Here you’ll find all the practical information you need to choose your student accommodation.
An overview of the market, available options, financial aid and practical advice for finding student accommodation.
Private student residences such as Ecla offer fully furnished, fully equipped accommodation with included services (Wi‑Fi, utilities, 24/7 security) and shared living spaces (coworking, gym, cinema, events). CROUS offers lower rents thanks to state subsidies, but places are limited and allocated based on social criteria. Private residences are easier to access, faster to book, and generally provide a richer living experience in terms of services and community.
There are two main housing benefits paid by the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales): APL (Personalized Housing Benefit) if your accommodation is “conventionné”, and ALS (Social Housing Allowance) in other cases.
In 2026, the average amount is around €100–€280/month depending on your income, your city and the type of accommodation. Applications are made directly on caf.fr. Action Logement also offers the Visale guarantee (a free guarantor for under‑30s), as well as help with advance costs via Mobili‑Jeune. Note: since July 2026, non‑EU/EEA students who are not scholarship holders are no longer eligible for APL. For a personalized estimate, use the CAF simulator.
For work‑study students, the key criteria are: proximity to transport links (company + campus), lease flexibility, and an all‑inclusive package to simplify day‑to‑day life:
In addition to transport convenience, you benefit from an all‑inclusive rent with contracts adapted to internship and work‑study durations.
The main alternatives to CROUS are: private student residences (Ecla, Uxco, etc.), shared flats rented from private landlords, studios in the traditional rental market, coliving (all‑inclusive packages with shared spaces), and youth worker hostels (FJT). Private residences like Ecla stand out for their “all‑inclusive” approach and their community‑focused lifestyle with a wide range of shared spaces.
Yes. If you don’t have a physical guarantor, several solutions exist. The Action Logement Visale guarantee is free for under‑30s and covers unpaid rent; it is accepted by many landlords.
Paid online guarantor services such as Garantme can also provide a recognized guarantee for private residences. Finally, scholarship students can go through CROUS, which does not require a guarantor. At Ecla, the accepted partner solution for profiles without a physical guarantor is Garantme.
A standard file includes: a valid ID (national ID card or passport), proof of enrollment in higher education or an internship/work‑study contract, proof of guarantee (physical guarantor or Garantme / Visale), and a bank account details (RIB) for direct debit. Some residences also ask for the last three bank statements or a tax notice. Today, the process is largely digital. At Ecla, booking is done online, which makes the process much simpler.
An all‑inclusive student residence like Ecla simplifies budgeting and includes services that don’t exist in a traditional studio (gym, coworking, community). For someone arriving in a new city—especially from abroad—residences are often faster to access, more reassuring, and competitive when all costs are included.
A studio rented directly from a private landlord is often cheaper in headline rent (France average €559 according to LocService), but you must add electricity, gas, internet, furniture (if unfurnished), and sometimes home insurance.
Ecla is a premium alternative: in addition to fully furnished, all‑inclusive accommodation, it offers genuine shared living spaces (gyms, coworking, Cinebox, music studios, karaoke), regular events, an active international community, and personalized support from arrival. The key difference is the collective living experience Ecla offers—far beyond simple accommodation.
There is no universal answer: the “best” accommodation depends on your city, budget, profile (scholarship holder or not, French or international), and your service needs. For those with budget, Ecla is a new‑generation student residence where you can choose a private studio, a one‑bedroom apartment (T2) or a shared flat while enjoying premium shared spaces (coworking, library, Cinebox, padel court, sauna, and more). CROUS remains the cheapest option for scholarship holders. Private residences offer more services and flexibility. The FAGE (Fédération Nationale des Associations Générales Étudiantes) regularly publishes guides and cost‑of‑living indicators to help you compare.
For premium all‑inclusive student residences and coliving, Ecla is present in Paris, Geneva, Bordeaux and Lille.
Coliving residences like Ecla are designed to welcome both students and young professionals (work‑study, interns). Flexible contracts, an all‑inclusive package, and a diverse community (international, mixed student/professional) make it an ideal solution for combining comfort, networking and administrative simplicity. Ecla’s SMOOTH offer (€200 off rent, application fee and security deposit capped at €200 each with the code SMOOTH200) is especially designed for interns.
All private residences offer furnished units, unlike much of the private rental market. CROUS “conventionné” residences also provide equipped rooms.
In private residences, furniture is generally more modern: bed with a quality mattress, ergonomic desk, equipped kitchen. At Ecla, accommodation also includes tableware, appliances and a linen kit on arrival. To find furnished options in a specific city, platforms such as Studapart and Immojeune let you filter by furniture.
Airbnb can be convenient for a few days, but for a semester its monthly cost is far higher than a student residence, and it offers little legal protection for tenants. In a student residence, you sign a regulated lease, you can apply for CAF housing benefits, and you have an official address for university enrollment.
Ecla Paris offers flexible stays starting from one month, including Hostel formulas for shorter budgets.
Rental scams are common: fake owners on LeBonCoin, requests for transfers before viewing, rents that are unrealistically low for Paris or Lyon. Golden rules: never send money before visiting or signing an official lease; verify the owner’s identity; use secure platforms (PAP.fr, Studapart, official residences). Any scam can be reported via SignalConso. Booking directly on official residence websites (such as ecla.com) with an electronic lease is the safest option.
FJTs (Foyers de Jeunes Travailleurs) are social, subsidized accommodation structures for 16–30‑year‑olds in professional integration, with moderate rents (often €300–€600/month). Access depends on socio‑professional criteria and places are limited. To find FJTs near your school, contact your regional CROUS or the Unhaj network (Union Nationale pour l’Habitat des Jeunes). A private student residence is easier to access and offers more services, but at a higher rent.
For a hassle‑free move‑in, all‑inclusive student residences are the best option: furnished accommodation from day one, all utilities in one bill, managed security, and often administrative support (CAF applications, onboarding). To compare offers in your city, use Studapart or Immojeune. If you’re targeting Paris, Bordeaux, Lille or Geneva, Ecla residences offer this all‑inclusive format.
Practical questions about included services and everyday life in a student residence.
All Ecla residences include in the rent: hot/cold water, electricity, heating, high‑speed Wi‑Fi, access to shared spaces (coworking, gym, Cinebox, music studio, collaborative kitchens, laundry), a linen and tableware kit on arrival, 24/7 security (badge access + CCTV), a resident app, and international support (Sciences Accueil partnership). In Archamps, a free shuttle to Geneva is also included. For the full detailed list, see Ecla’s official FAQ.
Ecla has an on‑site reception team during the day and a 24/7 mobile app for maintenance requests, booking shared spaces, Colibox parcel access, and lease management. In CROUS residences, a caretaker service is usually available during the day.
Yes. In all Ecla residences, each unit has a numbered mailbox and parcels are delivered to a secure Colibox. You receive an app notification upon delivery. For CROUS residences or private rentals, mail handling depends on the building’s rules. In a private residence, your unit number should always appear on the delivery address.
Many private residences and some CROUS campuses offer gyms. All Ecla residences include a fitness room (boxing ring and yoga space in Massy; cardio/weights rooms in Villejuif, Noisy and Archamps). Access is included in the rent. For CROUS residences, sports facilities may be available on campus via SIUAPS.
Coworking has become standard in modern private residences. All Ecla residences offer it, the largest being Ecla Paris Massy‑Palaiseau with a library, meeting rooms and connected screens. To find other residences with coworking in a given city, filter by amenities on Studapart or Immojeune.
Ecla residences are known for their active community life: themed nights, creative workshops, sports tournaments, Cinebox nights, onboarding events. Events are available via the app and included in the rent. More generally, universities also organize activities through student associations (BDE, sports clubs). Check with your school’s student life office.
Paris is the most expensive student city in France. A studio costs on average €905/month in 2026 (source: L’Étudiant / LocService). Here are your questions and answers about student accommodation in Paris and the Île‑de‑France region:
In Paris and the inner suburbs, options include: CROUS halls of residence (trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr), primarily for scholarship holders; private all‑inclusive residences like Ecla (Massy‑Palaiseau, Villejuif and Noisy‑le‑Grand); furnished studios from private landlords (via PAP.fr or SeLoger); shared flats (LaCarteDesColocs); and new‑generation coliving. With an average rent of €905/month for a Paris studio in 2025, shared flats and first‑ring suburbs remain more affordable.
According to the Studapart rent barometer and LocService, a student studio in Paris costs on average €905/month including charges. In the inner suburbs (Villejuif, Massy, Noisy), prices range from €600 to €800/month. CROUS rooms remain the cheapest (around €265–€450/month) but are means‑tested. Private residences in Île‑de‑France offer all‑inclusive rents from €620 for a bed in a shared flat at Ecla Paris Noisy‑le‑Grand to €1,480 for a one‑bedroom apartment (T2) in Villejuif, with CAF benefits potentially reducing the cost.
Ecla Paris Massy‑Palaiseau is ideal: located at 16 avenue Emile Baudot in Palaiseau, it’s a few minutes from École Polytechnique, Université Paris‑Saclay, ENSTA Paris and HEC via RER B/C and the future line 18. It is also the largest coliving residence in Europe on the Saclay plateau, with studios, duplexes, T2s and shared flats from €750/month.
Ecla Paris Massy‑Palaiseau is a reference residence for students at these schools. It offers studios from €900, duplexes from €1,120, T2s from €1,230 and shared flats from €750/month, all charges included. The residence also provides study/work spaces ideal for demanding programs.
For an internship, lease flexibility is essential. Private residences typically offer stays starting from one month, which is more flexible than traditional leases (minimum 3 months for furnished rentals from private landlords). Interns may also be eligible for Mobili‑Jeune (up to €100/month for work‑study students) and the Visale guarantee if under 30. The Ecla SMOOTH offer (–€200 on rent, available until 30 June 2026 for contracts starting before that date) is designed for internships across the three Ecla Paris residences.
Ecla has three residences in Île‑de‑France: Massy‑Palaiseau (Saclay plateau, RER B/C), Villejuif (metro 7, RER B, south of Paris) and Noisy‑le‑Grand (RER A, Grand Paris Est). Choice depends on your campus: Saclay → Ecla Massy‑Palaiseau; EPITA/Paris Sud → Ecla Villejuif; Cité Descartes/Gustave Eiffel/ESIEE → Ecla Noisy‑le‑Grand. All three offer all‑inclusive accommodation from €750/month.
The future Line 18 of the Grand Paris Express will connect Orly to Versailles via the Saclay plateau. Ecla Massy‑Palaiseau will be served by this line (Massy‑Palaiseau / Palaiseau station), in addition to the existing RER B and RER C. See the Grand Paris Express website for the latest schedule.
Ecla Paris Massy‑Palaiseau (16 avenue Emile Baudot, 91120 Palaiseau) is the main student coliving residence on the Saclay plateau. It is the largest coliving space in Europe. It offers studios (from €900), duplexes (from €1,120), design T2s (from €1,230) and shared flats (from €750), all charges included. Accessible via RER B/C and the future line 18.
RER B is the backbone transport axis for student accommodation in Île‑de‑France, connecting Paris‑CDG to the Saclay plateau. In Massy‑Palaiseau (RER B and C), Ecla Massy‑Palaiseau is the most comprehensive private option. The CROUS of Versailles also has accommodation in Palaiseau for scholarship holders. For a wider comparison, use Studapart (search Palaiseau/Massy).
Ecla Paris Villejuif (20 rue Marcel Paul, 94800) is a reference student residence in Villejuif. It offers mini‑studios from €950/month, studios from €1,050, T2s from €1,480 and shared rooms from €900, all charges included. With direct access to metro line 7 and RER B, it’s ideal for Campus Jourdan, EPITA and SupBiotech.
At Ecla Villejuif, prices start at €900/month for a room in a shared flat, €950 for a mini‑studio, €1,050 for a studio and €1,480 for a T2 with terrace. All rents include utilities (water, electricity, heating, Wi‑Fi). These rents are eligible for CAF benefits, which can reduce your monthly cost by €100–€200.
Villejuif is served by metro line 7 (Villejuif‑Louis Aragon and Villejuif‑Paul Vaillant‑Couturier stations), reaching Paris (Place d’Italie) in 15–20 minutes. Ecla Villejuif (20 rue Marcel Paul, 94800) is the most comprehensive private option in the area, starting from €900/month all‑inclusive. It’s also close to RER B via Le Kremlin‑Bicêtre, ideal for EPITA and SupBiotech.
Noisy‑le‑Grand is served by RER A (Noisy‑le‑Grand–Mont d’Est station), reaching Châtelet in 20 minutes and La Défense in 25 minutes. The area hosts Cité Descartes (Université Gustave Eiffel, ESIEE Paris, INA). Ecla Noisy‑le‑Grand (5 rue du Centre, 93160) offers all‑inclusive housing from €620/month. CROUS Créteil manages university residences in Cité Descartes for scholarship holders.
Ecla Paris Noisy‑le‑Grand (5 rue du Centre, 93160) is a great option. It offers mini‑studios from €850/month, studios from €900, T2s from €1,050 and unique cabin units from €1,080, all charges included. The residence is directly connected to RER A for easy access to Paris and nearby campuses.
At Ecla Noisy‑le‑Grand, prices range from €620/month (private room in a shared flat) to €1,080/month (single cabin), including €850/month (mini‑studio), €900/month (studio) and T2s from €1,050/month. All rents include utilities (water, electricity, heating, Wi‑Fi). They are eligible for CAF benefits, potentially reducing monthly costs by €100–€200.
Champs‑sur‑Marne is home to Cité Descartes and Université Gustave Eiffel. Ecla Noisy‑le‑Grand is the closest, most suitable private option: a few RER A stops away, it reaches campus in minutes. It offers a wide range of housing options (studio, T2, cabin, shared flat) from €620/month all‑inclusive, in a modern setting with high‑quality shared spaces.
To find a room in Paris, you can look at: Ecla residences (Massy, Villejuif, Noisy) on ecla.com, the CROUS site, general platforms (Leboncoin, SeLoger), shared‑flat websites (LaCarteDesColocs, Appartager), or other private residences. Plan ahead as much as possible, demand is very high for the September intake.
Lille is France’s 3rd largest student city with 120,000 students. According to the Studapart 2025 barometer, a studio costs on average €450/month: one of the most affordable large French cities for students.
Students in Lille can choose between several options: CROUS halls of residence managed by CROUS Hauts‑de‑France (for scholarship holders; around €265–€400/month), private residences, or flat‑sharing via platforms such as LaCarteDesColocs.
For the 2026 intake, Ecla Lille Lomme will open with 628 fully furnished, all‑inclusive units in the heart of the new Campus Jacques Delors. It offers mini‑studios from €680/month, studios from €750, T2s at €1,050 and shared flats from €600/month, all charges included. It’s ideally located and served by Lille’s metro network, connecting to all major campuses in the area (Université de Lille, EDHEC, IÉSEG, Centrale Lille, SKEMA, etc.).
With an average rent of €450/month for a studio (Studapart 2025 barometer), Lille is one of the most affordable large cities. A €600–€800/month all‑inclusive budget is reasonable. For transport, the Ilévia network (metro lines M1/M2, trams, buses) covers the whole area with a student pass at around €30/month. Ecla Lille Lomme is served by metro line M2, reaching universities, schools and the station in 12–20 minutes.
To book at Ecla Lille Lomme, go to ecla.com, select the Lomme residence and submit your application online. You’ll need an ID, a school certificate, proof of resources and a guarantor (or GarantMe). The residence opens in August 2026, and bookings are already open for this academic year.
Lille’s universities and top schools are spread across Lille, Villeneuve d’Ascq and Roubaix. From Ecla Lille Lomme (156 rue du Grand But), metro line M2 serves Université de Lille (15–30 min), EDHEC and IÉSEG (10–20 min) and the Villeneuve d’Ascq faculties (18–30 min).
CROUS Hauts‑de‑France manages residences on the Villeneuve d’Ascq campuses (Cité Scientifique) and in central Lille, for scholarship holders.
ARPEJ is an association that manages subsidized student residences at accessible prices (often €400–€600/month), targeted primarily at students in training. Find them on arpej.fr or via your school’s housing services. For non‑scholarship students looking for more services (shared spaces, community, all‑inclusive), a private residence like Ecla in Lille offers a more complete environment from €600/month. Compare both on Studapart.
Bordeaux is one of France’s most attractive student cities. A studio costs between €600 and €750/month in 2026 (source: LocService / ImmoJeune). Here are all the answers to your questions:
Ecla Bordeaux (26 rue de Naudet, 33170 Gradignan) offers shared flats from €650/month, studios from €790/month and T2s from €1,150/month, all charges included. Located in Gradignan, at the heart of the university campus, it’s ideal for students at IUT de Bordeaux, Université Bordeaux Montaigne, Kedge Business School and INSEEC.
To avoid scams, use reputable residences and official agencies. Never pay rent or a deposit without signing an official lease and visiting (or having someone visit) the unit. Be wary of Airbnb listings presented as long‑term student accommodation: they don’t provide a permanent address. Use secure platforms like ecla.com, lescrous.fr or established real‑estate agencies.
In 2026, the average rent for a studio in Bordeaux ranges from €600 to €750/month excluding utilities (source: ImmoJeune / LocService). Once utilities are added (water, electricity, internet), plan for €700–€850/month total. All‑inclusive private residences like Ecla Bordeaux start at €650/month in a shared flat and €790/month in a studio, with CAF benefits potentially reducing the cost. For day‑to‑day life, plan around €200–€300/month for groceries and about €30/month for a student TBM transport pass (see infotbm.com).
The Bordeaux‑Talence‑Pessac‑Gradignan university area is one of the largest in France. CROUS Nouvelle‑Aquitaine manages several residences there. For a private residence, Ecla Bordeaux (26 rue de Naudet, 33170) is in the heart of the campus, a few minutes by foot or tram from faculties in Talence and Pessac, Kedge, INSEEC and Bordeaux Sciences Agro.
Gradignan is the university district south‑west of Bordeaux, home to IUT de Bordeaux and close to Talence and Pessac. Ecla will open a residence there in August 2026 with studios, T2s and shared flats, all‑inclusive. Gradignan’s advantage is lower rents than the city center, a greener environment, and direct transport links to Bordeaux, Talence and campus areas.
For CROUS housing, submit your “Dossier Social Étudiant (DSE)” before the end of April. For a private residence or a private landlord, prepare your file (ID, proof of enrollment, guarantor or Garantme/Visale) and use platforms like Studapart or PAP.fr to centralize offers. For Ecla Bordeaux, pre‑booking is open now at ecla.com/fr/offre-sejour/bordeaux/. Apply for CAF benefits as soon as the lease is signed.
Bordeaux’s rental market is very tight in September, which fuels scams. Red flags: rent far below market (e.g., studio at €350/month in the city center), Western Union transfer requests, owner allegedly abroad. Always visit before paying, sign a lease compliant with the ALUR law, and compare pricing with LocService or Studapart. Report scams via SignalConso.
Geneva is one of the most expensive cities in Europe. A studio costs between CHF 1,200 and 2,000/month. Living on the French side (Haute‑Savoie) can cut the bill in half.
Living in France and studying/working in Geneva is common in the Greater Geneva area. On the French side, Archamps (Haute‑Savoie) is 10 km from downtown Geneva, with access to highways A40/A41 and TPG bus lines. Ecla Geneva Archamps (112 rue des Frères Lumière, 74160) offers housing from €800/month all‑inclusive, roughly half the price of a similar studio in Geneva. A free shuttle runs Monday to Saturday to Lancy‑Bachet (Geneva), where the TPG network connects to the entire city.
In Geneva, a studio in the city typically costs CHF 1,200–2,000/month (about €1,300–€2,200), plus utilities. University residences (University of Geneva, EPFL) are highly sought after and operate with waiting lists. Choosing Ecla in Archamps starts at €800/month in a shared flat or €1,050/month in a studio, all‑inclusive, offering substantial savings plus the free shuttle to Geneva. You can compare Geneva real‑estate prices on homegate.ch.
For students at the University of Geneva or EPFL, the cross‑border option is increasingly popular. Ecla Geneva Archamps is the main new‑generation coliving residence on the French side, with mini‑studios, studios and T2s, coworking spaces, a gym, gardens and a free shuttle. Cross‑border students can also check listings on Studapart or local classifieds in Annemasse and Annecy.
Note : Prices and services mentioned are those in effect in 2026 and may change. Check the Ecla website for availability and bookings.
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