Homestay
Apartment
Dorm
Observatoire
I want to speak French as much as possible. In a host family you immerse yourself in a French-speaking environment where you have to speak with native speakers. Most apartments are shared by several program participants. Students in the apartments have to make an effort to practice their French with each other, members of the community and French at the university. Most students living in the dorms are international students. Students in the dorms have to make an effort to practice their French with members of the community and Francophone students at the university. Most students living in the Observatoire are international students. Students have to make an effort to practice their French with members of the community and Francophone students at the university.
How do I meet French people? In a host family you will experience the daily life of the French from a first-hand perspective, with the chance to learn more about the culture. Many students develop life-long ties with their host families. Students who choose the apartment option will need to make an extra effort to meet French people by getting out in the city or meeting French students at the university. Dormitories are not the social places that they are in the US. They are places to study and sleep; few students hang out there. Students who choose the dorm option will need to make an extra effort to meet French people. Students living in the Observatoire will need to make an extra effort to get to know the other students living there. Residents tend to study in their rooms with their doors closed and do not often frequent the common space. It is recommended that Observatoire students join university clubs and meet people in the city.
How much does it cost? The host family fee appears slightly more than the apartment fee, but two meals per day are included. See budget estimate for exact costs. You will need to pay a $500 apartment deposit and carry mandatory apartment insurance. The onsite staff will assist you in setting up the insurance. You will also need to budget money for food and utilities. See budget estimate for exact costs.

You will need to pay a $500 housing deposit. The dormitory is the least expensive and most basic housing option. You will need to budget extra for food. See budget estimate for exact costs.

 You will need to pay a $500 apartment deposit and carry mandatory apartment insurance. The onsite staff will assist you in setting up the insurance. You will also need to budget money for food. See budget estimate for exact costs.
How far from class/the city center will I live? Most host families live outside of Montpellier. Students often have a 30–45 minute commute by bus/tram to the city center and university. Most apartments are located near the city center, about 20–30 minutes walking distance from the university. There is also a tram that runs from the city center to the university. Some apartments are located slightly outside the city center. The dorms are located within minutes of the university and about 20–30 minutes walking distance from the city center. The Observatoire is close to the city center and about 20–30 minutes by tram to the university.
Do I have my own room? Yes, you will have your own room. You may share a bedroom with another program participant. You will have your own room, but bathrooms and showers are shared and co-ed. Yes, you will have your own studio room with bathroom and basic kitchenette.
Are linens and furniture provided? Your room will contain a bed, a desk for studying, linens, blankets, and a pillow. A bed, comforter and desk are provided, but you will need to bring or purchase your own sheets, towels and pillow. A bed, desk, and chest of drawers are provided, along with linens and a pillow. You will need to bring or purchase a towel. A bed, desk, and chest of drawers are provided, along with linens and a pillow. You will need to bring or purchase a towel.
Can I use the phone? In general, do not use the family's phone unless they offer to let you do so. Phone calls in Europe can be quite expensive. Most students opt to purhcase cell phones while in France. Setting up a phone line in an apartment is very complicated and expensive. Most students opt to purhcase cell phones while in France. There are no phones in the dorm. Most students opt to purhcase cell phones while in France. There are no phones in the Observatoire. Most students opt to purhcase cell phones while in France or use pay phones.
Can I arrive early or stay late? Host families are not expected to host students before or after the program. Students arriving early or staying late in Montpellier will need to make their own accommodation arrangements. Apartments are not available before the program. Students arriving early in Montpellier will need to make their own accommodation arrangements. The apartment may be available for a short time after the program end date; students wishing to explore this option should contact the onsite staff. Dormitories are not available before or after the program. Students arriving early or staying late in Montpellier will need to make their own accommodation arrangements. The Observatoire is not available before or after the program. Students arriving early or staying late in Montpellier will need to make their own accommodation arrangements.
Where will I stay during holiday/school breaks? Host families are not expected to host students during breaks. If you plan to stay in Montpellier, you must notify the onsite staff, who will check with your family to see if you can stay with them. If the host family will not be available during the break, the program will find alternate housing for you. You may stay in your apartment during breaks. You may stay in your dormitory during breaks that occur within the semester. Academic Year students will need to make arrangements for their own accomodations between semesters. You may stay in the Observatoire during breaks.
What will I eat? The homestay option includes 2 meals per day. Lunch is generally taken on campus (approx. $5 per meal). Students in apartments will buy their own food and cook for themselves. This is the best option for students who are vegetarians or have other dietary restrictions. Dormitories contain a very basic kitchen area, but may not have cooking facilities or a refrigerator. Most students take their meals at the university cafeterias (approx. $5 per meal). Students in the Observatoire will buy their own food and cook for themselves in their basic kitchenette. Students may also eat at the university cafeteria (approx. $5 per meal) and local eateries.
Where will I do my laundry? Your family may give you permission to use their washer, or offer to do your laundry for you. However, not all families do so and you should be prepared to go to a laundromat if this is the case. You will need to take your laundry to a laundromat. You will need to take your laundry to a laundromat. You will need to take your laundry to a laundromat.
Do I have to pay for utilities (electricity, water)? No; however, please be respectful of your family and use hot water and electricity conservatively, as utility costs are very high in France. In most apartments, you will be responsible for paying your own utilties. A few apartments have utilities included in the fee. No. No.
Should I bring my laptop? Most host families do not have wireless access. However, the program office and some locations on campus do. If you plan to use your laptop at home to write papers, etc, make sure to check with your family first and offer to pay extra for the electricity as it is expensive in France. Setting up an internet connection in an apartment is complicated and expensive. However, the program office and some locations on campus have wireless access. If you plan to use your laptop at home to write papers, etc, you may need to pay a higher portion of the electricity in relation to your computer use. For a small monthly fee, there is wireless access available in the dormitories. The program office and some locations on campus also have wireless. Wireless internet is available in the Observatoire.
I want to be independent. You can come and go as you please, but you should be respectful of the family and inform them of your schedule so they know when to expect you. You may come and go as you please. You may come and go as you please. You may come and go as you please. The Observatoire is a good option for independent students since you will be living in an apartment setting with no roommates.
I want to go out at night. As bus service ends at 6pm, students living in host families will need to take a taxi (approx. 25 Euros) home if they are out at night. Alternatively, you may arrange to spend the night at the apartment of another program participant. Many students find that an apartment is the most convenient option if you plan to go out a lot at night. The tram runs until midnight, but after that you will need to walk or take a taxi back to the dorms. You will find it very convenient to go out at night since you will be very close to the city center.
Can I have overnight guests Overnight guests are not allowed in homestays unless your family has given you permission to invite a friend to stay. Overnight guests are not allowed in the apartments. Overnight guests are not allowed in the dormitories. Overnight guests are not allowed in the Observatoire.
What if I don't like my housing option? If you are unhappy in your housing situation, talk to the onsite staff. However, please keep in mind that there can be an initial adjustment period when you first arrive, so make sure to give your housing a chance! You may come to love it.