Be careful: you cannot change residence after a week upon arrival (you would loose your deposit and 1 month notice is needed).
IMPORTANT: although we do our best to help you book a room, the contract will be between you and the private residence provider, and it is thus your responsibility to make sure the booking is finalized. All of your exchanges regarding housing matter must be between you and the residence. Our office isn't able to interfere in the process.
ACCOMODATION ON YOUR OWN
Saint-Etienne offers a variety of housing options, at both public and private student residences.
You can of course decide to rent a flat on your own to a private landlord, but note that you'll have to deal with the administrative process on your own: we won't be able to help you find and contract an apartment or deal with any issues arising from this contract, which can be complicated if you don't understand any French.
If you wish to explore options before committing to a room, you can stay in an hotel or AirBnB for a few days upon your arrival.
IMPORTANT TIPS & CONSIDERATIONS
Housing allowance:
As an international student enrolled in a Higher Education Institution in France, you are eligible for the housing allowance called "APL", generally around 160€ for a studio and 100€ for a room (the amount depends on each particular situation). The APL, if granted, is calculated from the date of deposit of your application at the CAF ("Caisse Allocations Familiales") and paid monthly on your French bank account (so you'll need to open a French bank account).
A translated and certified copy of your birth certificate (in French) will be required to deposit your student housing allowance application. This can be done in France upon arrival.
Note that the final decision to grant this financial aid belongs to the French administration, depending on several criteria.
Arrival expenses:
When you first arrive and move in to your new place, there will be several one-time expenses: security deposit, registration fees, home insurance, and perhaps several installation costs. We advise you provision at least 1000 € for housing expenses during your first week here. IWe also advice to
not arrive on a Sunday as ther will be no help desk open, and residence offices and stores will be closed whereas you may need to shop (no bed linen in some residences). Shops are closed on Sundays in France.
Home insurance:
You are required to suscribe to a home insurance when you rent in France (about 7 to 10 € à month). The home insurance can be contracted from our banking partner upon arrival in France.
