Université PSL is a top public research university in Paris and is ranked as the top university in France in the QS World Rankings 2026. PSL has a collegiate system, meaning it’s made up of elite schools that operate under the PSL name while maintaining their own identities. 

Students benefit from specialised expertise across schools, shared research networks, interdisciplinary opportunities, and a globally recognised PSL degree. It’s well-known for its programmes in Humanities, Arts, Social Sciences, Engineering, and Sciences, with a student population of 17,000.

Situated in Palaiseau, Institut Polytechnique de Paris is a public technological university ranked 2nd in France by QS 2026. Specialised in science and technology, it consists of 6 French engineering schools:

• École Polytechnique

• ENSTA Paris

• ENSAE Paris

• Télécom Paris

• Télécom SudParis

• École nationale des ponts et chaussées

IP Paris is recognised for its strengths in STEM and applied sciences, engineering and digital technologies, economics and management, and interdisciplinary research. The university hosts 11,200 students, 43% of whom are international students.

The University of Bordeaux is a leading public university in Bordeaux, western France. It’s recognised with the Initiative of Excellence label for its strong innovation and international impact. It’s famous for high‑level scientific research in areas such as neuroscience, cardiology, materials science, climate and environmental studies, and optics/laser technologies. 

Bordeaux is a centre of research and innovation, combining high-quality education and extensive research opportunities, making it a popular choice for international students, especially with more than 52,000 students, including 7,200 international students.

Aix-Marseille University is a major public research French university in southern France and, by far, the largest multidisciplinary university in the French-speaking world. AMU offers a broad, interdisciplinary curriculum with programmes across the arts, law, business, science, and medicine, and participates in numerous international partnerships, offering exchange and dual-degree opportunities.

The university focuses on several key areas: energy, environmental and universal sciences; life and health sciences; advanced technologies and scientific research; and human and social sciences. AMU has also received the "Welcome to France" label for its international student support, and supports an 80,000-student population, including 12,000 international students.

Situated in Lyon, France’s third-largest city and a key hub in central France, Université Lumière Lyon 2 is a well-established public university. It’s an independent university within the Université de Lyon network, collaborating on research and resources while awarding its own degrees.

Lyon 2 is known for multidisciplinary research, with many disciplines including literature, languages, humanities, as well as science, technology, law, health, economics and management. Around 30,000 students attend Lyon 2, of whom 18% are international students.           

Student accommodation in France is varied, and you can choose from homestays, apartments, or rooms. Here are some recommendations:

• 2-bedroom apartment

• Double room - Paris 20th

• Rue Lamothe

• Chambre dans le Rue Marietton

• Bordeaux Barrau - Private Room (2)

• Quai Romain Rolland

• Chambre 3 - Allee Du Cormier

• Chambre 1 - JULES VERNE

• 2 - GACET

• Montpellier Alco - Private Room (3)

In France, each city has a distinctive charm, and many students prefer to get a rough idea of a city first before settling on their city of choice. We’ve listed some neighbourhoods in French cities below.

The historic Latin Quarter is nestled between the 5th and 6th arrondissements on the left bank of the Seine River and is one of the best-known student neighbourhoods in Paris. It’s known for its student-friendly amenities like cafés, bookstores, cinemas, shops, and green spaces such as Jardin des Plantes. 

In addition to its proximity to major universities in Paris, including PSL University, Sorbonne University, and Collège de France, the area is highly accessible with extensive metro lines including lines 4, 7, and 10, as well as numerous bus routes, making Paris easily reachable.

Massy is a dynamic and fast-growing student town at the heart of the Paris-Saclay cluster, located 20 kilometres south of central Paris. It’s a research hub offering essential student lifestyle needs, including shops, restaurants, sports facilities, and green spaces, most notably Parc Georges Brassens, the town's largest green area.

Many leading institutions in Paris are accessible, such as IP Paris, HEC Paris, and the University of Paris-Saclay. Massy also benefits from excellent transport links within a compact, accessible urban centre. It’s served by RER B and RER C lines, as well as the Massy-TGV station, putting central Paris within 20 minutes and the Saclay campus within a short bus ride via lines 91.06 and 91.10.

Tip: The Latin Quarter suits students seeking central Paris life near many PSL institutions, while Massy offers convenient suburban living with easy access to the IP Paris campus in Paris-Saclay.

Right in the heart of Bordeaux, Place de la Victoire is a popular neighbourhood with students that blends historic architecture with a lively student atmosphere, featuring cafés, restaurants, and everyday amenities, making it a central meeting point for many. Student spots include Berges de la Garonne, where they get to enjoy riverside paths along the Garonne River, and the Capucins Market (Marché des Capucins), a famous local food market close to Victoire.

You’ll have access to several University of Bordeaux campuses. Place de la Victoire is also well-connected by Bordeaux’s tram network, particularly Tram Line B, offering easy access to other university sites and the wider city. 

La Plaine is a student-friendly district in Marseille, diverse and packed with the essentials a student might need. The area includes colourful facades by artists, adding an artistic vibe, as well as secondhand shops and bookstores, comic shops, thrift stores, and, of course, cafés and restaurants. You can also explore Cours Julien for various markets, including a farmer’s market.

Transport in La Plaine is convenient and accessible, which is good for Aix-Marseille University students since there are several campuses across Marseille. The Saint-Charles campus (law, economics and central faculties) is easily accessible by the M2 metro from Notre-Dame du Mont, while the Timone medical campus and the larger Luminy science campus can be reached via a combination of metro and bus through Marseille’s RTM transport network. 

Croix-Rousse is a charming, historic neighbourhood with a unique village-like character. Known for its silk-weaving (Canut) history, it’s filled with bustling markets, cafés, and cultural spots, giving it a lively yet relaxed feel. Its narrow, pedestrian-friendly streets, such as the Montée de la Grande-Côte, and nearby green spaces make it a favourite among students seeking a scenic, calm environment. 

The area attracts many from Lyon 2 (arts and social sciences) and Lyon 3 (law and business), blending student life with panoramic city views. Croix‑Rousse is well connected to the rest of Lyon through the TCL public transport network. Metro Line C runs directly to Croix‑Rousse station, making it easy to reach the neighbourhood from other parts of the city, and bus lines, such as C13, 38, and 9, also serve stops within walking distance of the hilltop area.

Costs of living in France vary depending on your choice of city, lifestyle, and accommodation type. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single student in Lyon is €931.3, excluding rent. Below is an average monthly breakdown for student expenses in France:

In general, transportation in France is usually by bus or tramway, making it easy for students to travel between cities, campuses, and regions.

In France, major cities have extensive public transport systems. Metro and tram lines are essential for daily commutes, while bus routes cover more residential areas. Cities like Paris, Lyon, Bordeaux, and Marseille offer student passes that make these networks affordable and convenient.

Regional trains link smaller towns and suburban campuses to city centres. In the Paris region, RER lines connect suburban campuses like Palaiseau (IP Paris) directly to the city, while TER trains serve provincial towns and university cities such as Bordeaux, Lyon, and Marseille.

Urban areas in France provide bike-sharing schemes, which are an attractive transport option for students. Bike sharing services such as Vélib’ in Paris, Vélov in Lyon, and VCub in Bordeaux, along with e-scooters and e-bikes for short trips, are popular with students for commuting around campus or city centres.

France’s TGV network connects major cities at impressive speeds, making it easy to travel between major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Lille, and Strasbourg in just a few hours. For students, this is perfect for weekend trips, internships, or commuting between cities. Booking tickets in advance often offers significant savings.

France has well-connected airports, including Paris Charles de Gaulle, Orly, Lyon-Saint Exupéry, Marseille-Provence, and Bordeaux-Mérignac. Domestic and low-cost carriers make it easy for students to travel across France or Europe efficiently.

Tips for Students

• Many cities offer discounted student transport passes for metro, bus, tram, and regional trains, making it affordable. 

• TGV tickets are priced separately from local student passes, so booking in advance is the best way to save.

• Suburban campuses often rely on commuter trains or buses, so check local schedules for optimal connections.

• Musée du Louvre: One of the world’s most famous art museums, housing thousands of artworks including the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo.  

• Jardin du Luxembourg: Iconic gardens with tree-lined promenades, fountains, and green lawns. Perfect for studying outdoors, picnics, or a morning jog.

• Canal Saint-Martin: An artsy neighbourhood lined with riverside cafés, boutique shops, and colourful street art.

• Miroir d’Eau: Modern water mirror set in front of the 18th-century Place de la Bourse, creating a photogenic and lively city centre atmosphere

• Le Panier: The oldest district in Marseille, known for its colourful streets, historic architecture, and creative culture. Markets, street art, and cafés make it a vibrant student hub.

• Cours Julien: A lively neighbourhood celebrated for its artsy atmosphere, markets, live music, and cafés. A central spot for student social life and cultural exploration.

France has it all. Whether you prefer the historic streets of Paris, the riverside charm of Bordeaux, the Mediterranean energy of Marseille, or the central hub of Lyon, you can find an environment that suits your academic and lifestyle needs.

With affordable living options, a social student scene, and diverse study opportunities, France is an ideal destination for international and local students alike.

Casita makes it easy to secure student accommodation near campuses and transport hubs, helping you focus on studies and student life.