Housing
For students who are new to Paris, finding a place to live in France’s capital city can be both exciting and challenging.
While PCA does not provide on-campus housing, we have housing partnerships with student residences across Paris. Whether students wish to live in dormitory housing, in homestays or in independent apartments, individualized advice is given to both incoming and current students to secure housing and help facilitate settling in Paris.
We strongly encourage students to secure housing BEFORE arriving in Paris. Please note that if you need a visa to study in France you will be required to provide proof of housing in France when sending in your visa application documents. Before starting your search, you need to:
- Budget your search and determine how you will cover the rental costs
- Prioritize what you are looking for — housing type, location, size, cost, amenities, etc.
- Determine if you would like to live in a student residence or choose one of the other no-hassle options with the help of PCA, or if you would rather find your own apartment.
Housing Through PCA’s Partners
PCA partners with independently run student residences to offer a limited number of housing options. Accepted students will learn more about their choices during Student Life’s accepted student sessions. They’ll be notified when booking opens and can then do so directly through their accepted student portal. Please note that availability is limited and spots fill quickly.
Student Residencies
Fondation Etats-Unis - single rooms
Eligibility: available to students with American citizenship or have resided and studied in the US for at least one year. Additionally, you should have completed at least one year of college or university education.
15 Bd Jourdan, 75014 Paris, France
Move in date August 24, 2024
Move out date May 31, 2025
This is a contract for the full academic year, from August 24th, 2024 to May 31st, 2025 and you will be billed 9 months total, in two installments. Please note that there is no possibility of booking for one semester only.
Cost: 3850€ per semester
This price includes all utilities: gas, electric, internet.
Single rooms are available at the Fondation des Etats-Unis (FEU), located at Cité Internationale Universitaire (Cité U) in the 14th arrondissement, overlooking the Parc Montsouris. FEU is comprised of student rooms and communal spaces including four living rooms, kitchens, a computer room, a library and a laundry room. Living at FEU will give you will have the opportunity to mingle with international students attending different schools in Paris.
The Cité U campus includes a restaurant where you can eat a full meal for as little as 3,30€! There are sports facilities (water sports, dance, cardio fitness, etc.) that you can use starting at 100€ per year, as well as a theater, a library, and many cultural activities are organized throughout the year.
Commuting to PCA’s campus located at 241 Boulevard Pereire by RER takes about 45 minutes by RER and metro or 37 minutes by bike.
Joivy Asnières Coliving - shared apartments
Eligibility: all full-time students, regardless of program
108 avenue Henri Barbusse, 92600 Asnières sur Seine
Move in date: August 24, 2024
Move out date: May 10, 2025
There is no possibility for booking for only one semester.
Cost: Room with private bathroom (including toilet, sink and shower) 5990€ per semester
Room with shared bathroom (shared with 2 or 3 others, depending on apartment configuration)
5410€ per semester
This price includes all utilities (gas, electric, internet) and basic renter’s insurance. As well, your room comes with a set of bed linens, pillows, quilt, and a towel. Professional cleaning at the end of each semester is included in this price.
Joivy Coliving is an exciting new residence nestled in a vibrant and charming neighborhood. It boasts proximity to all essential amenities such as grocery stores, cafes/restaurants, and pharmacies, all within a mere 2-minute stroll from the Bois-Colombes train station.
Currently, commuting from Bois-Colombes to PCA at 241 Boulevard Pereire typically ranges between 35 to 45 minutes, depending on the time of day. However, come fall 2024, the extension of the RER E line from St. Lazare to Porte Maillot should significantly reduce travel time. Biking from the residence to PCA’s new location should take approximately 25 minutes.
You can choose between rooms with private bathrooms or those with shared bathrooms, all within apartments that boast fully equipped kitchens, dining areas, and communal living spaces. Additionally, residents have access to amenities including a large roof garden with lounge areas, a yoga room, laundry facilities, and a bike storage garage.
Living here means enjoying the privacy of your own space while sharing common areas within your apartment with fellow PCA students, fostering social connections. Furthermore, shared spaces such as the roof terrace and yoga room offer opportunities to interact with students from various schools across Paris, expanding your social network.
Virtual visits of sample apartments are available below.
Homestays
Homestay programs arrange for international students to live with local hosts/families during their studies. Living situations in homestay programs range from basic room-rental arrangements to complete immersion. In a homestay program, you will typically have your own room, but join the family for meals and take part in their normal daily routine. This option is ideal for students who wish to explore French culture first-hand while practicing their French language & cultural skills in an informal setting.
Accepted students can get in touch with our Student Life team if they’re interested in a homestay. Additional resources are also included in our accepted student Housing Guide.
Make Your Own Independent Accommodations
Students are welcome to pursue independent housing arrangements outside of PCA’s designated partners. However, securing an apartment in Paris can be a complex and time-consuming process, even for locals. While we cannot guarantee you’ll be approved for an apartment, we assist students in their search by offering resources such as a curated list of reputable rental agencies, guidance on necessary documentation, and assistance with French-language phone calls, should the need arise.
PCA Students Talk About Housing in Paris
PCA Students Talk About Housing in Paris
Housing and Neighborhood Guides
Paris-Pas-Cher: What Neighborhood Should You Live In?
Whether you are a new student or an oldie, these quick tips and hints should give you some insight into each arrondissement so you can find the best neighborhood suited for you.
Introducing the 17th Arrondissement
PCA is gearing up to move to a new campus in the 17th arrondissement, so it’s time to give you the scoop on the new neighborhood!