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Are you planning on studying for a master’s in Paris? The French capital is one of the world’s most popular study destinations. This means you’ll need to plan ahead to secure student accommodation. In our guide, you’ll find all you need to know about finding student housing in Paris.
Paris is known as one of the world’s most liveable cities. The French capital is elegant, culturally rich, and home to Europe’s largest purpose-built business district. A blend of vibrant energy, historical allure, and business excellence makes it the perfect city for today’s ambitious professionals.
What’s more, Paris is a pioneering city in the field of education. Its nickname, La Ville Lumière (The City of Light), originally referred to its ground-breaking role in education during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it’s a leading light of innovation, with many of Europe’s top-ranked business schools found in Paris.
Countless students come to study for a master’s in France, with many opting for the capital. In fact, it’s estimated that almost half a million students move to Paris every year to live, study, and thrive in this cosmopolitan business capital.
Like many European capital cities, Paris offers a wide variety of housing options for students. These range from on-campus accommodation at Parisian universities to off-campus housing in university neighborhoods.
Read on to discover the five essential tips from MASTERGRADSCHOOLS for finding international student housing in Paris.
You’ll need to show initiative if you want to secure a good place before commencing your master’s program. It’s best to give yourself plenty of time. Start searching for student housing in Paris six months in advance. This helps to avoid the July to September rush, when most master’s students in France will be searching for housing.
Research is key. Be sure to sign up to receive newsletters from student housing platforms in Paris, and set up notification alerts for listings. The best listings tend to go fast, so it’s advisable to be the first to know when they appear.
Another great idea is to reach out to friends or acquaintances already in Paris. As the old saying goes: “It’s not always what you know, but who you know.” Sometimes, you can strike gold and find an apartment that’s not listed online, simply by talking to people in the city.
The best business schools and universities in Paris offer outstanding on-campus housing. It’s essential to check your university’s accommodation options thoroughly before applying. This way, you know exactly what is available and whether it suits your needs.
HEC Paris offers accommodation for students, with access to over 1,750 housing units across 18 residences on campus. These are studio apartments with either private or shared kitchens. The school also offers off-campus housing options via its partner, Studapart. The HEC Paris campus includes a forest, a lake, and numerous on-campus sporting facilities. It also includes a restaurant, three cafeterias, and a bar. A supermarket and various other restaurants are located nearby.
ESSEC Business School offers on-campus housing to international students with over 1,000 studios across four residences. The school’s housing is close to campus, accessible by foot, bicycle, and public transport. They also offer in-depth advice about finding accommodation in the city. Students can choose to live alone in a single studio, with a roommate in a double studio, or as a couple in an apartment.
Another top Paris business school, EDHEC, offers a broad range of accommodation options. EDHEC collaborates with student residences, a network of 1,800 private landlords, and real estate agencies.
While most Paris universities assist with accommodation for international students, few can guarantee housing. This makes it essential to search for your own accommodation as early and thoroughly as possible.
Be sure to check your university’s website for housing updates. The school’s social media channels are also a valuable resource for accommodation advice.
There are a number of popular accommodation websites that are specifically aimed at students in Paris. Here are some of the most trusted:
Other useful Paris student housing platforms include:
Use social media to help in your search for student housing in Paris. From Facebook groups and Reddit threads to WhatsApp channels and local online forums, these groups and communities can make all the difference.
Here are some examples to get you started:
Online platforms give you first-hand experiences from international students in Paris. They are useful for tips or offers that you might not find on typical housing websites.
As an international student, it’s essential to be aware of potential scams when searching for student housing in Paris. Look out for these common red flags to stay safe.
Securing a place to live as an international student in Paris is challenging. Yet, with the right strategy, network, and knowledge of key platforms, you’ll be able to find the ideal base for an unforgettable study experience.
Furthermore, the top business schools in Paris go above and beyond to help international students settle in and build friendships from day one. All up, this ensures you get the best experience from your master’s program.
Get real insight into studying a master’s degree in France, explore schools, and read previous articles.
