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With nearly 50,000 students, Paris-Saclay University spans four departments in the Île-de-France region: Yvelines, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, and Val-de-Marne.
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Your housing choice depends on your home campus: Orsay, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Palaiseau, Évry, SQY, Sceaux, or Cachan.
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The Grand Paris Express Line 18, partially scheduled to open in late 2026, will completely transform commuting on the plateau.
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The Twenty Campus network covers these areas with residences designed specifically for students (Gif, Palaiseau, Évry, Jouy, Villejuif, Cachan…) and offers furnished housing with many utilities included depending on the residence.
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It is highly recommended to start your search several months before the academic year begins.
With nearly 50,000 students, Paris-Saclay University is one of the major higher education institutions in the Île-de-France region. Successor to the former Paris-Sud University, it serves as the spearhead of the Paris-Saclay scientific and technological hub, located south of the capital and often nicknamed the “French Silicon Valley.”
Where exactly should you look for accommodation when you are a student at Paris-Saclay University? The area is vast with multiple sites. Here is an overview by campus, highlighting the best neighborhoods, available transport, and some guidelines to help you make the right choice.
Where are the Paris-Saclay University campuses located?
Paris-Saclay University extends south of Paris across four departments of the Île-de-France region: Yvelines (78), Essonne (91), Hauts-de-Seine (92), and Val-de-Marne (94).
Its various faculties, engineering schools, and IUTs (University Institutes of Technology) are spread across several major sites:
- → The Bures-Orsay-Gif area concentrates a major part of the university’s student and scientific life. It includes the Orsay Faculty of Sciences, the Faculty of Pharmacy, sports sciences, as well as several major institutions on the plateau such as CentraleSupélec and ENS Paris-Saclay.
- → Bicêtre Hospital, in the town of Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, hosts the main site of the Faculty of Medicine.
- → The Évry-Courcouronnes campus gathers most of the buildings of the University of Évry.
- → The Sceaux campus is home to the Jean Monnet Faculty (Law, Economics, Management).
- → The Cachan campus hosts the IUT de Cachan.
- → The Palaiseau campus hosts several major schools and institutions, including École Polytechnique, AgroParisTech, and the Institut d’Optique Graduate School.
- → The Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines campus is the main site of the University of Versailles-Saint-Quentin (UVSQ).
The Saclay plateau is about to experience a major turning point: the opening of the Massy-Palaiseau – Christ de Saclay section of the Grand Paris Express Line 18 is announced for late 2026. This automated line will serve four stations (Massy-Palaiseau, Polytechnique, Université Paris-Saclay, and Christ de Saclay) and is highly anticipated by students in the area!
Top cities and neighborhoods (and our recommendations)
The location of your accommodation primarily depends on where you will study. To make your life easier, here are our guidelines by campus and the ideal Twenty Campus residences for each area.
Student housing near the Orsay campus
Just a stone’s throw from the campus, the Orsay Centre area is appealing for its lively atmosphere. A few minutes from the RER B, the Le Guichet neighborhood or the town of Bures-sur-Yvette offer a quieter setting.
The same goes for Gif-sur-Yvette, whose green environment is perfectly suited for students seeking serenity while remaining very close to the scientific hub.
Recommendation
Twenty Campus Gif-sur-Yvette
To fully enjoy this ideal environment and proximity to the Orsay campus, discover our residence featuring a gym, coworking spaces, and breakfast included.
Medical student housing: Le Kremlin-Bicêtre
For medical students at Paris-Saclay, Les Périchets and Les Plantes are among the most dynamic but also the most expensive neighborhoods. The neighboring towns, well-served by public transport, are an excellent alternative.
This is especially true for Villejuif (on metro line 7), highly sought after by healthcare students for its proximity to Bicêtre Hospital and its convenient living environment.
Recommendation
Twenty Campus Villejuif Croizat
Located right next to line 7 and numerous amenities, this modern residence is a perfect cocoon for concentration and relaxation for students at the healthcare hub.
Student housing in Palaiseau
In Palaiseau, Le Plateau neighborhood remains the most recommended. With the arrival of the future metro line 18, the area is gaining connectivity while offering a rich student ecosystem, just steps away from the major schools (Polytechnique, ENS…).
Recommendation
Twenty Campus Palaiseau MIA
Right in the heart of the campus, this residence offers ultra-stylish common areas, a gym, and all the comforts of a recent, very pleasant building where life is good.
Student housing in Évry-Courcouronnes
In Évry-Courcouronnes, Évry Centre remains the most practical location to be steps away from transport. Les Aunettes or Évry Village are better suited for those who prefer to step slightly away from the urban hustle.
Recommendation
Twenty Campus Évry Galants
Live at the center of the student buzz with absolute comfort and without ever worrying about bills: at Twenty Campus, everything is included (water, heating, electricity, internet)!
Student housing in Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines & Jouy-en-Josas
For UVSQ, Montigny-le-Bretonneux is highly sought after. Guyancourt appeals with its quiet setting, while Versailles offers a prestigious neighborhood life but requires a higher budget.
The smart choice
Twenty Campus Jouy-en-Josas
If you study on the Saclay plateau or at a nearby school (like HEC Paris), Jouy-en-Josas is the perfect compromise: a green setting with quick access to the university hubs.
Student housing in Sceaux and Cachan
The city center of Sceaux and the Les Blagis or Bas-Coudrais neighborhoods are perfect for students at the Jean Monnet Faculty. In Cachan, the Grange-Ory neighborhood offers a great quality of life.
Recommendation
Twenty Campus Cachan Jacques Restignat
Located just minutes from the center of Paris, this residence nestled in the heart of a green park offers an exceptional living environment, conducive to both focus and relaxation.
Summary: Which area to choose?
| Main Campus | Central areas | Quiet areas |
|---|---|---|
| Orsay | Orsay Centre | Le Guichet, Bures, Gif-sur-Yvette |
| Medicine (Le Kremlin-Bicêtre) | Les Périchets, Les Plantes | City center, Villejuif |
| Palaiseau | Le Plateau | — |
| Évry-Courcouronnes | Évry Centre | Les Aunettes, Évry Village |
| Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines | Montigny, Versailles | Guyancourt, Trappes, Jouy-en-Josas |
| Sceaux / Cachan | City center of Sceaux and Cachan | Les Blagis, Grange-Ory |
What budget should you plan for housing at Paris-Saclay?
Rents vary greatly depending on the campus. Generally, neighborhoods closest to the campuses (Orsay Centre, Versailles) have the highest rents. Surrounding residential towns (Bures-sur-Yvette, Jouy-en-Josas, Villejuif) generally allow you to optimize your housing budget.
Private student residences, such as those in the Twenty Campus network, have the advantage of offering furnished housing with many utilities included depending on the residence, including internet, water, heating, or common services. They also allow for a 100% online application process: a significant time and peace-of-mind saver!
Frequently Asked Questions
Which campus has the best public transport connections?
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The Orsay campus currently has the best connections thanks to the RER B. The Palaiseau campus will significantly improve its accessibility with the Grand Paris Express line 18 (planned for late 2026), connecting it to Massy-Palaiseau.
Should I live right on campus or nearby?
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This depends on your budget. Nearby areas (Orsay Centre, Le Plateau in Palaiseau) offer immediate access. Neighboring towns (Jouy-en-Josas, Gif-sur-Yvette, Villejuif) allow you to balance a controlled budget and a great living environment in exchange for a short commute.
When should I start my housing search?
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Start your search several months before the start of the school year, as soon as your admission is confirmed. Demand is extremely high across the entire Paris-Saclay area, especially near transport links.
Do private residences qualify for housing assistance?
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Yes, many student residences, including some private ones like those in the Twenty Campus network, may make you eligible for CAF housing assistance, subject to eligibility based on your situation, resources, and the occupied accommodation.
Find your student housing at Paris-Saclay
Furnished and equipped housing, many utilities included depending on the residence, 100% online application: Twenty Campus supports you throughout your move, from the search to handing over the keys.
