The Best Places to Live in Paris as an International Student (Without Breaking the Bank)

Paris is a dream destination, but does it have to be expensive to live here as a student? Not at all.

If you’re studying online or working on a creative project and want to base yourself in Paris, the good news is: there are smart, affordable and community-driven ways to make it work.

The Reality of Student Accommodation in Paris

Paris is very charming, but for some it can also be expensive. For students, it may be a challenge to finding a room that:

  • Feels like home;
  • Encourages connection;
  • Fits your budget.

Traditional dorms often require you to study at a local university, which can be very expensive. Private rentals can be isolating, and also expensive. And many international students arrive without knowing where to start.

That’s where COMUNI steps in.

3 Smart Ways to Live in Paris on a Budget

Here are the most popular options students are using today to live affordably in the French capital:

  1. Coliving Spaces (Living with roommates): While it’s typically more expensive than student accommodation (dorms), coliving offers private rooms in shared homes designed for interaction. Think private bedroom + shared kitchen, lounge and work areas. Benefits include:
  • Lower costs than private rentals through shared utilities;
  • Instant social network;
  • Community-driven environment.
  1. Private Student Residences: These often include all-in-one packages: rent, internet, utilities, sometimes even meals. They’re convenient and often serve as co-living spaces for people who don’t study. They can be very affordable, while allowing you to meet and live with your peers.
  2. Affordable Neighborhoods: Beyond central Paris, districts like the 13th, 18th, 19th or towns just outside (e.g. Montreuil, Ivry-sur-Seine) offer:
  • Cheaper rents;
  • Quick, easy trips by metro, bus, or train;
  • Less touristy and calmer neighborhoods.

How COMUNI Simplifies the Housing Puzzle

COMUNI was built for students who want to study and live abroad and people studying online who want more than just four walls.

For accommodation, we’ve partnered with reputable housing providers in Paris. Here’s what we offer:

  • Flexible Living Options: Private and shared accommodations adapted to your needs — from short stays to full semesters.
  • Integrated Community Support: Unlike standard rentals, we give you an environment where you can thrive socially and emotionally.
  • Peer and Staff Support: Our team and members will help you integrate into Paris — and into our international community.
  • Visa and Onboarding Help: We guide you through the practical stuff so you can focus on what matters: living and learning.

Live the Parisian Life — Without the Stress

At COMUNI, we believe you should not have to choose between an enriching university experience and the flexibility and affordability of studying online. Our mission is to provide students with:

  • All the essential elements of traditional university life — community, enduring friendships, clubs, cultural groups, events, and more;
  • A practical and welcoming residence with a true sense of belonging;
  • A stable base from which to explore Paris and engage fully with its cultural and intellectual offerings;

Whether you are enrolled in remote courses, planning an academic break, or pursuing independent creative or entrepreneurial projects, COMUNI offers the community, structure, and support you need to thrive.