Best Student Accommodation Lyon, france

Lyon Overview

Lyon is set in east-central France, at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, and is one of France’s most popular student destinations. It’s a city that combines mystique with history and heritage, home to hidden passages (traboules), the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, the birthplace of cinema, and a major silk centre.

Lyon blends historic areas like Vieux Lyon with modern districts, cultural landmarks, and green spaces. Excellent public transport, walkable central regions, and a wide range of student-friendly neighbourhoods all make daily life in Lyon convenient and accessible. From affordable districts like Gerland to lively central areas such as Presqu’île, students can choose accommodation based on budget, lifestyle, and proximity to campus.

Lyon combines a strong academic reputation with an urban atmosphere and relaxed lifestyle. Major universities in Lyon include École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Université Lumière Lyon 2, and Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3, which specialise in fields such as science, humanities, business, and social sciences.

With affordable living costs compared to other major French cities and a strong academic environment, Lyon is an attractive destination for both local and international students seeking quality student accommodation in Lyon. If you’re thinking of moving to Lyon, Casita helps students find suitable housing options close to universities and transport links, making the transition to student life in Lyon easier and more manageable.

Top Lyon Universities

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is one of France’s top public institutions, renowned for its excellence in teaching and research across science and humanities. ENS de Lyon focuses on multidisciplinary studies and educational research, hosting around 2,400 students, many of whom are PhD students. 

Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 

Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 is one of the top French universities specialised in science, technology, health, and sport. Lyon 1 is known for its strong research output and ties to major hospitals in the region. With around 47,000 students enrolled across multiple campuses, it’s among France’s best science-focused universities.

Université Lumière Lyon 2

Université Lumière Lyon 2 is a major French public university that offers programmes in the humanities and social sciences, including arts, literature, languages, law, technology, economics, management, and human and social sciences.  Lyon 2 provides an environment that fosters critical thinking and independent research, welcoming a student population of nearly 28,000 students across its campuses, including sites along the Rhône and in Porte des Alpes.

Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3

Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 is a French university that offers programmes in law, business management, philosophy, languages, literature, and history. Lyon 3 distinguishes itself through its interdisciplinary research across multiple fields and through internships, work-study programmes, and collaborative projects. The university offers students opportunities for global study, exchange, and international partnerships, attracting more than 27,000 students.

Student Accommodation in Lyon

Student accommodation in Lyon includes affordable and well-located housing options, catering to different budgets, lifestyles, and university locations. Here are some options:

Best Student Accommodation in Lyon

• Chambre 2 - FAYS P

• RUE VOLTAIRE

• RUE DU 11 NOVEMBRE 1918

• Rue Lamothe

• Chambre 3 - GENERAL FRERE

Affordable Student Accommodation in Lyon

• Chambre 1 - General Frere

• Chambre 1 - FAYS P

• Chambre dans le Avenue Debourg

• Chambre 1 - BERTHELOT P

• Chambre 3 - FAYS P

Best Areas for Students in Lyon

Gerland

Gerland is located in the 7th Arrondissement along the Rhône River and is known for its modern residential developments and proximity to major university campuses. As one of the most student-friendly areas in Lyon, it attracts students and young professionals alike, especially those in business and science.

It offers affordable housing, well-connected transport links via metro B, tram T1/T2, and buses, as well as cafés, parks such as Parc Henry Chabert, and sports facilities. Gerland is a practical and convenient choice for students attending Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1’s medical and science campuses and the nearby Lyon 2 faculties.

Croix-Rousse (4th Arrondissement)

Croix-Rousse is a scenic, historic neighbourhood area atop the Croix-Rousse hill, perched between the Rhône and the Saône rivers. It’s famous for panoramic views, sloping streets with a village-like atmosphere, and a deep connection to the silk-weaving (Canut) industry, featuring markets, cafés, and cultural spots. Its pedestrian-friendly streets, such as the Montée de la Grande-Côte, and green spaces also make it a place for students who enjoy a picturesque, calm setting. Croix-Rousse is popular among students attending Lyon 2 (arts and social sciences) and Lyon 3 (law and business).

Presqu’île

Presqu’île spans Lyon’s 1st and 2nd Arrondissements, forming the city’s central area between the Rhône and Saône rivers. Thanks to its central location, it’s ideal for students who prefer city-centre living and amenities like Place Bellecour, the riverside Rhône quays, shops, cafés, and major transport routes. Presqu’île provides access to academic and cultural facilities, including the central faculties of Lyon 2 and Lyon 3, though rental prices are generally higher than in the outer districts.

Cost of Living in Lyon

Costs of living in Lyon vary depending on lifestyle and accommodation type, but the city remains more affordable compared to Paris and other major French cities. According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single student in Lyon is €1,008.2, excluding rent. Below is an average monthly breakdown for student expenses in Lyon:

1. Housing

2. Groceries

3. Utilities

4. Transportation

Transport & Connectivity for Students in Lyon

Operated by TCL, Lyon offers a well-developed public transport system with four metro lines, seven tram lines, two funiculars, and a wide network of buses connecting the city’s neighbourhoods and university areas.

Metro

Lyon has four metro lines (A, B, C, D), and each serves a specific area, connecting campuses, central districts, and neighbourhoods. You can get a student discount with the TCL Campus Pass, making daily travel easier and more affordable.

Bus

Over a hundred bus routes are available, operating from early morning to late evening. Buses offer flexible transportation and wide access to city areas, such as student accommodation, university campuses, shopping areas, and cultural spots.

Tram

Seven tram lines serve Lyon, offering additional connections between campuses, residential areas, and central hubs. Trams are especially convenient for areas not directly served by the metro.

Bike: 

Cycling is a popular and cost-effective method for many students, and Lyon’s Vélo’v bike-sharing programme allows short-term or long-term rentals while taking advantage of the city’s dedicated bike lanes, making cycling a safe and accessible option.

Train

Regional trains, including TER Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, connect Lyon to nearby towns and cities, making it perfect for weekend trips or commuting from the suburbs, with TGV services linking Lyon to a major city like Paris in approximately two hours.

Walking

Lyon is a very walkable city, particularly in central and student areas. Pedestrian-friendly streets make it easy to reach shops, cafés, parks, and university buildings on foot, which is perfect for everyday life.

Top Student Attractions in Lyon

• Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière: A basilica and UNESCO World Heritage Site combining Gothic, Byzantine, and Romanesque influences, dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

• Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon: For fine art lovers, this museum features art pieces spanning from the Middle Ages to modern times.

• Les Halles de Lyon Paul Bocuse: An indoor food market selling various products from meat to fresh produce, including cheese and baked goods.

• Parc de la Tête d'Or: The largest urban park in the city, featuring English-style gardens, a zoo, and a lake. Perfect for scenic strolls.

• Musée Miniature & Cinema: A museum specialised in miniatures and special effects, showcasing hyper-realistic sets and cinematic special effects from famous films

• Musée des Confluences: Various exhibits, including science and anthropology, exploring dinosaur fossils, cultures like the Americas, Oceania, and even Egyptian artefacts.