9 things to look out for when applying for student accommodation in Paris

Paris is a large city, with a lot of attractions for tourists, workers, and students alike. There’s a reason the city of love has remained a popular destination for centuries, as the French capital has so much to offer. However, it’s important to prepare yourself for what living there is like, especially when you’re searching for student accommodation in Paris.

So, where should you go when looking for student accommodation in Paris? At IPAG, we know it can be daunting to look for somewhere to live, especially if you’ve never been! This is an even harder task for international students, who may not be able to visit the city for accommodation tours and open days. This is why we have a multilingual housing platform to help. But, what should you be looking for?

Searching for Student Accommodation (Paris)

 

Do Your Research

We wouldn’t advise you to just take the cheapest place you find, unfortunately, some things are just too good to be true. However, if you spend some time researching the general prices and get a feel for how much student accommodation in Paris should be, based on area and facilities, you’re much more likely to spot a real deal. With our housing platform you can filter your search to find what’s right for you, which is a simple way to compare similar properties on the market. We even feature thousands of offers, so the deals can come to you! We also recommend Livin France which is designed specifically for internation students in France, providing support from the moment you arrive to the moment you leave. Or, our partner Jeunes à Paris, who help students find accommodation in Paris.
 

Start Looking Early

Starting from late June and early July, new international students begin their hunt for student accommodation in Paris. We don’t recommend leaving the task until August, as there is often a rush for everyone to find accommodation.
 

Consider Private Accommodation

Private student accommodation in Paris should not be overlooked. We partner with Lokaviz who help students find private landlords in France, to help your search. Private accommodation means you may not be living with students who aren’t in your university, although if the accommodation is near to your campus there is less chance of this. Private halls tend to offer better facilities and more availability than cheaper, subsidised university halls of residence.
 

Watch Virtual Tours

As an international student, searching for student accommodation in Paris from your laptop doesn’t quite have the same appeal as seeing a property in person. We would encourage you to watch virtual tours where you can. Many places will offer this, and it’s a great way to get a good understanding of the space.
 

Only Bring the Essentials

We recommend you pack light, as flats in Paris are typically smaller than you may expect… even shops in Paris may feel a little crowded at first! It will also be easier and cheaper to travel having less to bring with you. Just remember that much of what you will need will likely be available when you arrive, so only bring the essentials with you. But don’t forget to bring some pictures of home!
 

Know your Budget

Housing will likely be your largest expense as a student, while the cost of living is relatively cheap for a major European city. Try to be realistic about what you can afford and remember to factor in additional living costs. It’s important to know if you can afford to live there, before you sign up for a student accommodation in Paris that you’ll struggle to afford! Typically, a hall of residence will include electricity and water bills, but don’t assume this is a guarantee. Remember to check the location of nearby public transport routes, so you can plan the costs of travelling into campus, and factor in the costs of the on site or nearby laundry facilities.
 

Be Cautious of Agency Costs

Renting accommodations through an agency means you’ll likely get charged a fee of around 10% of your entire contract. Some agencies also include a one-off admin charge of €200. Agency’s can be useful to find student accommodation in Paris, but be prepared for an uplift on the cost.
 

Read your Contract

This may be obvious, but read the small print. There are often strict guidelines when it comes to living in student accommodation about things you can and can’t keep in your room. It’s also important to understand the terms of your lease, so your deposit won’t be charged when you leave.
 

Get in Touch with Fellow International Students

Facebook pages are a great place to socialise with other international students before moving, and also coordinating with people also looking for housing. For example, there are many pages such as Plan appart à Paris.

Hopefully, with these tips, finding the perfect place to live during your Parisian studies will seem like a breeze! Just remember there are always university resources available, and a range of properties on the market to suit your needs and budget. Happy house hunting!