Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing Paris Student Accommodation
As an international student in Paris, finding the perfect accommodation is not always easy, especially when you don’t want to live on-campus or in university-managed private accommodations.
Navigating different real estate agents and landlords can be quite the task when you are not knowledgeable of Parisian rental laws or fluent in French. It is easy to make mistakes that may be quite costly to fix.
Not to worry. In this post, we will share some of the common mistakes you should avoid when searching for and renting private student accommodation in Paris.
Key Takeaways
If you’re choosing private rentals near your campus instead of university-managed accommodations, it’s important to avoid common mistakes international students make when trying to rent an apartment in Paris.
Some of the common student accommodation mistakes to avoid in Paris are not choosing the right location, renting from reputable property managers, ignoring hidden costs, and not setting a budget. These mistakes can cost you money and time and make it significantly harder to settle in immediately after arriving in Paris for your studies.
Student Luxe takes the stress out of finding and renting luxury student accommodation in Paris. This platform offers a wide range of apartments in the city's best arrondissements, close to different universities, and perfect for international students with affluent tastes. Explore the different accommodation options and see what’s included with every stay.
5 Common Student Accommodation Mistakes to Avoid
Here are five of the most common mistakes international students make when looking for luxury student accommodation in Paris.
1. Not Considering Proximity to Universities
One of the biggest mistakes students make when choosing accommodation in Paris is overlooking the importance of location. Paris may be a relatively small city, but commutes can still be long and exhausting, especially during rush hours.
If your apartment is far from your university, you could spend more time travelling than studying or enjoying the city. This is particularly important for international students attending prestigious universities such as Sorbonne University, HEC Paris, or ESCP Business School.
Living closer to your campus reduces commute time and allows you to fully take advantage of on-campus facilities, events, and networking opportunities. Proximity to key landmarks like Quartier Latin, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and central districts also means you'll be near cultural hotspots, cafes, libraries, and parks.
Some popular Paris neighbourhoods for students are Latin Quarter (5th Arrondissement), Le Marais (3rd and 4th Arrondissements), Canal Saint-Martin (10th Arrondissement, etc. Living in one of these areas keeps you closer to your university and immerses you in a true Parisian lifestyle.
2. Ignoring Budget and Hidden Costs
Another common mistake students make when choosing accommodation in Paris is not considering their full budget. It’s easy to focus on the monthly rent, but there are often additional expenses that can quickly add up.
While luxury student accommodation offers comfort and convenience, international students need to account for other living costs such as utilities, internet, and maintenance fees. These costs can vary depending on the area you choose, so it's important to have a clear understanding of all expenses before committing to an apartment.
In Paris, rent prices can differ significantly based on location, with central areas like Le Marais and Saint-Germain-des-Prés typically being more expensive. Therefore, it's essential to ensure that your chosen accommodation fits comfortably within your budget without compromising on essentials such as food, transportation, and social activities.
Luxury student accommodations often offer high-end amenities such as gyms, rooftop lounges, and concierge services, which are appealing but can increase the overall cost. Fortunately, luxury accommodations also offer all-inclusive packages that cover utilities, internet, and services, making it easier to manage your finances.
3. Overlooking Safety
Many international students, especially those unfamiliar with the city, might overlook this aspect in favour of aesthetic appeal or location convenience. However, it is important to ensure that your accommodation is situated in a secure, well-lit, and reputable area.
For international students attending prestigious schools such as HEC Paris or ESCP Business School, areas like Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Le Marais, or Latin Quarter are popular not only for their proximity to universities but also for their low crime rates and overall sense of security. Living in these neighbourhoods means you don’t have to worry about safety concerns.
Security Features to Look For in Student Accommodation
When choosing a safe neighbourhood, also ensure your accommodation is 100% safe. Many luxury student accommodations in Paris provide top-tier safety measures to offer students and their families peace of mind. Look for apartments that offer:
24/7 security personnel or concierge service
CCTV surveillance covering all entry points and common areas
Secure entry systems like key cards or biometric access
Well-lit premises and secured doors and windows
These features are especially crucial for students living alone or those returning home late after classes or social events.
4. Not Visiting the Property (or Virtual Tours)
One of the most significant mistakes students make when selecting accommodation in Paris is skipping the in-person visit or virtual tour. Whether you're moving from another country or already in Paris, seeing the property firsthand can give you a clearer understanding of the space, amenities, and overall vibe that photos alone can’t convey.
Other factors like the building's proximity to transport links, noise levels, and nearby conveniences can significantly affect your daily life, so it is important to inspect them before you move in. If you’re an international student unable to visit Paris before securing accommodation, taking a virtual tour is the next best option. Most luxury student accommodations now offer detailed virtual tours that allow you to explore the apartment and amenities in real-time. This ensures you can assess whether the space meets your standards, see room layouts, and get a better idea of the communal areas and facilities.
5. Not Researching Accommodation Reviews and Testimonials
Another common mistake international students make when selecting student accommodation in Paris is neglecting to read reviews and testimonials. Reviews from previous tenants can provide invaluable insights into the real experience of living in the property.
While a luxury student apartment may appear perfect in photos and descriptions, reviews often reveal details that might not be immediately visible, such as noise levels, management's responsiveness, or the quality of maintenance.
What to Look for in Reviews and Testimonials
When researching accommodation reviews, focus on key aspects such as:
Location: Are students happy with the proximity to their university and transport links?
Amenities: Are the amenities well-maintained and as advertised?
Management and Support: Is the property management responsive and helpful in addressing any issues?
Security and Cleanliness: How secure is the building, and are common areas kept clean and tidy?
By paying attention to these factors, you can avoid potential problems and ensure that the apartment meets your expectations. Student Luxe has the best reviews and online reputation as a luxury student accommodation provider in Paris. Explore past testimonials and find an apartment that meets your needs.
FAQs
What are the best neighbourhoods for students in Paris?
The Latin Quarter, Le Marais, and Canal Saint-Martin are popular among students. These areas are close to various universities, so students can enjoy short commutes to campus.
Is luxury student accommodation in Paris worth it?
Yes, if you value comfort, premium amenities, and location, it’s worth the investment. They offer more privacy, flexibility and space than on-campus or university-managed accommodations.
Wrapping Up
Some of the common student accommodation mistakes to avoid in Paris are not choosing the right location, renting from reputable property managers, ignoring hidden costs, and not setting a budget. Avoiding these mistakes ensures you get value for your money and settle in easier on your arrival in Paris.
You can find the most exclusive and authentic luxury student accommodation Paris has to offer on Student Luxe.
About Us
Student Luxe are the preferred choice for guests seeking superior comfort, flexibility & service for their studies - providing some of the most luxurious and private student accommodation Paris has to offer.
Most of these apartments are in the best parts of the city, with amazing on-site amenities and flexible booking perks.
If we can assist with your apartment search in any way, please let our experts know.
We look forward to hosting you soon.
