Lille Overview
Lille is where history meets student life, and every corner has a story to tell. This northern French city is home to over 100,000 students, including those at top schools like Université de Lille, EDHEC Business School, and SKEMA Business School. Whether you’re hitting the books or exploring the city, Lille’s compact, flat layout makes it perfect for walking or cycling, with a reliable metro, tram, and bus network to get you anywhere.
Finding a place to live is easy, too. From modern student residences with all the amenities to charming historic apartments, neighbourhoods like Vauban-Esquermes, Vieux Lille, and Wazemmes each have their own vibe and price points. When it’s time to relax, Lille doesn’t disappoint: wander the Palais des Beaux-Arts, soak up the atmosphere at Grand Place, browse books at La Vieille Bourse, enjoy a picnic in Parc de la Citadelle, or catch an exhibition at Tripostal. Add buzzing markets, cosy cafés, and student-friendly nightlife, and you’ve got a city that’s affordable, convenient, and endlessly vibrant. Lille isn’t just a place to study; it’s a place to live, explore, and make memories while you chase your degree.
Top Lille Universities
Université de Lille
The Université de Lille is one of the largest universities in France and a research hub. The university has approximately 80,000 students, with around 13% international. It is best known for excellence in health, law, and the humanities and has recently established nine International Research Chairs.
EDHEC Business School
EDHEC is one of Europe's leading business schools, known for finance and management. It ranks #47 globally for its Master's in Management in the QS Rankings. The school has a diverse community of approximately 8,600 students, with 30% international students. EDHEC is particularly noted for its strong ties to the corporate world and its top-tier finance programmes.
SKEMA Business School
SKEMA is a global business school with a significant campus in Lille. It ranks #10 worldwide in the QS International Trade Rankings 2026. The school has over 10,000 students, with a high international student percentage of around 35%. It is renowned for its "Global Knowledge Economy" approach and expertise in international business.
Student Accommodation in Lille
Accommodation options range from private studios in purpose-built student accommodation (PBSAs) to shared apartments in traditional houses. Prices vary based on location and amenities, catering to different budgets.
Best Accommodation in Lille
Affordable Accommodation in Lille
Casita offers student accommodation in other French cities as well; besides having facilities for student accommodation in Lille, some of these cities are Paris, Marseille, Nantes, and Toulouse.
Best Areas for Students in Lille
Lille offers distinct neighbourhoods that cater to different student lifestyles, from historic charm to hipster energy. Here are the top areas:
Vauban-Esquermes
Located to the west of the centre, Vauban-Esquermes is the city’s greenest district and the heart of student life. It is known for the massive Citadel of Lille park and the Lille Zoo. The area is teeming with students and is just a short walk from amenities and places to explore.
Vieux Lille
Vieux Lille (Old Lille) is the historic centre, famous for its cobblestone streets, Flemish baroque architecture, and luxury boutiques. It is known for cultural landmarks like the Comtesse Hospice Museum and the Notre-Dame de la Treille Cathedral. While pricier, it offers a stunning living environment near various art schools.
Wazemmes
Wazemmes is a vibrant, multicultural neighbourhood known for its bohemian vibe and affordability. It is famous for the Marché de Wazemmes, one of the largest markets in France, and the Maison Folie Wazemmes cultural centre. It is a popular spot for nightlife and is well-connected by metro to various places throughout the city.
Cost of Living in Lille
The cost of living in Lille is reasonable compared to the capital. According to Numbeo, these are the costs of essential things a student would need.
Housing
Item | Monthly Cost (€) |
Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 756.00 € |
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 639.71 € |
Groceries
Item | Monthly Cost (€) |
Fresh White 500 g Loaf of Bread | 1.68 € |
1 kg Tomatoes | 2.79 € |
1 kg Onions | 1.80 € |
1 L Milk | 1.26 € |
1 kg White Rice | 2.58 € |
12 Eggs | 3.25 € |
1 kg Local Cheese | 19.25 € |
1 kg Chicken Fillets | 11.36 € |
1 kg Oranges | 2.08 € |
1 kg Apple | 3.19 € |
Utilities
Item | Monthly Cost (€) |
Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment | 181.46 € |
Mobile Phone Plan | 13.22 € |
Transportation
Item | Cost (€) |
One-Way Ticket | 2.00 € |
Annual Public Transport Pass (Ilévia) | 278.10 € |
Transport & Connectivity for Students in Lille
Lille has a comprehensive public transport system managed by Ilévia, comprising the world's first automated metro, trams, and buses.
Metro
The Lille Metro consists of two driverless lines (Line 1 and Line 2) that cover the city and suburbs, running from early morning until around midnight. It is fast and frequent, connecting many major university hubs to the city centre.
Bus
The bus network complements the metro, reaching areas not served by rail. It includes the "Liane" (high-level service lines) and night buses for late-travel convenience. Routes are extensive, and the cost is integrated into the general Ilévia pricing system.
Tram
Two historic tramway lines (R and T) connect Lille to the nearby cities of Roubaix and Tourcoing. The tram offers a scenic and reliable way to commute to schools like EDHEC. It uses the same ticketing system as the metro and bus.
Walking & Cycling
Lille is very compact, making walking a viable option for daily errands in the centre. The city also offers V'Lille, a self-service bike-sharing scheme with stations everywhere. Students can get a yearly V'Lille subscription at a discounted rate, making cycling a cheap and popular mode of transport.
Top Student Attractions in Lille
Lille is a cultural heavyweight with plenty of spots for students to explore. From world-class museums to historic squares, there is always something to see.
Palais des Beaux-Arts: This is one of the largest fine arts museums in France, second only to the Louvre in size. It houses an impressive collection of European paintings and sculptures, offering students a quiet place for inspiration.
Grand Place (Place du Général de Gaulle): The heart of the city, this square is surrounded by historic buildings like the Vieille Bourse. It is the perfect meeting point for students to grab a coffee and people-watch.
La Vieille Bourse: A masterpiece of Flemish Renaissance architecture, this building hosts a second-hand book market in its courtyard. It is a treasure trove for students looking for cheap books and vintage posters.
Parc de la Citadelle: This massive green space surrounds the 17th-century citadel designed by Vauban. It is the top spot for jogging, picnics, and taking a break from studies in a natural setting.
Tripostal: Originally a mail sorting centre, this venue is now a major space for contemporary art exhibitions and cultural events. It is located right next to the Lille Flandres train station and frequently hosts student-friendly festivals.
