With more than 3 million students in France in 2024, private student residences have become one of the most sought-after housing solutions for those looking for simple, fully equipped accommodation close to campuses. Faced with increasing pressure on the rental market, these residences offer a ready-to-live-in environment that makes the student housing search much easier, especially for young people moving to a new city. This model is attractive thanks to a complete living environment: furnished studio, private bathroom, security, high-speed internet, and shared services designed for a fulfilling student life. Present in Lyon, Paris, Bordeaux, Lille, Nantes, Toulouse, and Montpellier, private residences provide accessible solutions adapted to real student needs.This guide explains their advantages, limitations, included services, and how to choose the best option for 2025.
Private Student Residence: Definition, How It Works, Included Services
Private student residences address the shortage of student housing by offering a simple, modern solution entirely designed for an ideal living environment. Their strength lies in integrated services, professional management, and a level of comfort that traditional rentals cannot match.
What is a private student residence?
It is a group of housing units intended for students, apprentices, and young professionals looking for functional and secure accommodation. Unlike CROUS housing, which remains limited in availability, these residences are managed by private operators and offer more comprehensive services: modern furnishings, on-site support, and flexible solutions for late arrivals or short stays.
They also differ from private university residences, as they often follow a true “turnkey” concept. Their audience is diverse: French students, international students, and young professionals seeking structured housing close to schools, easy to manage on a daily basis.
Included equipment and services
Housing is generally offered as fully furnished and equipped accommodation, including a bed, desk, storage space, and work area. Each unit has a private bathroom, a kitchenette, and an equipped kitchen area adapted to student needs.
Utilities often include water, heating, and electricity, simplifying the monthly budget. High-speed internet access is almost always included, which is essential for online courses and group projects.
Security is another major advantage: badge access, caretaker or manager, video surveillance. For first-time renters, this level of supervision reassures both students and parents and reduces the technical hassles of traditional rentals.
Common areas and living environment
Modern residences focus on the collective experience: coworking spaces, fitness rooms, relaxation areas with ping-pong tables, laundry rooms, and bike storage. These facilities support a fulfilling student lifestyle, encourage social interaction, and create a real community.
For students arriving in a new city, these spaces contribute to an ideal living environment: practical, safe, and friendly. Organized events further strengthen this dynamic, making these residences suitable for both students and young professionals transitioning into working life.
Advantages and Disadvantages of a Private Student Residence
Choosing a private student residence often saves time, reduces administrative steps, and provides access to a structured environment designed for student life. However, this model is not suitable for everyone, which is why understanding both its strengths and limitations is essential.
Advantages
Student housing residences offer ready-to-live-in apartments, avoiding the need to buy furniture, transport it, or handle complex setups. Their main advantage is proximity to schools, universities, and public transport, a key factor for optimizing daily organization.
They also offer integrated services: high-speed internet, laundry, coworking spaces, relaxation areas, and security systems. This setup significantly simplifies everyday life.
The all-inclusive utilities package (often including water, electricity, and heating) ensures a stable and predictable budget. For students and young professionals, avoiding unexpected costs is a major benefit, especially during the first months in a new city. Overall, this model provides a simple, efficient, and reassuring solution.
Disadvantages
Monthly rent can be higher than CROUS housing or shared apartments, as services and facilities add to the cost. Since apartments are already furnished, there is less room for personalization, which may frustrate some students.
Residences can also be lively: the collective atmosphere may generate noise depending on periods and resident profiles. This largely depends on sound insulation and internal management. Nevertheless, most residences strictly enforce rules to maintain a calm living environment.
Prices: Rent, Utilities, and What Is Really Included
Prices vary significantly depending on the city and level of services offered. The goal here is to provide clear ranges and explain exactly what utilities include, helping students estimate their budget.
Rent ranges by city
Fully furnished student apartments in private residences vary by location. In Paris student residences, a studio starts around €750–€950 (utilities included), with higher prices in central districts.
In Lyon student residences, the average ranges between €550 and €700 for a standard unit near universities. Cities like Bordeaux, Lille, and Toulouse typically range from €500 to €650, depending on proximity to schools and transport.
Montpellier and Nantes are slightly more affordable, usually between €480 and €600. Nationwide, student residences in France show significant variation, but one constant remains: high demand keeps rents stable and competitive compared to traditional private rentals.
“According to CAF, more than 700,000 students receive housing assistance each year, including those living in private residences with individual leases.”
Source: Caf.fr
What do utilities include?
Most furnished student residences include essential utilities such as water, heating, and electricity, making budget management easier. High-speed internet is often included and operational upon arrival, which is crucial for studying or remote work.
Some residences also include additional services: secured laundry rooms, fitness centers, coworking spaces, bike storage, and sometimes reception or concierge services. Depending on the residence, these may be included or offered as optional extras.
Factors that influence price
Location is decisive: housing in city centers or directly on campus is always more expensive than equivalent units in suburban areas. The type of accommodation also affects cost: an optimized T1 or a shared T2 does not involve the same budget. Finally, the level of amenities explains price differences: residences with gyms, coworking spaces, enhanced security, and shared areas cost more than simpler structures.
Comparison Table — Private Student Residences
Which Cities Offer Private Student Residences?
Private student residences have expanded across France to meet growing demand. They are present in major cities as well as medium-sized towns where rents are more affordable and availability is more stable.
Major French student cities
Large metropolitan areas host the majority of private residences. A private student residence in Lyon is often located near Part-Dieu, Gerland, or Villeurbanne.
In Paris, private residences are widespread, both in central and suburban areas, making private student residence Paris one of the most searched terms in France.
There is also a strong presence in Bordeaux, where private student residences in Bordeaux benefit from proximity to tram lines and the Talence and Victoire campuses. Lille, Toulouse, and Montpellier also have dense networks, especially near major schools.
“CROUS offers only 175,000 housing units for more than 3 million students, which explains why most turn to the private sector.”
Source: French Ministry of Higher Education, 2025 figures
Mid-sized cities
Cities such as Nantes and Rennes offer diverse options with more affordable rents. Private student residences in Nantes are especially popular near Île de Nantes and the Chantrerie and Tertre campuses.
Clermont-Ferrand, home to many engineering schools, provides private student residences at more accessible prices. Strasbourg, with its strong international presence, also offers a wide range, including private university residences near European institutions.
For quieter, less saturated locations, Besançon, Aix-en-Provence, and Bourges remain attractive, offering excellent value for money and a calmer environment.
“I arrived in Lyon without knowing the city. The residence saved my life: internet already installed, night security, etc. I’m 8 minutes from my school—it completely changed my daily organization.”
Camille, 19 — Private student residence Lyon
Student residences abroad / Milan
Some residence chains are also expanding internationally. This is the case in Milan, where searches for private student residences in Milan are increasing with the arrival of French students in design, fashion, and business schools. These residences offer the same structured environment: security, shared spaces, internet, and functional housing, ideal for students wanting to study abroad without administrative complexity.
How to Choose the Best Private Student Residence
To succeed in a student housing search, it’s essential to focus on the criteria that truly impact comfort, budget, and academic success.
Key criteria to compare
The first factor is distance between the residence, school, and transport. The shorter the commute, the easier daily life becomes.
The living environment also matters: fast internet, gym, coworking spaces, laundry, relaxation areas, and security can significantly improve the experience.
The type of accommodation is just as important: individual apartment, optimized T1, or structured shared housing.
Finally, the budget must be calculated utilities included to avoid surprises. The best choice always balances comfort, amenities, and total cost.
“I wanted to avoid shared housing. In a private residence, I have a well-equipped T1 and use the gym in the morning. The coworking space is perfect for group projects.”
Matteo, 22 — Private student residence Bordeaux
How to Book a Place in a Private Student Residence
Booking is straightforward when following a clear process, especially in high-demand cities.
Search steps
The best period is May to July, when spaces open and response times are faster. A complete application file should be ready in advance: ID, proof of enrollment, guarantor, income documents, Visale certificate if needed.
Student residence housing can be booked directly through official operators (Studéa, Estudines, UXCO, Cardinal Campus…) or centralized platforms like ImmoJeune.
Online / remote booking
For international students or those unable to travel, remote booking is now standard. Most residences offer virtual tours, detailed floor plans, and 100% online procedures, including digital applications and electronic signatures, allowing students to secure housing before arrival.
FAQ
What is the difference between a private student residence and CROUS housing?
Private residences offer more services (internet, security, coworking) and fully furnished housing, but are more expensive than CROUS, which has very limited availability.
How much does a private student residence cost?
Depending on location, rents range from €450 to €950 (utilities included).
What services are included?
Most include internet, gym, coworking, laundry, and security. Some also offer events and relaxation areas.
How can I quickly book student housing?
Preparing a complete file, applying between May and July, and using multiple platforms significantly increases your chances.
