Administrative formalities as a foreign student

Finding accommodation in a new country can be a daunting task, especially for international students. To help you navigate this process, we’ve compiled a list of useful resources and steps to ensure a smooth transition to your new home in France. From student residences to health care and financial assistance, this guide covers everything you need to know. Here are some key links and tips to get you started on your journey.

Finding accommodation

Here are some useful links to help you find accommodation and prepare for your move :

  • Nexity Studéa: student residences and accommodation
    In partnership with Nexity Studea, it offers you a range of student residences in 50 towns in France: 120 furnished, equipped and connected residences. Communal living areas to make it easier for tenants to integrate into the residence. Group activities to encourage conviviality between residents.
  • Safehouse
  • Studapart offers accommodation for rent in student residences and with landlords in over 40 towns and cities in France. Accommodation for 1 to 24 months. You can book your flat directly on the dedicated platform. International students will be able to find accommodation before arriving in France and will receive their accommodation certificate for their visa.
  • Ensemble2Générations: network for intergenerational cohabitation. E2G is an association of general interest, open to all, whose primary aim is intergenerational housing. By helping to bring generations together and encouraging older people to stay in their own homes, E2G provides an appropriate response to the ageing of the population. As well as supporting family carers, E2G enables students to find alternative solutions. You can download the brochure by clicking here, with the different formulas offered. Please do not hesitate to contact the referent mentioned in the brochure directly to register.

HOUSING ASSISTANCE :
The Caisse d’allocations familiales (CAF) is a French organisation governed by private law, which allows you to claim the Aide Personnalisé au Logement Etudiant (APL)! Like all French students, you can apply online via the CAF website.

RENTAL DEPOSIT :
Most landlords require a third party to act as guarantor or surety for their tenant.
Do you need a guarantor to find accommodation?
The Visale guarantee is a win-win solution for both tenant and landlord! The Visale guarantee is a deposit granted by Action logement to the tenant. Here’s the information provided by Campus France: everything you need to know about Visale, the free rental deposit for students.

 

Validating your student visa

This is done directly online and you have 3 months to do it as soon as you arrive in France.

How do you validate your long-stay visa when you arrive in France? | Campus France

Administrative procedures start :
GET STARTED

 

Renewing your visa (residence permit)
After your 1st year of study in France. You must apply for a residence permit.
You must start the renewal procedure 3 months before your current permit expires. You do not need to go to the prefecture until you receive your residence permit. You can do everything online and follow the progress of your application in your personal space on the website of the Ministry of the Interior and Overseas France (DIRECTION GÉNÉRALE DES ÉTRANGERS EN FRANCE).
When your online application is validated, you will automatically receive a confirmation of submission which in no way prejudges the right to residency, but which serves to justify the action taken. This document does not allow you to travel. It is not a receipt.

How do you renew your residence permit?| Campus France

How to apply :
france.interieur.gouv.fr/

 

Obtaining the CVEC

Once you have enrolled in an initial training course at a higher education establishment, you must obtain your certificate of payment of the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC).

10 things you need to know about the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) | Campus France

 

Create your bank account

The AD Education network has a special partnership with BNP Paribas bank for foreign students.
We will put you in touch with the person in charge of the student section before you arrive in France and at our welcome meeting you will have the opportunity to meet her to open your bank account directly.

 

Health care – Social security

As soon as you arrive in France as a student, you are entitled to register for social security. This is free of charge and, above all, compulsory.

INFOS :
For information on how social security works, check the Campus France link: health, social security and mutual insurance company | Campus France
Please note that the procedure for European students is not the same.

STARTING THE PROCEDURE
Social Security registration for foreign students and students from overseas collectivities. ameli.fr

 

Benefit from the CAF

Your student status entitles you to state benefits. It is valid for both Europeans and non-Europeans.

INFOS :
International Students | Welcome to Caf.fr