How to choose your city for higher education in France?

Choosing your city of study is an important decision, especially when you come from abroad. France has more than 40 major university cities, all different in terms of atmosphere, costs, and opportunities. Here are the essential criteria to take into account before making your choice.

1. Evaluate the cost of living

Budget is often the first criterion for an international student. The cost of housing, transport, and food varies greatly from city to city.
Paris remains the most expensive, with high rents (800 to 1200€ for a studio).
Lille, Nantes or Toulouse offer a good balance between quality of life and moderate cost (500 to 700€).
Dijon, Clermont-Ferrand or Poitiers are among the most affordable, ideal for a small budget.
Tip: consult housing benefits (CAF, APL) and CROUS student housing before you arrive.

2. Check academic reputation

Some cities are recognized for the quality of their establishments:
Paris is home to prestigious colleges and universities (Sorbonne, Sciences Po, Dauphine).
Lyon and Grenoble are renowned for their scientific and engineering courses.
Toulouse is a reference for aeronautics and digital technology.
Montpellier and Strasbourg stand out for their training in health and law.
Choose a city that corresponds to your field of study and to the recognition of the diploma in your country of origin.

3. Think about student life and the climate

The ambiance of the city is as important as the studies.
If you want a dynamic and cultural atmosphere, opt for Paris, Lyon or Toulouse.
For a quieter and more friendly city, prefer Rennes, Angers or Dijon.
The south of France (Nice, Montpellier, Marseille) offers a sunny climate and a relaxed atmosphere.

4. Consider professional opportunities

Some cities offer more opportunities for internships or work-study programs:
Île-de-France concentrates the majority of company headquarters and internships.
Lyon, Toulouse and Nantes are developing rapidly in the tech, commercial and industrial sectors.
Average student areas may offer fewer local opportunities, but a more balanced living environment.

5. Check transport and mobility

Choose a well-served city: trains, metro, tram, bike paths...
Large cities such as Lyon, Lille, Rennes or Bordeaux have efficient transport and advantageous student subscriptions.
Tip: if you plan to travel often (family, internship, weekend), choose a city close to an international airport.

6. Take into account your community and your adaptation

Living abroad can be a challenge. Some cities have strong communities of international students, which makes it easier for you to integrate.
Paris, Montpellier and Toulouse welcome the most foreign students.
Angers, Nantes and Rennes offer a more family friendly and reassuring environment for a first experience.

7. Visit or find out before you leave

Before choosing, participate in student forums, check out videos on YouTube, or join student groups on social networks (WhatsApp, Facebook).
You will be able to exchange directly with students already on site and have a more realistic vision of daily life.

In summary

The choice of city depends on three main factors:

• Your budget
• Your academic and professional project
• Your lifestyle and your level of adaptation
• Take the time to compare several cities, and don't hesitate to ask advice from students who are already living in France.