Moving to Paris for studies? Choosing the right neighbourhood can shape your entire experience — from late-night chai runs to early metro commutes. Whether you want academic calm, budget housing, or buzzing street life, this guide will help you find your perfect corner in the French capital. Let’s explore Paris, one arrondissement at a time!
1st & 2nd: 💸 Historic & Central
Tourist central: Louvre, Palais Royal — beautiful but expensive, not very practical for students.
3rd & 4th (Le Marais): 🛍 Trendy & Lively
LGBTQ+ friendly, great food, vintage shops, but rent is steep. Good for short stays.
5th (Latin Quarter): 📚 Academic Core
Sorbonne, Indian student hotspots, cheap eateries, second-hand bookshops. Walkable and well-connected.
6th (Saint-Germain-des-Prés): 🎨 Chic but Calm
Intellectual charm, expensive cafés. Not ideal unless budget allows.
7th: 🗼 Postcard Paris
Eiffel Tower views, diplomatic area, safe but pricey and quiet.
8th: 💼 Business Luxe
High-end stores, embassies. Convenient for internships, but expensive and formal.
9th: ☕ Café Culture
Opera, cool cafés, near Gare St-Lazare. Good balance of lively + liveable.
10th: 🚲 Young & Vibrant
Canal St-Martin, multicultural, easy train access (Gare du Nord & Est). Good for students and interns.
11th: 🍲 Foodie’s Paradise
Local bars, hipster restaurants, multicultural. A student favorite.
12th: 🌳 Hidden Gem
Cheaper rents, near Bois de Vincennes. Great for joggers, quieter lifestyle.
13th: 🍜 Asian Vibes
Chinatown, affordable food, close to some universities. Modern housing options.
14th: 🛏 Calm & Residential
Montparnasse, parks, safe and balanced. A good pick for focused study time.
15th: 🧺 Family-Oriented
Quiet, clean, but a bit pricey and less happening for student life.
16th: 💎 Elegant but Distant
Affluent and calm. Rarely chosen by students due to cost and vibe.
17th: 🔄 Transitional Zone
Mix of posh and practical. Near Parc Monceau and has student share flats.
18th (Montmartre): 🎨 Bohemian + Budget
Artsy, touristy near Sacré-Cœur, but affordable shared housing options. Can be noisy.
19th: 🎡 Green + Youthful
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, diverse community. Affordable but pick safe pockets.
20th: 🎭 Cultural Mix
Cheaper housing, edgy and multicultural (Père Lachaise area). Popular with artists and students.
🏡 Student-Friendly Banlieues (Suburbs)
Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP) — 14th arrondissement, but feels like a campus
Dorm-style housing for global students. Peaceful, great connections.
Saint-Denis (93): 🕌 Affordable but be cautious
Lots of international students, cheaper rent, a lot of gentrification and neighbourhood upgrades, but some areas require street smarts.
Ivry-sur-Seine / Villejuif / Vitry-sur-Seine (94): 🏘 Budget-Friendly & Growing
Direct metro/RER to Paris, many students live here for value housing.
Nanterre (92): 📚 University Hub
Home to Paris Nanterre University. Affordable, student housing options.
Cachan / Arcueil: 🚆 Quiet + Connected
RER B connects directly to city + Orly Airport. Safe and residential.
Noisy-le-Grand / Montreuil: 🌍 Diverse & Cheaper
Growing student base, especially for those in eastern universities.
💡 Pro Tips for Indian Students:
- 🧳 Student Housing First: CROUS, CIUP, or university residences are ideal starting points.
- 🥘 Indian Groceries: Check for neighborhoods near Gare du Nord, La Chapelle, or 10th arrondissement.
- 🚇 Public Transport: Ensure you’re near a metro, or RER line for easy commute.
- 👥 Community: Join Indian student groups, or cultural associations early on.
Found a neighbourhood that fits your vibe?
🎒 Whether you’re living near the Eiffel Tower or in a student suburb like Villejuif, the key is to stay connected, safe, and supported.Ask Sétu is here to make your Paris journey smoother — from housing tips and paperwork help to Indian food finds and student events.
Drop us a note on hello@asksetu.com or visit asksetu.com to start your Paris chapter the right way!
Ask Sétu Blog 
Leave a comment