Housing, shopping, transport, etc. are all expenses that weigh heavily on a student budget. With good practices and a few tips, it's possible to reduce certain expenses. Living in a FAC-HABITAT student residence helps you keep your budget under control!
Discover our TIPS to reduce your daily expenses
Control your housing budget
Look for accommodation specially designed for students, which is often more affordable than conventional apartments, and more transparent about how much you have to pay or not. FAC-HABITAT residences are accessible with no application fees, and most include utilities in the rent. Some of them even offer shared accommodation (T2 or "Duo"), which means that rent, electricity and internet costs can be shared. This not only saves money, but also creates a pleasant social environment for students: combining business with pleasure! You can find out about shared accommodation directly on the residence page.
Find out about scholarships, housing assistance and school grants. To find out more, see our article on the subject.
FAC-HABITAT student residences come furnished, with basic equipment: bed, desk, storage, etc. To complete the student furnishings and decorate your accommodation, look to the second-hand market.
Control your shopping budget
If your school has a CROUS cafeteria or resto U, it's a good way to eat well-balanced meals at lower cost. If not, prepare your meals in your student apartment instead of eating out. Cooking yourself is often more economical and healthier. When shopping, compare prices - there are no small savings. Look for special offers, use discount coupons and loyalty cards. Choose less expensive private labels for basic products. Download anti-gaspi apps like "Too good to go", "Phenix", or "Frigo magic".
To support tenants, FAC-HABITAT, in partnership with the Red Cross, has organized solidarity distributions of food parcels in the Val-de-Marne. Several hundred tenants have benefited from this initiative.
Control your transport budget
Use local public transport, such as the bus, streetcar or metro, to reduce travel costs. Students often benefit from reduced fares. If possible, opt for cycling or walking for short trips. This will not only benefit your health, but also your transport costs. And don't forget carpooling, to share the cost: it's both economical and environmentally friendly!
Please note: Most FAC-HABITAT student residences offer all-inclusive rents (water, electricity, heating and internet!). Some residences have a barter area or shared garden where you can drop off or pick up various items (crockery, clothes, books) and harvest fruit and vegetables for free... GREAT for your student budget!
