All you need to know before renting a student accommodation in Bordeaux
Bordeaux has become one of France’s favourite cities. Close to the Atlantic Ocean, not far from Spain and connected to Paris in about 2 hours by TGV, it attracts more and more students every year. Choosing the right student accommodation in Bordeaux can really change your everyday life. Here’s everything you should know before picking your future home in this dynamic, student-friendly city.
The top universities and top student campuses in the Bordeaux area
Bordeaux is a major university centre in France, with an increasingly varied range of higher education courses. Many institutions work with housing platforms like Studapart to help their students find accommodation more easily. Here are some of the main campuses students look for:
- Université de Bordeaux (Bordeaux, Talence, Pessac – science, health, law and more)
- Bordeaux Montaigne University (humanities, languages, arts)
- KEDGE Business School
- Sciences Po Bordeaux
- INSEEC (campus on the Chartrons quays)
- Engineering, design and specialised schools across the wider Bordeaux Métropole
Bordeaux is regularly ranked among the most attractive student cities in France thanks to its quality of life, economic dynamism and cultural offer.
The best neighbourhoods to live in Bordeaux when you are a student
The best neighbourhood for you will depend on your campus, how you like to live and how much you can spend. Here’s a snapshot of Bordeaux’s key student areas for student housing in Bordeaux.
| Neighbourhood | Advantages | Universities Nearby | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Historic centre & Golden Triangle | Very central, charming streets, shops and terraces | City-centre campuses, business and design schools | Tram A, B, C, many buses |
| Chartrons | Trendy area by the river, cafés and vintage shops | INSEEC, business and design schools | Tram B, riverside bus lines |
| Saint-Michel & Victoire | Lively, multicultural, popular with students | City-centre campuses, language and humanities courses | Tram B, C, buses |
| Croix Blanche / Saint-Genès / Nansouty | Residential, quieter, still close to the centre | Several university sites and high schools | Bus lines, easy access to tram |
| Talence | Large campus area, more affordable than the centre | Université de Bordeaux (Talence campus), engineering schools, KEDGE, Scien Po Bordeaux | Tram B, buses |
| Pessac | Student-oriented, green, close to universities | Université de Bordeaux sites, student residences | Tram B, regional trains, buses |
What type of accommodation should I look for as a student in Bordeaux?
Students looking for student accommodation in Bordeaux usually choose among the following options:
- Studios: The most popular option among students in Bordeaux. Ideal if you want your own space with a private kitchen and bathroom, especially if you like calm to study.
- 1-bedroom apartments: A good choice if you’re moving in as a couple or simply want a separate bedroom. These are less common but highly sought after.
- Flatshare / house share: Many students also look for a shared student apartment in Bordeaux. It’s a budget-friendly way to live closer to the centre and share daily life with other students.
- Student residences: Bordeaux and its surroundings have around forty student residences. They usually offer furnished studios or larger apartments, plus services such as laundry, cleaning, common areas, gyms or study rooms. A great option if you want comfort and services included.
- Private rooms in host families: A small proportion of students choose to rent a room in a private home. It’s a good option if you want a quieter environment and a more local experience.
Budget and charges: what should I plan for a year of study in Bordeaux?
Planning your budget for your student accommodation in Bordeaux can feel tricky, but we’re here to make it simple. Here’s what to expect for your student year.
What is the average rental price in Bordeaux?
Bordeaux is the most expensive city in its region and the rental market is quite tense. On average, students need around €610 per month for their student accommodation in Bordeaux, which is higher than the provincial average.
Rental prices for student housing in Bordeaux depend on the neighbourhood, the size of the accommodation and whether it is furnished.*
- Studio in Bordeaux: around 600–€700 / month
- Room in a shared flat: around €550–€600 / month
- Rooms in nearby cities (Talence, Pessac…): can be slightly cheaper than in the historic centre
*Rental prices in Bordeaux vary depending on the neighbourhood, the size of the accommodation and the amenities included — furnished options, renovated spaces, private bathrooms, residence services, and more.
Are the utilities included in the rent price?
It depends on the landlord or residence. In many listings, utilities include water, building maintenance and sometimes heating. Electricity and internet are often billed separately.
Always check the “utilities included” section in the Studapart listing to avoid surprises and compare offers fairly.
When you rent in a student residence, the offer is usually more “move-in ready”. The accommodation is furnished, many utilities are already included, and services like laundry, study rooms or common areas are often available. It’s a comfortable option if you’re moving to Bordeaux for the first time.
h3>What neighbourhood to look for according to my budget?
Here are some helpful pointers to guide your search for student housing in Bordeaux:
- Tight budget: Consider Talence, Pessac or other nearby towns. Rents are generally lower than in the very centre, and you stay close to the main campuses.
- Medium budget: Areas about 10–15 minutes from the historic centre, such as Croix Blanche, Saint-Genès or Nansouty, often offer more affordable rents while remaining well located.
- Higher budget: The historic centre, the Golden Triangle and Chartrons are among the most expensive and sought-after areas, but also the most central and lively.
Documents: what do you need to rent a place in Bordeaux?
Before renting student accommodation in Bordeaux, landlords will usually ask for a few essential documents. Don’t worry — the list is quite standard in France. Here’s what you should prepare.
Required documents for student accommodation in Bordeaux
These documents help landlords confirm your identity, your student status and your ability to pay the rent:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| ID or Passport | Proof of identity required for all rentals |
| Proof of enrolment | A certificate or admission letter from your university or school in Bordeaux |
| Proof of income or financial support | Payslips, scholarship documents or financial statements to reassure landlords about rent payments |
| Guarantor documents | Payslips, tax return and proof of identity from your guarantor (common request in France) |
| Bank identity statement | French RIB or international IBAN accepted depending on the landlord |
| Visa (for non-EU students) | A valid visa or residence permit (“carte de séjour”) is required to sign a rental contract |
These are the documents most landlords usually ask for, but the list can vary slightly from one accommodation to another.
Each student accommodation listing on Studapart clearly outlines the required documents, helping you prepare your application for your student housing in Bordeaux quickly and easily.
Housing insurance: mandatory for all rentals in France
In France, housing insurance (“assurance habitation”) is required by law for all tenants, including students. You must provide proof of insurance before moving into your accommodation as it protects both you and the landlord in case of damage.
To make your arrival easier, Studapart gives you the option to purchase your housing insurance directly during the booking process. It’s fast, recognised by landlords, and avoids last-minute issues when you arrive in Bordeaux.
Do I need a visa to rent student accommodation in Bordeaux?
Yes! if you are a non-EU student, you need a valid visa or residence permit to rent accommodation in France.
We strongly recommend choosing a booking option that includes cancellation insurance. If your visa is delayed or refused, you can cancel your booking without losing your payment.
What is a guarantor, and do I really need one?
A guarantor is someone who agrees to pay your rent if you cannot pay it yourself. In Bordeaux, as in other large student cities, this is very common and most landlords will ask for one.
In most cases, students rely on their family as guarantors. Some use state mechanisms as an alternative, and increasing numbers of students use digital solutions to strengthen their rental file.
If you don’t have a guarantor in France, Studapart can help through the Studapart Guaranteed Profile. It reassures landlords, strengthens your application and makes renting in Bordeaux much easier.
Studapart helps you find the perfect student housing in Bordeaux
Due to its popularity, thousands of students have to find their student accommodation in Bordeaux every year and the market can be tense. Studapart is here to make everything easier. We offer verified listings, secure booking and personalised support so you can find trusted student housing in Bordeaux, even from abroad.
Our platform was designed for students studying away from home. Whether you’re coming from another French region or moving from the other side of the world, we help you compare options, understand local requirements and secure your home with confidence.
Visit your future accommodation remotely
You don’t need to be in Bordeaux to start your search. Many Studapart listings include:
- 360° virtual tours
- Video visits
These tools help you understand the space, compare options and choose a place you feel comfortable with, all from the comfort of your home country.
Extra support with the Studapart Guarantee and Certification
No guarantor? No problem. When you book your student accommodation, you can subscribe to the Studapart Guarantee. Studapart will then act as your guarantor for the whole duration of your stay, helping you reassure landlords and rent any home on the platform.
For international students who already have a guarantor abroad, the Studapart Certification allows you to certify the creditworthiness and authenticity of your guarantor’s documents. This strengthens your application not only on Studapart, but also with other landlords, student residences or agencies if needed.
How to book your student accommodation in Bordeaux with Studapart
Securing your student housing in Bordeaux with Studapart is simple and fully online:
- Create your account and complete your rental profile so landlords can learn more about you.
- Browse verified listings in Bordeaux that match your needs, budget and preferred neighbourhoods.
- Submit your application online by uploading the required documents.
- Confirm your booking securely once your application is accepted.
- Prepare for your arrival in Bordeaux, knowing your accommodation is officially booked.
Studapart stays by your side before, during and after your booking giving you a smoother, safer and more personal rental experience in Bordeaux.