Contact us on WhatsApp: +33 6 95 73 52 90

Get cheap but healthy meals at student cafeterias in France

By Jean
Reading Time: 3 minutes
student cafeteria france

One of the practical concerns for students moving to France is finding affordable and convenient dining options. This is where the “Restaurant Universitaire” (RU) system, known as student cafeterias, comes into play. This article will explore how student cafeterias work, how much they cost, who can use them, and where they are located.

What is a Restaurant Universitaire (RU)

Restaurant Universitaire, commonly known as RU, is a student cafeteria system operated by the Centre National des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CNOUS) and its regional subsidiaries (CROUS). These student cafeterias provide affordable meals to students, ensuring they have access to nutritious food without straining their budgets.

student cafeteria france

How Does It Work

Student cafeterias operate similarly to traditional cafeterias but are designed specifically for students. They offer a variety of meals, including starters, main courses, and desserts. Typically, students can choose from several menu options daily, including vegetarian choices.

To use the services of a student cafeteria, students need a student ID or a card issued by CROUS. Some universities might have their own dining cards linked to the student cafeteria system. Payment is usually made using a rechargeable card, which can be topped up online or at designated machines within the university.

How Much Does It Cost

One of the main advantages of dining at a student cafeteria is the cost. The French government heavily subsidizes these meals, making them incredibly affordable. As of 2024, a typical meal at a student cafeteria costs around €3.30 for students. This price includes a main dish, a side (such as vegetables or rice), a dessert, and sometimes a starter. This is significantly cheaper compared to eating out at regular restaurants or even cooking at home in some cases.

Who Can Use Student Cafeterias

Student cafeterias are primarily designed for university students. Both local and international students enrolled in French higher education institutions can take advantage of these services. In some cases, student cafeterias may allow members of the public to dine, especially during off-peak hours or in smaller university towns. However, this is less common, and non-students might find the menu limited or the prices a bit higher than the student rate.

Where Can You Find Student Cafeterias

Student cafeterias are strategically located on or near university campuses across France. Major cities like Paris, Lyon, Marseille, and Toulouse have numerous student cafeterias to cater to their large student populations. Smaller cities and towns with universities also have student cafeterias, ensuring that students all over France have access to affordable meals.

You can find the nearest student cafeteria by checking the CROUS map here: https://www.crous-paris.fr/se-restaurer/carte/

student cafeteria france

Student Cafeteria vs. Cooking at Home

Choosing between student cafeterias and cooking at home depends on your priorities. Student cafeterias, costing around €3.30 per meal, offer affordable, balanced, and convenient dining, saving you time on meal prep and cleanup. They also provide a social environment to meet fellow students. Cooking at home might be slightly cheaper and allows for personalized meals, but it requires more time and effort for planning, shopping, and cooking.

Here are some delicious and affordable meals known for being favourites among students: https://gogofrance.com/en/blog/french-cuisine-for-students/

Tips for International Students

  1. Get Your Card Early: Ensure you obtain your student ID or CROUS card as soon as possible to start enjoying meals at student cafeterias.
  2. Explore Different Student Cafeterias: If you are studying in a large city, try different student cafeterias to find the one that best suits your taste and schedule.
  3. Learn Some French: Basic French phrases can be helpful when navigating the menu and communicating with the staff at the student cafeteria.

Student cafeterias are a fantastic resource for international students studying in France. They offer an affordable, convenient, and nutritious dining option that helps students manage their budgets and stay healthy. By taking advantage of the student cafeteria system, students can focus more on their studies and enjoy their time in France without the added stress of meal planning and budgeting.

Share this article

Go! Go! France

Search articles

Popular posts

DO YOU WANT TO LIVE AND STUDY IN FRANCE?

We at Go! Go! France are all about turning your dreams of living and studying in France into reality!

Go! Go! France Blog

Related articles

If you’re planning to learn French, there’s no better place to do it than in France itself. There are many benefits of learning French in France at a language school. The benefits of learning French in France 1. Qualified and experienced teachers French language schools in France employ instructors who are certified in teaching French...
Knowing how to greet people properly is essential—especially in French culture, where greetings go beyond simple words. They convey respect, familiarity, and social awareness. This guide will walk you through the most common French greetings and the appropriate gestures to accompany them. Introduction to French greetings In France, greetings are more than polite formalities—they’re social...
The summer sales (called soldes d’été in French) are the perfect time to save big on everything from fashion to home essentials—especially when you’re living on a student budget. Here’s your complete guide to making the most of the summer sales in France. Understanding how summer sales work in France The summer sales are official,...
Planning your move to France this summer? July and August are fantastic months to arrive, but they also bring a shift in rhythm across the country. While most services remain open, some operate on reduced schedules—especially in August. In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect so you can plan your arrival with...
Grandes Écoles in France are elite higher education institutions known for their academic excellence, selective admissions, and strong career outcomes. For international students, they offer a unique opportunity to study within one of the world’s most prestigious educational systems. What is a Grande École A Grande École is a top-tier higher education institution in France....

Contact us

Any questions? We are here to help