Getting ready to move to Lyon for your studies? Good news — you’re about to live in one of the most beautiful cities in France! But before you dive into the bouchons lyonnais (the traditional restaurants — not the traffic jams 😉), you’ll need a place to stay that’s comfortable, secure, and fits your budget.
Here’s a clear and practical guide to help you find student housing in Lyon.
🌍 Why choose Lyon for your studies?
Lyon is a human-sized city, super well-connected, and right in the heart of Europe. It welcomes over 150,000 students every year, including many international students like you!
👩🎓 Here’s what you’ll find:
- A vibrant student life: events, museums, sports, festivals, parties — you won’t get bored!
- Top universities: Université Lyon 1, Lyon 2, Lyon 3, Sciences Po Lyon, INSA, and more
- Prestigious schools: EM Lyon, VetAgro Sup, ENS, ECAM…
🏙️ Where should students live in Lyon?
Here’s a selection of great neighborhoods, tried and loved by thousands of students:
- Villeurbanne: right next to the La Doua campus, more affordable than the city center, and very popular among students.
- Guillotière: multicultural, lively, and close to universities and public transport 🚇.
- Jean Macé / Gerland: near Université Lyon 2, with lots of modern student housing.
- Part-Dieu: a business district with excellent transport links (train station + metro), but slightly more expensive.
- Vieux Lyon & Presqu’île: historic and full of charm — perfect for culture lovers (and bouchon fans!).
💡 Tip: The closer you are to a metro or tram stop, the easier your daily life will be!
🛏️ What are your student housing options in Lyon?
You’ve got several choices depending on your budget, personality, and needs:
🎯 Student residences
- CROUS: affordable public student housing — but limited spots, so apply early!
- Private residences: furnished and include services like Wi-Fi, laundry, study rooms… slightly more expensive, but very convenient.
👫 Flat-sharing (Colocation)
Want to live with other students, split the rent, and make new friends? This is the perfect option! Check out:
- La Carte des Colocs
- Facebook groups
- Livinfrance for verified listings 🛡️
🏡 Studios or apartments
If you prefer more independence, you can rent a studio or one-bedroom apartment (T1). Prices vary, but on average:
➡️ Expect to pay €550 to €750/month for a furnished studio in Lyon.
🔎 Where to look?
LeBonCoin, SeLoger… or book safely via Livinfrance (100% online booking + visa certificate provided).
📑 Important steps not to overlook
✔ Rental contract: carefully check the terms, especially about utilities and the lease duration (usually a minimum of 12 months).
✔ Security deposit: expect to pay 1 to 2 months’ rent upfront
✔ Utility provisions (“provisions sur charges”): ask if there’s a yearly adjustment (otherwise, you might get a surprise bill at the end 😱) → Explanation here
💰 What about CAF housing aid?
n most cases, you can receive monthly housing assistance from CAF, even as an international student! This aid can really help ease your budget 💸.
📌 To qualify, you need:
- A French bank account
- A rental contract in your name
- Documents such as: ID, rental contract, rent certificate, residence permit…
📥 Full guide here 👉 Everything you need to apply for CAF
🧰 Want a simple and fast solution?
With Livinfrance, you can:
✅ Book your student housing online
🇫🇷 Get a housing certificate for your visa application
🛠️ Receive guidance for your CAF aid, electricity, insurance… everything is centralized to save you time!
📲 Explore available student housing in Lyon
🧭 In summary: 5 key steps to finding student housing in Lyon
1️⃣ Choose your neighborhood based on your school and lifestyle
2️⃣ Compare your options (studio, flatshare, residence)
3️⃣ Set a realistic budget (rent + utilities)
4️⃣ Start your search as early as spring
5️⃣ Don’t forget to apply for CAF — it really helps!