Moving to France as an international student can be an exhilarating experience, filled with new opportunities and adventures. However, one of the first hurdles you’ll encounter is finding suitable accommodation in France.
Marseille, with its unique blend of Mediterranean charm, historical significance, and lively student scene, shines as an alluring destination for students worldwide, offering a one-of-a-kind experience.
This guide is designed to simplify your search for accommodation in Marseille, helping you find a place that meets both your needs and budget.
When to Start Searching for Accommodation?
Starting your search for accommodation in Marseille well in advance is crucial, particularly because of the high demand in popular student cities. This demand spikes notably during peak seasons, such as the summer vacation period. Many students are simultaneously searching for their new homes in preparation for the upcoming academic year starting in September.
By beginning your search several months prior to your move, you not only increase your chances of finding a suitable place that meets your preferences and budget but also avoid the intense competition.
Where to Live in Marseille?
Marseille is divided into various neighbourhoods. For students, certain neighbourhoods stand out for their affordability, proximity to universities, and vibrant student communities.
Here are some areas worth considering:
- Vieux-Port (Old Port): The historic heart of Marseille, known for its picturesque harbour, vibrant marketplaces, and lively cafes. It’s perfect for students who want to immerse themselves in the city’s culture and enjoy central living.
- Le Panier: Adjacent to the Vieux-Port, Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest quarter, brimming with artistic charm, narrow streets, and colourful buildings. It’s ideal for students looking for a quaint, culturally rich environment.
- La Timone: Home to several university hospitals and faculties, La Timone is a hub for medical and health science students. It offers convenient access to campus facilities and student-friendly housing options.
- Cours Julien: Known for its bohemian vibe, street art, and trendy cafes, Cours Julien is a popular spot among young people and students. It’s great for those who appreciate a vibrant nightlife and creative atmosphere.
- La Plaine: Close to Cours Julien, La Plaine is famous for its lively plaza, weekly market, and affordable eateries. It appeals to students seeking a dynamic neighbourhood with a strong community feel.
Assess Your Criteria
What Type of Property?
Determining what type of rental you need is crucial. Marseille offers a range of options to fit various budgets and preferences:
- Studios: Perfect for those who value privacy. These can range from affordable to luxury, depending on the location.
- Furnished Apartments: Ideal for those who prefer a hassle-free move. They’re more expensive but save on the cost of buying furniture.
- Student Residences: Managed by universities or private companies, offering a sense of community and often, lower prices.
- Host Families: A great option for immersing yourself in French culture and practising the language, usually with meals included.
Which Amenities?
Consider what is absolutely necessary for you to feel at home and what you can compromise on.
- Laundry Facilities: Is it essential to have laundry facilities in your building?
- Air Conditioning: How important is air conditioning for you?
- Parking: Will you need a designated parking spot near your place?
- Outdoor Space: Do you desire outdoor space like a balcony or garden?
- Storage Space: What’s your minimum requirement for storage space?
- Pet-Friendly: Is a pet-friendly environment necessary?
- Wi-Fi: What are your expectations for Wi-Fi speed and reliability?
- Furnishings: Would you prefer a furnished or unfurnished apartment?
- Accessibility Features: Are specific accessibility features (like elevator access) a requirement for you?
- Public Transport Access: How crucial is nearby public transportation for you?
- Noise Level: Do you prefer a quiet area or are you okay with some noise?
Assess Your Budget
Before diving into the search for your ideal accommodation in Marseille, it’s essential to assess your budget carefully.
Get an Estimate
Wondering how much does it cost to live and study in Marseille? Use our cost of living calculator to find out! Get an estimate here: https://gogofrance.com/en/cost-of-living-in-france-calculator/
Please note that estimates are based on averages, and your actual rent will vary depending on your location in Marseille, the duration of your contract, the size of the property, whether it is an old, new, or reformed property, among other factors.
Financial Aids
Many students can reduce their housing costs by receiving housing allowances from the government. As an international student with a long-term student visa, you might be eligible for housing assistance from the French government, managed by the CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales). This aid can significantly reduce your housing costs, making it a worthwhile option to explore.
Various types of housing financial assistance are available, such as APL, ALS, or ALF, and the amount of the allowance can vary. For a single person, the average monthly APL might be around €150 for ordinary rental situations.
Many factors impact the amount you will receive, but you can make a simulation here: https://wwwd.caf.fr/mesdemarches/faireunesimulation/lelogement
Find Accommodation in Marseille Without the Need for A Guarantor
One significant hurdle international students face when searching for accommodation is the requirement for a guarantor, coupled with the extensive paperwork involved. This requirement can be daunting, as it necessitates finding someone who is financially stable and willing to vouch for the student’s ability to pay rent, which is challenging for those without local contacts.
We have the solution for you! Go! Go! France partners with Uniplaces and HousingAnywhere, two of the best online marketplaces for booking student accommodation, to offer you a wide selection of options in France.
Uniplaces
Founded in 2012, Uniplaces has rapidly grown into a key player in the student accommodation sector, operating across major cities in Europe and facilitating online bookings. There’s no bureaucracy, no need for a guarantor, and Uniplaces provides multilingual support, a 24-hour move-in policy, an accuracy check for each listing, and an official prepaid accommodation certificate for those requiring a visa.
Discover superb furnished apartments, studios, shared houses and student residences for rent! Book your accommodation in Marseille 100% online with our accommodation finder here: https://gogofrance.com/en/accommodation-in-france/
HousingAnywhere
HousingAnywhere, launched in 2009, operates in over 125 cities across the United States and Europe. The platform ensures a streamlined booking process where payments are safeguarded until after the tenant moves in, providing a sense of security for both tenants and landlords.
Move in with confidence! HousingAnywhere’s tenant protection ensures a stress-free experience. Get help with last-minute issues, secure payments, and easy refunds if the place isn’t what you expected. Check more options in Marseille here: https://housinganywhere.com/
