Paris Overview
Paris, the French capital, is known for its legendary landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre Dame Cathedral. Beyond its iconic sights, it’s also one of the top destinations for international students. As a hub for world-class education, Paris is home to prestigious universities and higher education institutions, including Sorbonne University and PSL University (Paris Sciences et Lettres).
Famous for its art, culture, excellent food, romance, and fashion, Paris ranks #7 among the QS Best Student Cities 2026. Students come from all over the world to study archaeology, history, philosophy, art history, and modern languages at universities like Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, which ranks highly in these subjects globally.
Paris also hosts top business schools such as HEC Paris, known for MBA and executive education programmes, which makes it a top destination for those who want to study business & management.
If you’re heading to Paris to study and are anxious about finding a home, don’t worry. Casita helps you compare and book verified student accommodation options in Paris, with 24/7 multilingual support.
Universities & Education in Paris
Université PSL
Université PSL is the top university in Paris according to the QS Ranking, and it ranks #28 globally. The university has 63 programmes. Moreover, it has a student population of 17,000, 25% of whom are international, and 2,900 researchers.
Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Institut Polytechnique de Paris (IP Paris) is well known as a research-based institution. It ranks #2 in Paris and #46 worldwide. It consists of six graduate schools for science and engineering and has 70 programmes. Furthermore, the university has 10,000 students, including 41% of international students.
Université Paris-Saclay
Université Paris-Saclay ranks as Paris’s #3 university, and it holds the #70 position internationally. The university consists of 10 faculties and institutes, including Faculté Jean Monnet, UFR Médecine and Institut Universitaire de Technologie de Cachan. Additionally, the university has 32,821 students, with 25% of them being international.
Student Accommodation in Paris
Student accommodation in Paris is varied. They come in different types to meet different needs and preferences. These options include studios, ensuite rooms, twin or double rooms and more. They can be PBSAs, co-livings or homestays, and there are also private lets. In Casita, options start from £396 monthly.
Best Accommodation Options in Paris
Affordable Accommodation in Paris
Best Areas for Students in Paris
Paris has several student-friendly neighbourhoods, each filled with attractions and close to major universities. Here are the top neighbourhoods:
Latin Quarter
Quartier Latin is a popular student area in Paris. It lies on the left bank of the Seine River, and it's known for its artistic heritage and historic landmarks. The area is rich with student attractions, including the Musée de Cluny museum and Luxembourg Gardens. The Latin Quarter remains a major academic hub with institutions like Sorbonne University and Université Paris Cité, along with other universities and grandes écoles.
Le Marais
Le Marais, which extends across the 3rd and 4th arrondissements on the Right Bank, is known as a historic aristocratic district. This vibey student area has a wide range of attractions, including Musée Picasso, Carnavalet Museum, and Carreau du Temple. For students, one notable nearby institution is the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (CNAM), whose Paris campus is in the heart of the Marais.
Montmartre
Montmartre has that Bohemian atmosphere that attracts students who love art. It's located on a hill in northern Paris, and it has amazing bookshops such as Librairie des Abbesses and cinemas like Studio 28, the oldest avant-garde cinema in Paris. Also, the nearest major university is Université Paris Cité, which has various campuses within Paris.
Canal Saint-Martin
Canal Saint-Martin is known for its romantic and scenic canal with iconic iron footbridges, trendy cafes, and a hip, youthful vibe. Student attractions in the area include the cultural space Le CENTQUATRE, a large multidisciplinary arts centre with studios, performance spaces, and creative residencies. Furthermore, Several campuses of Université Paris Cité are accessible from Canal Saint-Martin with short metro rides.
Cost of Living in Paris
Your cost of living in Paris depends on several factors, including your lifestyle. According to Numbeo, a single person would need a monthly cost of 1,054.0€, excluding rent.
Housing
Item | Monthly Cost (€) |
1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 1,399.29 |
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 1,041.72 |
Groceries
Item | Monthly Cost (€) |
Fresh White 500 g Loaf of Bread | 1.70 € |
1 kg Tomatoes | 3.53 € |
1 kg Onions | 2.75 € |
1 L Milk | 1.37 € |
1 kg White Rice | 2.64 € |
12 Eggs | 4.59 € |
1 kg Local Cheese | 20.73 € |
1 kg Chicken Fillets | 13.13 € |
1 kg Oranges | 2.75 € |
1 kg Apple | 3.11 € |
Utilities
Item | Monthly Cost |
Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment | 228.76 € |
Mobile Phone Plan | 14.41 € |
Transportation
Item | Cost |
One-Way Ticket | 2.50 € |
Annual Student Travel Pass (The Imagine R Card) | €342 to €392.30 (including administrative fees) |
Transport & Connectivity for Students in Paris
Paris has one of Europe’s most efficient and well-connected public transportation networks, making it easy for students to move around the city.
Metro
The Paris Metro has 16 lines and over 300 stations, running daily from around 6:00 a.m. until midnight. It is fast, convenient, and budget-friendly. A single ticket costs about €1.90, but students can save with the Navigo pass. This rechargeable card offers unlimited travel across metro, bus, tram, and train lines within Paris and selected zones for around €30 per week or €75 per month.
Bus
The bus network covers both central Paris and the suburbs, with most routes running from 7:00 a.m. until late evening and night services via the Noctilien network. Bus tickets are integrated with metro and tram tickets, making travel flexible. Student discounts apply.
Trains (RER & Transilien)
The RER lines connect central Paris with the wider Île-de-France region, while Transilien trains run from major stations to farther suburbs. Tickets depend on the zones travelled, and students can benefit from discounted passes. For example, the Imagine R Card offers unlimited annual travel for students under 26 for €342 to €392.30 per year, which makes it ideal for daily commuting.
Walking
Paris is a very walkable city. Many attractions, cafes, and shops are easily accessible on foot, offering a healthy and eco-friendly way to explore charming neighbourhoods.
Top Student Attractions in Paris
Paris is full of vibrant spots where students can explore, study, and get inspired. The city’s museums, parks, and libraries make it easy to learn and unwind at the same time. Here’s a quick list of spots you shouldn’t miss while you’re in Paris:
Musée du Louvre: The Louvre is the world’s largest art museum, home to iconic works like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo. It’s not just for tourists; students can spend hours roaming its vast galleries for inspiration and study.
Centre Pompidou: Centre Pompidou is a modern-art centre that features the Musée National d'Art Moderne and the BPI public library. It’s a creative hub where students can browse cutting-edge art, read, or attend events.
Bibliothèque nationale de France (BnF): The BnF’s Richelieu site is perfect for studying or research with its 1,500-seat reading rooms, Wi-Fi, and a huge collection of books and manuscripts.
Panthéon: Panthéon is a striking neoclassical monument where many of France’s greatest thinkers are buried; you can also enjoy its panoramic view of Paris and reflect in its crypt or under the dome.
