Student Accommodation Lyon

If you are looking for student housing in Lyon, then you've arrived at the right place. University Living is a trusted student housing platform. Here, we offer the best student housing platforms in all the major student cities in the world.

Finding student housing in Lyon requires a strategic approach and timely action. Lyon is an international student city that is home to some of the top universities in France. These centers of learning offer the best of academic life to French and other international students.

Top Demanded Student Housing in Lyon

Students in Lyon, France, can choose from various housing options. These include university halls, private student apartments, student housing or residences, and homestays. Each of these properties offers a unique experience with a wide range of furnished amenities. Students can choose to live in any of these properties based on their preferences and needs.

University Halls/Dorms

University halls in Lyon are managed by institutions like CROUS. These student residences offer affordable, furnished rooms with communal facilities. Students must book these properties as soon as they receive their offer letter due to the limited rooms available.

Private Student Apartments

Private student apartments in Lyon are self-contained units rented from private landlords or agencies. These are most suitable for students looking for an independent and private life. They vary in size and amenities, allowing students to choose accommodations that fit their lifestyle and budget.

Student Housing/Villages

In Lyon, several private individuals have established student housing/ villages. These student accommodations offer a wide range of housing options to university students. These include furnished studios, ensuites, and shared rooms. They are fully equipped with services like gyms, laundry facilities, and social events, providing a balance between community living and personal space.

Homestays

A lot of students in Lyon and other French cities consider homestays over other housing options. This is a good option to live with a local host family and immerse into the French culture. This option enhances language skills and provides a supportive, family-like environment.

About Lyon

Lyon is a popular city in France. It is the third largest city and second-largest urban area. The city is located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers and lies 391 km southeast of Paris. Since 2015, Lyon and 58 neighboring municipalities have formed the Metropolis of Lyon, an authority managing urban affairs, with 1,424,069 residents. It is also the prefecture of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region and the seat of the Rhône Departmental Council.

Lyon is an economic hub for banking, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, biotech, and software industries, particularly video games. A leading education center, it hosts nearly 200,000 students. Lyon is home to Interpol, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, and Euronews, and it is ranked a Beta city globally, second in France for livability by Mercer in 2019.

History of Lyon

In 43 BC, the Roman Senate established a settlement at the Saône and Rhône confluence for refugees expelled from Vienne. Named Colonia Copia Felix Munatia, later Lugdunum, it became Gallia Lugdunensis' capital and a Roman communications hub. Two emperors, Claudius and Caracalla, were born there.

Fernand Braudel, a French historian, highlighted Lyon’s historical significance as a counterbalance to Paris in French development from the Middle Ages to the Industrial Revolution. In the late 15th century, Italian merchants transformed Lyon into France’s economic hub, with its fairs and the Bourse reflecting bustling trade. The Renaissance silk trade further tied Lyon to Italy, influencing its architecture, literature, and book publishing, attracting figures like Maurice Scève and Luigi Alamanni.

Lyon faced turmoil during the St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre (1572) and the French Revolution (1793), where citizens supported the Girondins. Revolutionary forces besieged and devastated the city, but Napoleon later ordered its reconstruction, restoring its legacy.

Facts About Lyon

• Lyon was originally known as Lugdunum, and it was the capital of Gaul for over 300 years.
• The Lumière brothers invented filmmaking in Lyon in 1895.
• Lyon's Parc de la Tête d’Or was established in the same year as New York's Central Park and features one of the world's largest botanical gardens.
• In the first Michelin Guide, three of the five three-star restaurants were located within 30 minutes of Lyon.
• Lyon's UNESCO World Heritage sites span four distinct historical periods: Gallo-Roman, Renaissance, Industrial, and 19th century.
• Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of "The Little Prince," was born in Lyon.
• The city's unique "traboules" are hidden passageways once used by silk workers to transport fabrics.

Finest Areas for Students in Lyon

Villeurbanne

Villeurbanne is an excellent choice for students due to its proximity to Lyon. It is known for affordable housing and vibrant cultural scene. Key metro stations include Gratte-Ciel and Charpennes. Notable entertainment venues are the Théâtre National Populaire and Le Transbordeur. The area also offers various shopping centers and parks, enhancing student life.

Vieux Lyon

Vieux Lyon is the largest Renaissance district of Lyon. This UNESCO World Heritage site is renowned for its Renaissance architecture and rich history. It is situated between Fourvière Hill and the Saône River and includes three distinct sections: Saint Jean, Saint Paul, and Saint Georges. The area is famous for its "traboules," hidden passageways that connect streets through buildings, originally used by silk workers to transport fabrics. Notable landmarks include the Gothic-style Saint Jean Cathedral and the Museum of Miniatures and Film Sets.

La Part-Dieu

La Part-Dieu is primarily a business district and transportation hub. This neighborhood has evolved into France's second-largest business district after Paris's La Défense. The area is home to the La Part-Dieu shopping center, one of Europe's largest urban malls, featuring over 200 shops, numerous restaurants, and a cinema complex. The district also houses the Lyon Part-Dieu railway station, a major transit point connecting Lyon to various national and international destinations.

Ideal Cost of Living in Lyon

The estimated cost of living in Lyon for a student is €1,052/ month without rent. When considering the cost of living, students must check all the basic and additional facilities to make the best of their academic journey.

The tuition fee at the universities in Lyon can vary from €184 to €10,000/ academic year. The tuition fee can vary based on your nationality, course, and academic level. Students must visit the official website of the universities to check the tuition fee in Lyon.

The accommodation rent in Lyon can range from €620 to €1,400/ month. Student accommodation near universities and Lyon city center have higher rent compared to those on the outskirts.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the estimated cost of living in Lyon.

1. Tuition Fee: €184 to €10,000/ academic year
2. Accommodation Rent: €1,052/ month
3. Food and Groceries: € 200 to € 350/ month
4. Utilities (Gas and Electricity): €100 to €150/ month
5. Internet and Mobile Phone: €30 to €50/ month
6. Dining Out: €100 to €180/ month
7. Laundry: €30 to €40/ month
8. Stationery and Textbooks: €30 to €50/ month.
9. Clothing and Leisure: €100 to 120/ month
10. Public Transportation: €25 to €50/ month

Tourist Attractions in Lyon

Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière

Perched atop Fourvière Hill, this basilica offers panoramic views of Lyon. Its intricate architecture and mosaics reflect a blend of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, making it a significant religious and cultural landmark.

Vieux Lyon (Old Lyon)

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Vieux Lyon is renowned for its Renaissance architecture, narrow cobblestone streets, and "traboules"—hidden passageways once used by silk workers. It's a vibrant area filled with boutiques, cafes, and museums.

Parc de la Tête d'Or

Spanning 117 hectares, this urban park features a large lake, botanical gardens, a zoo, and expansive green spaces. It's a favorite spot for both locals and tourists seeking relaxation and recreation.

Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon

Housed in a former Benedictine convent, this museum boasts an extensive collection of artworks, including paintings, sculptures, and antiquities from ancient Egypt to modern art, making it one of France's premier art museums.

Traboules du Vieux Lyon

These secret passageways, unique to Lyon, weave through buildings and courtyards, connecting streets. Originally used by silk weavers to transport goods, they now offer visitors a glimpse into the city's historical architecture and urban design .

Universities in Lyon

Lyon is home to some of the most prestigious universities in Europe and France. These great institutions are known for their quality education, dual-language programs, and unique teaching style. These institutes have a higher acceptance rate as compared to other top universities in Europe.

1. Catholic University of Lyon 

Université Catholique de Lyon (UCLy) is a private institution located in Lyon, France. UCLy offers a diverse range of programs across disciplines such as theology, law, humanities, and science. It emphasizes a global perspective, fostering international partnerships and student exchanges. The university is committed to academic excellence and ethical values, providing a supportive environment for both personal and professional development.

2. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon)

École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS de Lyon) is a prestigious French grande école renowned for its excellence in education and research. The institution operates two main campuses: Descartes Campus and Monod Campus. ENS de Lyon offers a variety of esteemed programs, including Advanced Economics, Computer Science, and Advanced Mathematics.

3. National Institute for Applied Sciences, Lyon

The Institut National des Sciences Appliquées de Lyon (INSA Lyon) was stablished in 1957. It is one of Europe's largest engineering schools. It offers a comprehensive range of programs, including over 1,000 engineering degrees annually, alongside master's and PhD courses. INSA Lyon emphasizes a fully integrated approach to education, research, and innovation, with 23 laboratories addressing five societal challenges. The institution maintains over 200 international partnerships, fostering a global academic environment.