Pau campus: our accommodation and services

Location and getting there

The city of Pau is home to the main campus of the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA). This city campus is easy to get to as well as being close to the Pyrenees. By car, take the N117 and N134 or the A64 motorway (exit 10). There are 6 bus stops close to the university, Pau train station is less than 3 miles away and Pau-Pyrénées airport can be reached in about 20 minutes.

Campus history and development

The history of UPPA has its roots in the Renaissance, with the creation of the College of Arts in 1549 and the formation of the third Protestant Academy in 1564, later made into a University in 1583. Later, in 1722, a new Universitas Bearniae was founded, composed of two faculties of arts and law, to which a faculty of theology was added in 1780. But UPPA was founded in 1946 via an agreement, signed by the Rector of Bordeaux, which allowed the opening of law courts in Pau. The Institute of Legal and Economic Studies was then created and, in 1955, a History of Law Chair was added. Since then, other institutes (Arts and Humanities) and colleges (Arts and Sciences) have joined them. This led to a presidential decree formalising the creation of the Université de Pau et des Pays de l’Adour (UPPA) on 12 December 1970.

Accommodation close to the campus

Student housing options

Have you chosen to start or continue your course in Pau? This modestly sized campus, the number one student city in the “medium-sized city” category (Le Figaro and L’Étudiant 2023 rankings), offers a pleasant living environment. And when it comes to budget, it’s even more appealing. Accommodation is affordable – on average €380 for a furnished studio – and various options are available to you: a studio, lodgings in a private house, shared accommodation, university halls or a student residence. It’s up to you to decide what suits you best!

University and student residences

If you have a scholarship, you can benefit from university accommodation (Crous residence), no problem. But if you don’t, you will still have access to quality rental properties, in particular via the Lokaviz website. The majority of the offers are certified by the Crous, which guarantees students quality housing both in terms of rent and general set-up (surface area, safety, energy performance, proximity to schools, etc.). Individual dwellings, rooms or studios in private houses, furnished or unfurnished rentals, all you need to do is contact the landlords!

But there is another quick and simple solution: the All Suites Study student residence. In Pau, it is just 2 miles from the campus, 9 minutes by car or 8 minutes by bike.

It offers furnished, equipped studios from 194 to 237 square feet, with all charges included. With included or à la carte services, the accommodation includes bedding, bed linen, tableware and utensils. You can park your car easily in the secure car park, and you get free unlimited Wi-Fi, a gym, a self-service launderette (token-operated) and an à la carte housekeeping service. You benefit from turnkey housing that is ready to move into. To benefit from furnished accommodation in an All Suites Study residence, all you need to do is submit a booking application by downloading the form, filling it in and sending it to the residence of your choice. Our teams will be in touch to finalise your booking for the start of the academic year!

Student life in Pau

Popular with students, Pau stands out for its quality of life and the learning environment it offers. Family atmosphere, quiet and leafy, the city combines quality services with a calming environment.

Restaurants, cafés, shops and shopping centres

Most of the restaurants and bars are in the heart of Pau. Accessible by bus (about 10 minutes from the All Suites Study Pau residence), Pau city centre boasts several bars where numerous events are organised for a great student night out. Among them are the Manhattan, L’Adresse, Le Bondi Beach Pau and Le W, which puts on something different every day of the week. As for restaurants, Pau offers several great eateries, with everything from traditional, local cuisine to Italian, Chinese or Japanese!

And if you want to shop with friends, choose between Pau’s 5 shopping centres: TEMPO, Aushopping, La Promenade des Pyrénées or Quartier Libre, it’s up to you…

Sports facilities, clubs and activities

Pau is known for the amenities and facilities it offers, as well as its cultural life and sports activities.

The Pau campus offers two cultural services: Microscope and Centrifugeuse. Concerts, shows, exhibitions or relaxation areas with Wi-Fi, information on university and city life, you won’t miss a thing and can even enjoy free admission!

Nature is everywhere in Pau. Located between ocean and mountains, the city offers an exceptional setting for outdoor sports. If you prefer group classes or weight training, the city has many gyms and sports clubs (dance, gymnastics, yoga, martial arts, etc.).