Erasmus, WEP, EF - names that have a great ring to those who dream of studying abroad.
New lifestyle, time-zone, language, all these reasons that push young people to chase this dream do not always keep their promises. Especially when housing issues appear.
Language barriers, missing guarantors, laborious procedures, numerous are the obstacles that make foreign students struggle to find a flat.
From the renting file to the guarantee, here are our 5 tips for finding accommodation in France.
#1 Plan your budget
Before you start looking for an apartment, you need to know how much you will be able to spend. Beyond the rent, other expenses have to be considered. If you use an estate agency you will have to take into consideration the cost of this service.
Luckily, in France, we have financial aid from benefits agencies.
However, it is important to request them in advance to receive your aid when the first month's rent is paid. Depending on the region in which you are located, these aids can vary. You can plan how much aid you can have with a simulation process on the sites of the benefits agencies (CAF, CROUS).
About the guarantor, no matter who you choose: your expatriate uncle, your sister or an old friend of your parents, you must keep in mind that your guarantor must live in France.
#2 Being aware of student accomodation
Student housing offers many advantages: furnished accommodation, new friendships, easier integration.
Starting a new life away from home is not easy. Being surrounded by other students is a good way to avoid loneliness. If this solution appeals to you, you have to plan it early since rooms are limited... Go to étudiant.gouv to learn more about this process.
Even if you cannot choose your furniture, you will have the right to choose plenty of new friends.
#3 Being aware of the location
You dream of an apartment that will make you feel fully independent, but you don't know about the city? Several criterias have to be taken into account.
The distance from your school, the security of the neighbourhood, the proximity of shops, public transportation are important points that must be taken into account.
If you are lucky enough to know another student to guide you in your research, go for it.
Ask him or her about the best place to live, places to avoid or hang out. This will make your research easier and probably helps you to avoid unpleasant surprises.
#4 Prepare your rental file
A rental file that maximizes the chances of your application is clean and tidy.
Prepare it in advance to be able to provide it immediately when you meet the landlord. You will prove your organisation and seriousness, qualities that will put your application at the top of the list.
You don't have a guarantor in France? Don't panic, Cautioneo will act as guarantor for you and help you obtain the best rental file.
The advantages of Cautioneo? All your income streams are taken into account even if they come from abroad. Test your eligibility in 3 minutes on their site.
If you are lost between your papers don’t panic, Cautioneo have prepared for you several articles to create the perfect renting application.
#5 Know your rights and duties towards your landlord
Since changing countries also implies changing regulations, you must find out about your obligations as a tenant.
On the other hand, you should also be informed of what the landlord can expect from you or not to avoid disputes.
A peaceful relationship requires transparency.
