Student life in Rouen: Everything you need to know to succeed

A diverse range of study programs

Science, law, literature, medicine, sports, or business—Rouen has the right program for you.

The University of Rouen Normandy offers a wide variety of courses, with six faculties, five institutes, and a top engineering school (ESITech). Whatever your field, you’ll find your place here!

Looking for a prestigious school? No problem.

• INSA Rouen Normandie and ESIGELEC train the engineers of tomorrow.
• NEOMA Business School prepares future business and management professionals.
• Into the arts? Check out ESADHaR (Le Havre-Rouen School of Art and Design) or ENSAN (National School of Architecture of Normandy).

And here’s something cool: Rouen is home to the National Institute of Bakery and Pastry—yes, a school dedicated to making bread and pastries! If that’s not a dream, what is?

You’ll also find specialized schools like IES Business School for business and management studies. More into digital tech? The Normandy Web School is the place to be.

Long story short, Rouen is a real higher education hub! And it’s not just about academics—the quality of life and career opportunities make it an amazing place to study.

A buzzing cultural and nightlife scene

Rouen is a student city where culture, art, and nightlife thrive all year round—boredom is not an option!

With eight theaters, countless museums (Fine Arts Museum, Natural History Museum, Pierre Corneille’s birthplace), and libraries full of resources, there’s always something happening. Add in movie theaters, concert venues, and cultural spaces, and you’ll never run out of things to do.

Want to catch big-name concerts? Head to the Zénith de Rouen, a massive venue with 8,000 seats that hosts some of the biggest artists.

Rouen also takes student events to another level!

• Les Pluriels, an event organized by students, for students, features performances, workshops, and fun activities.
• Les Zazimuts keeps the city lively with concerts, parties, and special student activities in autumn and spring.

And if partying with friends is your thing, Rouen is also called “the city of 100 bars”. You’ll always find a pub, a bar, a club, or an outdoor concert to keep the night going!

Rouen is also a major sports city. With over 100 sports clubs, you can watch professional teams like:

• Dragons de Rouen (ice hockey)
• Huskies (baseball)
• Rouen Métropole Basket

A perfect living environment: Between nature and history

Rouen is the ultimate mix of history, culture, and quality of life. Its medieval architecture, half-timbered houses, and stunning Notre-Dame Cathedral—the tallest in France—give it a unique charm.

The capital of Normandy is also a dream city for students who love exploring, discovering, and making the most of every moment.

Need some green space? You’ll love:

• Jardin des Plantes, perfect for a relaxing break or outdoor study session.
• Île Lacroix and the Seine quays, ideal for walks, picnics, or jogging with a river view.

And if you’re craving the sea, Normandy’s beaches are just an hour away! Étretat, Dieppe, Veules-les-Roses… whether you want fresh sea air, stunning cliffs, or a chill beach day, it’s all within reach.

Total freedom to get around

Rouen is a city where everything is accessible! No need to stress about getting around. Public transport is super efficient, with:

• Two tram lines
• TEOR bus network
• A metro system
• Night bus services for late-night outings

Prefer cycling? Great news! Rouen has bike-friendly infrastructure, with:

• Cy’clic bike-sharing service
• Dedicated cycling paths all over the city

Need a quick getaway? Paris is just 1h30 by train, with around 30 departures per day—perfect for shopping, sightseeing, or catching a flight from Paris airports.

Bottom line? In Rouen, you can move around easily, whenever you want.

Student housing that fits your needs

Finding a place to live in Rouen is way easier (and cheaper!) than in Paris or other big student cities. But if you’re still struggling after hours of searching through listings, UXCO Student’s residences Rouen are here for you!

Whether you prefer a cozy studio with a kitchenette and private bathroom, a functional T1, or a spacious T2 with a separate living room and bedroom, we’ve got all-inclusive options with furniture, utilities, and WiFi—zero hassle.

Our top student residences:

• Oméga Student Residence – Located by the Seine, just 3 minutes from the law faculty, it’s perfect for students at ISCOM Rouen and Silvya Terrade School of Aesthetics. Close to shops, the city center, and public transport.
• UppeHalls Student Residence – Located on Rouen’s left bank, just 200m from the metro. You can reach your campus in under 20 minutes.
• Valhalla Student Residence – In Saint-Sever, a lively neighborhood just 10 minutes from downtown and near campuses like Saint-Marc, Madrillet, and Martainville.

Each residence offers:

• High-speed WiFi
• Bike storage
• Laundry facilities
• Gym and common areas
• Fully furnished apartments with sleeping, kitchen, and study spaces
• On-site residence manager organizing events to help you unwind after classes

With a top-tier university scene, a dynamic student lifestyle, affordable housing, a fascinating history, and a buzzing cultural scene, Rouen checks all the boxes!

Still undecided? Many students fall in love with this city and stay long after graduation.

Who knows? You might be next!