Even before you start your search on Parcoursup or eCandidat, one fact becomes clear: finding student housing in Paris is no small feat. With demand far outstripping supply, collective viewings that can feel overwhelming, and consistently high rents, the capital certainly lives up to its reputation as a tough place to secure a home. To boost your chances and start the academic year with peace of mind, here are our tips for finding student accommodation in Paris or the Île-de-France region:
Don't overlook the essentials of a file: your identity document, a school certificate or student card if you have one, an employment contract if you’re in an apprenticeship, and a proof of address (electric bill, the last three rent receipts, or a sworn statement if you still live with your parents). For your guarantors, the same: provide a proof of income with the last three payslips of each guarantor (or, if applicable, the last two accounting statements if your guarantor is self-employed, plus any relevant indemnity documents...) along with their identity documents for each.
For guarantors, it’s always a tricky issue, because on average landlords and letting agencies require three times the rent you’re aiming to net, verified on the pay slip by at least one guarantor. Given Paris’s sky-high rents, not everyone has that cushion, so turn to the Visale Guarantee, the government’s official guarantee. While some landlords still play it old-school and refuse it, it’s becoming increasingly accepted, so try your luck and reassure landlords with financial coverage in case of rent non-payment.
Next, all you have to do is have your file checked on Dossier Facile, a free service where it is verified and state-certified. Be careful: some fraudulent sites copy the concept; only trust the Government's official site to certify your file.
We can’t repeat this often enough: given the demand, a large majority of landlords operate on a “first come, first served” basis, and you can understand why when they receive hundreds of messages for a rental. Draft in your notes a standard message to send with every listing that suits your situation (student at a given school, in an apprenticeship or not), the nature of your guarantors (parents, grandparents, etc.), that you’re interested in the apartment, and that you can send your file within ten minutes of inquiry. If you have an email address, send your application directly by email and bring a printed copy of your dossier for your visits.
The essential platform for finding a rental is Le Bon Coin, but there are plenty of others too. Here's a list of the most popular:
The good news is that there's a free app that lets you receive all these ads and set notifications according to your criteria (price, surface area, location...): it's Jinka, available on Android or iOS.
And don't forget the Facebook groups, which can also help you: Paris housing tips, Paris : flatshare, rental, sublet, apartment
Where you live can make this tricky, but nothing beats being there in person on the day of the viewing (ideally with a guarantor) so that the agency or the private landlord can meet you. Video tours are also possible, but with demand, you’ll unfortunately have fewer chances of landing the apartment in the end. Arrive early or on time, with your printed file in hand, or having emailed it beforehand during your visit!
Given the price of renting in Paris and often even in the suburbs (even far away), sharing a flat is a particularly interesting and less expensive option, provided you like living in a community (at least a minimum).
Our favorite sites for finding a roommate:
With the aforementioned Facebook groups.
For a solution that's a little less costly and more supportive, intergenerational housing is a great option: a number of associations and platforms also offer it. The advantage is that you're sharing time with an elderly person who's now living alone, so you can do a good deed and save money.
Associations and platforms to turn to:
Given the competition to find a property, you can be sure that you're far from the only one interested in the property in question. So, make as many requests as you can, even if the property doesn't appeal to you: you'll be able to make up your own mind when you visit, and above all, don't be too picky if you absolutely have to find it.
Ads with very attractive rents - almost too attractive - are often scams. Never, ever send money online or otherwise if you haven't met the owner of the property you're interested in: they're scams.
Why not live in the suburbs? Rents are less expensive and if you have good transport links to university, it's a real advantage. Don't forget to ask about metro stops close to your accommodation in advance and to check (especially if you're taking the intramuros): if you have a direct metro, bus or RER line to the university, you're all set!
It may sound silly, but apartment-hunting takes a lot of wear and tear: always be very reactive and try to be available for visits as much as possible, send your rental file in PDF format as soon as you have an e-mail address where you can do so... Yes, finding a place to live in Paris is almost a matter of luck. It's long and tedious, but you'll always find one in the end: so don't give up, it's only a matter of time!
What to do if you can't find housing?
Still, every year, many students find themselves without accommodation on the eve of or on the first day of the new term. It’s a far from simple situation, so we’re offering a few options to tide you over while you search for an apartment once you’re on site.
Students without accommodation: what are the alternatives as the new school year approaches?
In Paris, finding accommodation when you're a student is almost mission impossible. Every time an ad is posted, hundreds of applications are sent out, and it's often difficult to get the best deal. We've come up with a few alternatives to get you by. [Read more]
Students without accommodation: what are the alternatives as the new school year approaches?
