40 years of experience serving students
Fac-Habitat by Smerra – Student residences throughout France
40 years of experience serving students
Since 1985, FAC-HABITAT by Smerra has been committed to helping you! As a non-profit organization, it has been assisting students in their search for housing throughout France for over 40 years. Today, it offers more than 12,700 accommodations in over 113 residences, located in more than 30 university centers and 70 student cities.
Our goal? To offer you practical, furnished, and affordable housing, while simplifying your daily life. Fac-Habitat is for students, young professionals under 30, researchers, and teachers.
All accommodations are eligible for housing assistance (CAF: APL, ALS), and we can help you every step of the way with your application.
With four decades of experience and a genuine social mission, Fac-Habitat puts its expertise at the service of your success and comfort, so that you quickly feel at home, wherever your studies take you.
Choose Fac-Habitat for your student accommodation
With Fac-Habitat, everything is designed to make your life easier. More than just accommodation, it’s a peaceful and well-supported student experience. The association draws on more than 40 years of experience to offer you the best in student accommodation throughout France. Here are its five key commitments:
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Ease of application
No more complicated paperwork! From your online account or the tenant app, you can submit your application and track your application in just a few clicks. Simple, fast, and stress-free. -
Loyer sans surprise
With Fac-Habitat, everything is clear. Utilities are included and there are no application fees. You know your budget in advance and avoid unpleasant surprises. -
Eco-responsible approach
The association is taking action for the planet! Raising awareness of eco-friendly practices, energy-saving initiatives, and events focused on sustainable development are a regular feature of life in the residence. -
Convenient for students
Furnished and equipped accommodation, close to campuses and transport links, with all the services you need: laundry facilities, bike storage, high-speed internet, common room... You're never alone! An on-site maintenance manager is there to help you with day-to-day issues, and friendly events bring the residence to life.
Housing throughout France
Residences dedicated to students!
Fac-Habitat by Smerra is much more than just accommodation: it’s a real boost to your student life!
A whole practical ecosystem awaits you: a roof over your head, insurance, and essential services all rolled into one. When you make your reservation, you can add Smerra student home insurance, with tenant liability and essential coverage, sometimes included in your monthly rent depending on the residence.
Fac-Habitat simplifies your move-in and ensures a smooth and well-organized start to the school year.
Residences dedicated to students
With Fac-Habitat, no more endless paperwork!
Online lease & tenant application
Everything is done online, quickly and easily. Submit your application and track the progress of your move-in from your tenant account or directly via the Fac-Habitat mobile app. You can view your documents, report an incident, or ask your contact person a question in just a few clicks. A 100% digital process, designed to save you stress and time, while giving you the freedom to manage everything wherever you are, from your phone.
With Fac-Habitat, your budget is in good hands!
No surprise rent
Here, there are no hidden fees or unpleasant surprises. The rent is advertised inclusive of charges, so you know exactly how much to budget for each month. Water, heating, electricity, or internet, depending on the residence: everything is clearly stated from the outset. And best of all, there are no application fees. Complete transparency allows you to manage your budget with peace of mind, without any surprises, and focus on what really matters: your studies and your student life.
With Fac-Habitat, reduce your rent!
Housing assistance (CAF, APL/ALS)
Good news: Fac-Habitat accommodations are eligible for housing assistance such as APL or ALS, depending on your situation. This assistance can help you better manage your student budget each month. And don't panic if the process seems complicated: Fac-Habitat will guide you step by step to put together your file and submit your application to the CAF. It's a real helping hand that allows you to enjoy your accommodation to the full without breaking the bank.
With Fac-Habitat, everything is within reach!
Proximity to campus and transportation
Because your time is precious, Fac-Habitat residences are always ideally located and designed to make your daily student life easier. Located a stone's throw from universities, schools, and training centers, they offer quick access to your campus, whether you walk, cycle, or take public transportation. Most are also in close proximity to shops, university restaurants, libraries, pharmacies, supermarkets, and cultural and sporting venues. A real bonus for making the most of your student life: everything is accessible, convenient for studying, relaxing, and getting around without any constraints.
Services & common areas
Everything is designed to make you feel comfortable every day.
Many services are available: high-speed internet, laundry facilities, bike storage, parking, and often shared spaces such as a study room, gym, or relaxation area. Some residences also offer clever extras* such as a shared garden or vegetable patch.
Security & on-site presence
Your peace of mind is our priority!
All Fac-Habitat residences have secure access with intercoms, access control, and sometimes video surveillance, so you can feel safe at all times. A maintenance and repair technician or residence manager is on site every day.
Types of accommodation
Whether you prefer a private studio, a one-bedroom apartment, or a more spacious two-bedroom apartment, all options are available.
Three-bedroom apartments or shared apartments are also available in some residences. Each apartment is furnished and fully equipped: functional kitchen area (stove, refrigerator, microwave depending on the residence), private bathroom, practical furniture for working, and well-designed storage space.
Rates & rents “starting at”
Fac-Habitat offers attractive and transparent rents, tailored to student budgets. Rates are always indicated as “starting at … €/month,” including utilities, so you know exactly what you’re paying each month, with no hidden costs or surprises.
Associated costs (water, electricity, heating, internet depending on the residence) are specified on each listing. Some accommodations even offer all-inclusive packages.
Life in the residence: activities*, conviviality, commitments…
Living in a Fac-Habitat residence also means sharing convivial moments throughout the year! As soon as you arrive, a welcome drink allows you to meet the other residents and make friends.
Health workshops, themed events, eco-friendly initiatives, and student parties punctuate daily life and make the residence even more lively. These activities promote interaction, mutual support, and a real community spirit.
🔎 FOCUS ON sustainable development at Fac-Habitat
The residences encourage eco-friendly habits (turning off lights, saving water, heating more efficiently), implement energy-saving measures, and promote sustainable transportation (bike storage, carpooling information).
On the agenda: awareness workshops, “zero waste” challenges, waste sorting, and solidarity events to take action together.
Each initiative aims to reduce the residence’s carbon footprint while improving your comfort. Depending on the site*, you can enjoy shared gardens, compost bins, barter areas, or recycling zones that promote waste reduction and sharing among tenants.
With Fac-Habitat, you can take action for the planet every day!
**Services/benefits/activities vary depending on the residence; see conditions on the residence page.
Everything you need to know about Smerra residences
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Studios, one-bedroom apartments, two-bedroom apartments—and, depending on the residence, three-bedroom apartments or shared apartments. All are furnished and equipped with a kitchenette, private bathroom, furniture, and storage space.
The goal: a practical, move-in ready space that fits your budget and lifestyle. (Offer varies depending on residence.)
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The reservation process consists of four steps: Select your city and residence, submit your application online, complete your file (including guarantor), then electronically sign your lease after approval. You can follow each step from your tenant account or the app.
Simple, fast, and 100% digital to save time and avoid paperwork.
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Rates are displayed “starting from” and include charges for greater budget clarity. No application fees. Depending on the residence, the following may be included: water, heating, electricity, internet. See the residence information sheet for specific details of the services included.
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Fac-Habitat housing is eligible for financial assistance (APL/ALS), depending on your situation. Support is available to help you put together your application and submit it to the CAF.
The result: lower monthly rent and a more comfortable budget, allowing you to focus on your studies.
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You will generally find: high-speed internet, laundry facilities, bike storage, work/relaxation areas, and sometimes a gym or parking. The facilities are designed for your comfort and success in everyday life. (Services and facilities may vary depending on the residence: check the dedicated information sheet.)
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Yes, depending on the residence’s terms and conditions and the status of your application (before/after signing). Please refer to the terms and conditions provided at the time of application. If in doubt, contact the residence: they will explain the available options (postponement, modification, cancellation) and any associated deadlines or fees.
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Standard documents: ID, proof of enrollment (or admission), bank details, proof of income and guarantor (ID, income, tax notice), sometimes specific certificates depending on your place of residence. Prepare legible PDFs to speed up the validation process. The exact list can be found on the form and in your account.
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After creating your file, you will receive your login details to access “My Account.” You can also use the tenant app to track your documents, sign, pay if necessary, report an incident, or contact the residence. Everything is centralized and accessible from your phone.
Be sure to check out our FAQ!
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