Student Housing in France: CROUS, Guarantor, Flatshare.

start with JARI.

• Marketplace — kit out your studio cheaply with second-hand furniture and appliances.
• Community — find a flatmate or swap housing tips.
• Expert services — a hand with the file, translation or guarantor.

housing options.

• CROUS residence — the cheapest, priority to scholarship holders.
• Private student residence — furnished and convenient, but pricier.
• Private rental (studio) — free rein, but guarantor and file required.
• Flatshare (coloc) — cheaper + social life.
• Homestay / foyer — handy when you arrive.

CROUS housing (the cheapest).

Apply via the DSE on MesServices.etudiant.gouv.fr. A CROUS studio often runs around 250 to 400 € before APL. In practice:

• Allocation in the main phase (spring) then complementary phase (summer).
• Entry file: guarantor or Visale, one month's deposit, insurance certificate.
• Priority to scholarship holders and tight budgets.

the rental file (public or private).

Usual documents: ID / residence permit, proof of enrolment, bank details (RIB), and above all the guarantor. This is THE sticking point of renting in France.

no guarantor? The Visale guarantee.

Action Logement acts as guarantor for free.

• Free, no personal guarantor needed.
• Rent cap: 800 € in Île-de-France / 600 € elsewhere (charges included).
• Doesn't cover the security deposit (yours to pay on entry) — top up with the Loca-Pass Advance if needed.

housing aid (APL).

Paid by the CAF, APL is open to foreign students with a valid residence permit, and you apply from the first month. Details in our CAF / APL guide.

CVEC & extra costs.

• The CVEC (student and campus life contribution), 105 € in 2025-2026, is mandatory before enrolment — scholarship holders are exempt.
• Home insurance is compulsory.
• The first month stacks deposit + first rent + moving in: budget generously.

tips.

• CROUS is in high demand: aim for it but file private applications in parallel.
• Get your Visale certificate in advance: it speeds up signing.
• Furnish second-hand on the JARI Marketplace.

common mistakes.

• Sorting the guarantor at the last minute and losing the place.
• Delaying the APL application (possible from month one).
• Forgetting the extra costs (insurance, CVEC) in your budget.

FAQ.

I have no guarantor. Apply for Visale (free; cap 800 € IdF / 600 € elsewhere). Is CROUS open to foreign students? Yes, via the DSE; priority to scholarship holders and tight budgets. APL for a foreign student? Yes with a valid residence permit, from the first month. Upfront cost? One month's deposit + first rent + insurance + (if applicable) CVEC 105 €.

useful links.

• On JARI: Marketplace · Community · Expert services
• Read next: Finding housing in France · CAF / APL · Studying in France: Campus France
• Official: etudiant.gouv.fr · Visale