Finding the perfect student accommodation in Lyon

When you come to study in Lyon, you will quickly realise that the city is made up of many different districts, making it a fascinating place to visit and offering a variety of atmospheres to choose from. If you are looking for an authentic experience, the Vieux Lyon, the historic heart of the city, is the place to be. On the other hand, if you like modernity and want to live in a new building, the Confluences district will appeal to you more. Take the time to discover what the city looks like before you come so that you have a clear idea of where you’d like to live.

Find out more: Where to live in Lyon?

In Lyon, you will find a wide range of student accommodation options that you can choose from according to your needs and preferences.

One of the most common options for students is university residences. They offer affordable apartments for rent, shared facilities such as kitchens and lounges, and a vibrant community spirit. You can also opt for more private student accommodation, which offers more facilities and often a higher standard of living, but at a higher cost. If you are on a tight budget, you can also opt for social housing, as long as you meet certain eligibility criteria.

Of course, the whole city is worth exploring to find a place to live, with its wide variety of neighbourhoods and atmospheres. Shared accommodation opens up more options, especially if you are looking for a more communal living experience and want to share costs while making new friends. This option gives you more freedom to choose where you want to live and what type of accommodation you want.

If you come to Lyon and haven’t found accommodation yet, don’t worry. From hotels to short-term rentals, you can find a place to stay before you find your dream apartment.

To find your student accommodation in Lyon, you can start by exploring online platforms that list housing options, on popular websites such as Se Loger or De Particulier à Particulier. If you want to find a university residence, you can find all of them on Lyon Campus (web page in French). Consider the proximity to your university or Lyon’s public transport and take the time to find the safest neighbourhoods.

In the private or public sector, you will have to prepare a comprehensive rental file with all the necessary documents (your identity card, bank account details, proof of domicile, a copy of your student card, etc.). Your guarantor will be asked for the same documents.

Once your file is accepted, you will sign a rental lease, with all the information concerning the lessor and the lessee. There will be one copy for you, one for the renter and one for the agency if you work with one. House insurance is compulsory in France.

When you enter and leave the property, an assessment must be made of the state of the premises and signed by you to accept the evaluation (you have 10 days to report any problem that was not noted during the assessment). And before you leave, you must give 3 months’ notice (or only 1 month in tense areas, which is the case in most of Lyon and Villeurbanne).

Aside from the proximity to your university and public transport, there are many other factors to consider when choosing your student accommodation in Lyon.

For example, you will have a better balance between your studies and your personal life if you live close to many amenities. When you find an apartment that interests you, take a look at the neighbourhood to see what services you will enjoy. It’s unlikely that you’ll be in Lyon long before the start of your studies, so if you can’t get there yourself, use online solutions to find out for example where the shops are and if you can do your weekly shopping close to where you live.

It’s also important to be close to cafés, parks and leisure activities. Lyon has many public parks, including the Parc de la Tête-d’Or, one of the largest in France. They are the perfect place to spend a day in the summer or go for a morning run. Socialising and having fun is also an important part of your student life, so don’t neglect it.

To make the most of your studies in Lyon, take the time to enjoy the city between classes! Immerse yourself in its rich cultural tapestry and explore its historical sites, taste the local cuisine and attend its festivals. Explore its streets, with their many landmarks, such as the Fourvière Hill and its basilica, that dominate the city, the Canut wall painting (the largest in Europe) or the Rosa Mir Garden.

During your studies, take the time to get involved in the local and international communities, especially through student associations and university events. In this way, you can make your stay not only an academic experience, but also a real cultural adventure.

Coming to study in Lyon and finding the right accommodation can be intimidating, but the city is here to help foreign students. Lyon Campus is the website dedicated to helping students discover the city and prepare for their arrival. Find out more about Lyon and how it welcomes international students!

Prepare your studies in Lyon!