France is one of the most sought-after study destinations, attracting over 400,000 international students each year. French cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse attract students from around the world. They offer great universities, rich culture, and affordable tuition fees.
Living in Paris or other cities can be tough. Finding student housing, adjusting to a new culture, and managing money can be difficult. This guide gives helpful tips for international students in France. It focuses on student life, housing options, and part-time work.
🏠 Finding Housing in France
Finding student accommodation in France is one of the biggest challenges for new students. Here’s what you need to know:
🔹 1. CROUS Student Residences
- Government-subsidized student residences managed by CROUS
- Rent: €150 – €400/month
- Located near universities in France
- Apply early via CROUS (applications open in spring)
🔹 2. Private Rentals
- Rent: €400 – €800/month depending on the French city
- Platforms like Leboncoin, SeLoger, and Studapart are widely used
- Tip: Many landlords require a resident permit (VLS-TS) holder or a guarantor
🔹 3. Shared Apartments (Colocation)
- Great for student life and practicing French language
- Rent: €300 – €600/month per room
🔹 4. Homestays & University Residences
- Living with a host family provides cultural immersion
- Some higher education institutions offer on-campus student accommodation
✅ Housing Tips:
- Start searching 3–4 months before arrival
- Prepare translated financial documents and guarantor proof
- Ask if your university offers welcome housing assistance
💼 Part-Time Job Opportunities
International students in France can work up to 20 hours per week (964 hours/year). This is an excellent way to finance student living expenses while gaining valuable work experience.
🔹 Where to Find Jobs:
- University job boards: Many higher education institutions list part-time opportunities
- Retail & Hospitality: Cafés, restaurants, and shops often hire students
- Tutoring & Language Teaching: English tutoring pays €15–€25/hour
- Freelance & Remote Work: Content writing, design, IT
🔹 Average Pay:
- Minimum wage (SMIC): ~€11.65/hour before tax
- Part-time work can cover groceries, transport, and entertainment
🔹 Work Rules:
- Non-EU/EEA students: Must hold a resident permit (VLS-TS) to work
- EU/EEA students: No restrictions on working hours
- Internships: Often full-time and mandatory for business school or Master’s programs
🚆 Transportation Tips
France has an excellent transport system:
- Student discounts: Metro passes cost €20–€75/month depending on the French city
- SNCF: Offers discounted train travel with Carte Avantage Jeune
- Bike-Sharing: Vélib’ in Paris and similar services in Lyon and Toulouse
- Walking: City centers are urban areas that are pedestrian-friendly
🛒 Managing Daily Expenses
💡 Money-Saving Tips:
- Shop at Lidl or Aldi for discounts
- Eat at CROUS restaurants (€3 meals)
- Open a student bank account for bills and housing payments
- Apply for CAF housing aid
🌍 Cultural Adaptation Tips
- Learn basic French language phrases to ease communication
- Join student clubs and associations to make friends
- Explore museums and cultural sites (free for students under 26)
- Respect French cultural norms: punctuality, politeness, and mealtime conversations
- Register for social security for healthcare benefits
📅 Quick Checklist for New Students
✅ Apply for CROUS or private student accommodation early
✅ Register with Campus France and apply for a VLS-TS resident permit
✅ Buy health insurance (free for EU students) and register for social security
✅ Open a student bank account
✅ Apply for CAF housing allowance
✅ Get a transport system pass for your French city
✅ Learn French language basics before arrival.
🌟 Make Your Study Abroad Journey in France Stress-Free with Inforens 🌟
Finding housing, managing finances, and navigating part-time work opportunities in a new country can be overwhelming. With Inforens, you don’t have to do it alone.
💡 Here’s how we help:
✅ Personalized guidance on student housing in France (CROUS, private rentals, and more)
✅ Step-by-step support for Campus France applications and student visa processes
✅ Expert tips on finding part-time jobs to finance your studies
✅ Budget planning tools and CAF housing allowance assistance
✅ Local insights for life in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, and other student-friendly cities
🎯 Your dream of studying in France starts with the right support.