Study abroad in Bordeaux
Housing, Erasmus groups, universities, costs and student life for exchange students in Bordeaux.
Country
FranceStudent Budget
EUR 850 – 1,250/month
Transport Card
TBM monthly pass or youth/student subscription
Population
About 260k city / over 800k in the metropolitan area
City Vibe
A polished, riverfront Erasmus city with strong campus life around Pessac-Talence-Gradignan, a walkable historic center, Atlantic weekend trips, and a calmer rhythm than Paris or Lyon.
Who loves this city?
Students who want French city beauty, wine-country weekends, Atlantic access, and a campus lifestyle that is social without feeling gigantic.
What makes it special
Bordeaux gives exchange students a strong sense of place: riverfront evenings, stone architecture, tram-connected campuses, vineyards nearby, and beach trips that feel realistic once the weather improves.
Newcomer shocks
- The postcard center is not where many students study every day; Pessac and Talence matter a lot.
- Housing can be more competitive than students expect for a city this size.
- Rain and damp winter weeks are part of the deal.
Before You Land
A few practical setup details students usually sort before arrival
Connectivity, insurance, and secure public WiFi are the boring things you only notice when you need them. Keep them on your checklist, but keep the guide itself front and centre.
Arrival Connectivity
Sort an eSIM before you land
Maps, ride apps, 2FA codes, and WhatsApp are usually the first things students need from the airport.
Coverage Check
Confirm your travel insurance
Even when the university gives guidance, students usually need to double-check what is covered before departure.
Public WiFi
Have a backup for shared networks
Campus halls, airports, and cafés are convenient, but many students prefer an extra privacy layer when they first arrive.
Weather & Packing
| Season | High / Low | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C / 3°C | Rainy | 9h daylight; mild for winter |
| February | 11°C / 4°C | Showers | Mild; occasional sunny spells |
| March | 13°C / 6°C | Showers | Spring builds; light jacket |
| April | 17°C / 8°C | Some rain | Vineyard cycling starts; pleasant |
| May | 20°C / 11°C | Light showers | Lovely; outdoor terrace season |
| June | 24°C / 15°C | Mostly dry | Fête du Vin preparations; warm evenings |
| July | 27°C / 17°C | Dry | Hottest; sunscreen and linen clothing |
| August | 27°C / 17°C | Dry | Harvest season begins; very warm |
| September | 23°C / 14°C | Light rain | Harvest month; best wine tour time |
| October | 17°C / 10°C | Rain increases | Autumn; bring medium jacket |
| November | 12°C / 6°C | Rainy | Wet; waterproof jacket needed |
| December | 9°C / 3°C | Cold rain | Festive city; warmest coat |
Winter is mild but damp. Rain gear and shoes that handle wet pavements are more useful than heavy snow clothing.
Packing checklist
- Waterproof jacket for frequent autumn rain
- Light layers for spring/autumn
- Sunscreen for June–August
- Comfortable shoes for wine-country walks
- Light rain jacket even in summer
Cost of Living
Cost of Living Index
68.1 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
| Category | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Shared Room Rent | EUR 480 – 760/month | Directional range for shared rooms or modest student studios; campus-adjacent and central options vary a lot. |
| Groceries | EUR 170 – 260/month | CROUS meals and campus routines can keep the monthly food budget controlled. |
| Transport Monthly | EUR 20 – 35/month | Check TBM youth/student subscriptions and whether your route is mainly tram, bus, bike, or train. |
Going out & dining
Supermarket basket
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Housing
Pessac
Mid-rangeUniversity of Bordeaux students who want campus-first convenience.
Talence
Mid-rangeStudents near the campus belt who still want urban access.
Victoire / Saint-Michel
Mid to highCentral nightlife, cafes, and more social energy.
Chartrons
HigherA calmer central lifestyle with cafes and river access.
Where to search
Student groups
Ask your international office whether exchange students have reserved CROUS or partner options.
Use ESN Bordeaux for social and arrival questions, but keep housing payments formal.
Documents to prepare
ID or passport
University acceptance or enrolment proof
Proof of income or sponsor
Guarantor or Visale documents where possible
Home insurance before move-in
Timing
Start before summer for September arrival.
If you arrive late, book temporary accommodation first rather than rushing an unverified lease.
Deposit & contract notes
Ask whether the rent includes charges and internet.
Run the campus commute on TBM before signing.
Red flags
No lease or inventory process
Pressure to pay from abroad immediately
Photos that appear on multiple listings with different addresses
Landlord refuses basic written answers about charges
Safety
Safety Index
50.1 / 100
Moderate — stay alert
Crime Index
49.9 / 100
Moderate crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Mostly comfortable for exchange students. Watch for bike theft, rental scams, and normal late-night caution around party streets and station-adjacent areas.
Top risks
- Housing scams before arrival
- Bike theft if using weak locks
- Pickpocketing or phone theft in busy nightlife and transport areas
Transport
🚊 TBM (tram, bus, BatCub river boat)
Pitchoun pass for under 28 students — €18/month covers all TBM. The BatCub river shuttle is INCLUDED — beautiful commute when sunny.
Pitchoun under 28
🚲 V³ bike share
~2,000 bikes, 184 stations. Annual under-26 rate makes it cheaper than monthly TBM passes for active cyclists.
€26/year under 26
Events & Activities
Miroir d'eau and Garonne quays
Year-round, best spring to autumn
Free
The easiest classic Bordeaux hangout for walks, photos, and meeting friends.
Fete le Vin / wine culture events
Usually late spring or early summer programming
Free to paid tastings
A city-defining event for students interested in wine culture, food, and riverfront atmosphere.
Arcachon and Dune du Pilat day trips
Spring to early autumn
Train plus local transport
One of the best low-effort Atlantic escapes from any French student city.
CAPC and city museums
Year-round
Free or reduced depending on age/status and venue
Good rainy-day culture without needing a big budget.
medium
Bordeaux Wine Festival (Fête le Vin)
Even years, June
€20 for tasting pass
World-class wine festival along the Garonne — 80+ châteaux, tastings, concerts and parades
medium
Bordeaux Cycling Day (La Vélo-Tour)
May
Free
City centre closes to cars for a day — 10,000+ cyclists take over Bordeaux's beautiful boulevards
Student Perks
Museums & Culture
ISIC (International Student Identity Card) Discounts
Get international student discounts at main museums, galleries, cultural sites, and tourist attractions.
VisitLocal Museum Youth/Student Days
Many national and municipal museums offer free or highly discounted entry for students and young residents under 26.
VisitHousing resources
University of Bordeaux points students to official and partner housing routes before private backup options.
VisitFood Savings
Check TBM subscriptions before relying on single tickets, especially if your campus is in Pessac or Talence. Fares & passes
Universities
Université de Bordeaux
One of France's great multidisciplinary research universities (QS ~401–450, founded 1441), with 52,000 students in the heart of the world's wine capital — excellent in sciences, health, law, and humanities with active Erasmus networks.
Social Life
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Meeting Places 5
Public Groups 2
ESN Bordeaux
Local ESN chapter for exchange-student events and integration.
University of Bordeaux international students
Official route for campus services, arrival guidance, and student support.
Forums & Advice 2
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
Reddit: University of Bordeaux accommodation
Peer discussion from incoming exchange students comparing CROUS options and campus location.
Reddit: incoming IAE Bordeaux student looking for accommodation tips
Recent peer questions about short stays, transport passes, and local practical advice.