> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://imapp.nicolaiweitkemper.de/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://imapp.nicolaiweitkemper.de/france/accommodation-in-france.md).

# Accommodation in France

## CROUS

* [CROUS](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Centre_r%C3%A9gional_des_%C5%93uvres_universitaires_et_scolaires) (*centres régionaux des œuvres universitaires et scolaires*) are regional organizations providing accommodation and student restaurants, among other services
* On [trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr](https://trouverunlogement.lescrous.fr/), one can apply for a student residence
* [This guide](https://www.crous-clermont.fr/etudes-internationales/se-loger-en-france/je-suis-etudiant-international-en-mobilite-individuelle-et-demande-un-logement-au-crous-clermont-auvergne/) details the necessary steps
* **However:** The application process has two phases, and as an international student, you can ([most likely](https://www.etudiant.gouv.fr/fr/logement-pour-les-etudiants-internationaux-193)) only apply during the second phase – this makes it unlikely for you to get a place
  * In 2023, *no* accommodation was available at the start of the second phase
  * Only *once*, from August 26th–29th, there was *one* room offered
* You might have better chances if you [contact CROUS Clermont](https://www.crous-clermont.fr/contacts/logement-et-vie-en-residence/) instead of relying on their website
* It has been tried to reserve CROUS accommodation for IMAPP students, but as of 2023, to no avail
* Other possibilities are outlined [here](https://www.crous-clermont.fr/etudes-internationales/se-loger-en-france/)

## Companies

### Mediation

* [Studapart](https://studapart.com/)
  * ✅ some of us have used [this](https://www.studapart.com/en/property/8521fc52-f5a5-44fc-af53-d7e64e3717c3)
* [OQORO](https://oqoro.com/)
  * ✅ some of us have used [this](https://www.oqoro.com/colocation/clermont-ferrand/80-boulevard-lafayette-dc45c296)
  * French user interface
  * Allows multiple people to apply for a flat together, but everything else is handled separately
  * Slow to respond via e-mail
  * Might call you instead of replying to your e-mails
  * 24h deadline to sign the rental agreement (including the guarantor, if applicable)
  * You'll need to schedule an appointment with a *city manager* to move in
    * It can be before the rental contract starts (?)
* [Lokaviz](https://www.lokaviz.fr/)
  * A CROUS service that arranges private accommodation
* [Leboncoin](https://www.leboncoin.fr/v/clermont-ferrand_63000/colocations)
  * General-purpose platform for classified ads
* [Appartager](https://www.appartager.com/colocations/puy-de-dome/clermont-ferrand)

### Commercial providers of student residences

* [StudCity](https://www.studcity-clermont.com/)
* [Les Estudines](https://www.estudines.com/uk/)
  * ✅ some of us have used [this](https://www.estudines.com/uk/student-housing-clermont-ferrand/george-sand-residence)
* [Les Belles Années](https://www.lesbellesannees.com/residence-etudiante-clermont-ferrand/)

### Search engines

* [ErasmusPlay](https://erasmusplay.com)

## Guarantors

* [Visale](https://visale.fr/)
  * Free offering by the state of France
  * Might insist on a *French* [certificate of enrollment](https://github.com/NicoWeio/IMAPP-Wiki/blob/main/France/Certificates.md)
    * You probably won't have that until the semester starts!
* [Garantme](https://garantme.fr/)
  * ✅ some of us have used this
  * Commercial guarantor
  * Roommates can be added to the contract for free
  * The contract is for a year, but if you cancel, you get the money for the remaining months back (minus €70) [¹](https://help.garantme.fr/en/guaranteetransfer)[²](https://help.garantme.fr/en/how-do-i-cancel-my-guarantee)
  * Comfortable English user interface
  * Might call you if you don't respond
* [SmartGarant](https://www.smart-garant.com/)
* Private guarantors
  * Must live in France!
  * In the past, certain French professors have volunteered to be guarantors for IMAPP students
* By the rental platform
  * Studapart offers the [*Studapart guarantee*](http://help.studapart.com/en/articles/3010730-what-is-the-studapart-guarantee-and-how-can-i-get-it)

## Insurances

{% hint style="info" %}
Though some providers might handle this for you, having a home contents insurance (or however you call it) is mandatory in France.
{% endhint %}

* [Lovys](https://www.lovys.com/fr/en)
  * ✅ some of us have used this
  * cooperate with Garantme (1st month free)

***

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Open questions**

* Are we elegible for [CAF (housing aid)](https://www.caf.fr/allocataires/caf-de-loire-atlantique/offre-de-service/logement/etudiant/student-housing-aid)?
  * Seems to be 𝒪(50€/mo)
    {% endhint %}