Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about Ecla?
Choosing Ecla comes with a promise of a real life experience within an international and diverse community. Living at Ecla is also about making this unique #FrenchTouch location dedicated exclusively to co-living in some way your own. 

How far is the campus from public transport?
The Massy-Palaiseau Multimodal Station is a 7-minute walk or a 2-minute bus ride from the campus. You can take the RER B or C train, the TGV or the Express Bus 91-10 and 91-06 directly to the Plateau de Saclay or to Orly airport.
 
How long does it take to get to Paris?
It takes 30 minutes by RER B train to reach the centre of Paris (the stations of Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame or Châtelet-Les-Halles).
 
What is security like on campus?
At Ecla, security is a priority. Security staff are on campus around the clock. The entire campus is covered by a CCTV system. A badge is required to access the floors and all accommodation.
 
What sports facilities are available on campus?
At Shape Up, there are 10 cardio-training machines including bikes, treadmills and even cross trainers. There are also 9 machines for leg, abdominal and pectoral circuit workouts... Also available: dumbbells and several spin bikes.
There is a designated room for group lessons run by a qualified trainer.
In addition, there is an Outdoor Camp for practising football, basketball or handball.
 
Can my friends or relatives stay in my apartment?
Ecla members are allowed to have people to stay. To obtain a temporary access badge, each visitor must complete a form at reception, indicating the number of his or her National Identity Card.
 

What exactly is included in the rent?
Are included with the rent: cold and hot water, electricity, heating, Wifi, laundry kit (sheets, duvet cover, pillow case, towels and bathroom rug) along with bi-monthly cleaning, free access to common areas (co-working, Agora, Shape Up!, E-game room, The Studio, La Fabrique, La Cuisine, he Cinébox, patios, bikes parking spaces, etc.) , not to mention the events program !
 
Is it possible to visit the apartments?
Yes, you are allowed to ask for a visit of a mock-up studio flat or T2 Duplex flat in the campus. You can also virtually take a tour around the common spaces and apartments through this link. Do not hesitate to contact us if you need at contact@ecla-campus.com
 
How are the apartments furnished?
All is subject to the type of flat you have. Every single apartment (except Friends Flats) include a fully-equipped kitchen with a table-bar and chairs, a private bathroom, a bedroom space with a Tediber mattress and a working space with desk and storage space. Take a look on the description of each apartment for all details.

What is provided with the accommodation?
Every single flat (except our Friends Flats) include pillows, duvet, tableware, utensils, cutleries, hobs, microwaves and fridge. Laundry kit (duvet cover, pillow case, bedsheet, towels and bathroom rug) is also included with the rent fees.
 
Which accommodation is suitable for couples? 
ONE-BEDROOM DUPLEX WITH KING SIZE BED
ONE-BEDROOM DUPLEX
STUDIO WITH KING BED

Which accommodation is suitable for sharing?
ONE-BEDROOM DUPLEX PREMIUM
ONE-BEDROOM DUPLEX TWIN BEDS
TWO-BEDROOM DUPLEX
FRIENDS FLAT 6 OR 8
STUDIO TWIN BEDS
SHARED FLAT WITH 2 TO 4 BEDROOMS

Do you have any accommodation suitable for those with reduced mobility?
Yes, our one-bedroom studios are perfectly adapted for people with reduced mobility.

Are pets allowed in accomodation?
No, pets are not allowed on campus.

How much is the administration fee?
Administrative fees only apply for stays longer than 6 months and represent 4% of the annualized rent. The latter are indicated on the online pre-booking process.
 
 Do you need a guarantor to rent an apartment at Ecla? 
 
► Professionals: A guarantor is required if the member is not on a permanent contract and does not earn 3 times the rental amount.
 
► French students: A guarantor is required and must earn 3 times the rental amount.
 
► International students: A guarantor is not required. Without a confirmed guarantor, the student must pay a deposit equivalent to an additional month's rent as well as a month's rent in advance. International students without guarantors are also required to pay €20 in e-management fees per month.
 
What documents do I need to provide with my application? 
 
► Professionals:   
 
I am on a permanent contract and earn 3 times the rental amount
· ECLA booking form
· Valid ID
· RIB (Bank Account Reference)
· Last 2 payslips
· Last tax statement
 
I have one or more guarantors
The tenant
· ECLA booking form
· Valid ID
· RIB (Bank Account Reference) to set up a SEPA Direct Debit
 
The guarantor(s)
· Valid ID
· Last 2 payslips
· Last tax statement
· RIB (Bank Account Reference) to set up a SEPA Direct Debit
 
► French students:
The tenant
· ECLA booking form
· Valid ID
· Certificate of schooling or student card
· RIB (Bank Account Reference) to set up a SEPA Direct Debit
The guarantor(s)
· Valid ID
· Last 2 payslips
· Last tax statement
· RIB (Bank Account Reference) to set up a SEPA Direct Debit
 
► International students:
 
I have a guarantor in France
The tenant
· ECLA booking form
· Valid ID
· Certificate of schooling or student card
· RIB (Bank Account Reference) to set up a SEPA Direct Debit
The guarantor(s)
· Valid ID
· Last 2 payslips
· Last tax statement
· RIB (Bank Account Reference) to set up a SEPA Direct Debit
 
I do not have a guarantor in France
· ECLA booking form
· Valid ID
· Certificate of schooling or student card
· RIB (Bank Account Reference) of a bank account in France to set up a SEPA Direct Debit
 
What steps are involved in booking accommodation?
To book, you must complete the pre-booking process on the website. A member of Ecla's staff will contact you to finalise your application.
If your school has signed an agreement with Ecla, do not hesitate to ask your school to put you in touch with your designated campus manager.
 
What do I have to pay at the time of booking?
You are required to pay the administration fee to confirm booking for a stay of 6 months or more.
A deposit is also required for stays of more than 6 months. This is refunded if no damage is found during inspection of the accommodation at the time of your departure.
The first month’s rent (as well as the deposit in the absence of guarantor for international students) must be paid at the same time as the administration fee.
 
What happens if I am an international student and my French visa is eventually refused?
In case of refusal of a visa, the fees are refunded in full upon presentation of the visa refusal letter.
 
Is it possible to obtain a proof of address?
Yes, simply contact Ecla's staff to request a proof of address.

Is it possible to receive housing benefits from CAF (Family Allowance Fund)?
Yes, an Ecla member can claim housing benefit. To apply to the CAF, select the following boxes:
"You live in a home or a student residence"
You are staying in student accommodation:
“In a home or university residence that is not managed by CROUS"
Nature of the rental:
"In a student residence owned by a private investor"
Your accommodation:
"Non-subsidised"
Is the accommodation furnished?:
"Yes"
Find out the amount of housing benefit you will receive by downloading the .pdf file

Is the Visale guarantee accepted at Ecla?
Ecla does not accept a Visale guarantee for its members.