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Finding Accommodation in Paris as an English Speaker

Started by OliviaOxford · 18 novembre 2025 · 9 replies · 📖 Read as Guide
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OliviaOxford
British postgrad student at Sciences Po Paris
Joined: Jun 2021 Posts: 199
18 novembre 2025 #1
Spent three months searching for a flat in Paris before my masters at Sciences Po. The process nearly broke me. French rental requirements are unlike anything in the UK or North America and being an English speaker adds another layer of difficulty. Documenting everything I learned so nobody else has to figure this out from scratch.

Pour aller plus loin, découvrez destinations dog-friendly en France.

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WanderlustEmma
American student at Sorbonne
Joined: Feb 2020Posts: 157
November 22, 2025#2
The Visale tip saved me. I had no idea it existed until a French classmate mentioned it. Applied online and had the certificate in five days. Without it I would have needed to pay Garantme almost 600 euros for the year.
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CamilleDuval
French student, landlord perspective
Joined: Jan 2019Posts: 128
November 27, 2025#3
As someone who has rented rooms to international students, the dossier point is accurate. I receive 30-40 applications per listing. The ones with a clean, complete PDF dossier get reviewed first. Incomplete files go to the bottom of the pile.
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AidanDublin
Irish student, struggled in Paris
Joined: Oct 2022Posts: 201
December 02, 2025#4
Wish I had this guide before my semester at Sciences Po. I spent six weeks in an Airbnb at 90 euros a night because I could not find a flat. The temporary accommodation advice is crucial.
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JessicaBoston
American student, CIUP resident
Joined: Feb 2020Posts: 73
December 08, 2025#5
Got into the Fondation des Etats-Unis at CIUP and it was the best housing decision I made in Paris. 550 euros a month for a private room with all utilities included. Apply early because spots fill fast.
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MikeFromMichigan
American student, scam survivor
Joined: Oct 2022Posts: 33
December 14, 2025#6
I almost fell for a scam on Leboncoin. Beautiful studio in the 6th for 650 euros -- obviously too good to be true. The landlord wanted a deposit via wire transfer before I could visit. Nearly sent it before a French friend stopped me.
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NatalieVancouver
Canadian student at HEC Paris
Joined: Apr 2022Posts: 111
December 20, 2025#7
The APL application was confusing but worth every minute. I got 180 euros per month back on a 750 euro studio. That is over 2,000 euros for the academic year. Non-EU students are eligible too.
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SarahStudiesAbroad
Study abroad coordinator, US university
Joined: Oct 2022Posts: 169
December 26, 2025#8
We now include a Paris housing briefing in our pre-departure orientation. The dossier requirements are the biggest source of stress for our outgoing students.
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BackpackerJake
Canadian student, banlieue resident
Joined: Jul 2019Posts: 22
January 02, 2026#9
Lived in Montreuil for my exchange year. Paid 420 euros for a room in a three-bedroom flat. Metro line 9 got me to Sciences Po in 35 minutes door to door. Saved roughly 200 euros a month compared to inside Paris.
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RyanToronto
Canadian student, housing platform comparison
Joined: May 2023Posts: 160
January 08, 2026#10
Tried PAP, Studapart, and Leboncoin. Studapart was the easiest by far for an English speaker. PAP had better prices but every interaction required decent French. Leboncoin was a minefield of scams but the two legitimate listings I found were the cheapest.
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