Student Housing in Marseille: understand the city, the campuses and your options
Finding student housing in Marseille can feel overwhelming when you don’t know the city yet, especially with its size, districts, and different types of housing. What matters most is finding a home that works for your life as a student: comfortable, well-located, and within budget.
This guide was created to help you do exactly that. Inside, you’ll find the information that matters most for your search!
Top universities and student campuses in Marseille
Marseille is one of the main university centres in southern France. Its strength lies in its diversity: business schools, engineering programmes, medical faculties, international campuses… all within the same metropolitan area.
Here are the institutions students most often search for when looking for student housing in Marseille:
- Aix-Marseille University (AMU) : one of Europe’s largest universities, with multiple campuses (Saint-Charles, Luminy, Timone, Aix-en-Provence)
- KEDGE Business School : top-ranking international business school, major English-speaking programmes
- Ecole Centrale de Marseille : engineering and applied sciences
- Polytech Marseille – engineering and tech specialisations
- Sciences Po Aix – political science, public affairs, international relations
- Numerous schools in health, IT, management, communications and design
What type of accommodation should I look for as a student in Marseille?
Most students searching for accommodation in Marseille consider one of these housing types:
- Studios: The most common request. Ideal for privacy, a quiet study space and independence.
- 1-bedroom apartments (T2): Great for couples or students with a higher budget who want more comfort. Limited availability, especially in central districts.
- Flatshares / shared apartments: Affordable and sociable. A good way to live closer to the centre without paying premium rent.
- Student residences: Public and private residences across Marseille offer furnished studios or small apartments, with services such as laundry, study rooms or secure access. A “ready-to-move-in” option for international students.
- Homestays / private rooms: Ideal if you want a quieter environment, extra support when arriving, or a more local cultural experience.
- Short-stay rentals: Perfect for a semester, an internship or a short programme without long-term commitments.
The best neighbourhoods in Marseille for international students
Choosing where to live in Marseille can feel confusing when you don’t know the city. Here’s a simple overview of the neighbourhoods that work best for international students (safe, well-connected and close to major campuses) :
| Neighbourhood | Why it’s a good choice | Campuses Nearby | Transport & Convenience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vieux-Port & Centre-ville | Central, lively, easy for newcomers; everything is within walking distance (shops, metro, supermarkets) | AMU Saint-Charles campus, design & business schools | Métro M1 (Vieux-Port), tram T2/T3, buses; quick access to trains |
| La Plaine / Cours Julien | Student-friendly, creative, lots of cafés and affordable restaurants; good mix of locals and students | Close to Saint-Charles and central schools | Métro M2 (Notre-Dame-du-Mont), many buses |
| La Timone | Relaxed, residential and safe; very popular for international students in medicine & health | AMU Timone campus (medicine, pharmacy, dentistry) | Métro M1 (La Timone), direct buses to centre |
| Castellane | Well-connected, practical, central without being noisy; great if you want easy transport everywhere | Fast access to KEDGE, Ecole Centrale & Polytech via bus/metro | Métro M1 & M2, tram T3, major bus routes |
| Le Rouet / Prado | Safe, calmer and close to beaches; good for students who prefer a quieter living environment | KEDGE, Polytech Marseille, faculties around Luminy | Métro M2, buses, quick links to seaside & parks |
| 9ᵉ arrondissement (Mazargues, Le Cabot) | Residential, green and quieter; ideal if you study at Luminy and want larger apartments | KEDGE Business School, Luminy campus (science & sport) | Direct buses to Luminy, bus links to metro M2 |
| Luminy (Campus area) | Best if you want to live very close to your campus and nature; surrounded by hills & hiking paths | AMU Luminy campus, KEDGE, engineering & science schools | Bus B1/B2 directly to centre; student-oriented area |
Budget guide: how much does student housing in Marseille really cost?
Good news: Marseille is generally more affordable than other big southern cities like Nice, Aix-en-Provence or of course Paris. Rents remain above the national average, but they’re still within reach for most students.
Average rental price for student housing in Marseille
Most students can expect to spend around €550 a month on rent in Marseille, though the final price will depend on the district, the state of the flat and whether utilities are part of the deal.
*Rental prices fluctuate during the year and can change depending on availability, services and location.
Which neighbourhoods in Marseille should I look at based on my budget?
Marseille is a large city, and rental prices change a lot from one district to another. To help you focus your search for student housing in Marseille, here is a simple overview of the main areas and what they offer*:
- Most affordable areas - Saint-Loup, Saint-Tronc, La Rose (parts of): ideal for tight budgets and flatshares. Residential atmosphere with good public transport and quick access to main campuses.
- Mid-range districts offering a strong balance between price and location - Castellane, Baille, La Timone: Popular with students for their metro access, lively streets and proximity to universities (including medical faculties and easy transport to KEDGE).
- Premium neighbourhoods with higher rents but an exceptional lifestyle - 8th arrondissement, Old Port (Vieux-Port), Endoume: close to the sea, parks, cafés and the city’s most vibrant spots. Fewer student-friendly options and higher demand.
Are utilities included in student rentals in Marseille?
It depends on the landlord or residence. In many cases, “utilities included” covers water, building maintenance and sometimes heating, while electricity and internet are usually billed separately. To avoid surprises, always check the “utilities included” section on your Studapart listing so you know exactly what is—and isn’t—part of the rent.
What documents do you need to rent student housing in Marseille?
When renting student accommodation in Marseille, landlords will ask for several standard documents. This is normal in France, and once your file is ready, you can reuse it for multiple applications.
What documents do you need to rent student housing in Marseille?
To secure your accommodation, landlords usually ask for a few essential documents. Here’s what you’ll need:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| ID or Passport | Your proof of identity — required for every rental. |
| Proof of enrolment | An admission letter or certificate from your university in Marseille. |
| Proof of income / financial support | Payslips, scholarship documents or financial statements. |
| Guarantor documents | ID, payslips and tax return from your guarantor (a very common requirement in France. |
| Bank identity statement | A French RIB or an international IBAN. |
| Visa (for non-EU students) | A valid student visa or residence permit (“carte de séjour”). |
Good to know: Requirements can vary slightly depending on landlords, but every Studapart listing clearly outlines what you will need, so you can prepare your file without stress.
Housing insurance: mandatory for all students in France
In France, housing insurance (“assurance habitation”) is required by law. You must show proof before moving in.
To simplify this step, Studapart allows you to purchase your insurance directly during your booking. Quick, recognised by landlords, and avoids last-minute issues.
Do you need a visa for student housing in Marseille?
Yes! if you are a non-EU student, you must have a valid visa or residence permit to rent in France.
We strongly recommend a booking option that includes cancellation insurance, to protect your payment if your visa is delayed or refused.
Do you need a guarantor to rent a Student accommodation in Marseille?
Most landlords in Marseille require a guarantor. If you don’t have one in France, the Studapart Guaranteed Profile can step in and act as your guarantor, making your application complete and reassuring for landlords.
How Studapart helps you find trusted student housing in Marseille
Finding student housing in Marseille shouldn’t feel overwhelming. You deserve clarity, safety and real support, not endless uncertainty about where you’ll live. That’s exactly where Studapart comes in.
With verified listings, secure online booking and guidance at every step, we help you choose a home you can trust, whether you’re moving from another French city or arriving from abroad.
Studapart was created for students starting a new chapter. We help you understand how renting works in France, compare your options calmly and secure a place where you can study, rest and enjoy life in Marseille.
Why Studapart is especially helpful for international students
Arriving in a new country often means discovering a completely new rental system. Studapart is designed to make this easier for international students looking for student housing in Marseille:
- Verified listings so you avoid scams and book safely
- Secure online booking to reserve your accommodation before you arrive
- Multilingual support to guide you through each step of the process
- Clear, transparent requirements so you always know which documents to prepare
- A trusted network of partner universities across France that rely on Studapart to support their students with housing
No matter where you’re coming from, Studapart helps you arrive in Marseille feeling prepared, reassured and supported.
Visit your next home remotely with Studapart
If you’re searching from another city or from abroad, you can still get a real feel for your future home before you arrive in Marseille. Many Studapart listings offer:
- 360° virtual tours
- Video visits
These tools help you understand the space, compare different accommodations and make a choice you feel confident about, all without needing to be in Marseille yet.
Studapart gives you extra support to secure your accommodation
Not everyone has a guarantor in France, and that’s completely normal. Many French and international students face this difficulty when renting their first home. That’s why additional support solutions exist:
- Studapart Guarantee: if you don’t have a guarantor in France, this solution can act as your guarantor for the duration of your stay, helping you present a complete and reassuring application.
Our ambition is simple: make access to student housing in Marseille fairer, smoother and more personal for every student starting a new life in the city.
How to book your student accommodation in Marseille with Studapart
Booking your student housing in Marseille with Studapart is simple and fully online ! Perfect if you’re planning everything from another city or country:
- Create your account and complete your rental profile with your documents so landlords can get to know you.
- Browse verified listings in Marseille 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.
- Prepare your arrival in Marseille, knowing your accommodation is already booked and waiting for you.
From your first search to the day you move in, Studapart stays by your side, offering guidance, security and peace of mind throughout your entire rental experience in Marseille.