- Options include Côté Rambla Residence and Le Thélème Residence
Comfort band: 750 EUR and above per month
- One-bedroom apartment with separate living and sleeping areas
- May include a balcony, air conditioning, or building amenities (gym, laundry)
- Examples: Tropicampus Residence or Resid’Oc Residence
For reference, the average monthly living cost in Montpellier (excluding tuition) is approximately 950 EUR, with rent typically taking up 55–60%.
Walk vs. Transit Trade-Off
The university’s main campus lies about 2 km south of the historic city centre. Here is how commuting options compare:
Walking (20–30 minutes)
- Free and allows you to pass through the Antigone district with its shops and cafes
- Disadvantage: summer heat can make walking uncomfortable; you will need to leave early during peak sun hours
Cycling (10–15 minutes)
- Vélomagg’ stations are spread across the city; a short-term pass costs about 1 EUR per day
- Many residences have bike storage; note that some streets lack dedicated bike lanes
- Disadvantage: occasional rain in autumn and winter
Tram (15–20 minutes including waiting)
- Trams 1 and 2 stop near the university (station: Université des Sciences et Techniques or similar)
- Student monthly pass around 15 EUR (indicative)
- Disadvantage: trams can be crowded during peak hours, and delays happen
On-campus housing
- Zero commute, but university-managed rooms are extremely limited and usually require applying a year in advance
- No private residences are located directly on campus
If you prefer a short walk and can tolerate heat, aim for a residence within 1.5 km of the campus. If you cycle, the radius can extend to 3 km. Tram access is most useful if you live in the northern or western districts.
Shortlist Logic Using Nearby Residences
Based on current availability, seven residences are listed for Montpellier with rents starting at 515 EUR (indicative). The following five are representative options within 2–3 km of the university.
Kabane Residence
- Starting price: around 515 EUR (indicative)
- Located about 1.5 km from the science faculty
- Short-term contracts (4–6 months) are possible
- Suitable for: first-year students arriving late or those wanting flexibility
- Note: cancellation requires 30 days’ notice; no penalty if done early
Côté Rambla Residence
- Mid-range pricing (around 650–700 EUR indicative)
- Near the medical school and pharmacy faculty
- Walking distance (15 minutes) to many lecture halls
- Suitable for: health-science students who want proximity to ATSM tutoring
- Offers year-long renewal
Le Thélème Residence
- Located adjacent to the literature and humanities faculty
- Price: around 680–750 EUR (indicative)
- Quiet area, close to tram stop
- Suitable for: students in arts and social sciences
Tropicampus Residence
- Comfort band (750 EUR+ indicative)
- 200 metres from the university sports centre
- Includes a gym and shared lounge
- Suitable for: students who want amenities and are active
- Note: cancellation requires payment of the first month’s rent as penalty
Resid’Oc Residence
- Mid-to-comfort range (around 720 EUR indicative)
- Direct tram access via line 2
- 10-minute tram ride to campus, 25 minutes walking
- Suitable for: students who prefer a quieter environment outside the immediate campus zone
When shortlisting, consider:
- Your faculty location (science, health, humanities each have separate buildings within the same overall campus)
- Whether you need air conditioning — some residences (Tropicampus, Resid’Oc) have it; most economy options do not
- Cancellation terms: Kabane allows free cancellation before move-in; Tropicampus charges one month’s rent
FAQ
Q: Can international students apply for CAF housing benefits in Montpellier? Yes. Any student with a valid student visa who rents an eligible apartment in the private sector can apply for APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales. The monthly amount varies but can cover up to approximately 30% of rent. You must submit the application shortly after signing the lease.
Q: What should I do if I arrive later than the contract start date? Most residences allow a delay of up to 7 days without penalty if you notify them in writing. Kabane Residence and Côté Rambla Residence accept this policy. Le Thélème Residence may charge a 50 EUR modification fee. It is best to book the earliest possible move-in date and then communicate directly with the operator.
Q: Is it easy to find shared apartments (colocations) instead of student residences? Yes, colocation is common in Montpellier, especially in the Écusson and Antigone districts. Monthly rent per person can be 400–550 EUR (indicative). However, finding a room through private listings requires caution against scams — insist on visiting the flat or using a video call first. Residences offer a more standardised process and are recommended for first arrivals.
All prices are indicative — confirm with the operator. Reviews quoted verbatim from the university’s Google Maps page. Data date: February 2026.
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