International Students – Prepare for Your Arrival in France

First, enroll in health coverage and secure housing within the first week of arrival. Use the university’s international office to access the official procedures and the link to CPAM or PUMA, and set up a basic bank account and SIM card. Also bring your passport, visa pages, and admission letter to speed checks.

Know several housing options around campus, including residence halls and private apartments in the built area along busy streets near your building. Having a rental contract in hand speeds move-in, and you can explore the beaux-arts quarter for affordable studios. Start with a campus housing list and then compare neighborhoods by proximity to classes, markets, and transit stops.

Follow the arrival procedures promptly: confirm your visa status, complete university registration, and open a local bank account. Use the official link to submit documents and book any required appointments. Some services operate on sunday hours in student centers, so check times in advance.

Plan meals around campus cuisine and grocery options, with quick lunch ideas nearby. Cafeterias and libraries offer organic options, and you can read menu boards to learn daily specials. Get familiar with the building layout of your campus to find the best dining paths along the streets between lecture halls.

If you are a non-exchange student, use dedicated guides and several campus resources to plan your stay. De link to housing, health coverage, and campus cards should be included in your checklist. Make sure to include a budget for groceries and transit; plan to spend about 200-350 euros per week in Paris for initial needs, with city variations.

Secure Housing Before Arrival: How to Find a Place, Understand Leases, and Gather Required Documents

Start your housing search at least eight weeks before you arrive in France to secure a place that fits your enrolment and budget. Build a short list of options across campus halls, private studios, and shared flats, and compare price ranges by district so you can choose confidently on move-in day.

Ways to look for housing include university housing portals, campus notice boards, and reputable rental sites. Filter by district to balance distance across campus with price, and request virtual tours if you’re abroad. When you connect with a landlord, ask for a clear answer on the hall type, kitchen facilities, and whether parking is included or available nearby. Keep notes on each option with address, rent, required documents, and the latest daterequired for signing.

Understand leases clearly: most student contracts run 9 to 12 months; some buildings offer shorter or longer terms. The contract should spell monthly rent, a security deposit, and what is included (heating, water, and building insurance). Check the notice period, rules about subletting, break clauses, and how to renew. Confirm the move-in date and whether the building requires you to carry renter’s insurance. Ensure the terms align with your enrolment timeline and the climb of your course schedule when exams approach.

Gather required documents in advance: passport and visa or residence permit, a formal enrolment letter from your university, proof of funds for the first several months, a recent bank statement, and a guarantor if needed. Collect references from previous landlords if available and a copy of your international health insurance. Have a local contact in France if possible, and save these documents in a single folder labeled housing for easy sharing when you apply. Note any daterequired for signing and plan to provide everything at once to speed applications.

Practical tips: learn a few rental terms in the local language to follow conversations during viewings, and clearly ask about utilities, internet, and maintenance responsibilities. Inspect the building’s condition, especially the hall, stairs, and entry security. Check parking availability if you drive, and verify proximity to campus across walking routes. If you’re exploring a petit studio, confirm that it includes essential furniture and a functional kitchenette. Consider the cultural distance you’ll encounter–ask about nearby events, markets, and language support programs to ease your transition.

Reach out to the university housing office for introductions to students who recently enrolled. mary from the international office can help you prepare a viewing list and explain common French rental practices. Share your priorities: budget, maximum distance to campus, needed parking, pet restrictions, and accessibility requirements to speed up responses from landlords.

Once you have a signed offer, confirm the move-in date and make a copy of the lease for your records. Prepare a short checklist to track tasks: collect guarantor details if required, finalize insurance, transfer funds for the initial payment, and arrange transportation on arrival. Keep a record of all correspondences, and set reminders for the longest lead times so you stay ahead of deadlines and avoid last-minute stress.

Visa, OFII, and Health Insurance: Step-by-Step Timeline and Checklist

First, lock your visa path for a long-stay student and map the OFII and health coverage steps. Gather essential documents: a passport valid at least six months beyond your planned stay, your university acceptance letter, proof of housing in France, evidence of funds (roughly €615 per month for living costs, plus tuition costs), two recent passport photos, translations of transcripts if required, and the OFII form if your consulate provides one. Pack a light t-shirt and a compact folder to keep things organized. The international office at pradel or your campus will provide a known checklist and a help line for questions.

Two to four weeks before departure, confirm your visa appointment, complete any required translations, and verify funds again. Make sure bank statements clearly show the minimum resources, and ensure you can access funds during the first weeks in France. Prepare a travel plan with your flight details and a rough arrival date; save contact info for your host university and the embassy. On pack day, include a small line of items for the trip, such as a few dishes you want to taste on your first meals, and a plan for the afternoon when you start exploring around the pont and the town.

Timeline

Upon landing, you typically have up to three months to validate your long-stay status with OFII. You will receive an OFII form; send it back with passport copies and two photos, and pay the approximate €245 fee if required. A short medical visit may be requested. After OFII validation, your residence status becomes effective and your visa stamp may be updated in your passport. In parallel, start health insurance steps: create an Ameli account, apply for the sécurité sociale student status, and obtain a social security number. The campus will often guide you to the mutuelle option; total annual costs for the core coverage run a few hundred euros, plus optional mutuelle for extra coverage. EU students with a current EHIC can use it in the initial period, then switch to the French system.

Checklist

Documents for visa: passport, photos, acceptance letter, proof of housing, funds, translations if required, and the OFII form if provided. For OFII: keep the form, schedule the medical visit if indicated, and retain stamps and receipts. Health insurance: set up Ameli access, secure your social security number, and enroll for student status; obtain a carte Vitale if issued; consider a mutuelle for better coverage. Upon arrival, visit the international office to confirm local addresses, pick up the campus map featuring attractions such as the opera house, small museums, ruins along the river, and the best spots for afternoon tours. Prepare a plan for your first week to visit a few attractions and start your campus life smoothly. If questions arise, write them down and ask the staff during office hours; this will help you adjust quickly and settle in confidently.

Open a French Bank Account and Get a Local SIM: The Quick Setup Guide

Open a French bank account within the first 48 hours of arrival to avoid cashflow gaps. Bring your passport, visa, proof of address, university enrollment letter, and a host letter if you’re staying with someone. Having these documents ready speeds onboarding and helps you reach a branch or finish the online form from your room. In Paris, one of the oldest and most beautiful cities along the rivers, starting early makes daily payments simpler as you settle in during the busy summer season.

Choose a bank with straightforward online onboarding and English support. Look for a same-day decision if you present all documents, and compare the range of fees for cards, withdrawals, and transfers. If you’re looking to minimize costs, start with an online option such as Boursorama or Hello bank, then visit a local hall or branch to finalize if needed. This approach keeps you connected in the busiest districts and helps you avoid parking hassles. In historic neighborhoods near the old city center, a local banker can explain the process clearly. A romain student or romains on campus can share tips about the best branches near the host and hall for student accounts. If your residency situation is still in flux, ask about temporary account options.

For a SIM, pick a plan that fits your data needs. Prepaid options offer flexibility and no credit check; student forfaits commonly include 5–20 GB plus calls. Verify compatibility with your phone and check coverage in cities and along rivers, including green, park-adjacent areas. Activate the SIM by presenting your ID and registering the address in France; staff can show you the quickest setup steps and the recommended range of plans. If you’re staying with a host, they’ll know the closest shops and typical hours, and you’ll be able to reach friends quickly during a festival or a weekend show. This contemporary approach helps you stay connected during your entire arrival and summer activities.

Two quick steps to start today

Step 1: Apply online or visit a branch with your documents, and ask about the residency situation for non-EU students if needed. Step 2: Get a local SIM at the same time or next to the bank; request English assistance and confirm activation steps so you can use data immediately. If you drive, check for parking nearby to save time. In most cities, you’ll find a hall near campus or a friendly shop that makes the process smoother, and you can head back to your room with everything set before your next class or the upcoming festival and summer activities.

University Registration and Student Card: Deadlines, Forms, and On-Campus Tips

Submit your registration before the published deadline on your université’s portal to ensure your student card is issued on time. Check the official source for the exact date and required authorisation steps; missing the date can slow processing and delay access to campus services.

• Prepare essential documents: passport, visa (if needed), birth certificate, proof of residence, two passport photos, and any prior acceptance letters. Keep small copies in a dedicated folder for easy uploads.
• Complete online forms carefully on the admissions platform; if the portal offers presets, review them to reflect your details accurately before submission.
• Note your student number as soon as it is issued and use it in all communications with the registrar and student services.
• Pay any required tuition deposit or campus fees and save the receipt; verify the payment status in the portal so nothing sits pending.
• Update your address and contact information in the account settings; this ensures you receive important notices about pickup slots and deadlines.
• Before arrival, read the orientation schedule and ask about authorisation steps for campus facilities; indulge in the musical welcome events to feel more relaxed and connected.
• For international students from different countries, confirm any country-specific requirements and how they affect enrolment; the straightforward path comes from the official pages rather than informal sources.
• Note that coll̀ege and université pages may use different terminology for the same form; clearly identify which section you need to complete to avoid delays.

Deadlines, Forms, and Where to Check

1. Locate the official source page labeled Inscription or Enregistrement on your university site; record the number of days before the start date that the portal closes.
2. Fill the online forms for your status (e.g., student, exchange, or frais d’inscription); use the presets if offered, and double-check details before submitting.
3. Upload required documents (passport, visa if applicable, photos, proof of address, and letter of admission); ensure file sizes meet the listed limits.
4. Submit any health or accommodation declarations requested by the campus; confirm via the portal and save the confirmation number.
5. Monitor the notification area for your student number and next steps; respond quickly to avoid a hold on registration.

Tips op de campus voor het ophalen en gebruiken van je kaart

1. Kom vroeg op de dag van de ophaaldag; de rijen kunnen lang zijn, maar een ontspannen plan helpt u om het proces soepel te doorlopen.
2. Breng originele en kopieën van alle documenten mee: paspoort, visum, geboorteakte, bewijs van adres en een bevestigingsmail; het personeel kan beide sets willen inzien.
3. Ga naar de kaartentafel voor studenten en spreek het personeel duidelijk aan; dit is vaak de derde stap in het registratieproces, en zij zullen uw identiteit verifiëren en de kaart uitgeven.
4. Controleer uw studentnummer en foto op de kaart; meld eventuele verschillen onmiddellijk om vertragingen bij de toegang tot de bibliotheek, het printen of de catering te voorkomen.
5. Test direct de toegang tot de campus: bibliotheeklogin, printen, cateringmaaltijden en OV-kaarten; controleer of de kaart werkt bij de hoofdingangen en in de buurt van de fontein en de oudere gebouwen op de kaart.
6. Pak een campuskaart en ontdek waar het oudste gebouw zich bevindt nabij een prachtige fontein; dit gebied is een bekend herkenningspunt en een geweldig startpunt om je eerste dagen te verkennen.
7. Neem deel aan introductieactiviteiten om medestudenten uit landen over de hele wereld te ontmoeten; deze evenementen zijn een geweldige manier om contacten te leggen en de overgang naar het campusleven te vergemakkelijken.

Dagelijks leven in Frankrijk: Transportpassen, winkeltips en handige apps

Koop een weekkaart voor het openbaar vervoer als je langer dan een paar dagen blijft; deze dekt metro, bus, tram en RER in de meeste steden en bespaart tijd en geld.

Reispassen

In Parijs en veel regionale steden kosten weekkaarten voor zones 1-2 ongeveer 25–30 EUR; bredere dekking kan 40–45 EUR bedragen. Controleer de exacte tarieven op de officiële transportwebsite voor uw stad; tarieven variëren per zone, dus plan met campuspersoneel voor subsidies of begeleiding.

Koop kaartjes bij loketten of zelfbedieningsmachines, of laad ze op een contactloze kaart via een mobiele app. Afhandelings tijden zijn erg kort, en online accounts versnellen toekomstige verlengingen. Voor studenten, vraag campus services of de studentenunie naar mogelijke subsidies of begeleiding over waar je passen kunt ophalen. Nadat je het hebt geactiveerd, kun je op poorten of lezers tikken, en de pas werkt over metro, bus, tram en RER in de meeste netwerken. Het klaarbehouden van de kaart minimaliseert wachtrijen op het station.

Stations gelegen in stadscentra, nabij rivieren en heuvels, maken het gemakkelijk om uw dag te beginnen. Reizen is vlot in het hele netwerk en 's avonds creëert de roze gloed langs de rivier een aangename sfeer. Een muurschildering nabij het station voegt een vleugje kleur toe aan uw aankomst, en Romeinse plaquettes in sommige districten doen denken aan een lange geschiedenis. Houd deze details in gedachten terwijl u routes plant en omarm de kans om verschillende delen van de stad te verkennen.

Houd de OV-kaart en je telefoon bij de hand om ze bij de poorten te tappen; dit helpt je soepel tussen lijnen te bewegen en vertragingen te vermijden.

Veel studenten wonen in gedeelde huizen in de buurt van de campus, dus betrouwbaar openbaar vervoer helpt met de dagelijkse studie en sociale leven.

Shopping Tips

Koop spullen op lokale marchés (markten) voor vers produce; verkopers – vaak mamas – bieden seizoensgebonden artikelen tegen goede prijzen. Je zult kaas, kruiden en fruit rechtstreeks van producenten halen, wat de kosten laag houdt en de lokale keuken steunt. Markten in steden openen 's ochtends en krimpen naarmate de dag vordert; plan rond heuvels of rivieroeverroutes voor een aangename wandeling.

Neem herbruikbare tassen mee; veel winkels rekenen voor tassen, dus een stijlvolle t-shirt tas helpt je flexibel te blijven. Voor bulkartikelen, vergelijk prijzen per eenheid (per kg) om te voorkomen dat je te veel betaalt. Als je in studentenkamers of gedeelde huizen woont, koop dan in hoeveelheden die passen bij je kookrooster en ruimte.

Gebruik presets in je budget-app om een basis boodschappenplan te onderhouden – één kar voor doordeweekse dagen, een andere voor weekendmaaltijden. Deze aanpak vertaalt zich in meer voorspelbare uitgaven terwijl je de lokale keuken over verschillende steden verkent. Voor snelle maaltijden, bewaar basisvoorraden die werken met een paar regionale gerechten, zoals brood, kaas, tomaten en olijfolie.

Handige apps kunnen dagelijkse boodschappen en reizen verbeteren: Citymapper, Google Maps en Moovit voor realtime openbaar vervoer; betaalapps zoals Apple Pay of Google Pay kunnen aankopen versnellen; een eenvoudige recepten-app helpt u bij het plannen van maaltijden op basis van wat u in uw kamers heeft. Deze tools helpen u te navigeren door steden, treinstations en markten, van een campus tot de rivieroevers en terug naar uw huizen.