Housing
Finding housing is an essential step in settling into student life, which may also involve dealing with the ups and downs of renting (administrative procedures, unexpected events, etc.). Below, you’ll find practical advice, information on budgeting, and details about available financial aid. Additional helpful resources are also available on the websites of higher education and housing organizations to support you every step of the way.
Please find here a guide with practical information on housing in Toulouse, co-written by the Crous social service and housing service, the University of Toulouse, Campus France and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) Toulouse.
Finding a Place to Live During Your Studies
Housing in university residence halls is a practical, affordable solution tailored to the needs of student life. Generally located near campuses, these accommodations are subject to certain conditions and are assigned based on social criteria. Various types of housing are available, ranging from single rooms to studio apartments and shared housing, which can be occupied by individuals or couples. Rent, which includes hot and cold water, electricity (except at the Les Humanités residence), heating, and internet access, is subsidized and can be viewed online.
The number of places available is limited. Non-French students must go through the international office of their university or via Campus France for Campus France scholarship holders to be assigned to Crous student housing. Please note that the international student prioritized are usually Erasmus students, Master’s level 2, and PhD students. For additional information or assistance with the application process, please contact the Crous.
Given this restricted and conditional access, it is essential to explore other housing options as early as possible to avoid complications once in Toulouse.
Private rental housing is a very common option for students, offering a wide variety of housing types:
- Studios
- Apartements
- Rooms
- Shared apartments
These housing options are offered either directly by private landlords or through real estate agencies, with rental terms that may vary depending on the listing. They allow you to freely choose your type of housing, location, and budget, depending on opportunities in the Toulouse rental market, which is particularly tight.
Please note: It is recommended that you remain vigilant when reviewing listings and prioritize reliable or verified sources to ensure a safe search.
To assist you in your housing search, the Welcome Desk offers resources and practical advice tailored to your needs.
In addition to university housing and the traditional rental market, several alternative options can meet the need for temporary, transitional, or short-term housing. These programs offer flexible solutions tailored to different situations, particularly when moving to the area, during a transitional period, or when the rental market is tight.
- Habitat Jeune Residences: These are furnished housing units intended for young people aged 16 to 30. They provide daily support as well as a communal living environment.
- Intergenerational Roommate Arrangements: A living arrangement between a student and a senior citizen. This program is based on mutual support and a friendly atmosphere, while offering affordable rent. Find out more about this program.
- Private Residences: Furnished housing with included services (common areas, amenities, support) is available in the private housing market. These are suitable for medium- or long-term stays, such as The Social Hub.
Budget your rental
When looking for housing, you should also assess your budget. Before you begin your search, it’s essential to plan for both the first month’s expenses and recurring costs. In addition to the first month’s rent, the first month generally includes:
- Security deposit: expect to pay 1 month’s rent for an unfurnished apartment—2 months for a furnished one
- Agency and application fees, if you’re working with an agency or certain student housing facilities
- Home insurance (discounted rates may be available for students)
- Setup costs (appliances, internet, furniture)
On a day-to-day basis, you’ll need to factor in rent, utilities (electricity, water, internet), and everyday living expenses (transportation, food, school supplies, leisure activities, etc.) to ensure long-term financial stability.
Financial aids for housing
To help offset the cost of housing, several forms of financial assistance may be available depending on your situation. The main ones are housing subsidies paid by the Caisse d'Allocation Familiale (APL, ALS, ALF), which are calculated based on the student’s housing, income, and personal circumstances. These benefits are paid monthly and must be applied for as soon as you move into your housing to avoid any delays in receiving them. Please note that non-EU/EEA international students who are not scholarship holders are not eligible for this housing aid.
Other programs can also make it easier to find housing, such as the Visale Guarantee, which acts as a guarantor free of charge for students ( subject to age and eligibility criteria) who do not have a guarantor, as well as relocation assistance offered by certain organizations. The Centre Régional d'Information Jeunesse (CRIJ) provides a list of available financial aid options.
In addition,TSE offers Toul’Box packs to support international students registering for international Master's degrees, to help them settle into life in Toulouse, particularly with finding housing and completing their first daily administrative tasks.
CONTACT
Accueil étudiants - Bâtiment TSE, Bureau T.035