There is a student magazine named, 'Fusac' which advertises loads of rooms to let. Maybe you could ask his friend to get it for you or try looking it up online. Also, Paris voice is quite good too. I think your right as far as renting a room initially. My daughter moved up to Paris last year and rented through an agency which was extortionate! Luckily she found a good area of Paris which was safe enough to get home from Uni at night. She was in dept 5, quite near the Sorbonne and a good tourist area. I will speak to her tonight and ask her if any of her friends know of a room to let. I imagine this is a tough time for you. As parents we're always left with all the preparation work. Please don't hesitate to PM/ mail me if you have any questions or concerns with anything. I've been through the besotted stuff and all that goes with it!