How to find Housing for Exchange Students in Rennes, France

As a renowned academic hub housing prestigious institutions—such as the Université de Rennes, Université de Rennes 2, and INSA Rennes—the city naturally draws students from across the globe. Nevertheless, securing an apartment can be demanding. Property owners are frequently hesitant to rent to non-local applicants, and temporary rental options remain scarce. Compounding these difficulties, online channels are filled with deceptive listings aimed at individuals attempting to book places remotely. Despite these hurdles, the high quality of life in Rennes makes the effort worthwhile, and housing concerns should not deter anyone from participating! Read further to explore essential details about securing student housing in Rennes.

Essential resources and strategies for exchange accommodation

Consult university channels (Université de Rennes, Université de Rennes 2) Review the official online portals of host academic institutions like Université de Rennes or Université de Rennes 2 for specific housing guidance tailored to visiting students. Look into less competitive temporary options or make direct contact with their support services. Reaching out before official enrollment is fully completed can still yield helpful pointers regarding available housing.

Explore Municipal Outlets: host city Rennes.City offices frequently publish updates and resources about the regional housing market.

Exercise Caution Regarding Scams: Many exchange participants resort to social networks or group channels to search for rooms out of necessity. While common, this route is laborious and carries a high risk of fraudulent activity. Avoid making advance payments prior to verifying a property, and consult local housing offices to confirm listing authenticity. Seeking out verified listings offers a safer alternative.

Utilize Dedicated Exchange Networks: General housing sites rarely cater specifically to temporary international visits. In contrast, Exchange Rooms offers a tailored platform designed for exchange students, focusing solely on short-term rentals listed directly by real peers. Exploring these dedicated listings provides a more targeted housing search. You’re more than welcome to explore the available accommodation on our platform.

A strategic alternative

An effective strategy for finding a place abroad for your exchange involves listing your current residence first. Post your available room on Exchange Rooms, and e-mail a to the international office in Rennes allows students bound for your home institution to consider your space. This approach actively encourages reciprocal listings right in the desired destination.

If listing a home room is not feasible, creating an account without an active sublet is completely fine. Sharing the Exchange Rooms platform with both home and destination university networks helps expand the community, raising the probability of finding a match for everyone involved.

More about Rennes

Rennes, the historic capital of Brittany, offers a walkable, lively environment filled with historic charm. Beyond the main universities, the city hosts a vibrant international student population actively supported by groups such as ESN Rennes alongside various campus organizations. The city's extensive cycling infrastructure and quick connections to the coast—such as Saint-Malo, accessible in under an hour—make outdoor exploration very convenient.

Living expenses for a student generally fall between €800 and €1,200 per month. Dedicated housing costs range from €400 to €700 monthly, depending on whether one secures a public CROUS residence or a private studio. Local public transit is cost-effective: the STAR network provides unlimited bus and metro access across the city for around €28 to €35 per month via a youth pass.

When looking at location options, Centre-Ville provides immediate access to historic sites, shops, and entertainment, though it commands higher rent prices. On the other hand, Villejean is heavily student-populated, budget-conscious, and conveniently located right by university facilities and metro stops.

Rennes Overview

Category

Details

Cost of Living

€800–€1,200/month

Student Housing

€400–€700/month

Public Transport

€35/month (buses, metro)

Popular Areas

Centre-Ville, Villejean

Student Support

ESN Rennes, university clubs

Exchange Rooms

Exchange Rooms is built to assist students in securing a home in Rennes. Browse local properties in the target area or create an account to discover more. Best of luck with the housing search!