The cost of living in France
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The cost of living as a Student in France
You can live in France on 1 200 € per month (minimum salary), but as a student you have access to subsidized university restaurants and may find a place in university housing. Thus, thank to this support from the French Government the living costs may cut by 2 and your living expenses may be as little as 600 € per month (250 € for meals and 350 € for housing in residence).
The savings are the equivalent of public support in the amount of 7 000 € per year. This support is available to all students in France, regardless of their nationality.
Thus, you must secure around 7 000 € per year to live as a student!
If you wish to take advantage of university housing, it is imperative that you so indicate as soon as you accept your offer of admission, because demand is very high.
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Eat to live and to make friends!
In France, a lot goes on around meals: you talk, you discuss, you laugh, you make friends, you celebrate a birthday, a degree, an award, a departure. Meals are an institution!
Low-cost restaurants
During the week, most French people now eat more quickly than they did in the past. More than one French person in three has lunch near his or her place of work, in cafés (menus are in the range of 12 €), company cafeterias (3 to 5 € for a complete meal), or fast-food restaurants (about 5 €).
Just like the French, you can prepare your meals and buy all sorts of goods in large stores and supermarkets, or go to open-air markets and neighbourhood shops for fresh goods such as fruits, vegetables, and cheeses. In most cities, you can find convenience stores that stay open late.
Give it a try! French people like good food and this is a good way of making friends!
Student restaurants
Most students have lunch in special restaurants: Les Restaurants Universitaires (RU). For students they are central to student life. You can meet a lot of people in the university restaurant and find bulletin boards announcing shows, athletic events, jobs, etc. Your student ID gives you access to more than 400 university restaurants throughout France.
They are self-service restaurants with balanced and low cost meals (less than 3 €). The difference between the price paid by the student and the true cost (12 €) is paid by the French government.
These restaurants offer special meals adapted to various demands (religion, conviction, etc..).
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Housing
“n+i” Network can assist you in looking for housing when you get to France. It is difficult to arrive in France and expect to find housing quickly. That is why, during the first months “n+i” Network assumes responsibility for your housing. The cost of the arrangements we make for you will be clearly indicated on the invoice that you will receive prior to departure.
For the remainder of your stay in France, you are free to choose any housing you like. You will receive assistance from the institution where you are enrolled to help you with inexpensive university housing.
Attention: This is only for you and if you decided to come with your family, “n+i” network cannot responsible if you would not be able to find an appropriate accommodation.
University housing: Simple and cheap!
You should know that since the 1970’s separate university residences are not maintained for men and women. Toilets and baths not located in students’ rooms are single-sex.
The members of the “n+i” network institutions will help you find housing thank to:
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The housing department of your school may make available rooms and studios at moderate rates (150 to 350 € per month). Contact your institution to see if it can arrange something for you,
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The housing office of the regional CROUS affiliate of the national student-service agency manages rooms, studios, low-rent housing at rates. You can find several types of lodging, from 10m² bedrooms with a kitchenette, shared toilets and showers, and common study and recreation facilities, to new buildings featuring studios of 20m² with a kitchen, bathroom and added comfort,
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Privately owned student housing is available for more demanding students. Built in recent years for the growing student population, these buildings include many features in the rent. Most offer private bathrooms and toilets. These buildings are more expensive than traditional student housing (400 to 600 € per month).
Renting a room in a private home: Convivial and quiet!
You may be able to rent a room in a private home with breakfast and dinner included or with full board, at rates of 250 to 450 € per month in the provinces and 300 to 550 € in Paris. This is a good way to improve your French, especially at the beginning of your stay, and to discover the French way of life.
The rental market: Independent and more expensive!
Housing in big cities has become difficult to find for French people and foreigners alike, especially in Paris, where demand is very high. To be assured of a positive result, you need time, money, and lots of patience. Expensive solution.
You must prove that you have sufficient income to pay the rent. If you share with other students you may be able to afford a bigger apartment.
In conclusion
All these solutions are to be considered according to your wishes, life style, means, and school location.
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