University Room Prices: Everything You Need to Know About Rates

The student housing market is a specialized segment of real estate that attracts various key players. The price range for a university room cost in France varies according to several criteria. Students can choose between institutional landlords (public or private) or rent a room from a private individual.

What is the price of a university room? Both French and international students in France have all asked this question. If you are wondering about the cost of student accommodation in France today, you are in the right place. We will detail the student real estate market for you in this guide dedicated to university room costs.

Which Room Price for Which Type of Student Housing?

Two main types of accommodation compete in the student real estate market:

• Living in a residence or a hostel (foyer): This alternative offers several advantages: furnished rooms (microwave, sink, sometimes a private toilet, bedding, fridge, etc.), more affordable rent, and community living.

• Finding a room in the private market: Either via a real estate agency or through direct rental from a private landlord.

There is also an ideal alternative if you are looking for student accommodation: choosing an optimized flatshare or coliving space designed for young professionals and students by Colonies.

What is the Price of a CROUS University Room?

CROUS residences are state-subsidized and public. The university room cost at CROUS is the most coveted and sought-after option for students in France. Only French scholarship students and international students enrolled in a Master's or PhD program are eligible. Demand far exceeds supply due to the highly attractive rental rates.

What exactly are these university room rates? Rent for a CROUS room is relatively low. Rates vary by university city. Here are some average estimates for a university room cost:

• Paris: 450 to 550 euros;

• Lyon: 350 to 450 euros for a room with private sanitary facilities;

• Strasbourg: 300 to 400 euros;

• Toulouse: 280 to 380 euros.

Prices vary depending on the square footage, the specific CROUS residence chosen, and the services included (shared or private showers, home insurance, provided equipment, etc.).

Advantages of Living in a CROUS University Room

The moderate price of CROUS (Regional Centre for University and School Works) housing is not the only advantage. Student housing in a university room offers a multitude of benefits:

• Proximity to educational institutions (residences are often located on campus);

• Guaranteed security and protected access;

• Enriched social life with organized events;

• Eligibility for student housing benefits (CAF, ALS, APL, deposit assistance, etc.);

• Staff available to provide assistance.

At Colonies, we have improved the flatsharing and coliving experience in residences—we have reinvented it!

What is the Price of a Room in a Student or Youth Hostel?

Hostels (foyers) offer housing to young people aged 18 to 25 (apprentices, interns, work-study students). They are managed by associations. While priority is given to interns and young workers, applications from university students are also accepted. Room prices for students in a youth hostel revolve around 650 euros in Paris and 350 to 450 euros in other regions.

What is the Rate for a Private Student Residence?

The student housing market has attracted many private real estate investors. Private student residences have increased significantly since the 90s to meet the growing number of French and international students. They offer furnished rooms at prices often comparable to the private rental sector. Rents vary between 400 and 800 euros per month depending on the services (equipped kitchen, laundry, cleaning, security, internet, etc.). Some student cities are much more expensive: 900 to 1,100 euros in Paris for a high-end university room cost.

Renting a room in a private flatshare is a great alternative. Choosing a flatshare or coliving space in a Colonies residence is the optimal solution. Our "Supercoloc" offer covers several university cities. Since the launch of our flexible real estate brand, we have focused on making the housing experience smoother and more enjoyable for young workers and students.

Renting a Room in a Private Home

There are more economical accommodation options, though they do not offer the same advantages as a private residence or a CROUS room. These include "homestays" or "intergenerational housing" (e.g., a room in a retired couple's home). Three formulas are generally available:

• Free rooms: In exchange for specific evening tasks (cooking, taking out the trash, grocery shopping, etc.).

• Modest rent rooms: The student agrees to spend time with the elderly person and assist them with specific tasks, while remaining more independent.

• Market rate rooms: The student is completely independent, and the rent is equivalent to a standard private rental.

You now have a comprehensive overview of university room costs. However, remember that rent is not the only criterion for optimizing your student rental. Prioritize your needs and start by visiting the rental listings on the Colonies platform: our shared apartments go fast!