How to get CROUS housing as an international student?

International students can apply for CROUS housing via the platform trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr. Applications open from mid-January to mid-May for the September intake. You need an open DSE (Dossier Social Étudiant) in your host region on messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr. Priority is given to CROUS scholarship holders. Places are very limited (approximately 175,000 housing units for 1.7 million students).

How much does CROUS housing cost?

CROUS residences offer rooms from 9 to 25 m² at prices between 200 € and 500 €/month depending on the city and type (basic room, renovated studio, T1 bis). After APL deduction (100–250 €/month), the actual net cost is often 100–300 €/month — well below private market prices. Rent generally includes water, electricity, and internet.

Do you need a guarantor for CROUS housing?

No. CROUS residences do not require a guarantor. This is one of the main advantages for international students who do not have a guarantor in France. However, a security deposit (one month's rent) is required upon check-in.

Do you need a guarantor to rent a private studio in France?

Yes, almost all private landlords require a guarantor (individual or organization) whose income is at least 3–4 times the rent. International students use Visale (free, Action Logement) or Garantme (paid, 3.5% of rent/month) as alternatives to a personal guarantor. The Visale guarantee is accepted by many landlords.

How long does it take to find a private student studio in France?

Allow 1–3 months of active searching, or even longer in large cities (Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux). Start your search as soon as you receive your admission letter. Useful platforms: SeLoger, Leboncoin, LocService, Studapart, Lokaviz (CROUS partner private housing). Remote viewings (video) are increasingly accepted for international students arriving from abroad.

Is private housing eligible for APL?

Private non-conventioned housing is not eligible for APL but for ALS (Allocation de Logement Sociale), which works in a similar way. The amounts are comparable. Only private housing that has signed a convention with the State is eligible for APL. In practice, the distinction is transparent: submit your application on caf.fr and the CAF automatically determines which benefit applies.

CROUS vs Private Housing: Which to Choose as an International Student?

Quick Comparison

Criterion	CROUS	Private Housing
Monthly cost	200–500 € (incl. bills)	500–1,200 €
After APL	100–300 €	350–1,000 €
Guarantor	Not required	Required (or Visale/Garantme)
Availability	Very limited (apply Jan–May)	Year-round
Furnished	Yes	Usually
Location	On or near campus	City-wide
Internet	Included	Extra
Flexibility	Academic year	1-year lease typically

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

How to get CROUS housing? Apply via trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr with a DSE, between mid-January and mid-May. Priority for scholarship holders.

CROUS cost? 200–500 €/month, or 100–300 €/month net after APL. No guarantor needed.

Private housing — do I need a guarantor? Yes. Use Visale (free, under 30) or Garantme (paid, 3.5% of rent/month) if you have no personal guarantor in France.

Is private housing APL-eligible? Non-conventioned private housing receives ALS instead of APL — functionally the same, applied automatically by the CAF.

CROUS vs Private Housing for Students in France

CROUS vs Private Housing: Which to Choose as an International Student?

Quick Comparison

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

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CROUS vs Private Housing for Students in France

CROUS vs Private Housing: Which to Choose as an International Student?

Quick Comparison

Official Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Conseil expert

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