Best way to find a place
Ask people and talk to the school.
French students and other students in the IGS Campus can help you find or suggest where to look for places to live
French students and other students in the IGS Campus can help you find or suggest where to look for places to live
Step 1:
Looking for a Place
When trying to find an apartment try to get one near a market, the school, bank, or other necessities.
The required paperwork may include all or most of the following:
French Bank Account
Guarantee (French Citizen who will be responsible if you do not pay rent or a Bank Guarantee)
Copy of Identification (Passport/Visa)
Deposit (from 1-3 months)
First + Last months rent
WARNING: If looking through websites like Craigslist, be wary of sending money before visiting the apartment or of people sending keys in the mail. If something doesn't feel right then it probably isn't. Be especially wary of 'landlords' who want money by PayPal or Western Union and the like. The should normally be able to supply a bank account number for you to wire the money
The required paperwork may include all or most of the following:
French Bank Account
Guarantee (French Citizen who will be responsible if you do not pay rent or a Bank Guarantee)
Copy of Identification (Passport/Visa)
Deposit (from 1-3 months)
First + Last months rent
WARNING: If looking through websites like Craigslist, be wary of sending money before visiting the apartment or of people sending keys in the mail. If something doesn't feel right then it probably isn't. Be especially wary of 'landlords' who want money by PayPal or Western Union and the like. The should normally be able to supply a bank account number for you to wire the money
Step 2:
Going to the Apartment
Going to look at an apartment is like going on a date. You need to be in semi-formal clothes and ready with all your paperwork. Be polite, but still tough. This means if you want to take pictures then do so, if you have a question then ask, and if you are curious on the neighborhood then ask. Remember to be on time or even early, you need to be accommodating to them.
Useful Info:
Agencies
If you happen to decide to go through an agency to find an apartment be aware that calling them or visiting their offices you need to know basic French. It helps a lot and they will try as well, but sometimes handing in a letter in French describing your situation is easier than trying to talk in French/English. Also be aware that an agency is likely to charge at between 1-11/2 months the price of rent.
Be aware that agencies do not like the following words:
Colocation
Student(mostly in 16th eme)
"I have a roommate"
Be aware that agencies do not like the following words:
Colocation
Student(mostly in 16th eme)
"I have a roommate"
Seloger.com is an agency website that shows what local agencies are selling. There are agencies fees, most of the time, so be aware of that.