Moving to Paris for university is an exciting experience filled with opportunities, but finding affordable housing can be a real challenge.
When I first arrived, my grant didn’t cover rent, and I was forced to look for alternative accommodation.
Little did I know that my solution would come in the form of a modest room in a rectory, where I would live among priests and other low-income students.
Here’s how this unexpected living situation turned out to be one of the most memorable experiences of my life.
Struggling to Find Affordable Housing
Upon receiving my acceptance letter to university in Paris, I was over the moon with excitement.
However, the reality of living in one of the world’s most expensive cities quickly hit me.
My grant wouldn’t cover rent, and the rental listings were out of my budget.
I faced numerous dreadful options, such as a “triplex” that was essentially just a stairwell, and an attic space where I would have to build my own walls.
Desperate, I turned to accommodation exchange programs, but soon realized that some landlords were offering “accommodation” in exchange for services that were less than ideal.
I was on the verge of accepting an uncomfortable situation when I stumbled upon an unexpected option: a room in a rectory run by priests, located far in the suburbs of Paris.
A New Beginning in the Rectory
The rectory, home to 12 priests, had converted several rooms into housing for students, offering an affordable option at only €250 a month, all bills included. I was thrilled.
Though the rectory was in the suburbs, the price was right, and I soon found myself walking up the steps to meet Father Gabriel, who welcomed me with a broad smile and a handshake.
My room was simple, with just a bed and a wardrobe.
However, it had one major selling point: it overlooked a stunning garden, surrounded by cloister arches and scattered with statues hidden among the overgrown grass.
It was a peaceful oasis that more than made up for the small, unadorned room.
A Community of Students and Priests
Living in the rectory was far from ordinary. The other housemates were a diverse mix of people, including mature students studying marketing, theology, and maths.
We also had a group of students from Senegal, including a history Ph.D. candidate.
Together, we created a lively, tight-knit community, despite our busy schedules and the cultural differences we shared.
Although the priests lived on-site, there was no sense of strict control.
They had few rules for us: attend dinners every semester and check in with them about our studies.
We were expected to be considerate of others, but there was no curfew, and we could have friends over whenever we wanted.
The experience was a welcome break from the rigidity of typical student housing.
Unexpected Connections and Special Moments
Some of my most memorable moments occurred unexpectedly.
One day, while I was struggling with an assignment, Father Gabriel interrupted me to ask for help repotting his tomato plants.
At first, I resented the distraction, but as we worked together in the garden, I found the experience unexpectedly calming.
The task helped clear my mind and reminded me that, in that moment, I wasn’t the one offering help — we were helping each other.
The group dinners were another highlight of life at the rectory.
Every couple of months, we gathered for a shared meal, complete with delicious food and plenty of wine.
As the evening progressed, the priests would share stories from their parishes, and we would all join in the conversation.
It was a chance to bond with people from very different walks of life, and the red wine made everything feel more relaxed and personal.
The Challenge of Commuting
While the community was wonderful, living in the suburbs had its downsides.
The commute was long and tiring, as I spent around two hours each day on public transport.
The last train back was at 11 p.m., so I often faced the choice of taking a creepy night bus or staying out until the first train in the morning.
This exhausting routine made me reconsider my living situation for the following year.
A New Chapter in the Heart of Paris
As my time in the rectory came to an end, I decided to look for more convenient accommodation closer to the heart of the city.
With the help of my university, I found a small but affordable rental in the 7th arrondissement.
It was a tiny room, barely larger than my bed, but it was all mine, and it was located in one of Paris’s most desirable districts.
Still, despite the convenience, I often looked back fondly on my time in the rectory — the strange but wonderful community I had become a part of, and the peaceful garden that had been my sanctuary.
Conclusion
Living in a rectory with priests and other students was an unconventional and deeply rewarding experience.
It taught me about the importance of community, sharing spaces with people from diverse backgrounds, and finding peace in unexpected places.
While the commute and small living space were challenges, they were part of what made my time in Paris so unforgettable.
It was a chapter in my life that I will always look back on with fondness and appreciation for the lessons I learned along the way.