All you need to know before renting student housing in Montpellier
Montpellier is one of the most student-focused cities in France. With more than 70,000 French and international students, a sunny climate and two historic universities, it’s a place where student life is everywhere. To make the most of it, you’ll need to choose the right student housing in Montpellier.
This guide gives you the essentials to find your student accommodation in Montpellier: where the main campuses are, which neighbourhoods students choose, how much rent to expect, and what documents you’ll need to secure a place.
The top universities and student campuses in the Montpellier area
Montpellier is one of France’s biggest university hubs on the Mediterranean coast. Its universities are especially renowned for medicine, science, humanities and the arts. Here are some of the main institutions students look for when choosing their student housing in Montpellier:
- Université de Montpellier: law, management, medicine, sciences, STAPS and more
- Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier 3: literature, languages, human and social sciences, arts
- Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy: among the oldest medical schools in the world
- Engineering and business schools in and around Montpellier (including management, tech and design programmes)
With such a high share of students in the population, demand for student accommodation in Montpellier is strong, but there are many different options, from studios near campus to shared flats in the city centre.
The best neighbourhoods to live in Montpellier when you are a student
The best area depends on your campus, your lifestyle and how much you can spend. Here’s an overview of some key neighbourhoods for student housing in Montpellier:
| Neighbourhood | Advantages | Universities Nearby | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Écusson (Historic centre) | Pedestrian streets, cafés, bars, shops and museums | Easy access by tram to most campuses | Several tram lines, many buses |
| Beaux-Arts | Lively but local, markets, student atmosphere | Good access to city-centre schools and humanities campuses | Tram Line 2, buses, walkable to centre |
| Hôpitaux–Facultés | Very student-oriented, close to faculties, more affordable | Université de Montpellier sites, medicine and science faculties | Tram Lines 1 & 2, buses |
| Boutonnet | Residential, calm, popular with students | Access to university campuses and city centre | Tram Line 1, buses |
| Port Marianne | Modern area, new buildings, near Lez river | Business and tech schools, easy access to centre and train station | Tram Lines 1 & 3, buses |
| Prés d’Arènes / Croix d’Argent | More affordable, residential, good value for flatshares | Connected by tram/bus to main campuses and city centre | Tram Lines 2 & 4, buses |
What type of accommodation should I look for as a student in Montpellier?
Students looking for student housing in Montpellier usually choose among the following options:
- Studios: The most popular option. Over half of students prefer an independent studio with their own kitchen and bathroom, perfect if you want privacy and a quiet place to study.
- 1-bedroom apartments (T2): Chosen by students with a slightly higher budget or by couples. These flats offer a separate bedroom and more comfort, but are less common and more expensive.
- Flatshare / shared apartments: Around a quarter of students choose shared accommodation. It’s a smart way to reduce costs, live in a larger apartment and not feel isolated.
- Student residences: Public or private residences offer furnished studios or small flats, often with services like laundry, common rooms or study spaces – a practical “ready to move in” solution, especially if you’re moving from abroad.
- Homestays / private rooms: Renting a room in a private home suits students who prefer a quieter atmosphere and a more local experience when they arrive.
- Short-stay rentals: Ideal if you are coming to Montpellier for a semester, an internship or a short programme and don’t want to commit to a long-term lease.
Budget guide: how much does student housing in Montpellier really cost?
Overall, student housing in Montpellier is cheaper than in Paris but often higher than in many smaller French cities. Planning your budget will help you target the right areas and type of accommodation from the start.
What is the average rental price in Montpellier?
The average budget for student accommodation in Montpellier is around €480 per month for rent. This is slightly above the provincial average, but significantly lower than a similar rental in the Paris region.
*Amount indicative can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the condition of the property, whether it is furnished, and the services included (laundry, common areas, residence services, etc.).
Are utilities included in the rent price?
It depends on the landlord or residence. In many rentals, “utilities included” will cover water, building maintenance and sometimes heating. Electricity and internet are often billed separately. Always check the “utilities included” section on your Studapart listing so you can compare offers fairly and avoid surprises.
Documents: what do you need to rent student housing in Montpellier?
When you apply for student accommodation in Montpellier, landlords will usually ask for a few standard documents. These help them confirm who you are, that you’re a student, and that you can pay the rent.
The list may look long at first, but it’s very common in France. Once your file is ready, you can reuse it for several applications.
Key documents for your rental application in Montpellier
Here are the documents most landlords typically request:
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| ID or Passport | Proof of identity required for all rentals (ID for French students, passport for international students) |
| Proof of enrolment | A certificate or admission letter from your university or school in Montpellier |
| Proof of income or financial support | Payslips, scholarship certificates or financial statements to reassure the landlord about rent payments |
| Guarantor documents | Proof of identity, payslips and tax documents from your guarantor, a very common requirement in France |
| Bank identity statement | A French RIB or international IBAN, depending on the landlord’s preference |
| Visa (for non-EU students) | A valid student visa or residence permit (“carte de séjour”) is required to sign a rental contract in France |
This list covers the documents most often requested, but requirements may vary slightly from one accommodation to another. Each Studapart listing clearly indicates what is needed so you can prepare your application without stress.
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 (water leaks, fire, etc.).
To make things easier, Studapart gives you the option to purchase your housing insurance directly during the booking process. It’s fast, recognised by landlords and law, and avoids last-minute issues when you arrive in Montpellier.
Do I need a visa to rent student accommodation in Montpellier?
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 full payment.
What is a guarantor, and do I really need one?
A guarantor is someone who promises to pay your rent if you are unable to pay it yourself. In Montpellier, as in most major student cities in France, this is a very common request and most landlords will expect you to provide one.
Many students rely on a parent or close family member as guarantor. Others use state support schemes, and more and more students turn to trusted digital solutions to make their rental file clearer and more reassuring for landlords.
If you don’t have a guarantor in France, solutions such as the Studapart Guaranteed Profile can help by acting as a guarantor for the duration of your stay. This reassures landlords, strengthens your application and makes renting student housing in Montpellier much easier.
Why Studapart is especially helpful for international students
Arriving in a new country often means discovering a new rental system at the same time. Studapart was designed to make this easier for students moving to Montpellier, by offering:
- Verified listings so you avoid scams and book with confidence
- Secure online booking so you can reserve your accommodation before arriving in France
- Multilingual support to guide you through each step
- Clear, transparent requirements so you always know which documents to prepare
- A trusted network of partner universities across France that rely on Studapart to help their students find housing
No matter where you’re moving from, Studapart helps you arrive in Montpellier 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 in Montpellier. Many Studapart listings offer:
- 360° virtual tours
- Video visits
These tools help you understand the space, compare different accommodations and choose a home you feel good about, all without needing to be in Montpellier yet.
Studapart gives you extra support to secure your accommodation
Not everyone has a guarantor in France, and that’s completely normal. Many students face this difficulty when renting their first home. Solutions like the Studapart Guarantee and Studapart Guaranteed Profile were created to remove this barrier, whether your guarantor is in France or abroad.
By acting as your guarantor, these services make your rental application clearer and more reassuring for landlords, and help you access housing more easily.
Our goal is simple: make the rental process fairer, smoother and more personal for every student arriving in Montpellier.
How to book your student accommodation in Montpellier with Studapart
Booking your student accommodation in Montpellier with Studapart is simple and fully online! perfect if you are 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 Montpellier 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 for your arrival in Montpellier, 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 Montpellier.