Yes, Lyon would be perfect for students. It is often rated one of France's best cities for students because it has many students, is very multicultural, has decent public transport (TCL), and is cheaper than Paris.
Presqu'île and Gerland are some of the neighborhoods that would be considered when choosing Lyon apartment rentals.
It would be better to begin searching for student accommodation Lyon 6 months before your term starts. Amber will help you with the paperwork, facilities available in the neighborhood, and how accessible the place is to your college. If you are planning to enroll in the September intake, then May and June are the months to search for your place.
Prices for student housing in Lyon, France, are affected by the type of accommodation and will cost between €600 and €750.
There might be discount options for student housing in Lyon, France, depending on how far ahead of time you book and how long you intend to stay. Please visit amberplus for discount information.
The process of booking your accommodation in Lyon for students with amber is quick and easy. You only need to select, pay, and book the student residence in Lyon through the amber website.
Student housing in Lyon gives students more independence, space, and amenities than university dormitories and cheaper accommodation options.
Yes, amber provides a virtual tour for your chosen student accommodation in Lyon. Contact us for further information.
The utilities of student apartments in Lyon can include water, maintenance of the building, and occasionally heating; however, electricity and internet services are separate utilities that may require an extra payment. Furnished student accommodation in Lyon is very common nowadays.
Lyon ranks as one of France's best cities for students, with a population of over 175,000 students that draws both domestic and international learners. Besides having world-class institutes, Lyon also has a very lively cultural life, as a result of which the need for student accommodation in Lyon remains very high. As on-campus housing is quite limited, many students find a place in Lyon off-campus facilities such as private rooms, shared apartments, and studio apartments. Also, you will come across several student residence Lyon options which offer different budgets and lifestyle options.
Rent for accommodation in Lyon for students per month averages from €500 to €900, depending on the area and kind of accommodation, while central areas like Presqu'le cost a bit more than the suburbs like Villeurbanne. Amber makes it easier for you to find international student accommodation Lyon as they give access to only verified listings, provide lease options that are flexible, and offer booking assistance through a dedicated team. It also provides the opportunity to live in modern university-associated universities; this way, students are also able to combine comfort, safety, and a lively student community.
Lyon is a city located in the east-central part of France, at the point where the Rhone and Saône rivers meet. In the past, it was recognized as a Roman town and later became a center of silk production. Nowadays, Lyon is France's third-biggest city with a population of more than 520,000 people. It is famous for its cultural heritage, with the Old Town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and landmarks such as the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvire. Besides urban student life, it has nature too. For instance, students can enjoy the greenery and tranquility around Parc de la Tte d'Or.
In terms of safety, Lyon scores about 65 on a security scale, which makes it quite safe for students, particularly those living in the city center. Besides that, it is a well-supported employment location with biotech, finance, and digital industries being some of the main areas. This has contributed to a graduate employability rate, which is above 80%. The best universities are Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lumire Lyon 2, and Emlyon Business School. These institutions are within a 10-20 minute walk from the main student accommodation areas. The city's educational prestige is evidenced by its regular appearance in the top 50 student cities worldwide (according to QS rankings), which makes it a desirable place for higher education.
Getting suitable student accommodation in Lyon becomes critical in striking a balance between education and socializing. Proximity to the university, price, and facilities become very significant. Amber simplifies the process by offering verified listings of student residence Lyon and multiple choices.
| Lyon Student Room | Distance to Main University | Key Amenities | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oxygéne Residence | 0.5 mi to University of Lyon II (10-min walk) | Furnished kitchens, Study desks, High-speed Wi-Fi, and a central city location. | €720/month |
| Mégara Residence | 0.4 mi to ENS Lyon (8-min walk) | Steward on-site, Laundry, Secure bike garage, Vending machines, and Basement parking. | €790/month |
| Andromaque Residence | 1.0 mi to Uni Claude Bernard (15-min walk) | Foosball & Darts area, Common room, Linen kit included, and Ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi. | €710/month |
| Carré Villon Residence | 0.9 mi to University of Lyon III (18-min walk) | Green common spaces, Coworking zone, Badge entry security, and Dishware kit. | €740/month |
Lyon provides several budget options, thus making it easy to access cheap student housing in Lyon without settling for anything less. Lyon provides affordable neighborhoods, particularly in the 8th Arrondissement and Villeurbanne. Here are a few options for a cheap student residence Lyon:
| Student Rental Lyon | Room Types Available | Key Amenities | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Legend Residence | Private Rooms in Shared Apartments & Studios | Coworking space, Chill zone, Ultra-high-speed Wi-Fi, Shared kitchen, and On-site manager. | €650/month |
| Hugo Park Residence | Fitness area, Common room, Bike storage, Laundry facilities, and CCTV security. | Fitness area, Common room, Bike storage, Laundry facilities, and CCTV security. | €715/month |
| Andromaque Residence | Studio (T1) & 1-Bedroom (T2) Apartments | Foosball & Darts area, Common room, Secure parking, Dishware kit, and Linen kit. | €700/month |
Lyon is made up of arrondissements, which have their own unique characteristics, with varying degrees of availability for Lyon accommodations. You can choose from the following options:
| Area | Student Vibe | Commute to Uni | Avg Rent (p/mo) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7th Arr. (Gerland) | A hub for tech start-ups, craft breweries, and biotech students. Very high-energy with plenty of riverbank bars. | 5-10 mins (ENS Lyon) | €650–€800 |
| Villeurbanne | Home to the massive La Doua campus. It feels like a dedicated student city with tons of sports facilities and science geeks. | 5 mins (UCBL 1) | €500–€700 |
| 3rd Arr. (Part-Dieu) | The central business district. It’s perfect for those who want big-city energy, massive shopping malls, and proximity to the main train station. | 10 mins (Lyon 3) | €700–€850 |
| 8th Arr. (Monplaisir) | The birthplace of cinema. It offers a more relaxed, residential feel with great local markets and a "village" atmosphere. | 15 mins (Lyon 2) | €550–€750 |
| 1st/2nd Arr. (Presqu'île) | The beating heart of the city. Expect stunning architecture, luxury shopping, and being in the center of Lyon's nightlife. | 5 mins (Lyon 2) | €750–€950 |
As you book your student accommodation in Lyon, you will find different styles of rooms suited to French university life.
1. Ensuite Rooms: Private bedroom with a private bathroom; you will share the kitchen with other residents.
2. Non-Ensuite Rooms: Most economical student accommodation Lyon options. Private bedrooms, shared bathrooms, and kitchens.
3. Studio Apartments: Self-contained apartments with a kitchen and bathroom facility. Best choice for student housing in Lyon.
4. 1 Bedroom Apartments (T1/T1Bis): More spacious than studio apartments and have a separate bedroom and living area.
5. Shared Apartments (Colocations): Spacious apartments with private rooms rented and shared common spaces.
Learning about the cost of living in Lyon is important when making decisions about your stay there. The cost of living per month usually falls somewhere within the range of €900-€1,300, depending on personal preferences and where you choose to live.
| Expense Category | Average Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Rent | €500–€900/month |
| Groceries | €200–€300/month |
| Transportation | €30–€60/month |
| Utilities | €70–€120/month |
| Internet | €20–€40/month |
| Leisure & Social Activities | €100–€200/month |
The TCL (Transports en Communs Lyonnais) is recognized as having an advanced transportation network in all of Europe. It is easy to make your way through Lyon when traveling between your student accommodation and campus, because there is a dense metro, tram, and bus network available around the clock.
| Mode | Description | Weekly/Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Metro | 4 high-speed lines (A, B, C, D) connecting all major districts. Line B is a student favorite for reaching the 7th Arrondissement. | €6.25/week (€25/month) |
| Tramway | 7 lines that act as the backbone for campus commutes, especially T1/T4 for La Doua and Lyon 2. | €6.25/week (€25/month) |
| Bus | Over 120 routes covering every corner of the city, including trolleybuses and night shuttles. | €6.25/week (€25/month) |
| Vélo'v | Lyon's iconic red bike-sharing scheme has 4,000+ bikes and hundreds of stations. | €0.35/week (€16.50/year) |
| Funicular | Two historic lines ("La Ficelle") climbing the Fourvière hill—ideal for sightseeing or reaching higher campuses. | Included in TCL Pass |
The Lyon community is safe and provides opportunities for students to experience an interesting cultural life. Concerning safety, it is necessary to mention that student neighborhoods such as Presqu'île, Villeurbanne, and Gerland provide a good combination of safety and proximity to places for studying and socializing. There are many cafes, libraries, and co-working spaces, which are important for students. Places that are known among students because of their convenience for studying include Slake Coffee House and Anticafé Lyon. In terms of socialization, there are places in which students like to spend time, for instance, Le Kitchen Café and Big Fernand Lyon. Moreover, Presqu'île and Croix-Rousse areas boast numerous cafes, bakeries, and late-night restaurants. They are visited by students who have classes and prefer spending some extra time socializing after lectures.
There is a wide variety of night activities that students can enjoy in Lyon since nightlife is quite developed in this city. Clubs such as Le Sucre organize electronic music parties. Besides, students often visit riverside bars on the Rhône River. Green zones play an important role in students' lives. The Parc de la Tête d’Or is an ideal place to run, cycle, have a picnic, or even conduct outdoor studies. The banks of the rivers are perfect places for a walk after dusk. Lyon offers much more than just culture for the students throughout the year. The Fête des Lumières turns the city into a magnificent sight for everyone to see.
Lyon can be considered to be one of the most important centers for learning in Europe, with more than 150,000 students enrolled in its various colleges. It also forms a part of the much larger Université de Lyon group, consisting of some of the finest universities and colleges in the country.
| University | Programs | Nearest Student Residence Lyon |
|---|---|---|
| Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 | Science, Medicine, Engineering | Andromaque Residence |
| Université Lumière Lyon 2 | Humanities, Social Sciences, Arts | Oxygène Residence |
| Emlyon Business School | Business, Management, Entrepreneurship | Mégara Residence |