A guarantor for rent in France is someone (usually a person living in France, like a relative or friend, or sometimes an organisation) who promises to pay your rent if you ever cannot pay it yourself. Most landlords require a guarantor to ensure they will get their money.
Paris is the city of dreams, lights and love. From the warmth of saying bonjour to a man across from the bookstore to looking out the window at the timeless cityscape, the city has so much to offer. There is something special about living in Paris and getting to know places you would never have discovered as a tourist. Student life in Paris is full of enriching experiences.
But before you set off on your French adventure, there are some important things you should know about French culture, student accommodation, the Paris student visa, among other things. We have also spoken with Amy, our Student Services Officer at EP Paris and resident Paris expert, who has given us some excellent tips about what to know prior to your arrival. Let’s start with our simple checklist:
1. Paris student accommodation
The first thing you need to think about is finding the right accommodation for yourself. Creating a home away from home is extremely important, as this is the place to relax after classes. Amy explained a couple of the popular options for Paris student accommodation you can choose from:
- College/University accommodation: These residences are cheap and great for meeting friends, but you need to apply early. This can substantially reduce your cost of living in Paris.
- Homestay: Amy told us, “For a full immersive French experience, you can share a beautiful Parisian apartment with a host family. It is a comparatively cheaper option too” — making your student life in Paris affordable.
- Student hostel: Student hostels are the most communal option — you share a room with random people, so you may need to get used to snoring. But they are a cheap alternative and a good way to meet fellow international students.
- Studio apartment: Amy said, “We host students at Adagio, a nice private studio close to the EP Paris campus. This could be your home away from home.” However, a studio apartment is definitely the most expensive option.
English Path can guide you to find all of these different options before studying here.
Paris student accommodation comes in many shapes and sizes, so you have plenty to choose from. Whether you fancy a basic hotel, a comfy student hostel, a studio apartment or living with others, there is something for everyone.
Pro tip:
- Always check if you are eligible for government support like CAF, which can reduce your rent by €150–€200 per month.
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Make sure you verify the legitimacy of online ads before sending money. French landlords might ask for a 'guarantor’. Sometimes, your parents can be your guarantor, or there are special companies in France who can help with this.
2. Paris student visa guide
If you are a European Union (EU) national, or a national of the European Economic Area or from Switzerland, you do not need a visa to study in France. However, if you are not an EU citizen, you will need a student visa to live in Paris. Having this stamp in your passport signifies that you are authorised to study in France.
Start your visa application as soon as you get your acceptance letter from the school. You will need documents, like your passport, photos of yourself, an admission letter from your university, proof of where you will live and proof you have enough money to pay for your stay. Sometimes, you will also need to book an appointment at the French embassy or consulate in your home country.
When you arrive, you may need to go to a special office in Paris called ‘OFII’ (that’s short for Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration) to finalise your paperwork.
Note: If you have a Schengen visa, you get access to 29 Schengen countries to travel visa-free. This includes the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Germany, Italy and others. It not only adds to your experience of French culture and student life but also opens doors to unforgettable travel opportunities across Europe.
3. Health coverage and insurance
It is very important to have health insurance while in France and it is also a key part of managing your student budget in Paris.
- If you are from the EU, bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) so you can get medical help if you feel poorly.
- For everyone else, you must sign up for French student health coverage, called ‘Sécurité Sociale étudiante’. When you pay your university fees, you usually also pay for this health coverage.
- Sometimes, it is smart to also get a ‘top-up’ insurance, called ‘mutuelle’, for extra things that the basic health cover does not pay for, like new glasses or dental check-ups.
If you need to see a doctor, do not worry, there are many who speak English, and the cost is much lower than in many other countries. This helps keep the overall cost of living in Paris more manageable for students.
4. Financial planning and student budget in Paris
Paris is relatively more affordable in terms of the cost of living compared to countries like the UK and the US. In addition, the French government subsidises many expenses including rent, healthcare and more making student life in Paris even more budget-friendly. To make your money last, you will need a plan.
Example Guide for Your Student Budget in Paris
| Expense | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | €700+ |
| Food | €250–€300 |
| Transportation | €30–€50 |
| Leisure/Phone | €100–€150 |
| Health Insurance | Free (basic) |
| Utilities/Internet | €150–€200 |
| Total | ~€1,200+ |
* Please note that these figures may vary.
Make a budget before you arrive and list out your monthly expenses, including how much you can allocate to each category. Understanding the cost of living in Paris is key. Also, set a budget for your explorations and recreational activities. If you love travelling, exploring nearby cities and countries while studying in Paris can be a wise choice.
Amy knows all there is to know about Paris, and here are three recommendations for free activities you should try when you are here...
- Musee Carnavalet: It is a completely free museum dedicated to the history of Paris, from the first settlers to nowadays. It is a must-visit for anyone interested in French culture and etiquettes. There is even Marie Antoinette's shoe from when she lost it on the scaffold heading to the guillotine in 1793.
- Buttes Chaumont: A beautiful park with a dark history. This park is gorgeous and ideal for a stroll, a run or a picnic. The canal Saint Martin is also nearby. It is also great for small restaurants and cafes serving Apéros and has a real Parisian feel to the area.
- Top of the Galeries Lafayette: The shops might be expensive, but you can access the rooftop for free and have a beautiful view of the city, next to the Opera Garnier.
Quick tip: Many museums, cinemas and transport companies offer special prices for students, so always carry your student card.
5. Transportation
Transportation is a breeze for student life in Paris. Whether you prefer the swift Metro, buzzing city bikes, or even fast trains to visit new places, students in Paris have so many ways to see the city and enjoy all it has to offer.
- Metro: The metro operates from 5:30 am to 1:15 am on weekdays, and until 2:15 am on Saturdays and Sundays. Amy told us it is the fastest and easiest way to travel across the city, but not her favourite...
- Buses and trams: If you find the metro too claustrophobic for daily travel, Paris’s bus network offers a well-organised and reliable alternative to getting around the city.
- Vélib’: The Vélib' Métropole public bike system is a fun, affordable and convenient way to get around the city. Cycling across the city is Amy's favourite way of travelling, too.
Walking or cycling is by far the best way to discover the city. There are also loads of cafes and parks across the city, so if you get tired, there are plenty of places to take a break at. If you always take the metro, buses or trams, you will never fully experience how vibrant the city is; from beautiful buildings to pop-up street performances every day.
You can buy 24-hour, weekly, or annual passes at ticket machines. Metro and buses share the same ticketing system, with options like multi-ride booklets and weekly, monthly, or yearly passes available. Students can get a special transport pass called the ‘Imagine R’ card; it is much cheaper than buying tickets every day.
6. French culture and student life
Being a student in Paris is about more than just school. Paris offers:
- World-class education at famous universities, with lots of subjects to choose from.
- Endless cultural experiences: Museums, music, theatre or food festivals, there is always something new to discover.
- A lively international crowd: You will meet friends from all over the world.
- Famous French food and fashion: Baguettes, pastries and a truly stylish city.
Amy and the team at EP Paris can help you immerse yourself in French culture whilst studying with us in Paris. Paris has everything. If you love cinema, there are loads of small cinemas in the 5th arrondissement that show old classic movies at really cheap ticket prices. If art is more your thing, there are loads of big museums with famous artworks, but also lots of small independent art galleries to explore; and we can direct you to a few of our favourites.
If you like writing, Paris is the city of inspiration; you can write in parks, cafes, or alongside the river Seine. There are many francophone and anglophone open microphones where you can share your art or writing and meet others who share your interests. Finally, if you are a sports fan, there are loads of clubs (for example running clubs, tennis clubs, cycling clubs) and they are usually free or cheap to join. A number of sports clubs also call Paris home, including PSG, the current European champions.
Final words: Starting your Paris adventure
Moving to Paris is an adventure you will never forget. There might be initial challenges when finding a place to live, getting your visa or planning your budget, but every step helps you learn and grow. Remember, Paris is not just about famous sights like the Eiffel Tower or the Mona Lisa; it is also about making friends from all over the world, discovering new places and becoming more independent, whilst having loads of fun.
Learning French while you are in Paris can greatly enrich your experience. Picture yourself exploring the city, chatting with locals and feeling more at home every day. When you join English Path, you actively improve your French skills while experiencing France in its truest form, making new friends, enjoying authentic French food and embracing the culture. With English Path, you settle into Paris quickly and each day brings you new adventures and growing confidence.
Bonne chance – that’s French for good luck. You are going to love your student life in Paris.
Explore the city of light with English Path
Know moreFAQs about student life in Paris
What is a guarantor for rent in France?
Can international students work part-time in Paris?
Yes, you can. If you are an international student with a French student visa, you can legally work up to 20 hours per week during the term, and full-time during the long holidays. Part-time work is a popular way for students to earn extra money, gain work experience and practise their French language skills.
CAF stands for Caisse d’Allocations Familiales. It is a French government programme that gives housing aid to students, including internationals, to help pay their rent. If you have a rental agreement in your name and a valid residency permit or visa, you can apply online for this monthly housing allowance after you have moved in. It can really help make Paris more affordable for students.
Is healthcare free in France for international students?
Yes, if you enrol at a university and register for French student health insurance, you can access free health check-ups and certain medical services at campus health centres.
Is it worth studying in Paris?
Absolutely. Paris is home to world-class universities and offers a rich mix of academic opportunities, vibrant culture and international student life. You get access to top teachers, amazing museums and history, multicultural events and the chance to learn French in its natural environment.