All you need to know before renting a student accommodation in Lyon
Lyon welcomes more than 200,000 students each year. Choosing the right student accommodation in Lyon can really change your everyday life. Here’s everything you should know before picking your future home in this lively, student-friendly city.
The top universities and top student campuses in the Lyon area
Lyon is one of the main student cities in France, with a wide choice of universities, Grandes Écoles and specialised schools. Many of them work with Studapart to help their students find housing more easily. Here are some of the main campuses students look for:
- Université Lyon 1 Claude Bernard (science, health, technology)
- Université Lyon 2 Lumière (humanities, social sciences, languages)
- Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 (law, management, humanities)
- INSA Lyon (engineering school in Villeurbanne)
- EM Lyon Business School
- ESDES Lyon
- ECAM Lyon
- Science Po Lyon
- ENS Lyon
- Other Grandes Écoles
- & many specialised schools for design, communication, engineering and health
The best neighbourhoods to live in Lyon 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 Lyon’s key student areas.
| Neighbourhood | Advantages | Universities Nearby | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Presqu’île (1st & 2nd) | Central, lively, lots of shops and nightlife | Lyon 2, Lyon 3 sites, business schools | Metro A, D, Tram T1, many buses |
| Part-Dieu (3rd) | Main business district, great connections, big mall | Lyon 3 campuses, language & business schools | Part-Dieu station, Metro B, Tram T1/T3 |
| Guillotière & Jean Macé (7th) | Young, multicultural, popular with students | Lyon 2 & Lyon 3 campuses, many schools | Metro B, D, Tram T1/T2 |
| Gerland (7th) | Modern, growing area with sports facilities | Lyon 1 & Lyon 2 sites, science & sport | Metro B, Tram T1 |
| Croix-Rousse (4th) | Village atmosphere, creative, great views over the city | Art, design and communication schools | Metro C, buses |
| Villeurbanne | More affordable, very student-oriented | INSA, Lyon 1, many engineering schools | Metro A, B, Tram T1/T4 |
What type of accommodation should I look for as a student in Lyon?
Students looking for student accommodation in Lyon usually choose among the following options:
- Studios and 1-room apartments: Perfect if you want your own private space. You have your own kitchen, bathroom and full independence. ideal if you like calm to study.
- Flatshare / house share: A very popular and budget-friendly option for student housing in Lyon. You share an apartment with other students or young workers, split costs, and build a social circle quickly.
- Student residences: Modern, furnished buildings designed for students. Many offer study rooms, laundry facilities and common areas. A great choice if you’re moving to Lyon for the first time and want services included.
- Private rooms in host families:A welcoming option if you want cultural immersion. You live with a local family, practise French every day and benefit from extra support during your first months.
- Short-term rentals: Ideal if you’re coming for a semester, an internship or an exchange programme. These flexible rentals are perfect if you’re not staying for a full academic year.
Budget and utilities: what should I plan for a year of study in Lyon?
Planning your budget for your student accommodation in Lyon 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 Lyon?
Rental prices for student housing in Lyon depend on the neighbourhood, the size of the accommodation and whether it is furnished.*
- Studio in Lyon: around €650–€800 / month
- Room in a shared flat: around €500–€650 / month
- Private student residence: around €650–€850 / month
- Rooms in nearby suburbs (Villeurbanne, Bron, Vénissieux…): from about €450–€600 / month
*Rental prices in Lyon vary a lot 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 separate.
Always check the “utilities included” section in the Studapart listing to avoid surprises and compare offers fairly.
Good to know: 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.
What neighbourhood to look for according to my budget?
Here are some helpful pointers to guide your search for student accommodation in Lyon:
- Tight budget (€450–€600): Villeurbanne, Bron, Vénissieux and other nearby suburbs with good tram and metro connections.
- Medium budget (€600–€750): 7th arrondissement (Guillotière, Jean Macé, Gerland), parts of the 8th and 9th.
- Higher budget (€750+): Presqu’île, 3rd around Part-Dieu, 6th and central areas close to the Rhône and Saône.
Documents: what do you need to rent a place in Lyon?
Before renting student accommodation in Lyon, 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 Lyon
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 Lyon |
| 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 |
Each student accommodation listing on Studapart clearly outlines the required documents, helping you prepare your application for your Student housing in Lyon 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 — 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 Lyon.
Do I need a visa to rent student accommodation in Lyon?
Yes! if you are a non-EU student, you need a valid visa or residence permit to rent accommodation in France.
Good to know: 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 France, this is very common, especially in large student cities like Lyon and most landlords will ask for one.
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 Lyon much easier.
Studapart helps you find the perfect student housing in Lyon
Moving to a new city can feel like a big step, especially when you’re searching for a place in another country. Studapart is here to make everything easier. We offer verified listings, secure booking, and personalised support so you can find trusted student accommodation in Lyon, even from abroad !
Our platform was designed for students studying away from home. Whether you’re coming from another French city 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 Lyon 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.
Your university may already partner with Studapart
Studapart is the official housing partner of more than 170 universities and schools across France, including in Lyon. If your campus is part of our network, you may benefit from:
- Exclusive student housing offers
- Priority access to certain listings
- Dedicated support for your arrival in Lyon
To check whether your university or school is a partner, simply visit our University and School Partner page.
How to book your student accommodation with Studapart
Securing your student housing in Lyon 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 Lyon 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 Lyon, knowing your accommodation is officially booked.
Studapart stays by your side before, during and after your bookinggiving you a smoother, safer and more personal rental experience.