About the City – What It’s Like to Study in Lyon
To study in Lyon is to immerse yourself in a city that glows with culture, creativity, and croissants. Located in southeastern France, Lyon is the country’s third-largest city, and arguably the most liveable. It’s where Old World heritage hugs modern innovation. Where the Rhône and Saône rivers meet. Where students work hard by day and relax by the riverside when the lectures end.
Lyon’s not as busy as Paris. Not as beachy as Nice. But it’s just right. It’s dynamic and diverse, full of stylish cafés, stunning Renaissance architecture, world-class museums, and arguably the best food in France (yes, even locals from Paris admit it).
This is a city built for students. With over 165,000 students, including 18,000 international students, the energy is young, curious, and global. And the cherry on top? Lyon is more affordable than most big European cities without compromising quality of life. Whether you’re here for a semester, a master’s, or the long haul, you’ll quickly see why Lyon makes studying abroad feel like home.
Why Lyon Is a Hotspot for International Students
1. Academic Excellence and Broad Choice
Lyon isn’t just charming, it’s incredibly smart. Home to four major universities and several renowned Grandes Écoles, it’s built for serious students. You’ll find hundreds of English-taught programs, strong research facilities, and professors with real-world experience.
Fields like engineering, humanities, economics, science, gastronomy, and design are all covered. Whether you’re headed for medicine or marketing, Lyon has a campus for you.
2. Internationally Friendly and Welcoming
More than 18,000 international students choose Lyon every year. The city runs dedicated student welcome events, housing help, and integration workshops. Many schools offer French language support as well.
Most importantly? Locals are used to internationals. English is spoken widely, especially around campuses, museums, and the café scene.
3. Cost Meets Comfort
Lyon is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable student cities in France, especially compared to Paris. The cost of living is lower, but the lifestyle is just as refined. Think apartments with balcony views and €3 gourmet croque-monsieurs.
4. Location Goals
You’re a two-hour train ride from Paris, Geneva, or the Alps. Day-trips? Weekend skiing? Easy.
5. A Cultural Calendar That Explodes
Lumière Film Festival. Fête des Lumières. Jazz nights by the Saône. Add student discounts and cheap cinema tickets, and you’ve got your weekends sorted.
To sum it up? Studying in Lyon bridges elite education with real-life inspiration.
Top 10 Universities or Colleges in Lyon
1. Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Top-tier for science, medicine, sports studies, and pharmacy. Offers many English-taught master’s programs. Fantastic labs and internship placements.
2. Université Lumière Lyon 2
A go-to for social sciences, languages, psychology, and economics. Internationally oriented with tons of Erasmus partnerships.
3. Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3
Known for business, law, and humanities. Beautiful campuses with solid English-taught programs.
4. École Normale Supérieure de Lyon (ENS Lyon)
Highly selective and research-focused. Excellence in biology, physics, computer science, and philosophy. Graduate-level with international intake.
5. INSA Lyon (National Institute of Applied Sciences)
Top engineering school in Europe. Programs in French and English. Strong corporate recruitment and innovation environment.
6. École Centrale de Lyon
Part of the prestigious Grandes Écoles network. Compact, research-driven, and outstanding in mechanical, electrical, and civil engineering.
7. Sciences Po Lyon
A regional leg of the famous Paris-based Sciences Po. Political science, economics, and international affairs with exchange programs worldwide.
8. EM Lyon Business School
One of France’s best business schools. Triple-accredited, global rankings, and hybrid programs blending management and entrepreneurship.
9. École des Beaux-Arts de Lyon
The place for visual arts, ceramics, and experimental media. Often partners with artistic residencies across Europe.
10. IAE Lyon – School of Management
Part of Lyon 3, offers professional business and management courses with flexible modules and practice-based learning.
Top 10 Student Accommodation Properties in Lyon
- Les Estudines Jean Jaurès
- Cardinal Campus – Le Michel Ange
- Nemea Appart’Etud Lyon Campus
- Suitétudes – Résidence Parc du Rhône
- Student Factory Lyon Gerland
- ARPEJ Résidence Saint-Nicolas
- Urban Campus Lyon Saint Irénée
- Cap’Etudes Lyon Berthelot
- YouFirst Campus Lyon
- Studea Lyon Berthelot
Most offer furnished studios or shared flats with Wi-Fi, workspaces, laundry rooms, and transport links right around the corner. Apply early, demand is high!
Top 10 Student Areas in Lyon
1. Guillotière
- Universities Nearby: Lyon 2, Lyon 3
- Vibe: Bohemian, artsy, multicultural
Affordable rent and buzzing streets full of international food joints. Close to metro and party-central for students.
2. Presqu’île
- Universities Nearby: All central faculties
- Vibe: Chic, central, full of life
Living here is living in the heart of Lyon. It’s pricier, but supermarkets, trams, and friends are all on your doorstep.
3. Part-Dieu
- Nearby: Business schools, IAE Lyon
- Vibe: Businessy and connected
Next to the main train station. Fast commutes, great shopping, and increasing mid-price student housing.
4. Villeurbanne
- Universities Nearby: INSA Lyon, Lyon 1
- Vibe: Quiet, green, and student-sustainable
Budget-friendly, especially for science majors. Tram access is solid and amenities run student-basic.
5. Croix-Rousse
- Universities Nearby: Beaux-Arts, Lyon 2
- Vibe: Artistic, quirky, scenic
Old-school markets, cozy flats, and hillside staircases. Iconic student area, not for lazy climbers.
6. Gerland
- Universities Nearby: ENS Lyon, Bio Campus
- Vibe: Modern, riverside, sleek
New residences and transformed industrial zones. Social housing, student residences, and upscale gym cafés mix here.
7. Monplaisir
- Universities Nearby: Lyon 3 Jean Moulin
- Vibe: Relaxed suburban style
Big apartments. Good parks. A café called “Café” that’s always full of students. What’s not to love?
8. Jean Macé
- Universities Nearby: Lyon 2, IEP, Sciences Po Lyon
- Vibe: Hip and easy
Major tram hub and cozy neighborhood. The ultimate student balance of chill and choice.
9. Charpennes
- Universities Nearby: Lyon 1, INSA Lyon
- Vibe: Cultural crescendo
Catch a tram, eat at a market, or swing by class, all within 5 minutes. Quiet after dark.
10. Perrache-Sainte Blandine
- Universities Nearby: Lyon 2, Business schools
- Vibe: Urban-cool
Modern buildings, bike lanes, and riverside reading spots. Perfect for postgrads and digital nomads.
Cost of Living in Lyon – What Students Can Expect
Living in Lyon costs less than Paris, but you’ll still need a budget that respects yourself.
| Category | Estimated Cost (€/month) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared/studio) | €350–€650 |
| Groceries & Meals | €180–€250 |
| Transport (Student pass) | €25 (TCL card) |
| Internet & Utilities | €50–€80 |
| Social Life & Extras | €100–€150 |
➡️ Monthly total estimate: €750 – €1,150
Tips for saving:
- Apply for CROUS housing early (starts at €250/month!)
- Cook at home with fresh marché ingredients
- Student restaurants offer full meals for as low as €3.30
- TCL (public transport) gives 1-year unlimited metro access for about €300
Affordable? If you plan smart, yes. Luxe on a budget? Also yes.
Local Transport in Lyon – Easy, Reliable, Everywhere
1. TCL – Transport en Commun Lyonnais
Includes buses, metro, trams, and funiculars. The student pass costs around €25/month, and coverage is excellent citywide.
2. Vélo’v Bike Sharing
Pick up a red bike and ride. The first 30 minutes are free, and students get yearly discount rates.
3. Train & Airport Access
Lyon Part-Dieu station links you to Paris in under 2 hours. Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport flies almost everywhere in Europe.
4. Walking
Get those steps in! Many campuses and flats are walking-distance. Bonus: There’s beauty on every block.
Transport here is reliable, clean, fast, and student-budget-friendly. Just the way we like it.
Summary – Why You Should Study in Lyon
Study in Lyon and experience a city that teaches you more than what’s inside books. It educates you through architecture, food, music, debate, and diversity. With top-tier universities, a thriving international community, and the kind of balance most cities only dream of, Lyon delivers.
And whether you’re sketching Gothic facades, pitching startup ideas, or sipping espresso while reviewing French expressions, you’re doing it surrounded by charm, opportunity, and brilliant baguettes.
Top 10 FAQs About Studying in Lyon
1. Is Lyon good for international students?
Absolutely. It’s France’s second-biggest student city and very welcoming.
2. Are there English-taught programs in Lyon?
Yes! Most schools offer full degrees and master’s programs in English.
3. How much does student life cost in Lyon?
You’ll need about €750–€1,150 per month, depending on your housing and lifestyle.
4. Can I work part-time in Lyon during my studies?
Yes. International students can work up to 964 hours/year (approx. 20 hours/week).
5. Do I need to speak French to live in Lyon?
No, but it helps! English is widely spoken in university settings.
6. Is Lyon cheaper than Paris?
Yes, accommodation, food, and transport are all 20–30% less expensive on average.
7. What’s the weather like year-round?
Mild winters, hot summers, and lots of sunshine. Think Mediterranean-lite.
8. How do I find student housing in Lyon?
Apply to CROUS, check private residences, or look through university portals. Be early!
9. What’s Lyon famous for?
Food (capital of gastronomy), architecture, and being genuinely student-friendly.
10. Why should I study in Lyon over Paris or Marseille?
Smaller crowds, better cost, world-class education, and a lifestyle that’s easier to love, and afford.
