Essential Guide for New International Students in France: Everything You Need to Know

During your first few weeks in France, you'll need to complete several important tasks, including finding accommodation, opening a bank account, validating your visa, purchasing insurance, getting a French SIM card, and paying mandatory student fees. Missing or delaying any of these steps may lead to unnecessary difficulties throughout your studies and daily life.

To help you settle in smoothly, LEAP Vietnam has compiled this comprehensive guide covering everything every international student should know before starting their new life in France.

1. Find Accommodation – Your First Priority in France

One of the very first things you should arrange after arriving in France is your accommodation. Having a stable place to live will make it much easier to complete university registration, residence procedures, and adapt to your new environment.

Depending on your budget and personal preferences, international students generally choose from the following three housing options.

Renting from a Private Landlord

This is one of the most popular choices among Vietnamese students because it offers flexible pricing and a wide range of locations.

You can find rental properties through:

• Vietnamese student communities in France
• Property rental websites
• Recommendations from friends or alumni

Before signing a lease, carefully inspect the apartment, including the electricity, plumbing, furniture, windows, heating system, and all provided appliances. If you notice any damage, take photos and notify the landlord immediately to avoid disputes when moving out.

You should also clarify:

• How many months' rent are required as a security deposit
• Utility costs (electricity, water, internet)
• Cleaning or building maintenance fees
• Notice period before moving out
• Deposit refund conditions

Typically, landlords require a security deposit equivalent to one or two months' rent, which is refundable if the apartment is returned in good condition.

University Residence Halls

If you successfully secure a room in a university residence, it is often one of the best options for newly arrived students.

Benefits include:

• Affordable rent
• Close proximity to campus
• Easy opportunities to meet international students
• Reduced commuting time

Applications are generally submitted through your university or its online housing system before arriving in France. Since room availability is limited at many universities, it's advisable to apply as early as possible.

Renting Through a Real Estate Agency

If you're unfamiliar with the French housing market or don't speak French confidently, using a real estate agency can save you considerable time and effort.

Agencies typically assist with:

• Finding accommodation within your budget
• Scheduling apartment viewings
• Reviewing rental contracts
• Communicating with landlords

In exchange, you'll need to pay a service fee, usually ranging from €100 to €250, depending on the agency.

2. Open a French Bank Account

Opening a French bank account is one of the essential administrative procedures for international students.

You'll need a bank account to:

• Pay your rent
• Receive CAF housing assistance (if eligible)
• Subscribe to a mobile phone plan
• Pay tuition fees
• Cover everyday living expenses

Many service providers in France only accept bank transfers rather than cash.

Required Documents

Generally, you'll need:

• Passport
• Student visa or residence permit
• Certificate of enrollment
• Proof of address

Some banks may request additional documents depending on your individual situation.

Choosing the Right Bank

Before opening an account, compare:

• Monthly account maintenance fees
• Bank card issuance fees
• International transfer fees
• Student benefits
• Mobile banking services

Most French banks offer user-friendly mobile apps that allow you to check your balance, transfer money, and contact customer support directly from your smartphone.

Once your application is approved, your bank card is usually delivered to your address within about one week.

Helpful Tip

Not every store in France accepts card payments for small purchases. Many shops require a minimum payment of around €10–15, so it's always a good idea to carry a small amount of cash.

3. Validate Your Student Visa After Arrival

This is one of the most commonly overlooked steps for newly arrived international students.

Receiving a visa before traveling to France does not mean that all residency procedures have been completed.

If you hold a VLS-TS (Long-Stay Student Visa), you must validate your visa within the required period after entering France.

Why Is Visa Validation Important?

Visa validation allows you to:

• Legalize your stay in France
• Continue studying and living in France throughout your visa validity
• Travel freely within the Schengen Area
• Simplify future residence permit renewals

Failure to validate your visa on time may result in your stay being considered illegal, causing complications with future administrative procedures.

Can You Travel Before Validating Your Visa?

Yes. During your first weeks in France, you may still travel within France and the Schengen Area according to your visa conditions.

However, if you leave France after the validation deadline without completing the procedure, re-entering France could become significantly more complicated.

For this reason, it's strongly recommended to complete your visa validation as soon as possible after arrival.

4. Purchase Insurance – A Nearly Mandatory Requirement

Many students focus only on tuition fees and overlook the importance of insurance, which is an essential part of studying in France, whether you're enrolled in an English-taught or French-taught program.

Depending on your circumstances, you may need one or more of the following types of insurance.

Home Insurance

Home insurance is almost mandatory for anyone renting accommodation in France.

It provides protection against risks such as:

• Fire
• Natural disasters
• Water damage
• Property damage

Many landlords require proof of home insurance before handing over the apartment keys.

Health Insurance

International students in France are eligible to join the French public healthcare system after completing the registration process.

This significantly reduces medical expenses, including doctor's visits, prescriptions, and hospital treatment.

Many students also purchase supplementary health insurance (mutuelle) to receive higher reimbursement for dental care, vision care, and specialized treatments.

Considering the high cost of healthcare in Europe, supplementary insurance is often a worthwhile investment.

University-Required Insurance

Some universities and specialized institutions require students to purchase additional liability insurance or insurance related to academic activities.

If your university provides a list of required insurance policies, complete the purchase before enrollment to avoid delays in course registration or practical training.

5. Tips for Adapting Quickly to Life in France

Beyond administrative procedures, your ability to adapt plays a major role in your overall study abroad experience.

During your first few weeks, take time to:

• Familiarize yourself with the public transportation system.
• Locate nearby supermarkets, pharmacies, and essential services.
• Communicate with international classmates.
• Join university clubs and student activities.
• Create a monthly budget from the very beginning.

Proper preparation will help reduce stress, allow you to settle in faster, and focus more effectively on your studies.

For many international students, the beginning of life in France can feel overwhelming. However, after just a few weeks, you'll gradually become more confident and start enjoying the unforgettable experiences of studying in one of Europe's leading educational destinations.

6. Get a French SIM Card After Settling In

Once you've found accommodation and opened a bank account, the next important step is getting a French mobile phone number.

Besides staying in touch with family and friends, your phone number is required for many everyday services, including:

• Bank account verification
• Mobile applications
• University notifications
• Communication with landlords

Most monthly mobile plans require a French bank account or payment card. Some providers allow you to purchase a SIM card in-store, while others offer fully online registration with home delivery.

Which Mobile Carrier Should You Choose?

International students generally prefer providers that offer affordable monthly plans with generous data allowances.

Before choosing a carrier, compare:

• Monthly subscription cost
• High-speed mobile data
• Call and text allowances
• EU roaming coverage
• Contract duration

If you frequently communicate with family back home via messaging apps or video calls, prioritize plans with larger data packages over voice minutes.

7. Apply for a Student Transportation Pass

One of the advantages of studying in France is its extensive and efficient public transportation network.

Whether you're studying in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, or Lille, you can easily travel by metro, bus, tram, or train.

Students under the age of 26 often enjoy substantial transportation discounts.

Available Transport Passes

Depending on the city, you can choose from:

• Daily pass
• Weekly pass
• Monthly pass
• Annual pass

If you'll be staying long-term, monthly or annual passes are usually much more economical than purchasing individual tickets every day.

To apply for a transportation card, you'll generally need:

• Passport or residence permit
• Passport-sized photo
• Proof of address
• Bank account details (for automatic payments)

Some cities even allow online applications with transportation cards delivered directly by mail.

8. Don't Forget to Pay the CVEC Fee

Many first-time international students have never heard of the CVEC (Contribution de Vie Étudiante et de Campus) before arriving in France.

This mandatory student contribution helps fund:

• Student healthcare services
• Student welfare programs
• Sports activities
• Cultural and artistic events
• Campus facility improvements

After completing the payment, you'll receive a certificate, which is required for enrollment at many French universities.

Since the amount may change each academic year, always check the latest fee before making your payment.

9. Stay Alert Against Theft and Scams

France welcomes hundreds of thousands of international students every year. Like many European countries, however, pickpocketing and tourist scams can occur, especially in crowded areas.

There's no need to be overly worried, but staying vigilant can significantly reduce your risk.

Safety Tips

Develop these simple habits:

• Never keep your wallet or phone in your back pocket.
• Avoid carrying large amounts of cash.
• Wear your backpack in front on crowded public transport.
• Never leave your bag unattended in cafés.
• Avoid using your phone near train doors or busy streets.
• Keep an eye on laptops and other valuable belongings at all times.

Common Scams

Fake Helpers

Some individuals may approach you offering assistance, then ask for money or personal information.

Whenever you need help, contact your university's international student office or official authorities.

Petitions and Donations

At popular tourist attractions, strangers may ask you to sign petitions or support charitable causes.

After signing, they often pressure you into making a donation.

If you're unsure, politely decline and continue walking.

Online Scams

New international students are often targeted by fraudulent emails requesting:

• Bank information updates
• Bill payments
• Account verification
• Passwords

Never click suspicious links or provide personal information before verifying the sender.

10. Final Tips for Successfully Adapting to Life in France

Adapting to a new country depends not only on language skills but also on your willingness to embrace new experiences.

Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone.

You can:

• Join university clubs.
• Make friends with international students.
• Learn a little French every day, even if you're enrolled in an English-taught program.
• Ask questions whenever you're unsure about administrative procedures.
• Create a realistic monthly budget from the very beginning.

These small daily habits will help you build confidence and enjoy every stage of your study abroad journey.

If you're still unsure about choosing a university, preparing your application, applying for a visa, or completing the procedures after arriving in France, the expert team at LEAP Vietnam is ready to support you every step of the way. From selecting the right study pathway and preparing your application to providing pre-departure and post-arrival assistance, LEAP Vietnam is committed to helping you achieve your dream of studying in France with confidence and success.

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