All you need to know before renting a student accommodation in Lille
Lille is the 3rd largest student city in France. Alongside Paris and Lyon, it welcomes tens of thousands of students every year. Well connected to Paris, Brussels and London, it’s a lively, international city where student life is everywhere. Choosing the right student accommodation in Lille can really change your everyday life. Here’s everything you should know before picking your future home in this friendly, dynamic city.
The top universities and top student campuses in the Lille area
Lille is one of the biggest university hubs in France, with more than 100,000 students and a wide range of higher education options. From business schools to engineering programmes and journalism, there’s something for everyone. Here are some of the main campuses students look for:
- Université de Lille (law, health, sciences, humanities across several campuses)
- Université Catholique de Lille (Vauban district – HEI, ISEN, ESPOL and other schools)
- EDHEC Business School (campus in Croix)
- Sciences Po Lille
- ESJ Lille (journalism school near the city centre)
- Engineering, business and specialised schools across Lille, Villeneuve-d’Ascq and the wider metropolis
Lille is also one of the most international French student cities: around a fifth of its students are from abroad, which gives student housing in Lille a very multicultural feel.
The best neighbourhoods to live in Lille 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 Lille’s key student areas for student housing in Lille.
| Neighbourhood | Advantages | Universities Nearby | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vieux-Lille (Old Town) | Historic, very lively, cafés, bars and boutiques | City-centre campuses, business and design schools | Metro Rihour/Gare Lille-Flandres, many buses |
| Vauban–Esquermes | Strong student vibe, lots of cafés and nightlife | Catholic University of Lille (HEI, ISEN, ESPOL…), other schools | Metro Line 1 (Cormonlalie/Port de Lille), buses |
| Wazemmes & Gambetta | Multicultural, popular market, affordable for students | City-centre schools, easy access to Vauban and universities | Metro Line 1 (Gambetta), buses |
| Moulins | More residential, good value for money | Various schools and training centres | Metro Line 2 (Porte de Douai), buses |
| Lille Centre (Gares / Euralille) | Central, close to stations and shopping centres | Sciences Po Lille, ESJ and other city-centre campuses | TGV, Metro Lines 1 & 2, tram, many buses |
| Villeneuve-d’Ascq | Very student-oriented, campuses and green spaces | Université de Lille campuses, many student residences | Metro Line 1, buses, easy access to Lille |
What type of accommodation should I look for as a student in Lille?
Students looking for student accommodation in Lille usually choose among the following options:
- Studios: Around half of the students in Lille look for a studio or one-room flat. It’s ideal if you want your own space with a private kitchen and bathroom, especially if you like a calm environment to study.
- 1-bedroom apartments (T2): 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, especially close to the city centre and main campuses.
- Flatshare / house share: Shared accommodation is particularly popular in Lille: about 30% of students choose to live in a shared flat. It allows you to live in larger, better equipped accommodation for a lower price, and it’s a great way not to feel isolated.
- Student residences: Private or public student residences in Lille offer furnished studios or small apartments, often with services like laundry, common rooms, gyms or study areas. A good option if you want something practical and “ready to live in”.
- Private rooms in host families: A smaller number of students choose to rent a room in a private home. This option suits you if you’re looking for a quieter atmosphere and a more local experience.
- Short-stay rentals: Perfect if you’re coming to Lille for a semester, an internship or an exchange programme. These flexible rentals let you stay for a few weeks or months without committing to a long-term lease.
Budget guide: how much does student accommodation in Lille really cost?
Before choosing your student accommodation in Lille, it helps to know what it will really cost. Here are the main expenses to plan for.
What is the average rental price in Lille for a Student Accommodation ?
Lille is the most expensive university city in the Hauts-de-France region, but still more affordable than Paris. The average student budget is around €550–€570 per month for rent, slightly higher than the town in the periphery.
How much does student accommodation cost in Lille?
Rental prices for student housing in Lille depend on the neighbourhood, the size of the accommodation and whether it is furnished.*
- Room in a shared flat: around €380–€450 / month
- Studio in Lille: around €450–€500 / month
- 1-room apartment: around €600–€700 / month
*Rental prices in Lille 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.
Documents: what do you need to rent a student housing in Lille?
Before renting student accommodation in Lille, landlords will usually ask for a few essential documents. Don’t worry, the list is usually quite standard in France. Here’s what you should prepare.
Required documents for student accommodation in Lille
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 (ID for French students, Passport for foreigners) |
| Proof of enrolment | A certificate or admission letter from your university or school in Lille |
| 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. Always check the details in each Studapart listing.
Each student accommodation listing on Studapart clearly outlines the required documents, helping you prepare your application for your student housing in Lille 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 Lille.
Do I need a visa to rent student accommodation in Lille?
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 promises to cover your rent if you are unable to pay it yourself. In Lille—just like in most major student cities—it’s a very common request, and most landlords will expect you to provide one.
Many students rely on a parent or close family member. Others use state support schemes, and an increasing number turn to trusted digital solutions to make their rental file stronger and easier to understand for landlords.
If you don’t have a guarantor in France, Studapart can help. With the Studapart Guaranteed Profile, we act as your guarantor for the entire duration of your stay. It reassures landlords, boosts your application and makes renting a home in Lille much simpler.
Studapart helps you find the perfect student housing in Lille
Finding student accommodation in Lille can feel challenging, especially in such a popular and lively student city. Studapart is here to make the process smoother. With verified listings, secure booking and personalised support, you can find trusted student housing in Lille, even if you're searching from abroad!
Our platform was designed for students moving away from home. Whether you're relocating from another region or arriving from abroad, we help you compare your options, understand what landlords expect and secure your new place with confidence.
Why Studapart is ideal for international students looking for accommodation in Lille ?
Moving to a new country can feel overwhelming, especially when you don’t fully know the local rental system. Studapart was designed to make the process smoother for international students by offering:
- Verified listings to ensure you’re booking safe and trustworthy accommodation
- Secure online booking so you can reserve your home before arriving in France
- Multilingual support to guide you through each step of your search
- Clear documentation requirements so you know exactly what you need to prepare
Whether you're arriving from another European country or from the other side of the world, Studapart helps you settle in Lille smoothly and safely.
Visit your future accommodation remotely
If you are searching from abroad, you can still explore your options with complete confidence. Many Studapart listings offer:
- 360° virtual tours
- Video visits and remote viewings
These tools help you understand the space, compare different accommodations and make a choice you feel good about all without needing to be in Lille yet.
Studapart give you extra support to help you secure your accommodation
Not everyone has a guarantor in France, and that’s completely normal. Many international students face this challenge when renting their first home abroad. The Studapart Guarantee was created to remove this barrier. By acting as your guarantor, we help you present a complete and reassuring application to landlords, so you can access housing more easily.
If your guarantor lives abroad, the Studapart Certification helps you validate their documents in a simple and secure way. This makes it easier for landlords to understand and trust your file, which is often one of the biggest obstacles for students arriving from another country.
Our goal is simple: make the rental process fairer and more accessible for students who are starting fresh in a new city.
How to book your student accommodation in Lille with Studapart
Booking your student accommodation in Lille with Studapart is simple and fully online, perfect if you are planning everything from abroad:
- Create your account and complete your rental profile so landlords can get to know you.
- Browse verified listings in Lille that match your needs, budget and preferred neighbourhoods.
- Upload your documents directly on the platform to apply.
- Secure your booking online once your application is accepted.
- Get ready for your arrival in Lille, knowing your accommodation is booked and waiting for you.
From your first search to the moment you move in, Studapart stays by your side, offering guidance, security and peace of mind throughout your entire rental experience in Lille.