Housing and CAF

CROUS

The Institut Polytechnique de Lyon (IPL) has signed an agreement with the CROUS (Centres Régionaux des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) to offer international students from CPE Lyon, ISARA and ITECH residential accommodation close to metro stations.

ECAM LaSalle has a separate agreement with the CROUS. If you are an international student at ECAM Lasalle, please contact your school’s international relations department for more information.

Studios, single rooms and shared rooms made available by the CROUS will be allocated by the schools, from September to August of each academic year , to new arrivals as a priority.

To find out how to obtain accommodation in a university residence under the agreement between the IPL and the CROUS department, see our CROUS step-by-step guide below:

Guide Pas à pas CROUS Télécharger

The CROUS provides three types of accommodation for IPL students. Please find below the information concerning these three types of accommodation:

Single room

Approximately 10 m², it includes a private bathroom and toilet. The kitchen is shared. No cooking utensils (at your own expense). Blanket, pillow and sheets are not provided but can be hired for €10/month.
Price: between €283 and €290/month

Studio

Between 18 and 20m², it includes a bathroom and toilet as well as a private kitchen. No kitchen utensils (at your expense). Blankets, bolsters and sheets are not provided but can be hired for €10/month.
Price: between €415 and €430/month

Room in a shared flat

Generally for 5 people, it includes a bathroom, toilets and a shared kitchen. No kitchen utensils (at your own expense). Blankets, bolsters and bed linen are not provided but can be hired for €10/month.
Price: €352-€370/month

Accommodation solutions outside the CROUS for international students

Accomdation options outside of CROUS Download

CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) and Housing Benefit

The Caisse d’Allocation Familiale (CAF) provides housing assistance, commonly known as APL. If you are a foreign student living in France and have been resident in the country for at least 8 months, you are eligible.

The APL is “personalised rental assistance”, i.e. a monthly sum of money to help you pay your rent.

To receive housing benefit, you must apply to the CAF as soon as you move into your new home. You can use this CAF simulator to estimate your entitlement to APL by creating an account on the following site:

Estimating your entitlement to housing benefit and calculating the amount

I have CROUS accommodation

Important information:
Apply for housing benefit (APL) as soon as you move in. Entitlement to housing benefit starts the month after you move in. For example, if you move in in September and register your claim immediately, you will start to receive housing benefit in October. The first payment of housing benefit will be made between 5 and 10 November.

Timetable:
– September: Date of entry into accommodation
– October: Date of entitlement to ALE CAF
– November: October ALE paid between 5 and 10 November

Prepare the documents for registration:
– Bank details (RIB) you need a French RIB
– Download the certificate available from your Crous’ Cité-U service either via the “MesServices” portal or on request from your CROUS residence;
– Your income for the last 12 months (month by month);
– Proof of identity and civil status (national identity card or passport and birth certificate).
– If you are a European Union national: school leaving certificate, copy of European health insurance card,
– If you are a student from outside the European Union: copy of your valid French residence permit.

Register on the CAF website and follow the step-by-step instructions:
Follow the first part of the step-by-step instructions to apply for APL (CROUS accommodation).
1. Go to https://www.caf.fr/
2. Create an account
3. Apply for APL

I rent private accommodation

Important information:
Apply for housing benefit (APL) as soon as you move in. Entitlement to housing benefit starts the month after you move in. For example, if you move in in September and register your claim immediately, you will start to receive housing benefit in October. The first payment of housing benefit will be made between 5 and 10 November.

Timetable:
– September: Date of entry into accommodation
– October: Date of entitlement to ALE CAF
– November: October ALE paid between 5 and 10 November

Prepare the documents for registration:
– Proof of your identity and civil status (national identity card or passport and birth certificate),
– If you are a citizen of the European Union: school attendance certificate and copy of your European health insurance card,
– If you are a student from outside the European Union: copy of your valid residence permit.
– Bank details (RIB),
– Amount of your resources,
– Proof of residence signed by your landlord (if requested at the end of the application).

Register on the CAF website and follow the step-by-step instructions:
Follow the first part of the step-by-step instructions to apply for APL (CROUS accommodation).
1. Go to https://www.caf.fr/
2. Create an account
3. Apply for APL

Incoming students

Housing and CAF