Is it possible to live as a couple in a student residence?

What are the housing options for a student couple?

Here are the main alternatives for living as a couple while studying:

Private student residences

• More spacious and flexible accommodations

• Fewer restrictive criteria (PACS or cohabitation possible)

• Included services (Wi-Fi, laundry, gym)

• Housing aid (APL) may be available

• Accessible to students and young professionals

Shared rental for two in an independent apartment

• Greater autonomy

• Ideal for couples seeking more privacy

• Allows cost-sharing (rent, utilities)

• Wide selection available on platforms like Lokaviz or Le Bon Coin

Public student residences (CROUS)

• One-room or one-bedroom apartments (T1 or T1 bis) for couples in certain university cities

• Often reserved for scholarship students

• Application must be made via the Student Social File (Dossier Social Étudiant – DSE)

• Affordable rent, eligible for housing aid (APL)

• At least one of the two must be a student

How to get student housing as a couple?

Here are the recommended steps to maximize your chances:

• Contact Ecla Paris residences that offer housing for two

• Complete a Student Social File (DSE) starting in January if aiming for a CROUS residence

• Reach out to real estate agencies or individuals renting their property

• Prepare a complete rental application:

  • Proof of enrollment

  • ID documents

  • Proof of income or guarantor

  • Proof of cohabitation (if required)

Tip: Clearly state in your application that you are looking for accommodation as a student couple.

Rules for Shared Housing in Student Residences

Shared housing in student residences is regulated and varies depending on the type of residence:

Private Student Residences

• Much more flexible.

• Ecla residences, for example, offer T2 apartments with a bedroom, living room, and shared common areas within the residence.

• Shared living with friends, couples, or even strangers is allowed.

• Conditions are set by the property manager: may include a lease with a main tenant and a hosted person, guarantors, or sufficient income.

• Ideal for student couples looking for more privacy.

• Note: At Ecla Paris, leases are individual, unlike other residences that require a joint lease with shared financial liability in case of non-payment.

CROUS Residences (Public)

• Few options for shared living in the strict sense.

• Most accommodations are individual (rooms, studios).

• A few residences offer shared apartments (T2, T3), but they are rare and difficult to access.

• Priority is given to scholarship students.

• Couple cohabitation is possible only in units designed for it (T1 bis or T2).

• Both roommates must be students, and sometimes enrolled in the same institution.

Tips for Finding Affordable Student Housing (for Couples or Individuals)

Searching for student housing can be stressful—especially as a couple. Here are some tips to optimize your housing budget:

Expand Your Search Area

• Target suburban university towns or outlying neighborhoods.

• Rent is often 30–40% cheaper than in city centers.

Consider Shared Housing

• An ideal way to reduce costs while enjoying more spacious accommodation.

• As a couple, sharing a T2 often costs less than two individual studios.

Focus on APL-Eligible Residences

• Whether public or private, check whether housing is eligible for APL or ALS.

• Some private accommodations also qualify for housing aid.

Start Early

• Housing options for couples are limited, especially in public residences.

• Start searching as early as January for a September move-in.

Use the Right Platforms

• Lokaviz (CROUS-approved housing)

• Ecla, UXCO Student, Studapart, Immojeune (great for shared housing)

• Leboncoin, PAP, SeLoger for private-market listings

Check Your School’s Housing Services

• Some schools offer accommodation through partnerships with private residences.

• Others have a housing assistance service or student exchange groups.

How to Find Good Student Housing as a Couple

Here are some reliable resources for your search:

• Private student residences such as Ecla, UXCO Student…

• Lokaviz: CROUS-certified housing, sometimes suitable for couples

• Studapart: platform partnered with many schools and universities

• Mainstream housing sites: PAP, Leboncoin, SeLoger

Don’t forget to broaden your search to neighboring cities around major metropolitan areas for more options and lower rent.