Where to stay in Lyon

Lyon is divided into 9 arrondissements, and includes in its periphery attached towns, such as Villeurbanne, Saint-Priest, Bron or Vénissieux.

The Lyon campus is located in the 7th arrondissement, and the nearest metro stop is Place Jean Jaurès (line B).

To live close to the campus, the preferred districts are the 7th, 8th and 3rd districts.

It's easy to get around Lyon by bike or on foot, and the public transport system (TCL) is very well developed. There's a metro, trams, buses, and bikes available for short trips (Vélov').

None of Lyon's neighborhoods are considered unsafe; however, it is important to be cautious when going out at night, to always take care of your belongings, and to be vigilant in all areas that attract large crowds (festivals, demonstrations, etc.).

When should you start looking for accommodation?

The logic is simple: most students vacate their accommodation at the end of June, and landlords don't like to lose the rents for July and August.

In fact, for a September start, the best time to begin your search is June. For a January start, it can be beneficial to begin your search in early to mid-November.

Note: the best accommodations usually go to students who can rent an apartment during the summer months; this is especially true for individual apartments. Therefore, it may be worthwhile to consider the financial commitment of renting an apartment in July or August.

A word of caution: housing scams

Unfortunately, housing scams are numerous every year.

In most cases, a person steals another person's identity and offers a property for rent to a foreign student.

It is very important, if you have any doubts, to contact emlyon's Housing Service before making any payment, providing photos of the exchanges and the housing advertisement. The slightest doubt is enough.

As a reminder, all real estate transactions are legally regulated; owners cannot legally make certain demands, such as paying several months' rent in advance.

Always contact the Housing department if you suspect anything.

A tool to help you see things more clearly: the Campus France Housing Checklist

Conclusion: Good research habits

To conclude,

Do not hesitate to contact the Housing department before concluding a dubious transaction;
start looking for accommodation BEFORE even having your visa or final acceptance to emlyon;
Preparing your rental application in advance of your search allows you to quickly position yourself on an apartment and increases your chances of getting it;
Be proactive and don't get discouraged: it's rare to get the first apartment we like, it's often necessary to see several before our application is accepted;
Where possible, considering shared accommodation or homestay increases the chances of finding a place quickly;
Faced with the Lyon real estate market, with few offers, always reconsider your search criteria!

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