Find an Apartment
With the spring semester coming to an end you may be ready to leave your apartment in May. Maybe Comforts of Home was a disaster, or you didn't appreciate the host family you live with going through your personal things, but outside of AUP's help finding an apartment in Paris can be difficile. As a third year AUP student, I have had my fair share of apartments, six to be exact. I've used various sites and have come up with a list of the best ones while looking for an apartment outside of the options AUP gives us. The long search of finding a home in the city of light is exhausting but worth it in the end. Having a studio, loft, or two bedroom apartment that you're proud to call home is crucial to your success as a student and your general well-being. When looking for a place in August, start as soon as possible and be sure to check this list out. Three words of advice are to be patient, respond to emails as soon as possible, and obviously visit the apartment before you sign a contract.
Lodgis
Image Credit: Shutterstock/cynoclub
Lodgis is an easy to navigate website with apartments for any budget and any research. From furnished rentals to unfurnished rentals, Lodgis truly has lots of apartments in their database. I worked with them once, and I appreciated the low agency fees and easy communications by email between the agents. They will ask for your enrollment certificate, your parent's income statements, passports of you and your parents, and a RIB. The only downside to Lodgis is the low apartment ratings and what seem to be hidden fees. When searching for an apartment be sure to read all the details, as general apartment taxes for garbage and such aren't included in the rent price listed in the search.
SeLoger
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SeLoger is a website that offers over one million listings in France. These accommodations are usually short and long-term subletting. There is sure to be a future home for you on this website. There are many search options including budget and neighborhood. Depending on the owner of the apartment the documents, monthly price, and security deposit are determined case by case. The good thing about this site is it can be easy to negotiate the price with an owner rather than an agency. Another tip, website is a lot easier to navigate the website and be in contact with owners si vous parlez français.
My Apartment In Paris
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Hung Chung Chih
As this is the apartment company I am currently using, I highly recommend them. Long-term furnished rentals starting with studios are well-equipped, clean, and exceed expectations. When signing a contract with My-Apartment-In-Paris they ask for an agency fee, security deposit, up to two months rent, standard documents as stated above, and residency papers. The process is easy and convenient, and they are always easy to contact by phone or email.
Pap
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Kalamurzing
This website has a database with millions of accommodations all over France for any search criteria. The highlights of this service is that there are usually no agency fees, because many owners are subletting, or are kind to students and willing to negotiate for those on a budget. The downside is the requirements of the subletter/renter are unknown until you make contact with the owner, which can be time-consuming and difficult if the owners don't speak English. For those who have pets or smoke in the home, this website is great to find an apartment, as owners are more flexible on these criteria, unlike agencies.
Appartager
Image Credit: Shutterstock/Kelsey Hayne
For those looking for roommates, Appartager is the site for you. Many people post availabilities in multiple bedroom apartments, this can be a private room or a shared room for rent. The great part about this is, for those striving to learn French, being in a home which speaks French will bring your level from beginner to expert in no time. Also, most things such as internet connection, furniture, taxes, and rules are included which makes the move an easy transition. The downside is, in my experience, the free account on the website is a bit difficult to manage and you will get LOTS of emails.
Bon courage!
