Independent Living in Rennes

When choosing what housing experience I would prefer with CIEE Rennes, I decided on independent living. If you are looking for a more solo living experience, I would very much recommend it! I already feel at home, within the apartment and in the neighborhood. At first, it may feel nerve-racking and overwhelming to have a space that is completely to yourself, but it is really wonderful. Independent living has been helpful for me to be more social and extroverted when around others. When I do go out, I have been more talkative and energetic because I have had time to recharge after classes and other program activities. Having a balance of personal time and social outings has been just what I needed to adjust to living in an entirely different place surrounded by new people. It has also been thrilling to get to live alone because I have never had the opportunity to do so at my home university. Not only am I having an immersive experience in Rennes, but I am also learning more about myself and enjoying time alone! 

The location of the apartment is great. Everything you need is about a 2-minute walk away, including the grocery store, the pharmacy, the bakery, and the laundromat. Both metro lines and bus stops are also very close by, only being about a two to five-minute walk away! And because the complex is student apartments, it is only two metro stops away from the host institution, where we take most of our classes. The area is also close to the city centre, which is home to many local restaurants, cafes, shops, and landmarks such as Le Parc de Thabor and la Place des Lices. Being in this area has helped me get a feel for the city and helped me create a routine for myself. 

The complex itself comes with everything you may need, including a gym, a community area, and a laundromat. The complex is home to other university students, so you may even have classmates living there. The apartment itself is an amazing living environment equipped with an entrance hall, a full-size bed, a large closet, a dining table, a desk, two chairs, and a full-sized private bathroom. Another aspect I enjoy is being able to cook my own meals! The studio apartment is also equipped with a personal kitchenette that includes a fridge, stove, sink, and microwave. Being able to learn and try out recipes has been a great and tasty way to experience and learn about the culture in Rennes. It is quite immersive to go to the grocery store and shop for yourself. I have enjoyed learning the grocery aisles and figuring out what I like to use or what I want to have on hand. Trying food items I have never heard of or had before has also been exciting! 

Another aspect that may be more important to others is that there is less language immersion in your private life if you live independently, as there is no host family to speak to you in French 24/7. This is not something that held me back from choosing independent living, as everyone in the complex and neighborhood will speak to you in French; it is just a different kind of immersion. I would recommend independent living to anyone who has experience living in a complex, has basic knowledge of cooking/cleaning, and is looking for a more independent lifestyle abroad. It has definitely helped me relax and become more accustomed to my new life in Rennes, and I am eager to keep learning and make more memories!

Alex Polster

Trinity University

CIEE - Rennes Liberal Arts Spring 2026