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Lyon is one of France’s premier study destinations. Yet, finding student accommodation in the French city can be challenging. In this in-depth guide, we provide hints, tips, and advice to help you find the ideal accommodation in Lyon as an international master’s student.
The historic city of Lyon is one of Europe’s fastest-growing study destinations. As the third-largest city in France, it welcomes over 15,000 international students every year, each drawn to the city’s mix of top-tier universities, professional opportunities, rich culture, and affordability.
Lyon entices an ever-increasing pool of talent from business, technology, finance, and other sectors. What’s more, a thriving start-up scene and leading companies such as Sanofi Pasteur, Bayer, and Renault offer excellent post-graduation employment opportunities.
Studying in Lyon as an international student offers a safe, culturally-rich experience. As the country’s gastronomic capital, incredible cuisine is never far away. Located where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet, a blend of historical allure and modern innovation makes it a city loved by locals and visitors alike. Yet, unlike many other master’s study destinations, Lyon is relatively untouched by tourism. This helps it retain a certain charm.
As such a popular choice for international students, it can be difficult to find the right accommodation. Here are the top tips from MASTERGRADSCHOOLS for finding international student housing in Lyon.
Searching for student housing in Lyon is a process best undertaken as early as possible. Our advice is to start your search 2-4 months before your master’s program begins, preferably as soon as you receive your acceptance letter from your school.
We recommend using student housing platforms to keep in the loop. Create accounts on these platforms, sign up for newsletters, and set up notification alerts. This gives you the best chance of being among the first to find out about new listings.
If you have friends already living in Lyon, ask them if they know of available accommodation. Also, ask them to reach out to anyone in their network or neighborhood who might know of apartments that are soon to be available.
Many top French business schools offer high-quality, furnished on-campus residences. Some also offer nearby accommodation in residence halls. These usually work on a first-come, first-served basis or through a lottery system to manage demand.
The French Government subsidizes student residences. These are known as centres régionaux des œuvres universitaires et scolaires (CROUS) Residence Halls. You can find information about applying for this subsidized student housing in Lyon here.
Emlyon Business School offers international student accommodation through its partner, Studapart. They provide studios, flatshares, rooms in private homes, and personalized support for students.
Check each university’s website for more information on student housing in Lyon. Social media channels can also be very informative for accommodation advice.
There are several accommodation websites and apps that cater to students in Lyon. Here are some of the most well-known platforms.
These are all respected housing platforms. However, it’s important to carry out your own research and use your best judgment when searching for student accommodation in Lyon.
Utilize social media to find a room in Lyon. The likes of Reddit and Facebook have groups with lots of valuable advice, while you might also find WhatsApp channels for Lyon student housing.
Here are some examples to get you started:
Online platforms give you first-hand experiences from international students. They are useful for tips or offers that you don’t often find on traditional housing websites.
Be aware of potential scams when looking for student accommodation in Lyon. Here’s what to look for.
Finding your ideal home as a student in Lyon takes strategic planning and plenty of persistence. With the right plan in place and our guidance on the platforms to use and red flags to look out for, you’ll be able to find the right place for you.
Start early, and you’ll have better luck during the search process. Be sure to use every resource available to you, from your university or business school’s official channels to online housing platform groups in Lyon and student communities.
Once you’ve found your Lyon student accommodation, you can turn your attention to what’s sure to be a first-rate student experience in one of France’s best-loved cities.
Get real insight into studying a master’s degree in France, explore schools, and read previous articles.
