Hacker Residence, Palaiseau

Paris offers a wide range of student accommodation options designed to meet different needs and budgets. Whether you prefer privacy or a social setup, there’s something for everyone. Here’s a quick guide to the most common room types:

1. Ensuites: Ensuite apartments in Paris are perfect for students who want privacy with some shared living. You get your bedroom and bathroom, while the kitchen and lounge areas are shared with flatmates. This is a good option for students who enjoy socialising but also value personal space.

2. Non-Ensuites: Non-ensuite rooms are more affordable and ideal for students who don’t mind sharing. You’ll have your bedroom, but share the bathroom, kitchen, and common spaces with others like in university residences. It’s a good way to save money and make new friends.

3. Studio Apartments: Private Studio apartments in Paris offer total privacy, as everything is in one space—bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom. These are great for students who want independence, quiet study time, and a self-contained lifestyle in their own apartment.

4. Private Apartments: These apartments come with private bedrooms and shared living areas like the kitchen and lounge. They work well for students who want to live with a friend but still have a private space.

5. Shared Apartments: Shared apartments are popular among students who like living in a group. You get your bedroom, and the kitchen, bathroom, and lounge are shared with others, making it fun and social. Shared apartments allow students to split costs and are a budget-friendly option, with prices ranging from €500 to €900 per month. There are student hostels which offer longer-term housing for students at an affordable rate.

6. Private Rooms: These rooms offer a private bedroom while you share common areas like the kitchen and bathroom with flatmates. It’s a balance between privacy and community living, ideal for first-year students or those new to Paris for student housing in Paris.

The cost of living in Paris can vary depending on the area you live in, your lifestyle, and your spending habits. While Paris is known for being one of the more expensive cities in Europe, it is still possible to manage your budget effectively as a student. In central Paris, rents are significantly higher than in student-friendly zones and University residences range from €250 to €450 per month. On average, you should expect to spend between €1,200 to €1,800 per month, depending on your choices for accommodation, food, entertainment, and how well connected the apartment is. Here’s a breakdown of approximate monthly costs for a student living in Paris:

1. Restaurants: €150-€300 for one month
2. Groceries: €150-€250 for one month
3. Transportation: €75-€100 for one month
4. Utilities: €100-€150 for one month
5. Clothing: €40-€100 for one month

In Paris, the public transportation system is extensive and efficient, offering a great student life and a variety of ways to get around the city. The Parisian transport network includes buses, metro lines, trams, and trains, making it easy to navigate both within the city and to nearby areas. Many students benefit from discounted transport passes and student fares when it comes to their daily commute. Here's an overview of the main transportation options available to students residing in student housing in Paris:

1. Metro: The Paris Metro is one of the most efficient and affordable ways to travel around the city and facilitates great student life. With 16 lines covering much of Paris, students can easily access the city’s major landmarks and neighbourhoods. A single metro ticket costs around €1.90, but students can benefit from discounted monthly or annual passes like the Imagine R pass, which offers unlimited travel on the metro, buses, and RER trains for €42 per month.
2. Buses: Paris has an extensive bus network that complements the metro system. Buses are the right place for students who prefer surface travel or need to reach areas not directly served by the metro. The bus fare is the same as the metro, around €1.90 for a single trip, and students can also use other options to pay like the Imagine R pass for unlimited travel.
3. RER Trains: The RER (Réseau Express Régional) trains connect Paris with suburban areas and some of the city’s main attractions, like Disneyland Paris and Versailles. These trains are faster than the metro for longer distances. A single ticket within Paris is typically around €2.50 for students, but it can cost more for journeys to the suburbs.
4. Walking: Paris is a highly walkable city, with many areas and attractions easily accessible on foot. Many students prefer walking, especially in central Paris, where attractions are just a short stroll away.

Paris is a dynamic city, offering students a welcoming atmosphere where they can study, socialise, and explore all that the city has to offer. Known for its rich history, art, culture, and world-class educational institutions, Paris is an ideal destination for students seeking both academic excellence and a lively social life.

The city offers easy access to cosy cafes, street art, and lively student hangouts for wonderful daily life. Students can find a quiet study spot and cozy bistros at famous locations like Shakespeare and Company or Café de Flore, while the trendy bars and bistros create lively places to unwind after a long day of studying. In terms of socialising, Paris offers an array of unique experiences from the day you move in. Le Marais is known for its chic cafes, independent bookshops, and vibrant nightlife, perfect for students looking to connect with friends or meet new people.

Canal Saint-Martin is a favourite spot for students to relax by the water, while Montmartre offers a more relaxed atmosphere with stunning views of the city and an array of cafes to enjoy. For those looking to experience Parisian nightlife, Le Comptoir Général and Le Barricou are popular with students for casual drinks and dancing. Paris is also a hub for cultural activities, making it a fascinating city to live in. Young people experience Paris at iconic spots like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral are must-visit places. Students can explore the city's historic Palace of Versailles, discover the art collections at the Musée d'Orsay, or dive into modern art at the Centre Pompidou. With year-round events such as Paris Fashion Week, the Fête de la Musique, and Les Nuits Sonores, there's always something to enjoy, offering students an immersive cultural experience.

For relaxation and outdoor activities, Paris offers many parks and gardens, such as Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries Garden, ideal for a peaceful walk, picnic, or simply unwinding after a busy day. These green spaces provide an ideal balance to the busy city life, creating a perfect environment for students to study or relax.

Paris is home to several world-renowned schools that attract students from around the globe, making it a prime destination for those seeking Parisian life. Here are some of the top universities in Paris, with great student life and culture options:

1. Sorbonne University: Sorbonne University is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities in the world, offering strong programs in humanities, sciences, and medicine. This school is ranked #246 in the QS World University Rankings 2025 and boasts a student population of over 21,000. With its history and academic rigor, it provides a dynamic and enriching learning environment.
2. Sciences Po Paris: Sciences Po is a leading institution in political science and international relations, highly regarded for its interdisciplinary approach to social sciences. It is ranked #3 in the QS World University Rankings for Politics & International Studies and has a student population of over 14,000. The university’s global focus and emphasis on critical thinking make it an ideal place for students interested in politics, law, and economics.
3. École Normale Supérieure (ENS): ENS is one of the most prestigious higher education schools in France, focusing on the humanities, sciences, and philosophy. With a history of producing Nobel laureates and Fields medalists, ENS is renowned for academic excellence. The university has a smaller, more selective student body, attracting top-tier international students.