Where will you live in Paris? Housing is the biggest item in an international student’s budget. Here are the main options, what they cost, the help you can get and how to avoid scams, for students coming in 2027.
Your housing options
| Option | What to expect | How to find it |
|---|---|---|
| CROUS student residence | The cheapest option, run by the public student services; places are limited and in high demand. | Apply as early as possible |
| Private student residence | Furnished studios with services, easier to book from abroad. | Book online, often with a deposit |
| Shared flat (colocation) | Lower rent and a social life; common near suburban campuses. | Rental platforms and student groups |
| Studio or one-room flat | More privacy, higher rent, especially in central Paris. | Agencies and rental platforms |
| Homestay | Living with a local host: a good start for your first months. | Homestay platforms |
How much does student housing cost?
Count roughly €450 to €1,000 a month, from a shared room in the suburbs to a studio in Paris. Living in the Val-d’Oise, near the AI2 campus in Écouen, is generally cheaper than central Paris, and the train to Paris Gare du Nord takes about 22 minutes. The full monthly budget is in our cost of studying AI in France guide and life in France.
Help with rent and guarantees
- Housing allowance (CAF): international students with a valid residence permit can apply for a housing allowance, which reduces the rent you pay.
- Visale guarantee: a free rent guarantee for students, which replaces a French guarantor that most landlords ask for.
- Student pass: the Imagine R transport pass makes living outside Paris affordable.
Avoid housing scams
- Never send money before signing a lease and verifying the landlord or agency.
- Be careful with offers that are much cheaper than the market or with landlords who cannot show the flat.
- Prefer known residences and platforms, and keep written records of every payment.
Your housing plan, step by step
As soon as you receive your admission letter, list your options: residence, shared flat or homestay.
Book temporary accommodation for your first weeks if needed: you will need a proof of accommodation for your visa file; see visa guidance.
Apply for the Visale guarantee before signing a lease.
Once in France with your residence permit, apply for the CAF housing allowance.
Choose your long-term place once you know the campus and your daily route.
Frequently asked questions
How much is student rent in Paris?
Roughly €450 to €1,000 a month, from a shared room in the suburbs to a studio in Paris.
Can international students get housing aid in France?
Yes. With a valid residence permit, international students can apply for the CAF housing allowance.
What is Visale?
A free rent guarantee for students that replaces a French guarantor, accepted by many landlords.
Where should I live to study at AI2?
Living in the Val-d’Oise near Écouen is often cheaper; Paris Gare du Nord is about 22 minutes away by train.
Do I need accommodation for my student visa?
You usually need to show a proof of accommodation, such as a residence booking, a lease or a host certificate, for your first months.
Apply online: the academic team reviews your file and invites you to an online interview.
