Erasmus in Lyon
Studying in Lyon on Erasmus
Everything you need to know for the best experience of your life
Cost of living for an Erasmus student in Lyon
Lyon is more affordable than Paris, but still a major city with a certain price tag.
Good news: there are many student grants and discounts available to help you control your budget.
Average monthly budget: between €850 and €1,100 for an Erasmus student in Lyon
Main expenses :
- Rent: €450 to €650 for a shared room
- Shopping and meals: €180 to €250
- Transport: approximately €25 per month with the TCL Campus card
- Outings and leisure activities: €80 to €150 depending on your pace
Tip: With your student card or ISIC card, you get discounts on transport, museums, theaters and even snack bars and restaurants.
Finding student accommodation in Lyon
Lyon attracts a huge number of French and foreign students. It's best to start your search several weeks in advance.
Types of accommodation for Erasmus students :
- Student flatshares: widespread, good atmosphere and reasonable prices
- University residences (CROUS or private): practical, but often fully booked
- Furnished studios or bed and breakfast: for greater peace and independence
Recommended neighborhoods in Lyon for students:
- Jean Macé: good transport links and close to universities
- Monplaisir and Grange Blanche: quiet and close to the medical campus
- Villeurbanne: adjacent to Lyon, more affordable and very student-oriented
Student life and Erasmus parties in Lyon
Lyon is a student city par excellence, with over 150,000 students every year.
And when it comes to parties, you won't be disappointed.
Erasmus evenings in Lyon :
- International evenings organized every week in clubs like Café Oz every Wednesday! Over 500 Erasmus students party there! And it's free!
- Erasmus Place afterworks and theme evenings
- Aperitifs on the banks of the Saône or in the parks in fine weather
The liveliest districts for going out :
- Vieux-Lyon for its wine bars and medieval atmosphere
- The slopes of the Croix-Rousse, perfect for an alternative evening out
- The banks of the Rhône, a must for summer students
Culture, gastronomy and discoveries in Lyon
Lyon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and not by chance. Its architecture, narrow streets, traboules and gastronomy make it a unique city in France.
A must-see!
- Old Lyon and its secret passages
- The Fourvière Basilica and its panoramic view of the city
- The Presqu'île, between the Rhône and Saône rivers
- Parc de la Tête d'Or, one of Europe's largest urban parks
Kitchen :
Lyon is the capital of French gastronomy. On the program:
- Lyon's bouchons and their typical dishes such as andouillette, quenelle and saucisson brioché.
- Les Halles de Lyon, Paul Bocuse, for the more curious
- Restaurants from all over the world for a cosmopolitan Erasmus atmosphere
Studying in Lyon: universities and courses
Lyon is home to a number of renowned institutions that contribute to its attractiveness to Erasmus students.
Main universities and schools :
- Université Lumière Lyon 2 (human and social sciences)
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 (science, medicine, sport)
- Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3 (law, languages, management)
- Sciences Po Lyon
- EM Lyon Business School
- INSA Lyon, a renowned engineering school
Most of Lyon's universities offer Erasmus programs, courses in English and support from the moment you arrive.
Why do your Erasmus in Lyon?
The benefits:
- A student city that ranks very highly nationally
- A pleasant living environment combining heritage, modernity and nature
- A good balance between cost of living, quality of studies and atmosphere
- Exceptional gastronomy
- Fast connections to Paris, Geneva, Marseille and Italy
Disadvantages:
- The sky may be gray (but the sun is in our hearts)
- Housing goes fast → anticipate your search
FAQ - Erasmus in Lyon
What is the budget for an Erasmus program in Lyon?
Allow between €5,000 and €6,500 for a semester, including accommodation.
Is Lyon a good place to study?
In fact, it's one of the most popular in France, thanks to its human scale, dynamism and friendly atmosphere.
Where can I find Erasmus accommodation in Lyon?
On Erasmus Place, via student residences, Facebook groups or specialized websites such as Lokaviz or Studapart.
Are there any Erasmus evenings in Lyon?
Yes, every week. Erasmus Place organizes international evenings, visits and weekends for you to meet as many students as possible from all over the world.