Post-Arrival Services
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Post-Arrival Services in France: A Complete Guide for International Students
Settling in France as an international student is an exciting journey, but the first few weeks after arrival can feel overwhelming. From opening a bank account to getting health insurance, transportation cards, and housing aid — knowing where to start makes all the difference.
This comprehensive guide to post-arrival services in France for international student walks you through every essential step to help you adapt quickly and confidently to your new life. Whether you’ve come for university studies, an exchange program, or research, this guide covers all the key procedures you’ll need to complete.
Opening a French Bank Account
Opening a bank account in France is one of the first and most important steps of Post-Arrival Services in France. It allows you to manage everyday expenses such as rent payments, phone bills, and transportation fees.
International students can open either a current account (compte courant) or a student account (compte étudiant) at major French banks like BNP Paribas, Société Générale, or Crédit Agricole. Most banks offer English-speaking services and online banking apps for easy management.
To open a French bank account, you typically need:
- A valid passport or residence permit
- Proof of student enrollment or university admission letter
- Proof of address in France (rental contract, dorm certificate, or utility bill)
- Sometimes, proof of income or financial support
Tip: For convenience, consider opening an online bank account such as N26 or Revolut, which are faster to set up and ideal for students who haven’t yet secured permanent housing
Applying for CAF Housing Aid (APL / ALS)
The CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) provides monthly financial support to help students — including international ones — cover part of their rent. Eligible applicants can receive either APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement) or ALS (Allocation de Logement Sociale), depending on their housing type and income level.
Most international students can apply once they have a valid visa or residence permit, a signed rental contract (bail), and a French bank account (RIB). Applications are made online at www.caf.fr ideally right after moving in, since payments start the month following your move-in date
Applicants must prepare:
- Rental contract and proof of rent payment
- Passport or residence permit
- Proof of university enrollment
- French bank details (RIB)
- Proof of income or financial guarantor (e.g., Visale program)
Housing Insurance (Assurance Habitation)
In France, housing insurance is mandatory for all tenants — including international students — whether they live in university dormitories, private apartments, or shared flats. This insurance protects against damage caused by fire, water leaks, or other accidents and is required before moving in.
There are usually two main options:
- Basic coverage (responsabilité civile) – covers accidental damage caused to the property or third parties.
- Comprehensive coverage (multirisque habitation) – includes protection for personal belongings, theft, fire, and water damage.
Students can purchase insurance from banks, insurance companies or trusted online providers offering fast digital contracts in English or French.
The average cost ranges between €30 and €80 per year, depending on coverage and accommodation type. A certificate of insurance (attestation d’assurance) must be shown to the landlord or university before moving in.
Health Insurance in France (Assurance Santé)
Health insurance is a mandatory requirement for all residents in France, including international students. It ensures access to medical care, doctor visits, hospital services, and prescription medicines at reduced costs. France’s healthcare system is known for its high quality and efficiency, offering both public and private coverage options.
- Public health insurance: Most international students are eligible for France’s public health insurance once they register at a French university. Registration is done online via the official website etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr. After registration, students receive a social security number which allows them to get medical reimbursements.
- Private health insurance: While public health insurance covers a large portion of medical costs, students are encouraged to take private complementary insurance (mutuelle) to cover remaining expenses not reimbursed by the state — such as dental care, eye exams, or hospital supplements.
Required Documents for Enrollment for Health Insurance in France
To register for French health insurance, students need:
- Passport or residence permit
- Proof of university enrollment
- Proof of residence in France
- Bank account details (for reimbursements)
Cost and Benefits of Health Insurance
Public health insurance for students is free of charge, though private coverage (mutuelle) may cost between €10 and €30 per month depending on the plan.
Transportation Card (Public Transport Pass)
Getting around in France is easy and efficient thanks to its well-developed public transportation system — including metro, bus, tram, and train networks. For students, obtaining a transportation card (carte de transport) is an important part of Post-Arrival Services in France, as it greatly reduces commuting costs and simplifies daily travel. The most common transport cards include:
- Navigo Pass (Île-de-France): Used in Paris and surrounding regions, offering unlimited travel across metro, bus, RER, and tram lines.
- Técély Card (Lyon): Ideal for students in Lyon; provides discounted monthly or annual passes.
- TBM, RTM, TAM, or similar cards: These local cards operate in cities like Bordeaux, Marseille, and Montpellier respectively.
Student Discounts for Transportation Card
International students are eligible for special discounts on most city transport networks. These discounts usually apply to monthly or yearly passes, reducing fares by 30–50%. To qualify, students must present a student ID or proof of enrollment at a French university.
How to Apply
International students are eligible for special discounts on most city transport networks. These discounts usually apply to monthly or yearly passes, reducing fares by 30–50%. To qualify, students must present a student ID or proof of enrollment at a French university.
Cost Overview
A student transport card typically costs between €20 and €40 per month, depending on the city and travel zones. For example, the Navigo Pass in Paris offers unlimited monthly travel for around €30–€35 with student discounts.
SIM Card and Mobile Plans in France
As part of Post-Arrival Services in France, getting a French SIM card is one of the first and most essential steps for international students. It helps you stay connected, use navigation apps, and communicate easily with your university or accommodation provider. France has several reliable mobile network providers offering both prepaid and postpaid plans:
- Orange: Known for excellent coverage across France, especially in rural areas.
- SFR: Offers affordable student packages with good data plans.
- Bouygues Telecom: Popular for flexible contracts and strong 4G/5G services.
- Free Mobile: A budget-friendly option with no-contract offers and online management.
Types of Plans
- Prepaid (Sans engagement): Ideal for short stays or students without a French bank account. Top-ups can be purchased at supermarkets or tobacco shops (tabac).
- Postpaid (Avec engagement): Monthly subscription plans that usually require a French IBAN and proof of address, offering larger data limits and cheaper call rates.
Required Documents for SIM Card
To buy a SIM card or register for a plan, you will need:
- A passport or residence permit
- Proof of address (lease or dorm certificate)
- Sometimes a French bank account for postpaid plans
Cost Overview
Prepaid SIM cards start around €10–€20, while monthly student plans range from €10–€30, depending on data allowance. Many providers offer special student packages with unlimited calls in France and the EU plus 5–20 GB of data.
Tip: If you arrive before opening a French bank account, start with a prepaid plan from Free Mobile or Orange Holiday — available at airports for immediate activation
City Tour and Orientation in France
An important part of Post-Arrival Services in France is the city orientation program, which helps international students quickly adapt to their new environment. Exploring the city not only familiarizes students with essential services like transportation, healthcare centers, and supermarkets, but also eases the cultural transition.
Many universities and organizations like Campus France or ESN (Erasmus Student Network) offer free or low-cost guided tours for new arrivals. Participating in an orientation tour soon after arrival saves time, reduces stress, and enhances safety by helping students navigate unfamiliar areas confidently. It also gives a sense of belonging, turning a new city into a second home.
Tip: If your university doesn’t offer an official orientation, you can find student-led walking tours or local “welcome days” through Facebook groups or expat communities.
University Registration and Academic Formalities
Completing university registration is one of the most important Post-Arrival Services in France, required to access classes, campus facilities, and official student benefits. Even if you’ve been pre-admitted, in-person registration upon arrival is mandatory.
Steps for Completing University Registration:
- Confirm Enrollment: Visit your university’s admissions office with your admission letter, passport, visa, and proof of residence to finalize enrollment.
- Submit Required Documents: Provide copies of your student visa, health insurance, payment receipt for registration fees, and a student ID photo.
- Register for Courses: Select courses or modules via your university’s online portal after administrative registration.
- Access Student Accounts: Receive your login details for Wi-Fi, e-learning platforms (e.g., Moodle), and library access.
Attend orientation sessions if required and complete registration early to avoid penalties or limited course availability. Make sure your student card is activated — it’s necessary for transport discounts and CAF housing aid.
Preparing and Moving into Student Housing
Another major part of Post-Arrival Services in France is settling into student housing. Whether you’re staying in a dormitory, private flat, or homestay, being prepared ensures a smooth transition. Steps for a Smooth Move-In:
- Confirm Check-In Date: Contact your housing provider (CROUS, Studapart, or private landlord) to confirm your move-in schedule.
- Sign the Move-In Report (État des Lieux): Before getting the keys, complete a detailed inventory checklist with the landlord or residence manager. This document records the condition of the property and helps avoid disputes later.
- Pay Security Deposit and Rent: Payment is usually due before or on the day of arrival. Keep all receipts for future reference.
- Set Up Utilities (if applicable): For private apartments, you may need to set up electricity, internet, and gas accounts under your name.
- Register for Housing Aid: If eligible, apply for the CAF housing subsidy (APL or ALS) using your new address.
Airport Welcome and Transportation Assistance
For many students, arriving in a new country can feel overwhelming. That’s why many institutions and agencies include airport pickup and transfer services as part of their Post-Arrival Services in France. That’s included:
- Airport Pickup: A staff member or student representative meets you at the airport, often holding a sign with your name or university logo.
- Transport Assistance: Transfer to your accommodation by shuttle, taxi, or train is arranged in advance.
- Welcome Package: Some services include maps, SIM cards, or information brochures to help new arrivals settle quickly.
These services not only reduce travel fatigue but also help students feel safe and comfortable from the very beginning, allowing them to adapt more quickly to their new environment.
Conclusion
Post-Arrival Services in France play a vital role in ensuring a smooth transition for international students as they begin their academic and personal journey abroad. From opening a bank account and securing housing aid to arranging health insurance, university registration, and airport pickup — each service is designed to make life in France easier and more organized.
At Euroglobe Education, we provide comprehensive Post-Arrival Services in France tailored to each student’s needs. Our multilingual advisors ensure full support — from arrival to settling in — so you can focus on achieving your academic goals