What is CROUS?

Studely
December 4, 2025

The CROUS was set up to improve the living conditions of students and to help them succeed in their studies. Present throughout France, the services offered by this organization may vary from region to region.

CROUS's areas of intervention

While the CROUS is more connected to university housing, the Regional Center for University and School Works has several areas of activity.

The main activities of CROUS:
University housing management: CROUS is responsible for the management of university housing for students. We are talking about university residences, apartments or even university cities.

  • University catering: The organization is responsible for offering meals at advantageous prices for students in university restaurants.
  • Social and cultural assistance: Students benefit from financial and social assistance and from scholarships distributed on social criteria. The CROUS is also responsible for organizing cultural activities for students.
  • Student orientation: The CROUS helps students in finding information, in the orientation of their choice of studies and in the search for an internship or a job.

    • FAQ: frequently asked questions about CROUS

    Can foreigners benefit from student housing through the CROUS?
    Like the French, foreigners can also benefit from all the services offered by CROUS, including housing.

    Can I apply for accommodation at CROUS even if I have not yet arrived in France?
    Yes, applying for accommodation at CROUS either in France or from your country of origin.

    How can I apply for housing at CROUS?
    It's simple, all you have to do is send an accommodation request to CROUS, which is located in the region you are interested in. This request is often in the form of a simple form to be filled out and returned with any documents requested by post to the address of the CROUS concerned.

    I don't yet know in which city I am going to study, do I have to wait until I get an acceptance from an institution to apply for housing at CROUS?
    No, it is a mistake not to be made. We advise you to send housing applications to CROUS, which are located in cities whose establishments you think you have accepted.

    Do I have to wait until I arrive in France to be able to apply for housing via the CROUS?
    No, you can apply from your country of origin.

    How do I apply for housing at CROUS?
    You can send your request to CROUS located in the department you are interested in. In most cases, you will have to fill out a very simple form and return it to the postal address of the center with the documents that you may have been asked to attach.

    For more information on CROUS housing, go to the Études en France platform.

    Studely
    December 4, 2025

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