Reims Overview
Reims is a historic French city best known for the Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral, where French monarchs were traditionally crowned. Located in the heart of the Champagne region, the city combines heritage, culture, and modern student life, making it an increasingly popular choice for international students.
Reims is home to several respected institutions, including the University of Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA), the Sciences Po Reims campus, which serves as one of Sciences Po’s international and interdisciplinary hubs, and NEOMA Business School, one of France’s top Grandes Écoles. These institutions attract students specialising in political science, international relations, business, management, and engineering.
Beyond academics, the city stands out for its Art Deco architecture, walkable streets, lively food scene, and cultural events. Reims offers a balanced lifestyle that is calm, safe, affordable, and well-connected to Paris by high-speed train.
If you are preparing to study in Reims and need help with accommodation, Casita makes the process straightforward. You can compare and book verified student housing in Reims and receive full support to find a place that suits your needs.
Top Reims Universities
1) Université de Reims Champagne-Ardenne (URCA)
URCA is a major public university. According to Times Higher Education (THE), URCA welcomes over 25,000 students, including approximately 11% international students. Recognised as a key research institution in the Grand Est region, it is particularly strong in Agro-sciences, Bioeconomy, and Biotechnology, supported by several specialised research centres. Moreover, URCA maintains a solid academic presence in Eastern France and offers a broad range of programmes across science, health, law, economics, and humanities.
2) NEOMA Business School
NEOMA is a top-tier business school and a major draw for international students, with a student population of approximately 9,500, of whom 29% are international. Its Master's in Management regularly features among the top programmes worldwide, ranking 34th globally in the 2025 Financial Times Master's in Management ranking. It also ranks impressively at #66 globally in the QS Business Master's Rankings 2026 for its Master's in Management.
3) Sciences Po (Reims Campus)
The Reims campus of Sciences Po is housed in a restored 17th-century Jesuit college and hosts around 1,600 students, nearly half of whom are international. As part of the wider Sciences Po network, the institution ranks #367 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and is consistently placed among the world’s top universities for Politics and International Studies (QS 2025: #4 globally).
Student Accommodation in Reims
Student accommodation in Reims is diverse and generally easier to secure. Options range from modern private studios in the city centre to affordable shared apartments near campuses. Prices are competitive, often starting from around €420 per month.
Best Student Accommodation in Reims
Affordable Student Accommodation in Reims
Best Areas for Students in Reims
Reims is compact, so most areas are well-connected and easy to navigate, but each neighbourhood has a distinct personality. Here are the top spots to live:
1) Centre-Ville (City Centre)
This is the heart of the action, perfect for students who want to be steps away from shops and nightlife. The area is known for the Place Drouet-d'Erlon, a pedestrian hub filled with cafes and restaurants. Key attractions include the Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Museum of Fine Arts. It’s ideal for students at NEOMA (accessible by tram) or those who want a vibrant urban lifestyle.
2) Saint-Remi
Located slightly south of the centre, this is a quieter, more historic district with a relaxed atmosphere. It is famous for the Basilica of Saint-Remi and the nearby Parc de Champagne. It is home to the Sciences Po campus, making it the number one choice for students studying there who want a short morning commute. Student attractions in the area include Musée Saint-Remi, which covers the history of the Reims region from prehistory up to the Renaissance (around 1530).
3) Croix-Rouge / Université
This is the main student district, situated to the southwest. It is known for its affordability and practical convenience rather than tourist sights. It houses the main URCA Campus and faculties like Law, Letters, and Economics. Additionally, the neighbourhood has excellent tram connectivity to the centre and offers the best value for money on rent.
Cost of Living in Reims
Reims is a fairly cheap place to live in France, according to Numbeo, allowing for a comfortable student budget. On average, a single person might spend around €800-€900 per month, excluding rent, though frugal students can manage on less.
Housing
Item | Monthly Cost (€) |
1 Bedroom Apartment in City Centre | 587.50 € |
1 Bedroom Apartment Outside of City Centre | 524.00 € |
Groceries
Item | Monthly Cost (€) |
Fresh White 500 g Loaf of Bread | 1.00 € |
1 kg Tomatoes | 3.33 € |
1 kg Onions | 1.40 € |
1 L Milk | 1.03 € |
1 kg White Rice | 1.77 € |
12 Eggs | 2.60 € |
1 kg Local Cheese | 14.50 € |
1 kg Chicken Fillets | 12.75 € |
1 kg Oranges | 2.33 € |
1 kg Apple | 2.33 € |
Utilities
Item | Monthly Cost |
Basic Utilities for 85 m2 Apartment | 174.85 € |
Mobile Phone Plan | 23.99 € |
Transportation
Item | Cost |
One-Way Ticket | 2.02 € |
Annual Student Pass | 200.00€ |
Transport & Connectivity for Students in Reims
Reims has a clean and efficient public transport network operated by Citura, making car ownership unnecessary for students.
Tram:
The tramway is the backbone of the city, with distinctive colourful trams. It connects the high-speed train station, the city centre, the hospital, and the main university campus. It runs frequently and generally covers a broad span of the day.
Bus:
A comprehensive bus network covers the areas the tram doesn't reach, including the suburbs and industrial zones. Buses are reliable and use the same ticketing system as the tram, allowing for easy transfers.
Trains:
Reims has two train stations: Reims Centre and Champagne-Ardenne TGV. The TGV puts you in Paris in just 45 minutes and at Charles de Gaulle Airport in 30 minutes, which is a massive plus for international students.
Walking:
The city centre is very compact and pedestrian-friendly. Most students find they can walk between the station, the shops, and the restaurants in the Place Drouet-d'Erlon area with ease.
Top Student Attractions in Reims
Reims is a city of art, history, and obviously, champagne. Here are the spots you need to know:
Notre-Dame de Reims Cathedral: This Gothic giant is where a number of kings of France were crowned. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site that’s perfect for showing visitors around.
Carnegie Library: Built with funds from Andrew Carnegie after WWI, this Art Deco masterpiece stands out architecturally. It’s a quiet haven with stunning stained glass.
Basilica of Saint-Remi: Slightly older than the cathedral, this Romanesque beauty holds the tomb of St. Remi. It’s located in a quieter part of town and is often less crowded than the main cathedral.
Palais du Tau: Located right next to the cathedral, this was the palace of the Archbishop and the residence of kings during coronations.
Parc de Champagne: This massive park was formerly part of the Pommery estate and is the go-to place for student picnics, jogging, or just reading in the sun.
Champagne Taittinger Cellars: Descend into Taittinger’s chalk caves (some dating back to Roman times) and explore Reims’ underground champagne heritage, a fascinating slice of history just beneath the city streets.
