A private studio apartment costs an average of €559 per month in France in 2026. This does not include utilities, insurance, or the security deposit. For thousands of young people, finding affordable housing is a real struggle. Yet, a practical, legally regulated arrangement is gaining ground every year: living with a senior in exchange for companionship and small daily tasks.
This solidarity-based model provides access to a furnished room for less than €300 per month, and sometimes for free. It simultaneously addresses students’ financial insecurity and the growing isolation of older adults.
This guide provides you with everything you need to apply, understand your rights, and settle in with peace of mind starting in the 2026 academic year.
 

High school graduate? Welcome to student life