Booking
How to book
Who can live in our residences?
Our residences are open to everyone (students, interns, young professionals, etc.).
Minors may also be accommodated. The tenant account is managed by the occupant, while the lease is signed by the legal guardian.
How can I book an apartment for students and young professionals?
Booking an apartment only takes a few clicks: reserve the apartment of your choice, log in, and submit your rental application. That’s it! We will get back to you very quickly after reviewing your application.
Please note: Complete your application as soon as possible. Until it is approved, the property remains visible and available to everyone.
How do I know what residences for students and young professionals are available?
To make booking easier, we only display apartments available for students and young professionals in the search results. When no date is shown, the apartment is available immediately; otherwise, the availability date is specified in the listing.
How can I book a shared apartment with a friend?
If you want to share the same apartment: Each of you should make your own booking and mention your friend’s name in the comments section of the application.
Pro tip: Make sure to check the apartment reference (e.g. C1021). The three digits after the “C” indicate the apartment number (102), and the last digit corresponds to the bedroom number (1).
To live together, simply choose the same apartment reference (C102) with different bedroom numbers.
How can I find out who I’ll be sharing the flat with?
We can’t share the names or contact details of current residents, but we won’t leave you completely in the dark.
Send us a quick message and we’ll be happy to share a few details to help you picture yourself there more easily!
Is the apartment reserved while my application is being processed?
No, the apartment remains available until the application has been fully approved.
We recommend completing your application as soon as possible.
Apartment
Equipment
What documents do I need to book my accommodation ?
Please make sure to prepare and scan the following documents in PDF, JPG, or PNG format. To reserve your apartment, you must submit a complete application. Click on “Learn more” to see the list of required documents according to your status.
As an international student, do I need to provide any specific documents?
The process is 100% digital and the same for everyone. The application file can be submitted in English. If you do not have a guarantor in France, we accept Visale and GarantMe.
I am an international student – can I apply for the GarantMe or Visale guarantees?
Absolutely. These guarantee agencies act as guarantors for French and international students.
Once I have submitted my application, how long will I have to wait for a decision?
Your booking request will be processed within 1 business day of submission from your YouFirst Campus account. We will let you know our decision by email and you will then be able to track the progress of your residence for students and young professionals rental application from your personal account.
Rent
Expenses
What fees are due at move-in?
Upon signing the lease, the tenant must pay the application fees and the security deposit. The security deposit is collected at the beginning of the lease and returned at the end of the tenancy, subject to the condition of the accommodation. The first rent payment is due shortly before move-in.
What is included in the rent?
The rent includes the accommodation and the building’s common charges. In shared apartments, electricity, heating, internet access and home insurance are included in the rent. In individual apartments, the tenant is responsible for taking out and managing their own contracts for electricity, heating, internet access and home insurance.
What happens if I move in during the month?
If the move-in date is not on the first day of the month, the first rent payment is calculated on a pro-rata basis, according to the actual number of days of occupancy.
Do I have to pay the housing tax?
As the accommodation is considered the tenant’s main residence, the housing tax may apply depending on the tenant’s situation and current regulations.
Is heating included in the flat rate for utilities?
Heating is included in the flat rate for utilities, except at the following residences for students: Bordeaux Pellegrin, Lille Euralille, Paris Bagnolet, Pessac Université, Talence Centre and Talence Université.
Is electricity included in the flat rate for utilities?
Electricity is included for shared apartments. For all other types of apartment it is not included. After signing your lease, we’d suggest that you register with an electricity supplier. Your YouFirst Manager will provide you with the necessary information when you’re ready to do so.
Is the rent shown for a shared apartment for the entire unit?
The rent displayed corresponds to one occupant only. Each tenant signs an individual lease and pays rent solely for their own room. There is no financial joint liability between roommates.
However, joint responsibility applies to the shared areas of the shared apartment (flatshare).
When and how is the rent paid?
Rent is payable on the first day of each month. Payments are made via the tenant’s online account, by bank card, bank transfer or automatic direct debit. Payment of the full year’s rent in a single instalment is not accepted.
Am I eligible for housing benefits (APL)?
All our accommodations are eligible for housing benefits, whether the tenant is living alone or in a shared apartment, and regardless of nationality, subject to the applicable conditions. A simulation can be carried out on the official CAF website.
Moving in
Check-in inventory visit
How long can I stay?
The lease is signed for a twelve-month term and is automatically renewed unless terminated in accordance with the applicable notice conditions.
How is the accommodation equipped?
The accommodation is offered fully furnished. The bedroom includes a bed and a mattress. The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, cooking hobs and a microwave. Basic cleaning equipment is provided in the apartment. Bed linen and household linen are not included and must be brought by the tenant.
What is life like in a shared apartment?
Shared apartments welcome a diverse range of residents, including students, young professionals and international tenants. Apartments are mixed-gender and rely on mutual respect to ensure a pleasant living environment.
Is parking available?
Some residences offer parking facilities for cars, motorcycles or bicycles. Please visit your client area or contact booking@gecina.fr
How does the move-in process work?
Once the lease has been signed, the tenant must schedule an appointment for the inventory of fixtures during the residence’s opening hours. The contact details of the residence manager are available in the personal online account.
For individual apartments, proof of home insurance must be provided on the day of the inventory of fixtures in order to receive the keys. In shared apartments, home insurance is already included.
What if I cannot attend the inventory of fixtures?
If the tenant is unable to attend, a third party may represent them, provided a written authorization and a copy of an identity document are supplied.
How does mail and parcel delivery work?
Each apartment has its own mailbox for regular mail. Parcels must be received directly by the tenant, as the residence manager is not able to accept or store deliveries.
Are guests allowed?
Guests are permitted, provided the house rules and the comfort of other residents are respected. In shared apartments, guests should preferably be received in the private bedroom or with the agreement of roommates when using common areas. Subletting, including short-term rentals through online platforms, is not permitted.
Is smoking allowed?
Shared apartments are entirely non-smoking for the comfort of all residents. Smoking is permitted in studios and individual apartments. Indoor common areas of the residence are non-smoking, while outdoor areas remain accessible.
How do I move out and get my security deposit back?
The tenant may terminate the lease at any time by giving one month’s notice. Notice can be submitted directly through the tenant’s online account. After the check-out inventory, the security deposit is refunded within one month if no damage is identified. If cleaning or repairs are required, the refund period may extend to two months, with the corresponding costs deducted if applicable.
For any additional questions, all contact details are available in the personal online account.
