Are you planning to study in Toulouse? Congratulations! 🎓 You’re about to live in one of the most welcoming and dynamic cities in France. But before you enjoy your first cassoulet and explore the Canal du Midi, you need to find a nice place to live that fits your budget. Don’t worry—I’ll guide you through everything step by step!
🌞 Why choose Toulouse for your studies?
Toulouse, nicknamed the “Pink City” because of its colorful bricks, is a perfect blend of culture, sunshine, and good vibes. It’s also one of the most student-friendly cities in France, with over 120,000 students!
👩🎓 Here you’ll find:
- Universities like Toulouse Capitole, Jean Jaurès, and Paul Sabatier.
- Prestigious schools such as INSA, ENAC, Sciences Po Toulouse, TBS, and many more.
- A pleasant living environment with a lower cost of living compared to Paris or Lyon.
🏙️ Where to live in Toulouse as a student?
Here are the favorite neighborhoods depending on your lifestyle:
- Rangueil: Right next to the Paul Sabatier campus and many student residences.
- Carmes / Saint-Cyprien / Saint-Michel: Lively neighborhoods, well connected, and close to the city center.
- Capitole: In the heart of the historic center, convenient but more expensive.
- Minimes / Borderouge: More residential and calm, with more affordable rents.
- Mirail: Close to Jean Jaurès University but to be explored cautiously (ask other students for advice).
💡 Tip: Always check the proximity to public transport (metro, tram, or Tisséo buses).
🛏️ Types of Student Housing in Toulouse
You have several options depending on your budget, lifestyle, and preferences:
🎯 Student Residences
- CROUS: Affordable public housing, but you need to apply early in the spring.
- Private Residences: Furnished rooms or studios, sometimes with services like Wi-Fi and laundry—more expensive but comfortable.
👫 Shared Flats (Colocations)
Want to share costs and have a social experience? Toulouse is perfect for that! You can find roommates on:
- La Carte des Colocs, Facebook groups, or Livinfrance.
🏡 Studios or Apartments
Prefer your independence? Studios in Toulouse cost between €450 and €650, depending on location and amenities.
📌 Where to search: Use the Livinfrance platform to securely book your accommodation.
📋 Important Steps to Remember
✔ Rental Contract: Read the terms carefully (duration, notice period, charges, etc.).
✔ Security Deposit: Usually 1 or 2 months’ rent → More info here
✔ Charges & Adjustments: Ask whether charges are “provisioned” or “fixed” → Understand everything here
💶 You can apply for CAF housing aid!
Even as an international student, you’re often eligible for housing support through CAF. It’s a real financial help (sometimes up to €150/month).
To apply, you’ll need:
- A rental contract
- A French bank account
- Documents like your residence permit, rent certificate, bank details (RIB), etc.
📥 Full guide here 👉 How to apply for CAF in a few steps
🚀 Need help to save time (and avoid scams)?
With Livinfrance, you can:
- Book your accommodation online, even without visiting if you’re not yet in France
- Get a proof of accommodation for your visa
- Receive assistance for CAF, electricity, insurance, and more
🎁 It’s secure, fast, and designed especially for international students like you!
✅ In summary: How to succeed in settling in Toulouse
1️⃣ Choose your neighborhood based on your school and lifestyle
2️⃣ Compare options (residence, shared flat, studio)
3️⃣ Start your search early (ideally from May-June)
4️⃣ Prepare your documents for CAF and your lease
5️⃣ Save time with a reliable platform like Livinfrance