Study abroad in Paris
Housing, Erasmus groups, universities, costs and student life for exchange students in Paris.
Country
FranceStudent Budget
EUR 900 – 1,600/month
Transport Card
Pass Navigo Mois (all zones, ~€90/month) or Pass Imagine R for students under 26 (~€32/month annualised at €392/year)
Population
2.1M city / 12.3M metro (Île-de-France, INSEE 2024)
Study abroad in Paris: student life
Study abroad in Paris works best when you choose by university fit, housing and daily routine, not just the city photo. The most iconic student city in the world: world-class universities, unbeatable culture, subsidised meals, and a metro that goes everywhere — if you can afford the rent. Check neighbourhoods and campus routes before committing to housing.
Who loves this city?
Students passionate about culture, fashion, gastronomy, arts, or social sciences. Paris rewards intellectual curiosity and cafe culture. Those who love walking, discovering hidden bookshops, debating ideas, and waking up to a croissant every morning will feel completely at home.
What makes it special
Paris is the only city where you can eat a €3.30 CROUS lunch across the street from the Louvre, hop on a metro to a free concert in the evening, and walk home through streets that look like a film set. The density of culture, history, and student life is unmatched anywhere in the world.
Newcomer shocks
- The housing market is brutal — start your search 3 months before arrival and expect multiple rejections before securing a room.
- Parisians can seem cold at first, but a genuine 'bonjour' and a few words of French open doors surprisingly fast.
- The RATP metro is incredibly efficient but crowded at rush hour (8-9h and 18-19h) — plan accordingly.
- Bureaucracy is real: opening a bank account, applying for CAF, validating your OFII — each requires specific documents and patience.
Weather in Paris & what to pack
Paris's weather changes commutes, clothing and social plans more than brochures suggest. Use the month table to plan daylight, rain, heat or cold before arrival.
| Month | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 7° / 3° | 🌤️ Frequent drizzle, occasional frostFrequent drizzle, occasional frost, cool | ~9h daylight — grey and short days |
| February 9° / 3° | 🌧️ Light rain, cold windLight rain, cold wind, cool | ~10.5h daylight — slowly brightening |
| March 13° / 6° | 🌧️ Moderate rain, mildModerate rain, mild, mild | ~12h daylight — spring arriving |
| April 17° / 9° | 🌧️ Moderate rain, freshModerate rain, fresh, mild | ~13.5h daylight — pleasant walking weather |
| May 21° / 13° | 🌧️ Light rain, warmLight rain, warm, warm | ~15h daylight — outdoor terrace season begins |
| June 24° / 16° | 🌤️ Occasional afternoon stormsOccasional afternoon storms, warm | ~16h daylight — peak city energy |
| July 26° / 18° | ☀️ Mostly dry, hot spellsMostly dry, hot spells, warm | ~15.5h daylight — Paris Plages open |
| August 26° / 18° | ☀️ Dry, occasional heatwaveDry, occasional heatwave, warm | ~14h daylight — many Parisians on holiday, quieter city |
| September 22° / 15° | 🌧️ Light rain returningLight rain returning, warm | ~12.5h daylight — la rentrée, city buzzes again |
| October 16° / 11° | 🌧️ Moderate rain, cooling fastModerate rain, cooling fast, mild | ~11h daylight — golden autumn in the parks |
| November 10° / 6° | 🌧️ Frequent rain, greyFrequent rain, grey, cool | ~9.5h daylight — pack a good raincoat |
| December 7° / 4° | ❄️ Cold rain, fog, rare snowCold rain, fog, rare snow, cool | ~8.5h daylight — Christmas markets compensate |
Paris winters are mild but grey and damp (rarely below freezing). The metro runs 24/7 on weekends (Noctilien bus otherwise). No snow disruption expected; rain gear is more important than winter boots.
Packing checklist
- A quality waterproof jacket is more useful than a heavy winter coat — Paris winters are wet, not Arctic.
- Smart-casual clothes matter more here than in most student cities: Parisians dress with intention even for supermarket runs.
- Comfortable walking shoes are essential — expect 10-15km/day exploring the city.
- An umbrella you can pocket is essential from October to April.
- Bring adaptors for Type E French sockets if your devices use Type A/B or UK plugs.
- A reusable shopping bag — French supermarkets charge for plastic bags and sustainable habits are very normal here.
Cost of living for students in Paris
Cost of Living Index
77.5 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
The budget to study abroad in Paris is mostly rent-led: use EUR 450-900/month for rooms and EUR 900-1600/month as the wider monthly planning range. Keep a buffer for deposit, transport and first-week setup.
| Category | Range / mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared room - private market | EUR 450 – 800 | Shared flat in student arrondissements (13th, 18th, 19th–20th). Inner arrondissements (5th, 6th) push towards €700-950. |
| Private studio | EUR 800 – 1,400 | Studio (typically 15-25m²) in Paris. Under-market options require long wait lists or personal connections. |
| University / public residence | EUR 250 – 550 | CROUS résidences universitaires — very limited places, apply 6+ months ahead through your home university or Paris university's international office. |
| Groceries | EUR 120 – 200 | Lidl, Aldi, Ed, Franprix are the student-budget chains. Monoprix and Carrefour City are convenient but 20-30% more expensive. |
| Transport Monthly | EUR 33 – 90 | Pass Imagine R (student under 26, annualised ~€33/month at €392/year) or full Navigo Mois (all zones, €88.80/month from Jan 2025). |
| Eating Out | EUR 3 – 13 /meal | CROUS RU: €3.30 standard (€1 for boursiers and students in financial difficulty via CAF request). Brasserie plat du jour: €10-13. |
Private-market baseline
Use the standard student budget as a private-market planning range. Shared housing can cost less than a private apartment, especially outside the centre.
University and public housing
Campus halls, CROUS or an equivalent public option may cost substantially less. Prices, shared-room conditions and eligibility depend on the institution, and availability is never assumed in the standard range.
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Student housing in Paris
Housing in Paris should be solved before arrival: compare neighbourhood, campus route and contract terms, not just price. Use official contacts, verified platforms and student groups, and avoid rushed deposits.
Latin Quarter (5th arr.)
Varies by street, room type, and season.Students at Sorbonne, Paris Cité, or Sciences Po. The historic student neighbourhood of Paris — bookshops, cafes, ancient streets.. Commute: Central — walking distance to most Left Bank universities.
Montmartre (18th arr.)
Varies by street, room type, and season.Artists, creative students, and those wanting the iconic Paris feel at a lower price point. Bohemian atmosphere, great bars.. Commute: Metro line 2 and 4 → 15-20 min to Latin Quarter or Châtelet.
Bastille / Nation (11th–12th arr.)
Varies by street, room type, and season.Students who want nightlife, restaurants, bars, and a young crowd. The beating heart of Paris nightlife without the tourist prices.. Commute: Metro lines 1, 5, 8, 9 → excellent connectivity citywide.
13th arr. (Paris Rive Gauche)
Varies by street, room type, and season.Students at Paris Cité university (Grands Moulins campus). Diverse, quiet residential area with Asia Town nearby — cheap restaurants.. Commute: Metro line 14 and RER C → fast access to centre and Orly airport.
Belleville / Ménilmontant (19th–20th arr.)
Varies by street, room type, and season.Budget students who want authenticity and a mix of cultures. Best value rent within the périphérique. Growing arts scene.. Commute: Metro lines 2, 11 → 15-20 min to République or Châtelet.
Where to search
Official contacts
Host university accommodation or international office
Start with your host university in Paris; they usually publish residence routes, partner platforms or scam warnings.
Student residences
University residences and student halls
Useful first landing if you apply early and accept less flexibility.
Private platforms
Student groups
ESN and international student groups
Useful for flatmates and scam warnings; still verify contract and identity.
Documents to prepare
Passport or national ID
Admission or exchange confirmation
Proof of funds or guarantor details if requested
Deposit funds and signed lease
Health insurance or local registration documents if required
Timing
Start with university housing as soon as the host opens applications.
Keep temporary accommodation for arrival if the private market is tight.
For one-semester stays, confirm minimum term and cancellation rules before signing.
Deposit & contract notes
Do not pay a deposit without a written contract, landlord identity and proof the room exists.
Ask whether utilities, internet and agency fees are included.
Red flags
Never transfer money or deposits before signing a written rental contract and verifying the landlord's identity.
Always request a live video tour or physical viewing of the property to confirm it exists and matches the description.
Be extremely suspicious of listings priced significantly lower than the local market average for that neighborhood.
Is Paris safe for students?
Safety Index
42.1 / 100
Moderate — stay alert
Crime Index
57.9 / 100
High crime — be cautious
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Paris is usually manageable for students, but the real risks are practical: petty theft, late-night routes, housing scams or weak arrival planning. Save emergency numbers and test your commute before classes intensify.
Paris is generally safe for students in campus and residential areas. Petty theft (pickpocketing) is the primary risk, especially on the RER B (CDG line), at major tourist sites (Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur), and on crowded metro lines (Line 1, 4). Student neighbourhoods are calm; standard urban precautions apply at night.
Top risks
- Pickpocketing — particularly on RER B (CDG airport line), metro Line 1 (tourist corridor), and near the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur.
- Distraction scams — 'petition' scams and friendship bracelet sellers near tourist landmarks (Montmartre steps, Pont de l'Alma).
- Housing scams — fake rental listings using real photos; never wire money without a signed contract and verified landlord.
On the RER B (especially early morning to CDG airport), keep your bag in front of you on your lap or chest. At Châtelet-Les-Halles (the largest metro interchange), stay aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying expensive electronics.
Getting around Paris
Transport in Paris works best once you pick the right pass or card in week one. A direct campus route often matters more than the most famous neighbourhood.
🚊 RATP (Métro, RER, bus, tram)
Imagine R covers all 5 zones (Paris + suburbs + airports). Apply at imagine-r.com with student certificate and ID. Adults pay €88/mo Navigo for comparison.
Imagine R for under 26 — major saving
🚲 Vélib bike share
V-Plus electric bikes save you in summer humidity and hills (Montmartre). Watch for broken bikes — always test before riding.
No specific student rate
🚶 Walking
Paris is genuinely walkable — most central arrondissements connect in 30 min on foot. Many Erasmus students discover they walk more than they expected.
Things to do in Paris as a student
Events in Paris help students build groups, understand the city and keep social life affordable. Mix seasonal festivals, local culture and low-cost repeatable plans.
Fête de la Musique
June 21 (annual fixed date)
Free
Every street corner in Paris becomes a free concert. Hundreds of stages, all genres, all night long — one of the best nights of the year for exchange students.
Nuit Blanche Paris
First Saturday of October
Free
All-night free art installations in museums, streets, and unexpected spaces. A surreal and totally free cultural marathon.
Bastille Day Fireworks (Fête Nationale)
July 14 (annual fixed date)
Free
Best fireworks in Europe, launched from the Eiffel Tower. Watch from Trocadéro, Champ-de-Mars, or the Seine riverbanks. The Bal des Pompiers (free dance parties at fire stations) starts the night before.
Paris Jazz Festival
June–July
Free with park entry (~€6 on concert days)
Outdoor jazz concerts in a beautiful park — bring a picnic, lie on the grass, and discover world-class musicians in a totally relaxed setting.
Paris Plages
Mid-July to mid-August
Free
The Seine riverbanks transform into urban beaches with sand, deckchairs, free sports, and open-air cinema. The city at its most relaxed.
Salon des Grandes Écoles / University open days
October–November
Free or €5-10
Great for networking with French students and understanding the French higher education system — interesting even as an exchange student.
Student discounts & perks in Paris
Student perks in Paris can reduce transport, food, culture and activities if you carry proof of enrolment. Activate them early because small savings matter by the end of the month.
Museums & Culture
Food Savings
CROUS University Restaurants
Restaurants Universitaires (RU) run by CROUS Paris: €3.30 standard meal, €1.00 for scholarship holders (boursiers) and students in proven financial difficulty. Apply at epa.lescrous.fr for the €1 rate if eligible. Over 50 CROUS canteens in the Paris region.
Get appToo Good To Go
Popular app to buy surplus food and pastries from local bakeries, cafes, and supermarkets at a huge discount.
Get appUniversity Canteens (Mensa)
Check your local university campus for the student cafeteria which offers subsidized hot meals to students.
Get appPass Imagine R (students and apprentices under 26) — €392/year, all zones, buy at any RATP station or navigo.fr Fares & passes
Universities in Paris for exchange students
Sorbonne Université, Sciences Po Paris, Université Paris Cité are the main reference points. Compare faculty fit, language, campus route and housing before choosing.
Sciences Po Paris
Flagship Paris option for exchange students focused on social sciences, policy, economics, and international affairs in a highly international academic environment.
Sorbonne University
Historic central-Paris option for exchange students who want strong humanities, serious academics, and a classic university-in-Paris experience.
Universite Paris Cite
Large public university option for exchange students who want broad academic coverage, strong research credibility, and a practical Paris onboarding structure.
Student social life in Paris
Social life in Paris starts faster when you join ESN, student associations, sport or weekly routines. Do not rely only on nightlife; repeated groups usually build better friendships.
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Meeting Places 4
Public Groups 4
ESN Paris WhatsApp
Official ESN Paris onboarding page for the current student WhatsApp community and welcome-year updates.
Study in France: ESN Paris checklist
Official Campus France page pointing incoming students to ESN Paris and the practical first-step checklist.
International & Erasmus Students in Paris
Open Meetup community for language exchange, newcomer meetups, and mixed international events.
Paris Erasmus Life links hub
Link hub used by Paris Erasmus organizers for community channels, housing groups, and the active group chat.
Forums & Advice 2
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: Trying to find housing in Paris is impossible!!
Useful reality check on how hard Paris housing is and why students recommend starting early and leaning on university or ESN help.
Reddit: Paris erasmus housing
Student discussion focused on where to live, commuter tradeoffs, and what changes when your campus is outside the center.