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 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.
Joivy Asnières Coliving - shared apartments
Eligibility: all full-time students, regardless of program
108 avenue Henri Barbusse, 92600 Asnières sur Seine
Cost: Prices per semester for 2025/26 for room with private bathroom (including toilet, sink and shower) and for room with shared bathroom (shared with 2 or 3 others, depending on apartment configuration) can be found on the Accepted Student Portal.
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. With the recent extension of the RER E line from St. Lazare to Porte Maillot, students can now take line J to St. Lazare, with an estimated travel time of 30 minutes. 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 allows you to enjoy the privacy of your own room while sharing common areas both within your apartment and throughout the building, including inviting spaces like the rooftop terrace and yoga room. You may be placed in an apartment with other PCA students and/or with students from a variety of schools across Paris. This setup offers a unique opportunity to make new friends and expand your community and support network in a new city.
Virtual visits of sample apartments are available below.
PCA Students Talk About Housing in Paris
Paris College of Art Students at Joivy Coliving Asnières
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.
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!