To allow you to request a visa, you need to produce a “residence certificate” to show during your visa application. That's why you need to book a room in France beforehand .

University Claude Bernard offers a variety of housing options, at both public and private student residences. You can of course decide to rent a flat by your own to a private landlord, before or upon arrival. Note that in this case you'll have to deal with the administrative process alone and we won't be able to support you in concluding a contract nor dealing with potential issues arising from this contract.