Finding accommodation for PhD students and Researchers

Finding suitable accommodation is an essential step in organizing your stay in France. It is also a requirement for obtaining a visa. The process of searching for accommodation, particularly at the beginning of the academic year, can be time-consuming and demanding. We strongly recommend that you start your search early and not wait until the last minute.

Lorraine offers a wide range of housing options. However, if you are planning a relatively short stay of 6 to 12 months, we recommend considering “all-inclusive” accommodations such as furnished apartments or CROUS university residences (if you are a PhD student). These options typically involve fewer formalities during the moving-in process.

FIND YOUR

ACCOMMODATION

In France, before you move into your accommodation, you have to sign a rental agreement (also called “lease”). Rent is typically paid monthly, with the payment due at the beginning of each month. To provide evidence of payment, you can request a receipt called a “quittance de loyer” from your landlord.

Download your housing list

Pour vous aider dans vos recherches, vous pouvez consulter le lexique et les abréviations du logement.

With Studapart, Université de Lorraine makes an online housing offer platform available to undergraduates, PhD students and researchers. Studapart includes offers from private lessors, real-estate agencies and student residences near campuses in many cities.

Available in English, French and Chinese, Studapart can also act as your guarantor throughout the rental period.

Other housing solutions

Other housing solutions exist in both the public and private sectors.

“COLIVING” ACCOMMODATION IN SHARED APPARTMENTS  

The housing offer is constantly evolving, and you can also find a hybrid model in Nancy, halfway between hotel and traditional apartment share. The Sharies agency, which recently located in Nancy city center, has come up with an innovative concept: fully furnished housing units, including private areas (bedrooms and bathrooms) and shared areas (kitchen, living room, gym, coworking area, terrace, etc.). In addition, you can take advantage of a wide range of shared services in order to simplify your stay.

For further information or to submit your application, please visit the Sharies agency’s website

HLM ACCOMMODATION

Housing at Moderate Rent (HLM) accommodations have the advantage of offering larger-than-average living spaces at affordable rates. However, it’s important to note that these apartments are typically unfurnished.

RENTAL OF ACCOMODATION FROM A PRIVATE LESSOR OR A REAL-ESTATE AGENT

If you find accommodation offered by a private lessor, you can deal directly with them regarding visits and the signing of the rental agreement. The owner is free to set the rental price and conditions. However, if you use a real estate agent to find accommodation, you will be required to pay a commission known as “frais d’agence” (agency fee) in addition. These fees typically amount to one month’s rent without charges.

SHARED HOUSING

It’s sometimes easier to find large apartmernts to share with friends or other researchers. However, be aware that signing this type of contract entails the responsibility of all roommates: the names of all roommates must be listed in the contract, and all roommates must sign it.

HOSTELS

  • For students and young people, these accommodation facilities offer rents that fall between the rates for rooms in CROUS Cité U (university residence halls) and private student residences
  • Youth hostels or young adult housing (FJT) are available for individuals aged 16 to 30. They offer accommodations that include both furnished and unfurnished units, as well as shared spaces such as a restaurant, laundry room, computer room, and library.

ALTERNATIVES

  • Intergenerational accommodation: Intergenerational apartment sharing is an arrangement between a senior citizen and a young person. This phenomenon is particularly prevalent in major university areas, with the aim of reducing loneliness among the elderly and providing affordable housing options for young people.
  • Interim or short-term accommodation solutions: These options range from one day to a few weeks or months and are suitable for individuals who are waiting for permanent housing. They include hotels, aparthotels, youth hostels, and similar establishments.

“multirisK HOUSING” INSURANCE

Before moving into your accommodation, it is necessary to provide your housing manager or landlord with a certificate of multi-risk housing insurance. This insurance provides coverage for risks such as fire, water damage, theft, and more. Student mutual insurance companies and banks offer this type of insurance.

THE security deposit or “guarantee”

A security deposit is required when renting accommodation, and it is refunded to you upon leaving, as long as the property is returned in the same condition as when you rented it. If there is any damage, the owner is authorized to deduct the necessary repair costs from the deposit. Generally, the security deposit corresponds to one month’s rent.

Important: Do not close your bank account in France on the day of your departure, as the reimbursement of your security deposit may take up to a month after returning the keys to the owner or manager of the accommodation.

THe GUarantOR

In France, lessees must have a French or European (European Union) guarantor. This is a form of insurance for the owner in case of unpaid rent. If you don’t know anyone who can act as your guarantor, there are alternative solutions:

  • If you are staying in a university residence managed by CROUS, your laboratory or training component can act as your guarantor, subject to the agreement of the director of your training component or laboratory. To learn hosting training component or laboratory.
  • Visale :
    • free national system
    • is usually accepted by student residences but if you rent an apartment from a private owner, they’re free to accept or refuse this type of guarantee
    • you must be under 31 years old and have a long-stay visa.
  • If you reserve accommodation via our partner platform Studapart, you can also request it to act as your guarantor. However, this guarantee will come with a cost, calculated as a percentage of your monthly rent.
  • There are private guarantor systems available with no age restrictions, but they require payment. Examples include : GarantMe, Luko, Cautioneo, SmartGarant

Need help with your security deposit?

Pay the security deposit required by your lessor immediately thanks to a LOCA-PASS advance, and repay it in several instalments over a maximum period of 25 months. The advance can cover a maximum of €1,200. Need help with your security deposit?

Find out more about the LOCA-PASS advance

With “DOSSIERFACILE”, build a comprehensive rental applicationand find the accommodation of your dreams

DossierFacile helps you create a top-quality digital rental file ensuring that you obtain the best possible results. Create a substantive rental file and find the accommodation of your dreams

Create your file

Housing Assistance (APL and ALS)

In accordance with your income and the composition of your household, you can be eligible for personalized housing assistance (APL) or the social housing allowance (ALS). These two forms of housing assistance are granted by the Family Allowances Fund (CAF) depending on social resources (income, family situation, type of accommodation, etc.).

Find out more about the Family Allowances Fund (CAF)

To go further

The Euraxess guide is there to facilitate your formalities and procedures when you’re moving to and out of France.

Consult the official EURAXESS France website.

Consult the official Campus France website.

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