Type of housing: Outrageously expensive independant studio

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? Independance is extremely important to me, as is cleanliness. I would never choose in live in residence - particularly in France, where the country's notion of "cleanliness" tends to be under the North American norm. However, independant housing in Paris is notoriously expensive. For a studio of 25m2 within the city boundaries, expect to pay at least 650 euros a month + expenses (electricty, etc.) Add additional costs if you intend to find a furnished apartment within the city.

Personal comments:
Since I have not lived in residence, I can give very little information on it. I have visited "Canada House," a residence at the Cité Universitaire open to Canadian students. Rooms are small and uncomfortable, not unlike Canadian residences. There is a lovely park nearby, and the cost is considerably cheaper than living alone. As far as I've heard, the food is decent and the administration is not too helpful, as is normally the case in France. The university residence may be your best bet for the first year and/or semester if you can deal with living in a rickety apartment in the suburbs of the city and devoid of the same independance/"alone-time" that you would receive at home. However, renting an apartment as a foreign student in France is administrative hell, and you must be prepared. A foreign student will need proof of financial stability, and a real estate agent/landlord will ask that you produce proof of a "caution." This is a guarantee from a bank or a person living in France stating that if you are to leave the country without paying rental fees, someone will b willing to pick up the tab. Unless you have family living in France who are willing to support you in this, it will be extraordinarily difficult for you to do this through a bank. Most banks don't like to take on the responsibility and will often refuse to even open an account for you. (You cannot open an account without an adress, and you can't rent an apartment without a bank account. This is a typically hellish circle that you will find yourself in extremely often during your stay in France)If you manage to find a bank that will offer you a caution (try the CCF or Barclay's if you're British)you must wire transfer *up front* and *entire year's worth of rent* to the bank. This money will be placed in a locked account (it gains interest) and will be used as your guarantee. In addition to this immense sum, you must pay your monthly rent to your landlord/real estate agent. In sum, it is an extremely inconvient, difficult process and requires a large amount of paperwork. BE PREPARED. Be sure to bring pay slips and proof of some kind of financial stability when you are coming here. If you seek an apartment through an independant person, you will receive a lot more leeway. If you can get a parent to cosign or to come with you, you'll get extra bonus points, from concerned landlords.

Type of housing: CROUS which is charged of by the French government

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? Living around the university is convenient and safe

Personal comments:
The accommodation in Paris was satisfictory because it's Paris. I paid no more than 300 Euros for a studio, where I have the private space. The quiet and clean enviroment is pretty nice for studing and sleeping. Even thought the reception do not speak English, I am pleased to live in CROUS.

Type of housing: a maiden's room

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: A room exchange

Why? I would have liked to share a flat with others because that's more fun and you are more inclined to communicare in French, but in Paris it's very hard to find such a "colocation".

Personal comments:
It's not the university who provided this accomodation, as a student in paris you are obliged to find your own housing by yourself.

Type of housing: i rent a room

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? becaus i like the independence. Though, if i had the the possibility i would prefer to share apartment with other people because i like the company.

Personal comments:
Paris is a very expensive city and the facilities of the universities are not enough for all the students.

Type of housing: On campus

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? It is extraordinarily difficult to find accomodation in Paris, so on campus is a good choice.

Personal comments:
I was at the cité internationale - it's a lot cheaper than what you'll pay elsewhere - the only problem is that you lack privacy.

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? Because i liked living on my own.

Personal comments:
University didn't help at all to find accomodation. I had to look for myself which is a complete nightmare in Paris as there is a huge excess demand for single room appartements!

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? I am used to the independence and freedom granted by having an apartment living situation. Also it allows me to immerse myself more quickly into the culture.

Personal comments:
I did not have housing through the university

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: Cité U

Why? I hear that the Cité Universitaire is supposed to be an amazing place to live. Some of the other Erasmus, students lived and i went to one or two great parties down there. There is even a CROUS restaurant on site. You have to apply early though and competition for place is fierce. In typical french style, you have to put together a dossier, so if you want to try and get a place there, sort it out around 6-8 months in advance.

Personal comments:
I stayed in a flatshare with a irish guy and a frecnh guy. My advice would be to keep your eyes and ears open, as i found mine through my preparatory french class. Of course another good way to find an apart is to look in FUSAC or at the American Church (on the river between Invalides and the Eifel Tower).

Type of housing: With a family

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? Because is better in order to get in touch with university environment.

Personal comments:
I didn't know it.

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? I would choose to live on a campus because is less expensive and you can meet more diferent people.

Personal comments:
It was an independent apartament, because in Paris is very dificult to find a house. In fact i search for 3 Weeks for a house, becaude my University didn´t arrange nothing for me. Normaly in the newspapers you see people searching for a house, instead of people ofering places to rent. It´s diferent!

Type of housing: On campus

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? I really enjoyed the experience

Personal comments:
It has been one on my best experiences during my studies. I was living in the "Cite Université" where all foreing students are living while studiying in Paris. We had plenty of cultural activities and I was very motivated to study.

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? Indepndency, More quiet, better experience living alone

Personal comments:
none

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? At the time I lived together with my french boyfriend and it was a pretty smart time.

Personal comments:
Cannot add any comments - as I lived independently from university together with my boyfriend in an appartment.

Type of housing: On campus

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? Campus is easy and good place to study.

Personal comments:
I'm happy with the university and also it has hight educations.

Type of housing: residence internatonale - foyer

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: with friends

Why? This way you are independent.

Personal comments:
none

Type of housing: Greek Orthodox Hostel of France

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: In the same place

Why? Because there is no accomondation for students in Paris.

Personal comments:
They should offer housing to foreign students

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? You're independent

Personal comments:
As Erasmus student I didn't get any help in finding an accomodation in Paris.

Type of housing: Apartment/House

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? fulfills individual needs and budget

Personal comments:
very close to the university, however expensive

Type of housing: With a family

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: A room exchange

Why? It would let me know better the native language and culture of where I am going

Personal comments:
none

Type of housing: With a family

Arranged by: Independently - My choice

If returning, I would choose: With a family

Why? Because it is the most cost efficient solution for me.

Personal comments:
none