Strasbourg may be similar in size to Syracuse, but it offers a cultural experience that’s truly extraordinary.
As the cultural capital of eastern France, Strasbourg is home to renowned museums, a grand opera house, a symphony orchestra, ballet, and a vibrant theater scene that blends deep tradition with bold innovation. Yet the city also pulses with contemporary energy: music venues host everything from hip hop and indie rock to techno and heavy metal, and fans of pro soccer, basketball, and ice hockey can easily catch local games throughout the season.
It’s also a city that nurtures creativity and reflection. Strasbourg’s many bookshops and libraries—including one of the largest public libraries in France—offer quiet, inspiring spaces to read, study, and recharge between adventures.
It’s also a city that values nature and green space. From the expansive Parc de l’Orangerie to the leafy trails along its rivers and canals, Strasbourg is perfect for picnicking, jogging, or simply unwinding outdoors. It’s one of France’s most bike-friendly cities too, with over 600 kilometers of dedicated bike paths—making cycling a fast, easy, and sustainable way to get around.
We like to think of Strasbourg as a Goldilocks city: not too big, not too small—just right. It is a cosmopolitan city where you will meet people from all over the world. Within a couple of weeks, it feels familiar and welcoming, but there’s always more to explore and more to experience, usually just a stone’s throw away.
With its cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and regal architecture, Strasbourg radiates the charm of old Europe. At the same time, it’s a lively, youthful city—home to more than 60,000 university students—who keep the city buzzing day and night, throughout the year.
And if you’re curious to experience life across the border, you can hop on the train to the Black Forest towns of Baden-Baden or Freiberg —where a different language and culture await you just across the Rhine.
Strasbourg is a city that invites exploration—and rewards curiosity.
Note: Strasbourg also boasts direct rail services to Basel, Berlin, Brussels, Munich, Paris and Vienna, with most other European destinations just a connection away.
Syracuse Strasbourg Center: The Villa
The Syracuse France Villa is more than just a building—it’s your home base in Strasbourg. Tucked away on a quiet street beside the river, the Villa is just a short walk from both the European Institutions and the lively city center. It’s where your academic life and daily experience in France come together in one welcoming space.
Inside, you’ll find bright classrooms, a cozy student lounge, a small library, and all the staff offices—so whether you’re here to study, relax between classes, or just ask a quick question, everything is under one roof. Out back, there’s even a small garden—perfect for soaking up some sunshine, enjoying lunch outdoors, or just chatting with friends.
One of the best things about the Villa is the close-knit community it fosters. Thanks to our high staff-to-student ratio, you’ll never feel like just a number. Need help renting a bike, navigating French bureaucracy, or figuring out where to play pétanque? There’s always someone nearby who’s ready to help—with a smile and probably a story to share.
Students requesting disability-related housing accommodations should indicate this while completing their post-decision questionnaire “Accommodations for Students with Disabilities” due within 10 days of acceptance. View Disability Accommodations Abroad to learn more.
See Independent Housing Policy below.
Housing
Homestays
Living with a host family is at the heart of the Strasbourg experience. It’s more than just a place to stay—it’s a window into everyday French life. Sharing meals, conversations, and daily rhythms with your hosts offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper, more personal understanding of French culture than any classroom or guidebook could provide.
You’ll have your own private room in your host’s home—whether it’s a cozy apartment or a spacious house—and you’ll enjoy breakfast every morning and dinner five nights a week. These shared meals are often the highlight of the experience, where language learning comes to life around the dinner table. If you speak a little French, it’s a chance to practice, if English is your preferred language, then it is usually a great opportunity to teach your host a few useful phrases.
With the transportation pass provided as part of your program, getting to the Syracuse Villa is straightforward and convenient. Strasbourg’s excellent tram and bus system makes it easy to get around, and the city is known for being one of the safest in France. Wherever your host family is located, you can feel confident navigating your way home.
Many hosts have been welcoming students for over a decade, creating a warm, supportive environment where students feel at home from the very beginning.
Choosing a homestay means choosing to live like a local—to be part of a household, not just a visitor. It’s one of the most enriching parts of your time abroad.
Included in your homestay:
- Single bedroom with common space and shared bathroom (with your own key)
- Sheets/linens
- Utilities covered including laundry
- Wi-Fi
- 12 meals weekly (7 breakfasts, 5 dinners)
La Canopée Student Residence
Although there are no student halls or serviced apartments available to students on the program, if you prefer an independent living arrangement, there is the option to live in a furnished studio at La Canopée.
Located in a tower at Place d’Haguenau, a 15-minute walk from the Syracuse Villa, each compact studio includes a small kitchenette, bathroom, basic kitchen equipment, and essential linens.
- Individual studio apartments with kitchenette and private bath (shower)
- Includes utilities*: bedding, linens & towels; onsite, card-operated washers & dryers for a fee (approx. 7 € per load); 24-hour onsite maintenance staff.
- Meals are not included in this housing option, and students will be responsible for shopping for and preparing all meals. Canopée residents should budget accordingly.
- Basic kitchen supplies (pots, pans, dishes) are provided.
All students who are placed in the student residence will need to sign a housing agreement to confirm their placement in La Canopée.
Upon being placed in La Canopée, a $300 refundable security deposit will be charged to student bursar accounts at the time of billing.
- The security deposit will be used to cover damages, lost/damaged/unreturned keys and required cleaning services.
- Any eligible refunds will occur after the semester has ended and after the Center staff has performed a final walkthrough.
Important Considerations when choosing La Canopée:
- View La Canopee Guidelines & Norms
- La Canopée Residence is an apartment building and not a student dorm. Students should expect a very studious and quiet environment
- No parties or overnight guests allowed
- Smoking and alcohol are prohibited in the residence
- Meals are not included
Please note:
- This housing option has limited capacity.
- La Canopée Residence does not have air-conditioning.
- Studio apartments are approximately 200 square feet. There is no exterior space (balcony, terrasse, etc.).
- *Heating and hot water are included in the rental cost; however, electricity costs are based on a prepaid estimate. Excessive electricity consumption may result in additional costs.
Laundry facilities are available on site, with washers and dryers operated by card for a fee (around $7 per load). Heating and hot water are included, but electricity consumption is tracked and additional charges may apply if usage exceeds the allowance.
You will be responsible for planning, purchasing, and cooking all of your own meals as well as managing the upkeep of your studio: cleaning regularly and taking out the trash, recycling, and composting in accordance with local guidelines. Regular inspections are carried out to ensure that apartments are being properly maintained.
La Canopée requires a high level of independence and personal responsibility. Students who choose this housing option must sign a housing agreement confirming their placement.
Independent Housing Policy
Syracuse University’s policy requires all students to reside in program housing unless they meet specific criteria and are granted a waiver through a petition process. Our independent housing petition process is limited to students who meet one of the following criteria: religious reasons, disability disclosure that cannot be accommodated by program housing, or family member resides in the city of program.
The deadline for submitting the independent housing petition form waiver is May 1 (for fall semester) and October 1 (for spring semester). View Independent Housing Policy for more information.
Please note that while we will try to honor your housing preference, we cannot guarantee that you will be placed in the housing option that you prefer due to space limitations in each of the housing options.