Why Preparation Matters for Your French Adventure
Moving to France for your Erasmus Mundus journey or international degree?
Preparation is the secret ingredient to a stress-free, exciting landing. France has a beautiful culture—but also bureaucracy, climate quirks, and student-specific challenges.
Think of this as your pre-departure survival guide, before arrival in france helping you avoid common mistakes and embrace the best student life France can offer.
1. Secure Your French Student Visa Early
Before anything else, your visa should be your top priority.
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EU/EEA Students: Usually exempt from needing a visa.
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Non-EU Students: Apply for the long-stay student visa (VLS-TS).
🗂 You’ll Need:
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Acceptance letter
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Proof of accommodation (if you don’t have yet, your university can send you a letter for visa purpose only.)
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Proof of funds (if you have scholarship, scholarship letter work as proof of funds.)
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Health insurance
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Passport and recent photos
🕒 Apply at least 6–8 weeks before departure via Campus France or your local French consulate.
2. Arrange Your Accommodation before arrival in france
France has a housing crunch, especially in cities like Paris, Lyon, and Toulouse.
🏠 Options:
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CROUS university housing – affordable, but limited
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Private rentals – use platforms like Studapart, HousingAnywhere, or LeBonCoin. (My favourite was Leboncoin)
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Host families or shared flats (colocations) – such as Ensemble2generations, untoit2generations,
📌 Tip: Join Facebook groups like “PARIS 🇫🇷 – Rent a House, Villa, Apartment, Flat, Condo, Studio, Room”. But be careful when you approach from facebook, and always make sure that either you or your contact makes a visite before making any reservation, or payment.
3. Open a French Bank Account (or Prepare to)
To receive your Erasmus stipend or apply for CAF (housing aid), you need a French IBAN.
🏦 Banks offering student-friendly services:
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Société Générale
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BNP Paribas – This is my choice, as they don’t charge for students.
Good digital options before arrival:
📎 Bring: Passport, visa, proof of address (like rental contract), and student certificate.
4. Apply for French Health Insurance
Depending on your nationality and duration of stay:
- If you are an Erasmus Mundus student, then you are already ensured till the term of your study. Otherwise, you can apply for french health insurance.
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EU students: Use your EHIC card.
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Non-EU students: Register for PUMA (Protection Universelle Maladie) after arrival via Ameli.fr.
💡 Consider a Mutuelle (complementary plan) for better coverage of dental and specialist costs.
5. Book Your Flight Wisely
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Ideal Arrival: At least 1–2 weeks before classes start
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Use sites like: Skyscanner, Google Flights, or dedicated airline’s website.
Don’t forget to check airport to city transport options like TGV, Blablacar, or airport shuttles.
Keep plenty of transit time, so that not to rush during travel.
6. Pack Smart: What to Bring and What to Skip before arrival in france
🎒 Essentials:
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Clothing for all seasons (France has cold winters and hot summers)
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Universal plug adapter
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A copy of important documents (don’t forget your Attested birth-certificate.)
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Medications + prescriptions
🚫 Skip:
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Too many books
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Kitchenware (easy to buy in France)
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Large appliances
7. Translate and Prepare Your Official Documents
You’ll need translated and legalized copies of important documents. Don’t wait until arrival—French bureaucracy moves slowly.
📄 Recommended documents:
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Birth certificate (with Apostille if needed)
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Academic transcripts and diplomas
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Vaccination records (especially if enrolling in healthcare or life sciences)
Tip: Carry both digital and physical copies in a secure folder.
8. Learn Basic French Phrases and Etiquette
Even a little French goes a long way in daily life.
🗣You can head over to french.kailaba.com to learn french in Nepali way 😉
🇫🇷 French culture emphasizes politeness. Always greet shopkeepers, use “vous” with strangers, and say “merci” often.
9. Get Travel and Arrival Insurance
While French healthcare covers most things post-registration, you’ll need coverage until you’re officially enrolled.
Recommended temporary insurance providers:
✅ Make sure it includes baggage, health, and trip cancellation protection.
10. Budget Planning and Financial Prep
France isn’t cheap, but it’s manageable with smart budgeting.
💶 Monthly living costs (outside Paris):
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Rent: €350–€600
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Food: €150–€250
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Transport: €20–€70 (student discount passes available)
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Misc: €50–€100
📌 Erasmus Mundus scholarships usually pay monthly. Be prepared with savings for your first month (housing deposit, transport, groceries, etc.).
11. Install Student-Friendly Apps
✅ Apps to download before arrival:
| App | Purpose |
|---|---|
| CAF | Housing subsidy application |
| SNCF Connect | Train bookings and real-time schedules |
| Citymapper | Public transport planning |
| Doctolib | Booking doctor and vaccination appointments |
| Duolingo | Language learning |
12. Join Student Facebook & WhatsApp Groups
Social media is your best friend for:
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Housing leads
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Orientation updates
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Meeting people before landing
Search for:
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Erasmus France 2025
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[Your city/university name] Student Group
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Erasmus Mundus intake groups
13. Check Your Vaccination and COVID Documents
Although most COVID restrictions are lifted, some universities still ask for health forms or vaccination proof.
✔️ Bring:
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COVID vaccination certificate (EU Digital Format or equivalent)
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Routine vaccination records (e.g., MMR, tetanus)
14. Familiarize Yourself with French Bureaucracy
Yes, it’s a real challenge. Expect lots of paperwork, delays, and appointments.
💡 Learn about:
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visa validation after arrival (if you have 1-year visa) or applying for residence permit if you have 3-months visa.
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Carte Vitale (health insurance card)
Prepare for patience, and keep both digital + paper copies of everything.
15. Print Key Travel Documents and Make Backups
Digital is great—but always carry printed copies of:
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Flight ticket
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Passport + visa
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Housing contract
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Acceptance letter
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Emergency contacts
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Medical prescriptions
Also, save them in Google Drive or Dropbox.
16. Final Week Checklist Before Departure
✔️ Passport valid for at least 6 months
✔️ Visa printed and checked
✔️ Emergency numbers written down
✔️ Euros exchanged in small bills
✔️ Airport pickup or transport route planned
✔️ SIM card (temporary or unlocked phone ready)
17. FAQs for New Students Coming to France
1. Do I need to speak French fluently before arriving?
No, but knowing the basics will help a lot in daily life and administration.
2. Can I find housing after arrival?
You can, but it’s highly risky. Book at least temporary housing in advance.
3. When does Erasmus Mundus stipend start arriving?
Usually after signing the grant agreement at orientation. Have funds for the first month.
4. Can I work while studying in France?
Yes, up to 964 hours/year (~20 hrs/week). EU and non-EU students both qualify.
5. What documents are checked at immigration?
Passport, visa, university acceptance letter, and proof of accommodation.
6. How much money should I bring at first?
At least €1,000–€1,500 to cover deposits, food, transport, and initial costs.
Conclusion
Your study journey in France is about to begin—and this list is your toolkit. From visas to vocabulary, planning ahead sets the stage for a smoother, more empowering arrival.
Remember: France is welcoming, but it’s also bureaucratic and detail-oriented. A little preparation now goes a long way later.
Bonne chance, future student! 🇫🇷📚
