Living expenses regarding accommodation and transportation are things that international students need to be concerned about while studying abroad, especially in France. In each country, the types of accommodation are varied, and students should spend an amount of time searching and deciding which kind of living space would suit them the best.
Finding student accommodation in France, especially in big cities like Lyon, Paris, Marseille or Toulouse, can be stressful when you have a particular budget. Along with living conditions, transportation is also a concerning problem when living abroad. This article will provide students with further information about the type of accommodation and transportation options.
Accommodation Expense for International Students
France can be a tricky place to secure student accommodation. Still, there is good news! France is the only country with government housing assistance for students of all nationalities in Europe. The key to finding accommodation in France is making a plan and considering the best option. These are the five popular accommodation options for students.
Accommodation is the priority of the expense list for international; students to look up.
First Accommodation: University Residence Halls
A university residence is always a great choice. Firstly you’ll most likely be near your campus, so getting to class should take no time. Secondly, you’ll be living with other students. It is an excellent opportunity to meet people coming from around the world.
Suppose your Grandes Écoles or university offers university residence, which they do in most cases. In that case, you’ll be able to set this up before you arrive by contacting your institution or international officer. France’s regional centres manage these student residences for student services known as CROUS. They are a top affordable accommodation choice among international students and are publicly owned.
Second Accommodation: Student Residences managed by private companies
It can be competitive to get student accommodation through CROUS. So, the next option for you is private student residences if you cannot get a room there. They are a little bit more expensive than CROUS but provide a range of facilities and advantages.
Student Residences managed by private companies are another option for accommodations in living expenses.
The advantage of a private student building is that you can live with French students, and you will generally be able to find out who your housemates are before moving in. Living with local students is a great way to dive into the deep end and fully immerse in the culture and language. Nonetheless, private student buildings are more expensive than residences, but they can still offer great deals.
Third Accommodation: Rental Apartments
If you want to live alone, renting a studio is another option. Of course, the cost of living alone will be much higher. It would help if you were expected to pay around 800 EUR for a studio apartment in Paris. This is a standard option, but it is likely to be expensive for students’ expenses.
You can significantly reduce living costs if you live in a shared apartment. Another option students can consider it is splitting the rent and utilities will save them a lot of money. Plus, you can make new friends!
Rental apartments is another choice for students on the expenses list.
Transportation Expense For International Students
Apart from living areas, transportation is also essential for students to admire while studying abroad. For international students, public vehicles will likely be the main form of transport in the advantages of expense and convenience. These are some transportations that students can consider when studying abroad in France.
Bus
The bus is a cornerstone of everyday French life for most international travellers or students. Whether moving between suburbs in a large city or travelling through French villages, you’ll find that the bus is your best friend. It’s also a great way to explore parts of the new home you wouldn’t see.
Public transportation, especially bus, are common for every international student.
Moreover, the bus goes to many destinations in France and Europe with attractive fares. Unlike the train, the price remains low even at the last minute. Reclining seats, Wi-fi, electric sockets: buses are getting more comfortable each year.
As international students, they can receive discount prices from ISIC Card, which is also known as a student identity card. It gives access to benefits and discounts in France. Students get discounts for travel, insurance, flying, and goods.
Metro
Metros are one of the most efficient modes of transportation around French cities. The metros systems are located in several big city centers, including Lille, Lyon, Marseille, and Paris. These networks are often the most efficient and quickest way to travel. Tickets can be used across all modes of transport in their host cities, allowing you to move quickly from one point to another.
Another expense that students need to consider is transportation.
Conclusion
All in all, there are a variety of accommodations for students, especially international students, to consider and decide which would be the most suitable for them. Along with living areas, transportation would be the second most important for them to think of when studying abroad in France.
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References
- France transportation: trains, buses, and taxis in France | Expatica. (2021, October 27). Expat Guide to France | Expatica. https://www.expatica.com/fr/living/transportation/french-transportation-101105/
- Study in France: Housing & Living Costs. (n.d.). Educations.com. Retrieved October 31, 2022, from https://www.educations.com/study-guides/europe/study-in-france/accommodation-living-costs-12531#:~:text=The%20most%20popular%20accommodation%20options%20for%20students%20in
