Get help practical advice on accommodation options for the University of London Institute in Paris.
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Housing options in Paris
Find out about the various housing options and tips for finding accommodation that is right for you.
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Universities in France would not normally have their own accommodation and there is a shortage of availabilities in the state-owned halls (CROUS), which is why a large number of privately run Halls of Residence have opened over the years. These include the Estudines, Campusea, Nexity, Melon District to name a few.
Pros
Halls of residence offer the advantage of having online application procedures with the possibility of advance bookings. In private halls, students normally have their own fully-equipped studio flat with own bathroom and kitchenette.
Cons
Many of the halls are on the outskirts of Paris rather than in the city centre. Halls in central locations can be quite expensive.
Price range
From 700 euros to 1100 euros. Note that some Halls of Residence will not accept institutions as guarantors so applicants will need to provide proof of income from a guarantor who earns up to 4 times the monthly rent.
Top tip
Apply as soon as you have a confirmed offer. Once you have applied, we can help to follow-up with the individual residence where required. We have good contacts with several of the Estudines residences in particular, where applicants can be reimbursed any deposit paid in advance of Results Day if they do not meet the conditions of their ULIP offer.
Although applications from postgraduate students have priority, undergraduate students may also apply for a room or a studio in the Cité Universitaire international campus in Southern Paris, but rooms would rarely be allocated to undergraduate students until after the start of the academic year (once all postgraduate places have been allocated).
For more information visit www.ciup.fr/en/houses/applying-for-housing/
Pros
Affordable, opportunity to meet students from all horizons, on-site student facilities such a sports grounds.
Cons
Limited availabilities for undergraduate students.
Price range
from €400 to €600 per month for a single room on average, depending on your “House”.
Top tip
Apply as early as possible and follow up your application by contacting them on a regular basis. Students whose home country is represented at the CIUP will have a better chance of getting a place if they apply to the relevant "House".
A studio flat is self-contained and includes a bathroom and a kitchen or kitchenette. Maid’s rooms or chambres de bonne (small independent rooms) are located on the top floor of apartment buildings originally intended for families with maids. They are rarely more than 10sqm. Some have been renovated to include private facilities but sometimes the toilet and/or shower room are shared with the occupants of the other maid’s rooms.
Pros
Central locations, opportunity to be independent, wide price range to suit all budgets.
Cons
Some students might feel lonely.
Price range
Prices vary significantly based on size, location and facilities. A good-sized studio flat would range from €700 to €1000 in central Paris, while a chambre de bonne costs from €500 to €650 per month on average.
Top tip
Talk to current ULIP students during the Journée de rencontres or contact them via social media early on as some of them will be interested in passing on their flats when they move out.
A popular choice among students, but the rental market in Paris means there are not many properties on the market suitable for more than three students.
Pros
Often cheaper than an independent studio, a great way to make friends.
Cons
Have to compromise with other people’s way of doing things, can be very difficult if you fall out with your flatmates.
Price range
From 500 to 800 euros per person.
Top tip
Discuss “house rules” before making a commitment to live with someone to make sure you have compatible lifestyles.
Some students choose to live with resident landlords or families. Parisian landlords might be renting out their spare bedroom for a range of reasons: for the extra income, for the company or in exchange of baby-sitting or English tuition.
Pros
Generally cheaper, bills are included in the rent, flats are in good repair, great way to improve your French.
Cons
Adapting your lifestyle to the house rules.
Price range
From €400 to €750 per month but all or part of the rent can sometimes be reduced in exchange of baby-sitting hours, school pick-up or English classes.
Top tip
It is important to meet the landlord/family to discuss expectations. Some landlords will only give you access to communal areas at specific times, while others will expect you to live as part of the family and have at least some meals together. If you are working for a family to pay part of your rent, discuss how you can adjust your working hours when necessary to adapt to university requirements.
Student Hostels are not the same as the youth hostels which are normally for short-term stays only. Student hostels (“Foyers étudiants”) often have a Catholic or Protestant affiliation but places are not allocated on the basis of your religion. Some are for women only with strict house rules.
Full details of local hostels can be found via the National Union of Student Houses.
Pros
Affordable accommodation in prime locations, safe and peaceful option.
Cons
Strict visiting times and curfew.
Price range
Price vary from one hostel to another, from 400 to 600 euros on average.
Top tip
Apply as early as possible, ideally at least 4 months in advance.
