Best Student Accommodation in Marseille, France

Aix-Marseille University (AMU)

Aix-Marseille University is the largest and most prominent university in Marseille, with many of its campuses located in the city. It’s renowned for its research excellence across interdisciplinary fields, including sciences, humanities, medicine, law, economics, and the arts.

AMU is home to 80,000 students, including 12,000 international students, and partners with universities worldwide to offer exchange programs and dual-degree opportunities.

Centrale Méditerranée (École Centrale de Marseille)

Centrale Méditerranée is a leading engineering and technology Grande École and part of the prestigious Centrales Graduate Schools. It specialises in multidisciplinary engineering fields, including energy systems, digital technologies, mechanical engineering, and transport infrastructure. 

The student population at Centrale Méditerranée is around 1,100 students, of whom 24% are international students.

Kedge Business School

KEDGE Business School is one of the top French business schools with a campus in Marseille, located in the Luminy area. The school is known for the Triple Crown accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, AACSB) and is ranked among the top 1% of Business Schools worldwide. It has high-quality programmes in management, finance, marketing, and international business, and has a strong focus on entrepreneurship and professional development.

KEDGE Marseille attracts students from across France and around the world, with an average of 16,000 students per year, of whom 29% are international.

École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Marseille‑Luminy 

École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Marseille‑Luminy (ENSA Marseille), or the National School of Architecture of Marseille‑Luminy, is the city’s premier architecture school. The school specialises in architecture, urban planning, and sustainable design, providing students with both theoretical and practical training in creative and technical disciplines.

ENSA Marseille hosts a diverse student body with a 1,150 student population, and collaborates with international architecture schools to offer exchange programs and joint projects.

Student accommodation in Marseille offers affordable, varied housing options to cater to different student budgets, lifestyles, and university locations. 

Here are some of our options, including single rooms, en-suite rooms, and studios:

Best Student Accommodation in Marseille

• Zenith - Private Studio (1)

• Rue de Friedland, Marseille

• Very inviting studio in La Plage neighborhood

Affordable Student Accommodation in Marseille

• Chambre 3 - VINCENT LEBLANC H

• Marseille Olivier - Private Room (2)

• Nice double bedroom in Saint-Charles

La Plaine (6th arrondissement)

La Plaine is one of the student-friendly areas in Marseille, centred on Place Jean‑Jaurès, east of the city centre, in the 6th arrondissement. It features street art, student hangout spots like cafés and restaurants, and shops like secondhand shops and thrift stores for unique finds. The nearby Cours Julien includes a farmer’s market as well.

La Plaine makes transport accessible across major Aix-Marseille University campuses. The Saint‑Charles campus (law, economics, and central faculties) is a short ride on the M2 metro from Notre‑Dame‑du‑Mont, while the AMU medical campus and AMU Luminy science campus can be reached via a combination of metro and RTM buses.

La Timone (10th arrondissement)

La Timone is a neighbourhood in the 10th arrondissement of Marseille, and is one of the calm, practical neighbourhoods for students in Marseille. The area has a student vibe, with cafés and sandwich shops along Boulevard Baille, where med students often grab a quick lunch. It’s close to the medical campus of Aix-Marseille University, and is located next to the major Timone University Hospital. 

La Timone is well connected by public transport, with the La Timone metro station on Line M1 linking the area to central Marseille, including Saint-Charles station and the Vieux-Port. Several RTM bus routes also serve the area, making it easy for students to travel across the city.

Luminy (9th arrondissement)

Luminy is one of the major neighbourhoods in Marseille’s 9th arrondissement, set among the hills offering a green and relaxed environment. Luminy includes leisure spots such as the Parc National des Calanques and the surrounding trails, which provide opportunities for walking, jogging, or outdoor study sessions. The area hosts Aix-Marseille University’s science and technology campus, as well as Kedge Business School and the École nationale supérieure d’architecture de Marseille‑Luminy, making it a hub for campus life. 

Students commute from central Marseille using RTM buses, with transfers available at metro stations like Rond-Point du Prado or Saint-Charles. For those who prefer a more active route, cycling along the campus paths is also a popular option.

Endoume (7th arrondissement)

Endoume is a coastal district in Marseille’s 7th arrondissement, known for its seaside setting and historic fishing harbour at Vallon des Auffes. It’s one of the best areas for students in Marseille who prefer a more scenic option and seaside living. Small cafés and local shops provide daily conveniences, while the streets maintain a charming, village-like feel. 

Valmer Park is one of the highlights of Endoume, where you can take a tranquil stroll or admire the islands of Marseille. You can use RTM buses to reach central Marseille and major campuses such as AMU Saint-Charles and AMU Luminy. 

Costs of living in Marseille vary depending on lifestyle, accommodation type, and your choice of neighbourhood, whether central or not. The city also remains more affordable compared to other major French cities.

According to Numbeo, the estimated monthly cost of living for a single student in Lyon is €1,002.7, excluding rent. Here’s an average monthly breakdown for student expenses in Marseille:

Housing

Groceries

Utilities

Transportation

The public transport system in Marseille is operated by the Régie des Transports Métropolitains (RTM), with two metro lines, three tram lines, and a wide network of buses connecting the city’s neighbourhoods, beaches, and nearby towns.

Metro

Marseille has two metro lines, M1 and M2, and using the metro is the ideal choice for getting around Marseille, connecting the city centre with nearby districts while avoiding traffic.

Tram

Three tram lines serve Marseille (T1, T2, T3). The tram makes it easy to reach neighbourhoods close to the city centre and areas that aren’t directly served by the metro.

Bus

The RTM bus network is, by far, the most extensive transport system in Marseille, with around 93 routes serving both the city and nearby suburbs. Buses connect areas that are not easily reached by metro or tram, including the hills, the Prado beaches, and more residential neighbourhoods across the city.

Some routes also operate later in the evening or on weekends, with night services available on selected lines.

Bike

Students in Marseille also go by bike for short journeys, and Marseille’s Le Vélo provides 24/7 electric bikes with self-service options.

Ferry Boat

Marseille also offers a small maritime shuttle service operated by RTM, commonly known as the ferry boat. These boats offer an alternative to travelling by road, crossing parts of the harbour and connecting points along the coastline.

For students, the ferry can be a practical way to move between waterfront areas while enjoying views of the harbour and city skyline.

• Mucem (Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations): A museum featuring Mediterranean history and culture.

• Parc National des Calanques: Ideal for hiking, swimming, and nature lovers seeking dramatic coastal scenery with its cliffs and blue water.

• Palais Longchamp: A grand 19th-century monument surrounded by gardens, home to museums and fountains, and a pleasant green space for walks or study breaks.

• Château d'If: A famous island prison accessible by a short boat ride, offering history and great views.

• Plages du Prado: A group of sandy beaches south of the city centre, popular for swimming, beach sports, and relaxing by the Mediterranean during warmer months.

• Cours Julien: A colourful district known for its street art, independent cafés, live music venues, and creative atmosphere. It’s one of the most popular hangout spots for students in Marseille.