COLIFE BLOG
Interning in Hong Kong: Accommodation Guide for French Students
Hong Kong has become one of Asia's most exciting destinations for French students looking to complete an international internship. Whether you're studying business, finance, marketing, engineering, fashion, or hospitality, an internship in Hong Kong offers invaluable international experience and the opportunity to build a global network.
But before you can start your first day at the office, you'll need to answer one important question:
Where are you going to live?
Finding accommodation in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never visited the city before. Rental prices are high, apartments are small, and many landlords prefer long-term tenants.
Fortunately, there are much easier options for interns than signing a traditional lease.
This guide explains everything French students need to know about finding accommodation during an internship in Hong Kong.
But before you can start your first day at the office, you'll need to answer one important question:
Where are you going to live?
Finding accommodation in Hong Kong can feel overwhelming, especially if you've never visited the city before. Rental prices are high, apartments are small, and many landlords prefer long-term tenants.
Fortunately, there are much easier options for interns than signing a traditional lease.
This guide explains everything French students need to know about finding accommodation during an internship in Hong Kong.
Why Hong Kong Is Popular Among French Students
Why Hong Kong Is Popular Among French Students
Every year, hundreds of students from France choose Hong Kong for internships through universities, business schools, and international exchange programs.
The city offers:
For many students, it's also their first experience living abroad independently.
That makes choosing the right accommodation even more important.
The city offers:
- One of the world's leading financial centres
- A strong international business environment
- English-speaking workplaces
- Excellent public transport
- Easy access to the rest of Asia
- Opportunities in multinational companies and startups
For many students, it's also their first experience living abroad independently.
That makes choosing the right accommodation even more important.
How Long Do Most Internships Last?
How Long Do Most Internships Last?
Most internships in Hong Kong last between 2 and 6 months.
Some university exchange programs require only a summer internship, while others may include an entire semester abroad.
Because of these relatively short stays, traditional apartment rentals are often not practical.
Most private landlords expect tenants to sign contracts of 12 months or longer, making them unsuitable for interns staying only a few months.
Some university exchange programs require only a summer internship, while others may include an entire semester abroad.
Because of these relatively short stays, traditional apartment rentals are often not practical.
Most private landlords expect tenants to sign contracts of 12 months or longer, making them unsuitable for interns staying only a few months.
Accommodation Options for French Interns
Accommodation Options for French Interns
There are several ways to find housing in Hong Kong.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Student Dormitories
Student Dormitories
Some universities offer student accommodation for exchange students.
However:
However:
- places are limited;
- priority is often given to full-time exchange students;
- internship participants may not qualify.
Traditional Apartment Rental
Traditional Apartment Rental
Renting a private apartment gives you complete independence.
However, you'll usually need:
For a short internship, this can become expensive and time-consuming.
However, you'll usually need:
- a long-term lease;
- a security deposit;
- furniture;
- utility setup;
- local references in some cases.
For a short internship, this can become expensive and time-consuming.
Serviced Apartments
Serviced Apartments
Serviced apartments provide flexibility and hotel-like services.
They're comfortable but often designed for business travellers, meaning monthly prices can quickly exceed a student budget.
They're comfortable but often designed for business travellers, meaning monthly prices can quickly exceed a student budget.
Coliving
Coliving
For many interns, coliving has become the perfect balance.
It combines the privacy of your own room with flexible contracts, furnished accommodation, and a built-in international community.
Instead of spending weeks searching for furniture, internet providers, and utility contracts, you can simply move in and focus on your internship.
It combines the privacy of your own room with flexible contracts, furnished accommodation, and a built-in international community.
Instead of spending weeks searching for furniture, internet providers, and utility contracts, you can simply move in and focus on your internship.
Why Coliving Makes Sense for Interns
Why Coliving Makes Sense for Interns
Moving to another country is stressful enough.
Finding housing shouldn't make it harder.
Coliving is particularly well suited to international students because everything is already prepared.
At Colife Hong Kong, your monthly rent includes:
That means fewer administrative tasks and more time to explore Hong Kong.
Finding housing shouldn't make it harder.
Coliving is particularly well suited to international students because everything is already prepared.
At Colife Hong Kong, your monthly rent includes:
- Fully furnished room
- High-speed Wi-Fi
- Utilities
- Weekly cleaning of common areas
- Maintenance support
- Flexible rental periods
- Modern shared spaces
That means fewer administrative tasks and more time to explore Hong Kong.
How Much Does Accommodation Cost?
How Much Does Accommodation Cost?
Accommodation is usually the largest expense during an internship.
Prices vary depending on:
Living slightly outside the busiest business districts can significantly reduce your monthly costs while still keeping your commute convenient thanks to Hong Kong's excellent public transport system.
Prices vary depending on:
- neighbourhood;
- room size;
- building age;
- proximity to the MTR;
- private or shared accommodation.
Living slightly outside the busiest business districts can significantly reduce your monthly costs while still keeping your commute convenient thanks to Hong Kong's excellent public transport system.
Best Areas for French Students
Best Areas for French Students
Choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as choosing the right apartment.
Some of the most popular areas among international students include:
Causeway Bay
Perfect for students who enjoy shopping, restaurants, cafés and a lively atmosphere.
Wan Chai
A great balance between business districts and nightlife, with excellent transport connections.
Fortress Hill
A quieter residential neighbourhood that still offers fast access to Central.
North Point
Known for its authentic local character, affordable restaurants and convenient transport.
Sai Ying Pun
One of Hong Kong's trendiest neighbourhoods, popular with young professionals and international residents.
To learn more about each neighbourhood, read our guide to Best Areas to Live in Hong Kong for Students.
Some of the most popular areas among international students include:
Causeway Bay
Perfect for students who enjoy shopping, restaurants, cafés and a lively atmosphere.
Wan Chai
A great balance between business districts and nightlife, with excellent transport connections.
Fortress Hill
A quieter residential neighbourhood that still offers fast access to Central.
North Point
Known for its authentic local character, affordable restaurants and convenient transport.
Sai Ying Pun
One of Hong Kong's trendiest neighbourhoods, popular with young professionals and international residents.
To learn more about each neighbourhood, read our guide to Best Areas to Live in Hong Kong for Students.
How Early Should You Start Looking?
How Early Should You Start Looking?
The earlier, the better.
Ideally, begin searching one to two months before arriving.
This gives you enough time to:
The most affordable rooms are often booked quickly, especially before the start of university semesters.
Ideally, begin searching one to two months before arriving.
This gives you enough time to:
- compare different neighbourhoods;
- understand your budget;
- secure your preferred room;
- prepare all necessary documents.
The most affordable rooms are often booked quickly, especially before the start of university semesters.
What Should You Check Before Booking?
What Should You Check Before Booking?
Before confirming any accommodation, ask yourself a few important questions.
Understanding these details before arrival can save both money and stress.
- Is Wi-Fi included?
- Are utilities included?
- How long is the minimum rental period?
- Is the room furnished?
- How far is the nearest MTR station?
- Can you extend your stay if your internship is extended?
Understanding these details before arrival can save both money and stress.
Living With Other International Students
Living With Other International Students
One of the biggest advantages of coliving isn't just the accommodation itself.
It's the people.
Many residents are:
For students arriving alone, this creates an instant community.
It's much easier to make friends, discover the city together and build an international network beyond the workplace.
It's the people.
Many residents are:
- exchange students;
- interns;
- young professionals;
- entrepreneurs;
- digital nomads.
For students arriving alone, this creates an instant community.
It's much easier to make friends, discover the city together and build an international network beyond the workplace.
Can You Book Before Arriving in Hong Kong?
Can You Book Before Arriving in Hong Kong?
Yes.
Many international students secure their accommodation before leaving France.
Booking online means you can arrive knowing exactly where you'll be living, rather than spending your first week in expensive hotels while searching for an apartment.
Many international students secure their accommodation before leaving France.
Booking online means you can arrive knowing exactly where you'll be living, rather than spending your first week in expensive hotels while searching for an apartment.
Why Many French Students Choose Colife
Why Many French Students Choose Colife
Colife was designed for people who want a simple, flexible and comfortable rental experience.
Instead of dealing with complicated leases, deposits for utilities and buying furniture, you can move into a fully equipped home from day one.
Our rooms are located in some of Hong Kong's most convenient neighbourhoods, including Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, North Point, Fortress Hill, Happy Valley, and Sai Ying Pun, making commuting to universities and business districts easy.
Whether your internship lasts two months or six, flexible rental options make it easy to find accommodation that matches your schedule.
Instead of dealing with complicated leases, deposits for utilities and buying furniture, you can move into a fully equipped home from day one.
Our rooms are located in some of Hong Kong's most convenient neighbourhoods, including Causeway Bay, Wan Chai, North Point, Fortress Hill, Happy Valley, and Sai Ying Pun, making commuting to universities and business districts easy.
Whether your internship lasts two months or six, flexible rental options make it easy to find accommodation that matches your schedule.
Final Thoughts
Final Thoughts
An internship in Hong Kong is an incredible opportunity to gain international work experience, improve your language skills and experience one of Asia's most dynamic cities.
The right accommodation allows you to focus on what matters most — your internship, your studies and enjoying life in Hong Kong.
If you're looking for a flexible, fully furnished room without the hassle of a traditional lease, explore Colife Hong Kong's available rooms and secure your accommodation before your internship begins.
The right accommodation allows you to focus on what matters most — your internship, your studies and enjoying life in Hong Kong.
If you're looking for a flexible, fully furnished room without the hassle of a traditional lease, explore Colife Hong Kong's available rooms and secure your accommodation before your internship begins.