All you need to know before renting student housing in Nice
Sea breeze, palm trees, bright sunshine… Nice combines the energy of a big city with the relaxed lifestyle of the French Riviera. It’s also a major university centre, welcoming tens of thousands of students each year. In such a competitive market, choosing the right student housing in Nice will shape your daily life, from your commute to your evenings by the sea.
Before you start your search for student accommodation in Nice, here is everything you should know about campuses, neighbourhoods, budgets and the documents you’ll need.
The top universities and student campuses in the Nice area
Nice is one of the main student cities in the south of France, with a wide variety of programmes in business, technology, engineering and humanities.Many of its universities and schools partner with Studapart to help their students find housing more easily. Here are some of the institutions students often look for when choosing their student housing in Nice:
- Université Côte d’Azur (formerly Université de Nice–Sophia-Antipolis) – multiple campuses in and around Nice
- EDHEC Business School : business and management programmes close to the seafront
- IPAG Business School – business and management in the city centre
- EPITECH, ISEFAC and other specialised schools in IT, communication and marketing
- Schools and training centres connected to the nearby Sophia-Antipolis technology park
With its Mediterranean climate, international atmosphere and access to a strong job market, Nice attracts both French and international students, which naturally increases demand for student housing in Nice.
The best neighbourhoods to live in Nice when you are a student
The best neighbourhood for you will depend on your campus, your lifestyle and your budget. Here’s a snapshot of some key areas for student accommodation in Nice and its surroundings.
| Neighbourhood | Advantages | Universities Nearby | Transport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vieux-Nice (Old Town) | Historic, lively, narrow streets, bars and restaurants | City-centre schools, business and design programmes | Tram lines, buses, walking distance to centre and seaside |
| Jean-Médecin / Centre-ville | Very central, shops, cinemas, quick access to everywhere | IPAG, ISEFAC and other city-centre schools | Tram line 1, many buses, easy connections to train station |
| Libération | Local market, more residential, slightly more affordable | Access to Université Côte d’Azur campuses via tram/bus | Tram line 1, buses, close to Gare du Sud |
| Cimiez | Calmer, residential, larger apartments (good for flatshares) | Several schools and training centres, easy access to centre | Buses, walking and cycling routes to downtown |
| Le Port / Riquier | Trendy, close to the harbour, more affordable than Old Town | Business and design schools, access to city-centre campuses | Tram line 2, train station Nice-Riquier, buses |
| West Nice (Magnan, Fabron…) | Near the seaside, quieter, well-connected to university areas | Université Côte d’Azur sites, student residences | Tram line 2, buses, direct access to airport + buses to Sophia Antipolis |
| Sophia Antipolis (commuting area) | Major tech & university hub, modern campuses, internship opportunities | SKEMA Business School, Polytech Nice Sophia, engineering & IT programmes | Direct bus lines from Nice (Lignes d’Azur / Envibus), park-and-ride options |
What type of accommodation should I look for as a student in Nice?
Because the rental market is quite competitive, students looking for student housing in Nice choose different options depending on their budget and lifestyle:
- Studios and 1-room apartments: The most popular option. Perfect if you want your own space with a private kitchen and bathroom, especially if you like peace and quiet to study.
- 1-bedroom apartments (T2): A good choice if you’re moving in as a couple or simply want a separate bedroom. Rarer and more expensive, but more comfortable.
- Flatshare / house share: A smart way to live closer to the centre while sharing costs. Popular among students who want a friendly atmosphere and a larger, better equipped apartment.
- Student residences: Private or public residences often offer furnished studios or small flats, with services like laundry, common rooms or study areas. An interesting option if you want something practical and “ready to move in”.
- Private rooms in host families: A good choice if you prefer a quieter environment and want to discover local life, with more support when you arrive.
- Short-stay rentals: Ideal if you’re coming to Nice for a semester, an internship or a short programme and don’t want a long-term contract.
Budget guide: how much does student housing in Nice really cost?
Nice is one of the more expensive student cities in France, with rents approaching those of Paris in some areas. Before choosing your student accommodation in Nice, it helps to know what to expect and how to plan your budget.
What is the average rental price in Nice for student housing?
The average budget of a student in Nice is around €680–€750 per month, which is significantly higher than the provincial average but still lower than in Paris. The average rent for student housing in Nice is around €650 per month, depending on the type of accommodation and neighbourhood.
How much does student accommodation cost in Nice?
Rental prices for student housing in Nice depend on the area, the size of the accommodation and whether it is furnished.*
- Room in a shared flat: around €600–€650 / month
- Studio in Nice: around €700–€800 / month
*Prices can vary depending on the neighbourhood, the condition of the property, whether it is furnished and the services included (laundry, gym, study rooms, etc.).
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 Nice?
When renting student accommodation in Nice, landlords usually ask for a few standard documents. This helps them confirm your identity, your student status and your ability to pay rent.
The list may look long at first, but it is very common in France, and once your file is ready, you can use it for several applications.
Required documents for student accommodation in Nice
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 Nice |
| 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 with peace of mind.
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 Nice.
Do I need a visa to rent student accommodation in Nice?
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 cover your rent if you are unable to pay it yourself. In Nice, 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 more and more 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 like 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 Nice much easier.
How Studapart Helps You Rent Trusted Student Housing in Nice
Your search for student accommodation in Nice should feel like the city itself, full of sun, breeze and lightness. Not a journey filled with endless doubts about where you’ll live. And that’s exactly why Studapart is here. With verified listings, secure booking and support that genuinely cares, we help you choose your future home with clarity and confidence, even if you’re still far from the coastline.
Studapart was created for students who are starting something new. Whether you’re leaving your hometown or crossing borders, we guide you through the rental landscape, help you make sense of every step and ensure you find a place where you can settle, breathe and begin your life in Nice with ease.
Why Studapart is especially helpful for international students coming to study in Nice ?
When you arrive in a new country, navigating the rental system can feel complicated. That’s why Studapart was designed to simplify each step for students moving to Nice:
- Verified listings so you avoid scams and book with confidence
- Secure online booking so you can reserve your accommodation before landing in France
- Multilingual support available to guide you through every step
- Clear, transparent requirements so you always know what documents to prepare
- A trusted network of partner universities across France that rely on Studapart to support their students
No matter where you’re moving from, Studapart helps you arrive in Nice feeling prepared, reassured and supported.
See your future accommodation before you arrive with Studapart
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 Nice yet.
Studapart gives you extra support to help you secure your accommodation
Not everyone has a guarantor in France, and that’s completely normal. Many French and international students face this challenge when renting their first home. Solutions like the Studapart Guarantee were created to remove this barrier. By acting as a guarantor, they help you present a complete and reassuring application to landlords, so you can access housing more easily.
If your guarantor lives abroad, the Studapart Guaranteed Profile 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 like Nice.
How to book your student accommodation in Nice with Studapart
Booking your student accommodation in Nice 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 document so landlords can get to know you.
- Browse verified listings in Nice 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 Nice, knowing your accommodation is 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 Nice.