Student life
Lyon: an enticing European metropolis
Since the Renaissance, the banks of the two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, that flow through the city, the Fourvière basilica that dominates the city centre, and the Old Lyon, are sights that make Lyon an extremely pleasant place to live in.
Lyon is not only home to many of France’s large corporations which now operate worldwide; it also attracts many international firms and organisations. For centuries, the city has been a trading centre at the cross-roads between Northern Europe and the Mediterranean South. While its entrepreneurial culture dates back to the silk manufacturers in the early 19th century, its present dynamism is based on a diversified range of modern industries: energy, chemicals, vaccines, laser technology, etc.
Lyon, the capital of a dynamic region at a great location:
- 6th most important region in Europe: Rhône-Alpes: 6th highest GDP in Europe, out of 204 regions ranked (Source: Eurostat 2014)
- #1 region in France for incoming international companies: 900 foreign capital companies (above 50 employees) employing about 165,000 people
- A major education capital in Europe: around 150,000 students
Housing in France
When living in France, you will have to find an apartment on your own.
🔍Tips to find student housing
It is not easy to find accommodation, especially in large French cities, so make sure to start your search as soon as possible.
- Don’t wait until you are in France to start looking for housing
- Submit your application before you leave
- Send in several requests for student housing
- Try to find student rental accommodation that is furnished
- Be careful and make sure the company offering the lodging is reliable. Never send money without first signing a lease and speaking directly with the company.
Different types of housing
Halls of Residence
- What? Affordable rooms or apartments managed by one organization. Services vary by residence.
- Where? Available in various locations throughout Lyon and Paris.
House or Flatshare
- What? Shared living spaces where each person has a private bedroom but shares common areas.
- Where? Found through private owners or specialized websites.
Private Accommodation
- What? Independent living arrangements with flexibility in location and type—apartments, for example. Direct dealings with landlords or agents.
- Where? Options vary widely; requires more organization and may be more costly.
Intergenerational Housing
- What? Affordable housing that pairs students with elderly residents to meet mutual needs.
- Where? Limited locations, typically in city centers.
Mutual Exchange or Property Swap
- What? Exchange your home with someone else, often for shorter-term stays or financial benefits.
- Where? Popular for students studying far from home.
Short-Term Rental
- What? Temporary accommodation to explore different neighborhoods before committing to a long-term lease—Airbnb, for example.
- Where? Offers flexibility and choice, but may involve dealing directly with landlords.
Student housing in a private residence or with private owners
Many private student residences are open to foreign students. You can also choose to rent your own room or flat from an individual or a real estate agency. You can search for individual or shared accommodation.
📍 Lyon
You can also choose to apply for a housing in one of Cardinal Campus residences (non emlyon partners) which are close to the Lyon Campus (7th District of Lyon). With 10 student residences in Lyon 7, you will easily find an apartment that fits your needs.
📍 Paris
Students can also apply for housing at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP) residences (non emlyon partner). Located in the south of Paris, the CIUP houses over 6000 students and researchers in 40 different residences. Room rates vary according to comfort, age, and the length of the stay. Eligibility is based on nationality. Make sure to apply early due to high demand.
Intergenerational housing
Benefit from a very competitive rent price by living at a senior’s home or a senior residence. Our partners:
Colette (for Paris only): Colette help you to find an accommodation with very nice hosts who have a free room to rent, for periods of 6 to 12 months during your studies, an internship, an apprenticeship or your first job.
Camarage (for Paris & Lyon): you benefit from an affordable and well-located room, while your elders enjoy a complementary retirement and a friendly presence. It is also eligible to CAF benefits.
CROUS residences
The CROUS is a government service that provides food, housing, and subsidies for students in France. French students are given priority in CROUS residences.
📍 For Lyon, click here > (information are in French).
📍 For Paris, click here > (information are in French).
Inclusive and social student housing
You may have access to social student housing, which have more affordable prices.
Located near the Paris campus, the Foyer de Reuilly welcomes young professionals, job seekers, apprentices and students from all around the world (young women only). More info: city’s website (in French).
Student housing with a host family
Staying in a homestay with a host family is a great way to practice your French, discover the local culture, and reduce your housing costs. In most cases, this would be a private room in a house or flat. Contact Atome Paris or Homestay in Paris for more information (non emlyon partners).
Other useful websites to find accommodation (non emlyon business school partners)
💡 Everything you need to know about accommodation in France will be available once you enroll at emlyon business school :
- Types of accommodation
- Tips to find a housing
- Things you must know before renting
- Housing benefits
- emlyon partners
- Leaving your accommodation
📧 For more information, please email housing-lyon@em-lyon.com