The L'Etudiant website has carried out a major survey of the 46 French towns and cities hosting more than 8,000 students, to evaluate and compare living conditions, living costs, student facilities,cultural offerings and more. New this year, however, is the inclusion of new criteria relating tohealthcare. In addition to the average rent or the percentage of prizewinning students, we now evaluate air quality,annual sunshine, the ease of getting (or not) a medical appointment, etc.
Montpellier came out on top, being voted France's best student city this year, closely followed by Strasbourg in second place, and Rennes in third. Unlike some years, when the same trio - Toulouse, Lyon, Rennes - often emerged, this time large cities with between 20,000 and 40,000 students, such as Caen, Amiens or Orléans, are increasingly in vogue. As for medium-sized towns - with 8,000 to 20,000 students - Chambéry, Arras and La Rochelle are the most popular, with a new appeal linked to the range of training and transport options on offer!
As for Paris, which came in at the top 10 last year, it has to be said that thetrend in rents in line with inflation and the quality of the air in Paris are largely to one's disadvantage. Indeed, while the average rent for a studio apartment is around €500 in most major French cities, in Paris it rises to €881. What's more, the accommodation on offer is not very attractive, with few places available in Crous residences for students who wish to take advantage of them.
After this major black mark, the ranking also criticizes the difficulty of access to healthcare in the capital (general practitioner, dentist, physiotherapist) and the poor quality of the air. Paris ended up in 21st place, down ten places on last year's ranking, despite its excellent cultural offering and numerous local initiatives for students, which they particularly appreciate.
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