How to Find Housing in France
Housing can be a real headache for all students, whether French or international. This is true above all in Paris, and less so in the provinces. However, housing in the major university towns is taken by storm, all at the same time. The best response is thus to get a head start.
CROUS Housing
The CNOUS manages its university campuses via 28 CROUS offices. Housing is allocated on the basis of social criteria, with scholarship holders given priority, in particular those of the French government. Without a scholarship, your chances are almost non-existent. In order to receive an application, you must go through your country's French Embassy. Monthly rent for a furnished room (10 m2 on average) is EUR 115. Studios cost between EUR 198 and 259, expenses included.
If you choose to rent from a private landlord, CROUS offices will offer you a "city housing" service, acting as middleman between landlords and students. This free service can be very helpful, making it possible for students to avoid real estate agency fees.
Paris' Cité Universitaire Campus
Paris' Cité universitaire is home to 5 000 students. It is open only to students at the graduate level, based more on academic merit than on need. Students housed there pay between EUR 282 and 400 for an single room, and EUR 199 to 275 for a double room. Prices are higher for intern-residents or post-doctoral residents. The CIUP's Web site offers a pre-registration form on line. The registration period lasts from 1 April to 30 September for the school year beginning the following 1 October (www.ciup.fr).
Web Sites Dedicated to Housing
On its Web site, ADELE (Association for the Economic Development of Student Housing) offers a list of campuses or student dormitories across France, along with on-line reservations (www.adele.org).
Egide's site offers a detailed section on the many housing options available : private student dorms, private rentals and shared housing, dormitories, family rooms for rent, hotels, youth hostels, etc.
Housing Subsidies Available to International Students
Students renting housing can receive grants from CAF (Family Subsidy Fund) intended to cover part of their rent. International students may benefit from such subsidies, like any other students. For more information: www.caf.fr, with the application form to be filled out online.
The ALS (solidarity housing subsidy) is the grant most frequently provided to students. Where the housing in question is not covered by an official agreement - room in hostel or campus, studio, apartment, or home. The APL (personalised housing grant) is paid directly by the CAF to the landlord; the tenant thus pays only the remainder.
Tip: Housing Via One's School
If you enter a grande école, you may be able to find housing via your school. Make your request directly with the school.