Student Housing Crisis: What Assistance Does Crous Offer and How to Apply?

After high school or during vocational training, many students move away from their family home to pursue their studies and require student housing. Each year, well before the academic year begins, the search for student housing intensifies in major cities, particularly at the start of summer, although May is often the ideal time. Some apply for a place in a Crous residence (Regional Centre for University and School Works), while others opt for private housing or student shared apartments. However, finding affordable, decent housing can be challenging. What financial aids are available to students? Here are answers and practical advice regarding student housing.

What Type of Housing Is Available for Students?

Several housing options are suitable and accessible for students:

• Crous university residences
• Private student residences
• Studios
• One-room apartments
• Shared housing
• Intergenerational living
• Student hostels
• Social housing or young workers’ hostels

What are the Housing Aids for Students?

The Family Allowance Fund (Caf) and Action Logement offer financial housing aids to students based on the type of housing chosen and the student’s family situation. These aids are paid either directly to the landlord or to the student.

• Social housing allowance (ALS) for single students or couples without dependents. It is generally granted when the student is ineligible for ALF or APL.
• Family housing allowance (ALF) for single students or couples with dependents (in mainland France or overseas territories),
• Personalized housing assistance (APL) for students without dependents, single or in a couple, living in a regulated accommodation.
• Mobili-Young aid for young workers under 30 in an apprenticeship contract.

What are the Conditions to Qualify for Student Housing Aid?

To qualify for housing aids next academic year, four criteria must be met:

• Be a French or foreign student with a valid residency permit.
• Rent a decent housing (meeting minimum surface and comfort criteria and not jeopardizing the tenant’s safety and health).
• Not have a familial relationship with the housing’s owner.
• Possess income (salary, student scholarship, alimony…) below a certain threshold.

What Procedures and Documents Are Needed for a Student Housing Aid Application?

If you’ve secured your future student housing and just received the keys to your first apartment, it’s time to prepare the necessary documents for your housing aid application with the Caf or Action Logement, depending on your situation. You will need to present: the rental agreement or lease, a RIB (bank details), the parent’s beneficiary number (and their Caf affiliation if they are beneficiaries), as well as the landlord’s details, and the rent amount. If you lack a guarantor, the Student Rental Deposit (or Visale) can assist students: it’s a state-guaranteed deposit.

How to Determine Eligibility for Housing Aid

To simulate housing aid, visit the Caf website, under “Aids and Procedures” then “Housing”, to estimate the amount you could receive. The calculation takes into account the rent amount and the geographical location of your future apartment, as well as your income and family situation. Note that parents’ income is not considered in the housing aid calculation for the student. However, it is advisable for parents to calculate whether it’s more beneficial to keep their child as a dependent during tax declarations, to avoid losing family benefits.

How to Obtain Crous Social Student Housing?

In France, students can access social housing in a university residence managed by Crous. Crous housings are available to students under income conditions. Generally, the criteria are the same as those for calculating the student scholarship, applicable to students with low income. To apply for a Crous housing, the prospective tenant must create a Student Social File (DSE) on the website messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr, check the box “I request housing”, and submit it. If you are not yet registered on this site, the first step is therefore registration.

How to Apply for a Student Scholarship?

To apply for a student scholarship, you need to do so on the website messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr. For the academic year 2023-2024, applications must be submitted by May 31, 2023. Students must request a Student Social File (DSE).

If you are registered on Parcoursup, you automatically have an account, and you just need to access it using your email and password. If not, you must create one by entering your National Student Identification (INE) number found on your student card or on the confirmation printout of your high school diploma registration. Then, you just need to add to your DSE, a copy of your 2022 tax notice on income received in 2021 and that of your parents. You also need to upload digital versions of your proof of enrollment, and those of your siblings if they are also students. Other documents may be requested depending on your situation. Click on the link to test your eligibility for a student scholarship.