Charlie Faircloth is currently studying at Cambridge University and spent last year living, and carrying out her research, in Paris.

For Charlie, a key difference between British and French student accommodation was that, whereas in Britain students tend to live together in shared houses, in France they often live on their own in bed-sit and studio apartments. "These can be quite basic," she says, "but the French seem to like having their own private living space." Unlike in the UK, students do not socialise as much in their own flats or houses. Instead the tendency is to go out and meet in bars and restaurants."

Before signing a contract on a flat, students have to get an Attestation de Loyer, proof that that have the means to pay rent. In turn, landlords must provide an étape de lieux, a certificate detailing the state of the flat and any furniture in it. Rental returns are high in Paris when compared with the rest of France, but lower than in London. "500 Euros (£330) a month will get you a good flat" Charlie says.

The other important consideration is location. The key student area in Paris is in the 5th arrondissement, otherwise known as the Latin Quarter. This is the home of Paris's most renowned university, the Sorbonne. Charlie lived next door in the 6th arrondissement. However, as public transport is efficient and cheap in Paris, many students choose to live further out; the north-east and north-west being the cheapest areas to buy and rent property.

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