Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Discover the best housing options, read reviews from those who've already done this exchange, and connect with peers from universities worldwide!
Dede
From: ESIEE
To: Heriot Watt
2025 • Fall
The rent was not expensive but there was some issue with the property at the beginning..
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
200€
Where was it located?
Kuala Lumpur Jalan Ampang
How can someone find this place?
Airbnb
Would you recommend it?
The rent was not expensive but there was some issue with the property at the beginning
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
A lot of activities to do
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The classes were interesting
Do you have some tips?
The campus is very big with a lot of activities for student
Best trips to do?
Near a lot of countries so it was the occasion to visit Asia
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
There is a lot of good place to eat at low price ( Nasi Kandar Umar)
Samantha
From: Ece Paris
To: Herriot Watt University
2025 • Spring
I went to perhentian island, bali, singapore, vietnam, thailand, langkawi Accommodation is cheaper on Agoda and tickets are really cheap (even more if you book…..
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
300€/month
Where was it located?
Putrajaya, a 10 minute walk from the school
How can someone find this place?
Airbnb link, résidence website, school document
Would you recommend it?
50€ more expensive than going to a residence but more freedom, more equipment and a larger space.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
There are tons of bars, clubs (like kyo or treck)and restaurants. There is a lot to do.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Absolutely don’t know. To be honest, i’m not here for learn something in school so i took the same classes as my friends.
Do you have some tips?
The administration responds very quickly and the teachers are attentive.
Best trips to do?
I went to perhentian island, bali, singapore, vietnam, thailand, langkawi Accommodation is cheaper on Agoda and tickets are really cheap (even more if you book in advance)
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
The locals are super friendly. transport is cheap (grab/bolt) and restaurants are very affordable. It's always hot and humid but overcast.
Come to kuala lumpur, you won’t regret it
Salomé
From: ESPOL
To: Taylor's University
2025 • Fall
The huge advantage of this housing is that it’s right across from the university, and many exchange students live here. However, the building is quite old and…..
What kind of place was it?
Coliving / Shared House
How much was the rent per month?
430€
Where was it located?
5 min from the University - DK Senza Residence
How can someone find this place?
Facebook, the landlord’s number
Would you recommend it?
The huge advantage of this housing is that it’s right across from the university, and many exchange students live here. However, the building is quite old and the apartments are sometimes not very clean or modern, and rather expensive for what they are. You really have to pay close attention to the room you choose before deciding to live here, I think, but in the end I’m happy to be living here.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
I don’t think it’s a city that’s really made for partying, but it’s still very fun to go out in Kuala Lumpur! The downside is that alcohol is quite expensive, but it’s often free for European women in nightclubs. I recommend Kyo, it’s a very good club and I had a great time there, or otherwise Kuna at TREC.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I recommend the International Relations bachelor’s program, which is quite manageable for exchange students
Do you have some tips?
The university is amazing, the campus is huge and very modern, you feel great there! There are so many opportunities, events, clubs, and restaurants! At the beginning of the semester everything is clearly explained regarding how things work! I would go back if I could.
Best trips to do?
The advantage of the city is that it’s really well located, with direct flights to lots of nearby countries: Indonesia, Taiwan, Vietnam, Thailand (even by boat to some islands)… it’s amazing! You can also get to Singapore by bus. In Malaysia, there’s so much to see: paradise-like islands, mountainous landscapes, the real jungle—basically, you never get bored.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
The city is very nice and quite cheap! You can try all kinds of Asian food, which is great! The only problem is the traffic, which is always congested, and I find it quite difficult to get around the city during rush hours. You also need to pay attention to the weather and the time of year, because of the rainy season… and it’s very hot here too.
Come to Malaysia, it’s amazing!!!
Samantha
From: Heriot Watt University Malaysia
To: heriot watt
2025 • Fall
YES!! 50€ more expensive but more space, the bed is bigger, fewer restrictions, each person has their own room and their own bathroom..
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
250
Where was it located?
putrajaya
How can someone find this place?
Airbnb
Would you recommend it?
YES!! 50€ more expensive but more space, the bed is bigger, fewer restrictions, each person has their own room and their own bathroom
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
all is perfect, Drinks at bars cost €7 on average, international music
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
not many courses, very understandable but not very complicated
Do you have some tips?
Yes
Best trips to do?
I went to perhentian island, singapour, bali, thailand, vietnam, langkawi island
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
very safety, transport in grab or bolt, not expensive
Travel everything and book in advance to avoid paying a lot,
Julien
From: unikl
To: unikl
2025 • Spring
Try to get the courses description a soon as possible, to get a great schedule. All the courses are easy, and the professors are kind with exchanges students...
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
400
Where was it located?
In front of my school, in the middle of the city
How can someone find this place?
Airbnb
Would you recommend it?
We paid 400 euros every months, and we had acces to a gym, a swimming pool, security. It was very close to a mall and we had a great view of the city.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
For chill drinks i'll definitely go to The dark horse, also the chinese bars are great to get wasted really fast.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Try to get the courses description a soon as possible, to get a great schedule. All the courses are easy, and the professors are kind with exchanges students.
Do you have some tips?
The campus is in a mall, so its really cool
Best trips to do?
Singapor is close , also there is thaïland, Bali is great too, even japan is not that far.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
really safe and breath taking, everythings is cheap,like food and cabs.
Don't bring anything with you, you can buy everything in Kuala Lumpur .
Thomas
From: EMLV
To: UPM
2024 • Other
J'ai voyagé dans 5 pays différent depuis KL, très facile et beaucoup moins chère..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
800
Where was it located?
In Kuala lumpur
How can someone find this place?
Réservé via un site internet, j'ai oublié lequel mais pas mal d'agence le propose
Would you recommend it?
J'étais au Trion, un appartement a 10 minutes de Kuala Lumpur
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Jalan alor (street food), Heli Lounge Bar, TREC (quartier boite de nuit)
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
J'ai pris les cours lié à la finance, c'était très complet et facile à suivre
Do you have some tips?
Compliqué a comprendre au début, mais très complet et développé
Best trips to do?
J'ai voyagé dans 5 pays différent depuis KL, très facile et beaucoup moins chère
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
xx
xx
Julie
From: EMLV
To: University Putra Malaysia
2024 • Fall
I traveled in Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Bali, Taiwan and Vietnam in only 6 months. And of course a lot in Malaysia...
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
500€ for two people
Where was it located?
10 min from school
How can someone find this place?
The landlord’s number
Would you recommend it?
The same bc it was close of the school, a big mall, the city’s center, and there is a big shared place with a pool.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Idk
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
Classes that you already have in France are easy !
Do you have some tips?
The registration was complicated but the campus is really cool you have many food forts inside to eat.
Best trips to do?
I traveled in Thailand, Singapore, Cambodia, Bali, Taiwan and Vietnam in only 6 months. And of course a lot in Malaysia.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
You need a transport’s card that the uni can give it to you and it’s a really safe city !
Enjoy your semester is only once in a life and maybe the best of all your life !!!
Heddy
From: ESILV
To: APU
2025 • Fall
le campus est très sympa très ouvert, une grande diversité de personnes à l’intérieur. L’arrivée au campus est très simple, il y a une demi-journée où il nous…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
300
Where was it located?
Bukit Jalil
How can someone find this place?
Iproperty
Would you recommend it?
L’appartement était incroyable on était à la residenci bintang Il y avait piscine, salle de sport, salle de cinéma, localiser, à côté de plusieurs centres commercial et pas très loin de l’université, je recommande fortement
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Ici les gens sont très facile d’accès, aucun souci pour parler et se faire des amis, je recommanderais d’aller dans les différents Rooftop si tu es au centre-ville qui sont des super spots et pas très cher
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
j’ai suivi un parcours en cyber sécurité et tous les cours associés étaient très bon et les enseignants étaient de qualité
Do you have some tips?
le campus est très sympa très ouvert, une grande diversité de personnes à l’intérieur. L’arrivée au campus est très simple, il y a une demi-journée où il nous accueille et elle nous explique comment tout va se passer et les différentes démarches à faire. Si c’était à refaire, je choisirais la même université.
Best trips to do?
Être situé à Colour était la meilleure décision. Pour pouvoir voyager, il y a énormément de possibilité d’une part directement en Malaisie mais aussi pour les autres pays proches de la Malaisie. Les billets d’avion ne sont vraiment pas cher.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
La vie kuala lumpur était très bien la seule chose à savoir c’est que ce n’est pas une ville où on peut énormément marcher la plupart des dépassements se font en taxi. Si on souhaite marcher, il faut aller dans des parcs ou le peu d’endroit comme quoi des tours Petronas où on peut marcher
Salma
From: École de Management Léonard de Vinci
To: Universiti Putra Malaysia
2024 • Fall
Transport : Transport: Grab is a must, equivalent to uber and very very cheap, but note InDrive which is even cheaper in times of high demand (only in cash).…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
420€/months for 35m²
Where was it located?
It was « The Colony By infinitum »In the center of Kuala Lumpur, but far from the university (by choice)
How can someone find this place?
In a Malaysian site : PropertyGuru, Facebook, Instagram
Would you recommend it?
The condo was near a lot of place in kuala lumpur, near some shop, grocery store, touristic place, and it was really safe. My unit was big enough for me and really confortable with all the furnitures that u need. I think it will be a good choice for people who want to be closer to the city center but you will have to take the monorail for 45min to go to the university.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
I didn't attend soo many events but Kuala offers a lot of rooftops and nice places to each others with friends or students
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I strongly recommend that you take classes that you already master a little bit because for the brand new subject it would require a baggage that we may not have. For my part, I turned to finance and management accounting and everything went well. Teachers expect a part of work at home because classes look more like lectures than supervised work. However, the level remains very accessible. I will not recommend you the arithmetic/statistics classes because the program follows quickly, and you are free to distribute your subjects according to the niches so I advise you to find the compromise between the subjects you like and their distribution on weekdays to have free time.
Do you have some tips?
To be completely honest, the steps at the beginning are quite complicated and long. We are many students there is for example a medical examination to do, documents to fill out and we get the student visa only when we have arrived in the country, so it is quite long. We start classes only when these procedures are closed. The campus is nice but it's not the best I've seen, it's basic it's very big, there's enough to eat, the business school is not far from the metro stop. My experience in Malaysia was incredible and magnificent I lived very beautiful things. for the academic side UPM was my second choice so yes I would have appreciated my first other college but this one suited me, despite some negative points UPM was chill. The university does its best to create a link between students and organize events so it's nice too. I would be delighted to provide you with more information if necessary. I hope you have an excellent exchange!
Best trips to do?
Depending on the season, I highly recommend Thailand! It's beautiful the population is adorable and there is plenty of flight from Kuala Lumpur, it's also a nice destination for short weekends and easy to organize, cheap, and with beautiful beaches and places to visit. Not to mention the Malaysian islands such as Langkawi and Perhentian. For my part I did Thailand, Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia and Langkawi and all were excellent.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
Transport : Transport: Grab is a must, equivalent to uber and very very cheap, but note InDrive which is even cheaper in times of high demand (only in cash). Bolt is another alternative. Knowing how to alternate between the 3 can bring many facilities in travel. There is the subway and the monorail which also costs a few cents per trip, you can make the "TouchNgo" card that works as a rechargeable card by cash that you can use to pay for transport and in convenience stores. Life and food are really cheap for us European students. There are many malls with many restaurants of all kinds, the choice is wide and accessible. If you go shopping you may miss some products we are used to but it's not a big problem. As a woman I have never had insecurity, honestly I feel m safer than in Europe, even at night. Kuala lumpur is lively everywhere and has a style of slow life, doing chill and we leave you alone. To come back to the accommodation I recommend you a thousand times to take an accommodation in kuala lumpur and to have a little hour of travel rather than getting closer to the university because it is quite far from the kuala city center.
For the money, (important point 🙂), there is a lot of cash but the card is also accepted most of the time. I avoided any complications by bringing a large sum of euros that I exchanged directly in Malaysia in order to have the best rate and avoid distributor fees. The best exchange offices are in Bukit Bintang without hesitation, do not exchange or very little at the airport. I also took a Revolut card that worked in all countries and I never had problems with it (another alternative: Wise). For phone plans: I recommend U Mobile or Hotlink Red. Don't pay more than 50 RM per month otherwise it's too much. The sim Card generally costs 10 RM and the recharge available in the 7eleven about 30RM (€8 per month). There are + modern packages where you recharge directly on your phone but in cash it avoids complications. For travel: Google Flight and Booking were my best friends. It is very accessible and there is a lot of Airasia flight for neighboring countries. Always check the visa requirements!
Raïssa
From: EMLV (Ecole de Management Léonard de Vinci)
To: Asia Pacific University (APU)
2024 • Fall
Food is veryy cheap, you can eat for no more than 5 euros per meal but it’s often greasy, sweet, and spicy (which is normal there). Transport is also very…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
250€/month
Where was it located?
In Kuala Lumpur, 25min away from the center
How can someone find this place?
https://www.propertyguru.com.my/
Would you recommend it?
It was an apartment in a condominium, we were three people, 750 in total per month for the apartment + access to pools, gym, cinema, karaoke, study rooms, football/basketball/badminton/tennis courts, play areas, etc. If I had to do it again, I’d go 100% without hesitation!!!
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
It’s not the best student city if you like going out, but you need to know the right neighborhoods :)
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The Malaysian system is very different from what we’re used to in Western countries, so the beginning was tough while I adapted. But I don’t regret it because it pushes you out of your comfort zone, and having less workload means more time to travel ;))
Do you have some tips?
The campus is international, with people from all backgrounds. Since it’s a private school, they take care of your visa, so there’s almost nothing to do (except wait). The cafeteria offers cuisine from all around the world.
Best trips to do?
Traveling cheaply in Asia, I’ve been to Indonesia, Thailand, and Singapore. I know many people who have gone to Vietnam, South Korea, Japan, China, the Philippines,... You can easily take spontaneous trips, and there are plenty of places to explore in Malaysia too, especially the islands.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
Food is veryy cheap, you can eat for no more than 5 euros per meal but it’s often greasy, sweet, and spicy (which is normal there). Transport is also very cheap, we often get around by taxi. It’s very safe for women, with some transport options reserved for women. For the weather, just be careful during the rainy season.
DON'T HESITATE, GO TO MALAYSIA!!!! <33
Hugo
From: ESILV
To: Asian Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
2024 • Fall
One of the best trips from Kuala Lumpur is to Langkawi Islands famous for their stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and natural attractions like the Sky…..
What kind of place was it?
Airbnb
How much was the rent per month?
800e (2 persons)
Where was it located?
Desa Green Serviced Apartments
How can someone find this place?
airbnb / booking / website
Would you recommend it?
Yes, I would pick the same place.
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
Jalan Alor -> street food, bukit bintang = shibuya in japan , TREC -> clubs , changkat -> bars
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
The AI, IPCV, and Machine Learning classes were all really interesting,I’d definitely recommend them.
Do you have some tips?
If you're looking for a tech-savvy, globally recognized university with excellent industry links and employability prospects in a modern campus setting-> yes, APU would be a compelling choice.
Best trips to do?
One of the best trips from Kuala Lumpur is to Langkawi Islands famous for their stunning beaches, duty-free shopping, and natural attractions like the Sky Bridge and mangroves. Perfect for a short getaway.
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
GRAB , you need GRAB for everything : eat, transport , shopping
Chloé
From: Asian Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
To: Asian Pacific University of Technology and Innovation
2024 • Fall
One of the coolest things about Kuala Lumpur is the mix of religions living together. On the same street, you can see a mosque, a Hindu temple, a church, and a…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
700 for 3 people
Where was it located?
Near the city center
How can someone find this place?
The place was called Mvertica
Would you recommend it?
In Kuala Lumpur there is a lot of private residence like this, Mvertica was perfect because it had two swimming pools, a gym, a cinema room, and even a karaoke room. It was very safe with security guards, always clean, and well located, right next to a metro station and about 20- 30 minutes from the city center. A lot of students lived there, which made it really fun. And the best part is that for such a low price, it was incredible!
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
The social life in Kuala Lumpur is really nice. You can go to the night markets with great food and music, or hang out in the street with all the bars and clubs. There’s always something going on.
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
I choose the marketing class and my friends e business and both was great. In the marketing courses I didn’t really learn many new things, because I had already studied most of it in France. But in the end, it was really interesting because I got to see another perspective of the world and discover different trends in Asia. Also, having classmates from Malaysia, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Japan, and the Maldives really opened my mind and gave me a more global view.
Do you have some tips?
I really loved the APU campus because there were 132 nationalities, and that’s what made the school so strong. The cafeteria was great, with so many different Asian cuisines to try, and all the students were really friendly. There was also a gym and even a small supermarket, and the system with the rechargeable card to pay was super practical.I really loved the main hall with all the flags displayed, it reminds you that the real strength of the school is its diversity.
Best trips to do?
Travelling in Malaysia is super easy, with buses that only cost around 10 to 15 euros. Most weekends I travelled around the country, I spent three days completely disconnected in the jungle, went to the islands, and visited the tea plantations. And during the holidays I took the chance to explore more of Asia: in the autumn break I went to Singapore and Bali, and for Christmas I travelled to Thailand and Vietnam. The flight tickets were not too expensive, which made it even better!
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
One of the coolest things about Kuala Lumpur is the mix of religions living together. On the same street, you can see a mosque, a Hindu temple, a church, and a Buddhist temple all side by side. It really shows the city’s diversity and peaceful coexistence. To live your best life in Kuala Lumpur, you need to know how easy it is to get around, the city has cheap buses, trains, and Grab (like Uber). Food is amazing everywhere, from street stalls to restaurants, and the night markets are a must for both food and atmosphere. It was also very safe.
You really have to go with an open mindset and a willingness to be immersed in something different. The Malays are adorable and very welcoming, and for me, it was the best experience of my life.
Assia
From: IÉSEG School of Management
To: Asian Pacific University (APU)
2024 • Fall
The campus was breathtaking ; it was huge , very easy to circulate and to guide. You will have an orientation day with all the French students coming from…..
What kind of place was it?
Classic Apartment
How much was the rent per month?
300 euros per month
Where was it located?
15 minutes from school in bus and 15 minutes from bukit bintang in subway
How can someone find this place?
Agency ( vivreenmalaisie)
Would you recommend it?
Yes I would recommend it a hundred times !!
What are some top bars, clubs, or events you recommend?
ROOTFTOP : WETDECK - Envie Skydinning - Alva KL Bukit Bintang : for the bars
Which classes do you recommend… or not?
All the classes were very easy , personally i took the e-business ones and I had some classes like operation management, managing finance, e-business management.. It was very easy, no stress about it but take some classes that interest you and not about the easiest ones !!
Do you have some tips?
The campus was breathtaking ; it was huge , very easy to circulate and to guide. You will have an orientation day with all the French students coming from other schools which is very cool for your integration ; during this day you’ll visit Kuala Lumpur ; some temples, masjid , the petronas tower and more and more. The university is easy going and the students are coming from all around the world so every day you will meet people coming from Indonesia, Germany, Maldives…. So I think that I would pick the same university again thanks to the fact that you really feel the international point which is the main goal of your exchange so don’t be afraid to talk to other people , talk to them , discover their culture and adapt yourself to this new environment
Best trips to do?
In Malaysia you should visit : Malacca ( you can make it in 1 day - Penang ( Georgetown ) -> 2/3 days // Cameron Highlands ( 2-3 days) // Taman Negara // PERHENTIAN ISLANDS ( it should be your priority the moment you are in Malaysia ) // Langkawi Island // Redang Island Outside Kuala Lumpur : Indonesia ( Bali , Lombok ) // Singapour ( you can go with a bus ) // Thailand ( Krabi , Bangkok ) // Seoul // Tokyo // Philippines
What do you absolutely need to know to live your best life in Kuala Lumpur?
Transport : You can take the subway , very easy to understand and for the girls it is very safe to take It // If you are a group you can take GRAB it is very cheap Safe : Kuala Lumpur is very very SAFE , you can go at night alone and nothing will happened to you. Cost of living : It is CHEAP CHEAP CHEAP
Enjoy every moments here :) You will have you best memories !!
