When you think of Lille, it's hard not to picture the bustling terraces of Rue Masséna, the lecture halls of the Cité Scientifique, the evenings in Vieux-Lille, or the thousands of students who bring energy to the metropolis. However, in the new 2026 ranking of the best student cities published by L’Étudiant, Lille has slipped to the 12th place. This ranking is bound to stir up reactions both in the campuses and around a drink on the terrace.
Lille at the Doorstep of the Top 10
Every year, L’Étudiant compares the main university cities in France based on various criteria: range of courses, appeal, employment, housing, transportation, culture, quality of life, and ecological engagement. For this 2026 edition, Toulouse has claimed the top spot, followed by Rennes and Montpellier.
Behind, we find cities like Caen, Nantes, Brest, Lyon, Angers, Dijon, and Bordeaux. Lille, meanwhile, is in 12th place, tied with Besançon.
A surprising result when you consider that the Lille metropolitan area has one of the largest student populations in the country and several renowned establishments like the University of Lille, EDHEC, Sciences Po Lille, Junia, and Skema.
A city that remains one of the students' favorites
Falling out of the Top 10 doesn't mean Lille has lost its charm. Quite the opposite! The capital of Flanders continues to attract students with its unique atmosphere, a rich associative life, a wealth of cultural offerings, and its proximity to Paris, Brussels, London, and Amsterdam. Here, students enjoy a city where almost everything can be done by bike, where bars, restaurants, and events are always plentiful, and where neighborhood life still holds a significant place. In short, few cities can blend so many schools, universities, concerts, festivals, and more!e friteries within the same area.
Housing, the nerve of the war
While Lille may have slipped a few spots this year, many observers point to the growing difficulties related to student housing. As in many French metropolitan areas, finding a studio or shared accommodation can feel like a real obstacle course as the school year approaches. This reality definitely weighs into such rankings where quality of life and accessibility have become major criteria. On the other hand, some cities in the Greater West like Rennes, Caen, Brest, or Angers continue to charm with a more favorable balance between cost of living, a human scale, and quality of life.
A ranking that doesn't necessarily reflect students' attachment
Because, deep down, rankings tell part of the story, but not the whole story. Lille remains one of the most vibrant student cities in France, with a very strong identity and a rare ability to create connections. Those who have experienced it...Those who know their studies well understand: people often come here for a few years… and many end up staying for much longer. So yes, this 12th place may make some people grumble. But it’s pretty likely that many students in Lille will continue to defend their city fiercely.
The Top 10 Best Student Cities 2026
🥇 Toulouse
🥈 Rennes
🥉 Montpellier
4️⃣ Caen
5️⃣ Nantes
6️⃣ Brest and Lyon
8️⃣ Angers and Dijon
🔟 Bordeaux
📍 Lille ranks 12th, tied with Besançon.