Guide to Finding Accommodation in Nice (France) for International Students

Nice is one of France’s most popular study destinations, combining a stunning location with an exceptional atmosphere and highly regarded University programs. But how do you find the best student accommodation in Nice for you?

This guide to finding your ideal Nice student accommodation can be followed step by step, and will explain everything you need to know as you start your journey towards finding the right student residence. We also explain how students at IPAG’s Nice campus can utilise IPAG’s bespoke housing services to help them get the best from their course, and the city itself.

Is Nice a good city for students?

Nestled between the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps, with direct access to the waterfront, Nice is arguably one of the most beautiful cities on the French Riviera. Often referred to as ‘The Queen of Mediterranean Cities’, this thriving tourist port regularly gets over 300 days of sunshine a year, providing students of all ages the opportunity to enjoy its many activities, beaches, restaurants and historical buildings.

Nice is also well known for its Erasmus run student nights, built purposefully around international students to help them make friends, and to expose them to the exceptional nightlife that Nice has to offer.

Its beauty and reputation for academic excellence also make Nice an ideal destination for international students considering an English-taught program in France.

5 steps to finding your Nice student accommodation

1. Decide on a rental budget

Before starting to look for accommodation in Nice, consider setting a budget for your rent to help narrow down your search. When setting your budget, make sure to take into account each cost associated with the tenancy. These usually include:

• Rent - How much do you want to spend weekly/monthly on rent? The latest average budgets from Studapart currently set Nice at €571 per month.
• Water - Do you have a rough estimate of how much your water costs monthly? Use this to find a rough guide of water costs in France
• Electricity - Similarly, how much electricity do you currently use, and how might that translate into a rough estimate in Euros
• Telephone - Will you be purchasing or finding a new contract for your mobile phone while in France? This may be necessary to help you find the best signal for your area.
• Internet - Do you use the internet frequently to stream films and television shows? Or need to download large files? Consider these when selecting the internet option you will use for your accommodation, and add it to your budget. Students should also bear in mind that if they are renting accommodation, an internet contract may already be arranged for them.
• Council/resident tax - You may be required to pay council or resident tax, if you earn a substantial amount of money and spend more than 183 days of the year in France. Commonly though, students do not earn enough money to be eligible for resident tax. In this case, students should fill out their Income Tax Declaration forms.

When building out a budget, be sure to utilise sites like Travel Safe - Abroad, which can help you get a good idea of the cost of living in Nice, and other areas of the country. In the event that you can’t find any available accommodation to suit your budget, slightly adjust your criteria and see if more apartments become available.

 

2. Focus on a specific area in Nice

Once you have decided on a budget, it will be easier to figure out which districts and types of property you want to target. Start with one or two neighbourhoods only, and take into account all the aspects that will make your life easier, for instance: proximity to campus, transport, shops, bars, etc.

 

What kind of place should I choose for my Nice student accommodation?

Recent studies from IPAG partner Studapart show that more than half of students, both national and international, look for studio apartments or one-room apartments in Nice. 9% of students look for a room or rooms in a private home, and 22% of students find flat sharing to be an attractive offer.

Bear in mind with these statistics that while studio apartments and one-room apartments offer more privacy, they are often much more expensive than the alternatives. If you are particularly budget-minded, focusing on flat shares may be a good opportunity for you to split the costs of rent and utilities.

 

3. Analyse rental ads

When you are reading property rental ads, there are several elements you should pay attention to. Check this list off as you go:

• Some ads may misrepresent the location to make the accommodation seem more attractive. Check that the accommodation is genuinely located in the neighbourhood you are targeting.
• Is the accommodation furnished or unfurnished? This can also make a difference to the cost of rent.
• Check how many square metres the apartment is. If you plan to live on your own, you should target either a studio, a T1 (in which the kitchen and the main room are separated) or a T1 bis (in which the kitchen and the main room are separated, and the main room has an alcove or a mezzanine). If you prefer to share a house with roommates, you should be aiming for a T2, T3 or more, depending on how many people you are ready to live with.
• Verify if fees are included in the rent. If they are, you should see the letters “CC” meaning “charges comprises” (fees included) mentioned on the ad. On the contrary, the letters “HC” mean “hors charges” (fees excluded). Checking this can be vital in helping you to understand how the accommodation costs will fit into your budget.
• Take a close look at the pictures of the room/flat/house to get an idea of ​​its condition.
• Use Google Maps or other mapping platforms to see what amenities are available nearby, and distances to get to each.
• Elements like a fitted kitchen, washing machine/tumble driers, a balcony/terrace, a garage or a cellar can be good indications of how well-equipped the property is, potentially helping you save money on white goods and cooking implements. It could also suggest a good amount of storage space is available.

4. Prepare a file for housing rental

It is strongly advised that you gather all the mandatory documents before visiting apartments across Nice. This is because some landlords may want to check your reliability as a tenant before spending time showing you the accommodation. With this in mind, be sure to prepare in advance a digital copy of the following documents to send out to landlords if required:

• a photocopy of your ID/passport
• a photocopy of your student card or school certificate your last 3 payslips if you are employed, or the last 3 payslips from your guarantor(s): father, mother or both, or any other relative or friend willing to help you cover your rent if you are facing financial difficulties your guarantor(s) ID
• a tax notice - yours or your guarantor(s)
• a proof of address
• a copy of your residence permit/visa
• a copy of your bank account details
• a telephone number

In some cases, landlords might ask for an extended list of documents from tenants, which may be illegal. According to the laws of July 6th 1989 and January 17th 2002, landlords are not entitled to request additional documents apart from the list of documents and certificates mentioned above. Therefore, it is prohibited to require documents or certificates such as:

• a booking cheque or bank transfer
• a marriage contract a medical file a criminal record
• a medical file
• a criminal record

5. Be efficient with your visits

When visiting the properties, remember to pay attention to the smallest details such as:

• Does the ventilation system in the bathroom and kitchen work?
• Is the water running as it should from the taps and the shower/bath?
• Is the electricity working correctly (lights switch on)
• Are there any signs of mould on the walls?
• Are the doors in good condition?
• Is the kitchen properly equipped?
• Is the electrical system in good working order?
• Are there smoke detectors?
• What is the surrounding area of the property like?

Districts that foreign students should target in Nice, France

Libération

Located North of the city, this area is popular, quiet, authentic and is currently reinventing itself thanks to recent development projects. Libération district offers a pleasant living environment with shops, restaurants, a multiplex cinema, gyms, an indoor market and terraces where you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the city. Prices here are considered affordable.

 

Riquier / Saint-Roch

These districts are located in the east of Nice, in between the port and at the gates of Old Nice. Small-sized accommodations are in very high demand in these areas, especially among students and young couples.

 

Fabron

This district is perfect for students who plan to work during their studies. Students living here will enjoy faster and more direct access to Sophia-Antipolis (considered the Silicon Valley of Europe) and the airport. Fabron is located on the heights of Nice, and is very well-connected to the rest of the city.

 

Le Port

Despite its charming small village appearance, this area is booming with renovation and development projects. Based between the Old Nice and Mont Boron, this district is very well-connected through public transport. Note, however, that traffic is heavy here, and it can be difficult to find a parking space. Home to many restaurants, bars and shops, this is one of the most commercial districts of the city and prices here are above average.

 

The Old Nice

Just like in the Port district, Nice old town is where you can experience the authentic Provençal way-of-life! The picturesque charm of this ancient Italian city comes from the maze of tightly-knit and colourful streets. The old centre is a small triangular area tucked away between the Jardin Albert 1er and Nice Port. It is a lively, trendy and relatively expensive district for student housing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average rent for student accommodation in Nice?

According to our accommodation partner, Studapart, Nice student accommodation currently averages at around €571 per month, although this can fluctuate between €526 to €626 depending on the type of accommodation.

 

Where do students stay in France?

Students have multiple options for accommodation while studying in France. Many students in their first years will use the halls of residences if they are available. A popular choice among students though is to live out within the city itself. If you are a student looking for accommodation in Paris, Nice, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille and Nantes, be sure to look into our student accommodation partners today.

What is the most expensive area in Nice, France?

Mont Baron is often considered the most expensive area to live in Nice. Students may struggle to find accommodation targeted directly at students within this area.

Who acts as guarantors for students in Nice?

In Nice, securing a student rental can be difficult with a guarantor, who can cover your rent/utilities while you live and study there. According to our accommodation partner, Studapart, 88% of students rely on their families to act as guarantors.

Is financial assistance available to help with student housing in Nice?

Financial assistance can be provided through a number of means. Firstly, students should speak to their institutions to see what support can be provided while they participate in a learning program. IPAG offers a range of financial assistance to students to help them reduce costs and can support them in filling out the necessary documents to request support from the CAF also.

We’re here to help you find the perfect Nice student accommodation

While the information provided in the blog will help you make a great start in finding the right student housing for you, there may be elements of the process that you are still unsure of. This is where IPAG’s Housing services can step in and provide support.

Through IPAG Housing services, you will be able to access all of our partner websites, each specialising in student accommodation in Nice.

You can also utilise our dedicated IPAG Housing platform, which allows you to conduct multilingual research for free. This can help you to find the perfect place not only in Nice, but also in France’s biggest cities: Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Lyon, Toulouse, Marseille and Nantes.

Through the Studapart X IPAG Partnership, you can create or join groups of students sharing information about accommodation. You will also have access to an administrative help section through the chatbot, designed to help answer any questions around student housing and your application form.

Studying at IPAG

IPAG Business School is at the forefront of business education, offering a wide range of globally recognised courses, such as our Grande École program, 3-year Bachelor degree and 5-year MBA programs and much more.

We partner with a range of universities from across the world to offer students the opportunity to experience new cultures and build out their knowledge through different tutors and in different locations.

Students can also enjoy events, seminars and more through our thriving IPAG campuses based in Paris and Nice.

Join the IPAG business school today and discover why we are one of the best business schools in Europe to be a part of.