Lille, a young European metropolis, attracts students with its dynamism and heritage. Explore Old Lille, its museums and savour its gastronomy. Affordable accommodation, transport and a rich cultural life await you. Come and discover Lille!
Lille: A dynamic and welcoming city for all students
Lille, capital of the Hauts-de-France region, is a young and dynamic European metropolis with much to offer students. With its rich historical heritage, vibrant cultural life and many green spaces, Lille offers a pleasant and stimulating environment for all young people.
What to do in Lille
- Visit Vieux-Lille: Stroll the cobbled streets of Vieux-Lille, admire the Flemish and Gothic architecture, and discover the Grand’Place, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Explore the museums: Lille has a multitude of museums to suit all tastes, from the Palais des Beaux-Arts to the Musée de la Piscine and the Lille Métropole Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (LAM).
- Having fun in the parks and gardens: Take advantage of the city’s many green spaces, including the Parc de la Citadelle, the Jardin des Plantes and the Parc des Géants.
- Take in a show: Lille offers a rich and varied cultural programme, with concerts, plays, operas and festivals throughout the year.
- Sample the local cuisine: Try the culinary specialities of the North, such as Flemish carbonade, chips and local beer.
Accommodation in Lille
Lille offers a wide range of accommodation for students, from studio flats to shared flats and halls of residence. Rents vary according to the type of accommodation, its location and comfort.
- University halls of residence: CROUS and All Logement manage several university halls of residence in Lille, offering affordable accommodation.
- Private residences: Many private residences offer furnished rooms or studios with services such as cleaning, laundry and catering.
- Shared accommodation: Shared accommodation is a good way of finding cheaper accommodation and meeting new people. You can find flat share advertisements on specialist websites or in local newspapers.
- Renting: There is plenty of accommodation available around campus. Some landlords even reserve their rentals for students.
Transport in Lille
Lille has a well-developed public transport network, with a metro, tramway, buses and lilloises (self-service bicycles). The city also has good rail links, making it easy to travel to other cities in France and Belgium.
Cost of living in Lille
The cost of living in Lille is relatively affordable compared with other major French cities. The cost of transport, food and leisure activities is reasonable. You should expect to pay around €600 for a rented flat, although student residences and shared accommodation can help to keep the cost down. In terms of activities, a gym membership costs around €20. Again, you can take advantage of a reduced-price membership at the All Sport gym. You’ll also be able to go for a free run in one of Lille’s parks, such as the Parc de la Citadelle, which is away from traffic and very popular with sports enthusiasts.
In a nutshell
Lille is a welcoming, dynamic city that will win you over with its charm, culture and lifestyle. Whether you’re passionate about history, art, gastronomy or music, you’ll find plenty to keep you entertained and fulfilled in Lille. Don’t hesitate to come and discover this wonderful city!
