Student flatshare in Lyon: the complete guide to good accommodation
Lyon, a dynamic student city: why it appeals to flatmates
As the capital of the Lyon metropolitan area, the city attracts thousands of students every year thanks to its wealth of higher education, the quality of its living environment and its efficient public transport system. Student accommodation is in high demand, particularly in areas such as Villeurbanne, Croix Rousse and the city center.
Given the demand, student flatsharing is a practical solution for finding affordable, well-located and often furnished accommodation. Sharing an apartment means lower rent, while enjoying a more comfortable space: kitchen, bathroom, even balcony or garden, depending on the situation.
Lyon combines dynamism, world heritage, a rich cultural life and a friendly atmosphere. These are just some of the reasons why so many students are looking for shared accommodation in Lyon.
Why are shared flats so popular with students in Lyon?
Shared rents for superior comfort
In a city like Lyon, where the average price of a shared apartment in the best neighborhoods is around €450 to €600 per month, sharing the rent gives you access to larger spaces at a reasonable cost. Rather than a cramped studio, shared flats in Lyon often offer a shared room in a furnished apartment, with kitchen, living room, bathroom, sometimes even balcony, parking or services included such as internet or electricity/heating.
A rewarding community life
As well as saving money, living with a roommate is also attractive for its social aspect. Sharing student accommodation encourages sharing, meeting new people, helping each other... in short, everything that makes student life richer. Sharing a flat creates a real sense of community, which can be hard to find in conventional single-family accommodation.
An ideal solution for work-study, internship or Erasmus students
Flexible leases, rooms available all year round, the possibility of looking for a flat-share for a few months: student flat-sharing is perfectly suited to the changing lifestyles of students on work placements, sandwich courses or university exchanges. Many ofLyon's shared-apartment offers are adapted to these profiles, particularly in private student residences.
Lyon's best districts for shared living
Lively student districts: Guillotière, Jean Macé, Place Carnot
These areas are among the most popular with students. Guillotière and Jean Macé are well served, lively, close to the universities and offer a wide choice of student accommodation. Place Carnot, in the heart of the Presqu'île, offers a friendly atmosphere just a stone's throw from Perrache and the city center, including Place Bellecour, overlooked by the Fourvière hill.
Quieter but well-connected districts: Monplaisir, Lyon 8th arrondissement, Lyon 7th arrondissement, Lyon 9th arrondissement, Villeurbanne
Ideal for students in search of a quieter living environment, these neighborhoods remain perfectly connected via public transportation. Villeurbanne, on the outskirts of Lyon, is a great place to find a shared apartment close to scientific campuses and the Parc de la Tête d'Or, and the 8th arrondissement combines residential calm, accessibility, proximity to universities(Université Jean Moulin Lyon. Monplaisir) and amenities.
The 8th arrondissement is also the gateway to the Lyon suburbs (Bron, Saint Priest, Vaulx en Velin, Vénissieux).
Where are Gestetud residences located in Lyon?
Gestetud offers several furnished student residences, all strategically located to facilitate your search for a fully-equipped shared apartment in Lyon.
The different types of student flatshare in Lyon
Home-sharing
This is the most widespread form. It's often based on flatshare ads published on dedicated platforms or groups. How does it work? Share a furnished or unfurnished apartment with other roommates, each with his or her own private room and sharing common areas. While this option offers a degree of flexibility, it does require a clear framework from the outset (breakdown of rent, utilities, household chores, etc.) and a solid business case. This is the Coliving principle.
Sharing in a Crous residence
Available only under certain conditions, Crous shared flats in Lyon offer very attractive rates. They are often located close to campuses such as Jean Moulin Lyon III, Metropole de Lyon or Villeurbanne. To qualify, you need to apply via the official procedure(request for shared accommodation, Crous registration). Places are limited, there are few vacancies, the framework can be stricter, and accommodation is sometimes simpler than in the private sector. This is social housing.
Shared accommodation in private student residences
This is an increasingly popular alternative for students looking for student accommodation in Lyon that combines comfort, security, proximity to schools and included services. These furnished student apartments, offered in particular by Gestetud, provide an optimized living environment and benefit from services such as internet access, utilities, a fully-equipped kitchen, sometimes even a coworking space, a gym or secure parking. Management is professional, leases are clear, and the atmosphere is generally friendly.
This format makes it easy and stress-free to find a flat-share, with online listings, simplified booking and clearly defined conditions. Your future home.
Intergenerational or shared flats
Less well known, this arrangement involves living in the home of an elderly person or someone in a special situation, in exchange for a reduced rent or services rendered (presence, occasional help, etc.) for the tenant. It can be very rewarding in human terms, but is still in the minority in theLyon area and requires a high degree of adaptability.
What is the budget for a flat-share in Lyon (Rhône)?
Average rents in Lyon (Rhône) by neighborhood
The average price of a shared apartment in Lyon (France) varies according to thedistrict, surface area, location and type of accommodation. In general, in an ideal world, you should expect to pay between €450 and €650 per month for a shared room.
In student neighborhoods such as Jean Macé and La Guillotière, shared apartments are affordable, with good access to public transport.
In Villeurbanne, rents remain competitive while benefiting from the proximity of universities and schools.
The Presqu'île, Vieux Lyon and the heights of Croix Rousse are more sought-after areas, and therefore often more expensive.
In Lyon's 7th and 9th arrondissements, there are plenty of good-value shared apartments on offer.
Don't forget that the price of a shared apartment sometimes includes utilities: water, electricity, heating, parking, enclosed garden and even internet (wifi). In some cases, the price of a shared apartment may seem higher, but you'll avoid many surprises, and that's a good thing.
Financial aid for students
Students can benefit from a number of housing subsidies to lighten their monthly budget. The best-known of these is theAPL (Aide personnalisée au logement), which can be applied for through the CAF. To qualify, the lease must be an individual one, or the accommodation must be "conventionné".
Other aids exist, such as the Visale guarantee, which provides security for landlords without a parental guarantee, and regional aids specific to the Lyon metropolitan area.
This assistance is available whether you are sharing a flat with a private individual, in a Crous residence or in a student services residence. Don't hesitate to submit your application as soon as possible, so you can benefit from it as soon as you move in.
Colocation and "all-inclusive" coliving: an alternative that's often easier to understand and more economical
Furnished flatshares with services included may seem more expensive at first glance, but they often offer a controlled budget: utilities included, internet connection, sometimes cleaning, gym or parking.
In a private student residence, everything is clearly defined in the contract, with no nasty surprises or hidden costs. It also saves you time in managing your day-to-day life, which is particularly useful when you're juggling classes, internships or work-study programs.
How do I find the ideal student flat-share in Lyon?
Our website Gestetud.fr
If you're looking for a student flat-share in Lyon that combines comfort, useful services and a strategic location, the easiest way to start is with Gestetud.fr.
Our student residences offer shared rooms in furnished apartments, with shared common areas, wifi, electricity and utilities included. The atmosphere is ideal for student life: you'll benefit from a secure living environment tailored to your studies. It's a great added value.
The main online platforms
If you prefer to widen your search, there are several specialised websites that allow you to look for a flat-share in Lyon:
Appartager, well known for its verified profiles and neighborhood searches.
LeBonCoin, for flatshare ads between individuals.
Studapart, often used by universities in Lyon.
Adele, which also refers to student residences, particularly with shared accommodation available.
On these platforms, you can filter by budget, surface area, neighborhood or availability date.
The direct solution: apply for a place in one of our student serviced residences
Rather than spending hours looking for a flat-share, why not opt for a simple solution?
Our Gestetud residences in Lyon make it possible to book a student flat-share in just a few clicks. The procedures are clear, the application form is standardized, and you can apply directly online.
Bonus: there's no need to fight over a collective lease, as each flatmate signs an individual contract (one per person), which makes life easier if you leave during the year.
Points to watch before signing
Whether you choose to share with a private individual, in a Crous residence, or in a private residence, there are a few things you need to know before committing yourself:
Always visit the property (or ask for a reliable virtual tour ).
Check the type of contract proposed (individual or collective lease).
Be sure to read the terms and conditions: whether or not charges are included, services included, minimum leaseterm...
Don't forget the inventoryof fixtures on arrival, essential to avoid unpleasant surprises on departure.
In short, to find a flat-share in Lyon, it's best to combine responsiveness, vigilance and common sense. And if you want to avoid stress, you know where to click.
Rental file: criteria to anticipate
Guarantor, income and other essential documents
When you're looking for a flatshare in Lyon, your rental file is often the first thing that landlords or managers will look at. It has to be complete, coherent and solid. It's your added value.
Whether you're sharing with a private individual or in a Crous residence, requirements vary, but certain elements are essential:
- Valid identification per person ;
- Proof of schooling (or internship contract) ;
- The last three rent receipts, or an accommodation certificate if you live with your parents;
- One or more guarantors (often with proof of income or tax assessment) ;
- Proof of income (salaries, scholarships, grants, etc.).
Some platforms or owners can also request a file online via sites like DossierFacile, to save time and avoid missing documents.
Please note: in Lyon, the flatshare market is very tight at certain times of the year (particularly August-September), so a ready application is a real asset.
A simplified journey in a private residence
Good news: if you choose a student residence like Gestetud, the process is much simpler.
There's no need to multiply your supporting documents or convince a particular landlord. The shared-rental procedure is clear, the rental conditions are accessible, and you can submit a shared-rental application entirely online.
Reservations are based on objective criteria, and you are quickly informed of room availability. In the event of refusal, you may be referred to another shared-rental offer in Lyon in the same area.
It's also a time-saver for foreign students or young professionals arriving in a city whose map they don't yet know.
Living in a shared apartment: how do you organize your day-to-day life?
Divide tasks and manage conflicts
Sharing a flat in Lyon sounds great on paper... but if you want to avoid a headache, you need to get organized. Who takes out the trash? Who cleans the bathroom? Who pays for what and when?
The trick: establish simple rules right from the start. A shared board, a schedule, or an app like Splitwise can help avoid tensions. A little collective cleaning every week, and that's it.
Privacy and community life: striking the right balance
Sharing student accommodation doesn't mean merging your schedule with that of your roommates. It's normal to want some quiet time or space of your own. From the outset, plan a respectful living environment: schedules, visits, noise... everyone needs to find their place.
It's precisely this compromise between group time (meals, games, chatting) and individual space that makes a student flat-share so interesting.
Why student residences make it easy to share a flat with someone else
In student serviced residences such as those offered by Gestetud, everything is designed to make community life more fluid:
Well-equipped common areas (kitchen, living room),
Furnished rooms and private closures,
Useful services included (wifi, electricity, heating, utilities),
On-site manager to defuse potential conflicts.
You benefit from rent-sharing, without the hassle of organizing your flatmates. It's a great way for several people to live together, without sacrificing your peace and quiet.
Private student residences: a new generation of shared accommodation
Furnished, equipped and secure accommodation
Sharing a student apartment in a private residence isn't just about sharing an apartment. It's a living environment designed to make your life easier from the moment you arrive. You'll set down your suitcases in furnished accommodation, with a fully-equipped kitchen, a functional bathroom, and sometimes even a balcony or communal space to relax.
Security is also an asset: controlled access, janitor or manager, cameras... Ideal for students and reassuring for parents.
A supervised shared apartment with services included (wifi, laundry, cleaning...)
Here, there are no nasty surprises when it comes to charges or unforeseen expenses: electricity, heating, internet included, cleaning of common areas, access to a laundry and sometimes to a garden - everything is often included in the shared rent.
This is the ideal solution if you're looking for a shared flat in Lyon with no headaches. No need to chase internet subscriptions or negotiate shared water bills.
The Gestetud offer in Lyon: shared accommodation in a professional and friendly environment
At Gestetud, we've rethought available shared accommodation for students who want to combine communal living, comfort and proximity to campus. Our student residences in Lyon (Part-Dieu, Monplaisir, Jean Macé, etc.) offer :
Modern rooms for rent in shared apartments,
Assistance with requests for shared accommodation (with or without a guarantor),
Shared-rental services designed for your everyday life.
Find all our residences on gestetud.fr and submit your application online in just a few clicks.
FAQ - Student flatshare in Lyon: answers to frequently asked questions
What is the average length of a lease in a shared student apartment?
The standard term is one year, often renewable, corresponding to the academic year. Some private residences also offer more flexible leases, suitable for internships or sandwich courses.
Is it possible to apply for housing subsidies when sharing a flat?
Yes, flatmates can benefit from APL or other forms of assistance such as Visale, even if they share a flat. All you need to do is contact the CAF, indicating the composition of your household and the amount of the shared rent.
Do I need a guarantor to rent a room in a residence?
Most of the time, yes, a guarantor is required. However, some private student residences, such as those run by Gestetud, offer simplified solutions without a guarantor, thanks in particular to partnerships with housing assistance organizations.
Which neighborhoods to choose to reconcile studying and going out?
For a well-balanced lifestyle, choose neighborhoods such as Presqu'île, Croix Rousse or Villeurbanne. These areas offer easy access to universities(Université Lumière Lyon, Jean Moulin Lyon III), efficient public transportation and a lively student life.
How do I reserve accommodation in a serviced residence?
Reservations are made online, often via platforms such as Gestetud.fr or Studapart. You submit a file with your supporting documents, and after validation, you sign a secure lease. It's a quick and easy process, guaranteeing you a place in a suitable student shared apartment.