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

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

Yes, but under certain conditions.

Most traditional student residences – notably CROUS residences – are designed to house single occupants. However, some of them do offer studio or one-bedroom apartments (T1 bis) for couples, available in limited quantities. These accommodations are generally allocated to married couples, those in a civil partnership (PACS), or couples able to prove they live together.

It is rare for two students who are not married or in a civil partnership to be granted a shared room in a public university residence. A certificate of cohabitation may sometimes be accepted.

Good to know: in the case of student residences such as those offered by Ecla in Paris, it is quite easy to find one-bedroom apartments (T2) where a couple can live comfortably.

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.

What Housing Aid Is Available for Student Couples?

Student couples may be eligible for several types of financial assistance:

• APL (Personalized Housing Assistance): provided by CAF (French Family Allowance Fund), calculated based on household income.

• ALS (Social Housing Allowance): available if you’re not eligible for APL.

• Need-based scholarships: accessible through the Student Social File (DSE).

• Local aid: some cities or regions offer housing assistance programs (e.g., mobility grants, housing vouchers).

Tip: Use the CAF website to simulate your entitlements and plan your housing budget in advance.

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.