FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS AT POLYTECH PARIS

FOREIGN EXCHANGE STUDENTS AT
POLYTECH PARIS-UPMC
Academic Year 2016 / 2017
SUMMARY
POLYTECH PARIS-UPMC & UNIVERSITY PIERRE AND MARIE CURIE __________3

Polytech Paris-UPMC _____________________________________________________________________ 3

The University __________________________________________________________________________ 3

Acces to UPMC and Polytech ____________________________________________________________ 4

Studying in France ______________________________________________________________________ 5

Engineering studies in France ___________________________________________________________ 5
ENROLLMENT AT POLYTECH___________________________________________6

Administrative Registration ______________________________________________________________ 6

Academic Registration __________________________________________________________________ 6

University Calendar 2016/2017 ___________________________________________________________ 6

French Courses _________________________________________________________________________ 7

More information ________________________________________________________________________ 7

Student Life _____________________________________________________________________________ 7
ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES ________________________________________9

CampusFrance __________________________________________________________________________ 9

Visa ____________________________________________________________________________________ 9

Passport and ID card ____________________________________________________________________ 9

Le titre de séjour (Residence Permit) _____________________________________________________ 9
THE SOCIAL SECURITY _______________________________________________ 12

Health Insurance _______________________________________________________________________ 12

Social Security and supplementary insurance («les mutuelles») __________________________ 12

Medical Centers ________________________________________________________________________ 13

Liability Insurance («la responsabilité civile») ____________________________________________ 13
ACCOMMODATION ___________________________________________________ 14

La Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris and Polytech ________________________________ 14

Accommodation for exchange students _________________________________________________ 14

Essential questions to consider before renting: __________________________________________ 14

More information _______________________________________________________________________ 14
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS __________________________________________ 16

Telephone _____________________________________________________________________________ 16

Bank Account __________________________________________________________________________ 16

Budget ________________________________________________________________________________ 16

University catering (CROUS) ____________________________________________________________ 16
2
POLYTECH PARIS-UPMC
& UNIVERSITY PIERRE AND MARIE CURIE
This handbook has been produced from UPMC‘s foreign exchange student guide.
… WELCOME TO POLYTECH PARIS-UPMC!!
Polytech Paris-UPMC welcomes you to the challenge of studying abroad
Polytech Paris-UPMC is the graduate Engineering School of the UPMC.
Polytech Paris-UPMC is a public institution which delivers the Diplôme d’Ingénieur, the French equivalent
of a Masters degree in Engineering. The Engineering Degree is accredited by the national engineering
degree board (CTI). The program lasts for five years after Baccalauréat (the diploma marking the end of
high school). Polytech Paris-UPMC trains top-level engineers in close collaboration with industry. It
provides a multidisciplinary core curriculum and seven graduate specializations anchored in the most
innovative fields of science and technology.
Polytech Paris-UPMC is member of the Polytech Network (13 Polytechnic graduate school in France).
Key Figures
1000 Students
250 Graduates per year
40 Nationalities
12 Partners laboratories
8 transdisciplinary departments
Agri-Food Industry
Applied Mathematics and Computer Science
Earth Science
Electronics & Computer science for Embedded Systems
Electronics and Industrial Data Processing (apprentice status)
Mechanical Engineering (apprentice status)
Materials
Robotics
The University
Today, Pierre and Marie Curie University (UPMC) stands for French excellence in science and
medicine. It is the 6th European university in the Academic Ranking of World Universities and 35th in the
world. With 120 laboratories, 3,500 doctoral students, high-level master programs, and undergraduate
degrees suited to every student profile, UPMC demonstrates every day that education supported
by research activities and open to living knowledge is the only way to prepare for the jobs of tomorrow.
UPMC is located at the very heart of the « Quartier Latin » (5th arrondissement), the historical academic
center of Paris, near the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris, Le Jardin des Plantes...
Paris, the multicultural capital of France, combines a subtle blend of history, art and culture, participating
in the positive experience of an academic stay in France.
3
Access to UPMC and Polytech
Adress:
Université Pierre et Marie Curie
Jussieu Campus
4 Place Jussieu
75005 Paris, France
Métro: Line 7 et 10 - Jussieu Station
Bus:
Line 67 - Stop Jussieu
Line 63 - Stop Rue des Fossés St Bernard or Quai St Bernard
Line 86 ou 87 - Stop Rue des Fossés St Bernard
Line 89 - Stop Jussieu ou Cardinal Lemoine or Quai St
Bernard
RER:
Line C - Stop Gare d'Austerlitz or Cluny La Sorbonne
Line B - Stop Cluny La Sorbonne
(more informations: www.ratp.fr)
Map of the University:
This map indicates the campus access points and
the building locations of the university.
POLYTECH PARIS-UPMC is located on
the third floor of the building ESCLAGON
4
Studying in France
Since 2004/2005, within the European framework of higher education, UPMC has applied the new system
« L M D » Licence (Bachelors), Master, Doctorate.
The studies are composed of 3 levels
- Licence, bac +3, corresponds to 6 weeks or 180 credits
- Master, bac +5, corresponds to 4 weeks or 120 credits or more (300 total)
- Doctorate, bac +8.
Engineering studies in France
Each academic year is organized into two semesters.
Courses at Polytech Paris-UPMC are structured into separate modules, for each of which ECTS credits
are allocated. An academic year corresponds to 60 credits.
Pol yt ech Degree in Engineer ing
M.Sc.
Internship : 6 months
5th year
Courses : 20 weeks
Internship : 4 months
4th year
Courses : 24 weeks
B.Sc.
Inter nship : 1 month
3rd year
Courses : 28 weeks
Continuous Assessment
Polytech Networ k
Competitive Examination
Parcours des écoles
d’ingénieur s Polytech
(PeiP) *
“ Cl asses Préparatoires”
or
2 years of Undergrad. Studies
or
Bachelor Degree in Science
2nd year
1st year
Polytech Network
Competitive Examination
Baccal auréat or equival ent for eign dipl oma
* specific progr am proposed
to students holding a
Baccalauréat degree or equivalent
5
ENROLLMENT AT POLYTECH
Administrative Registration
Upon arrival into Paris, you must go to the following address:
Contact?
Polytech Paris-UPMC
Department of International Relations
Building Esclangon
3rd Floor, Office 312
4 place Jussieu
75252 Paris cedex 05
Department of International Relations
Cyril Thabourey
 [email protected]
 +33 1 44 27 75 99
 +33 1 44 27 72 46
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9h00 to 17h00
You must bring the following documents:
- Your passport or ID card
- A document confirming your participation in an exchange program (for example: your Erasmus
student contract or application form…)
- Photocopy of your university ID card valid for the current year
- Photocopy of your latest diploma
- Proof of social security cover: for European students a “carte européenne d’assurance maladie”
(CEAM), for Quebecois students a SE 401-106 form and private insurance for non European or
non Quebecois students staying less than 3 months (students staying longer than 3 months must
pay French student cover upon arrival at UPMC)
- 2 ID photos
- Liability insurance
A student ID card will give you free access to all UPMC student services (library, campus canteen, sports
and cultural activities…)
Academic Registration
As a foreign exchange student, you will not be enrolled on a full degree program but on specific units.
You will have to enroll for the units listed in your application form with the relevant academic office.
Polytech Paris-UPMC’s International Department will give you the details when you arrive in Paris.
University Calendar 2016/2017
Reception of students / 1st semester
Start of teaching
Non teaching period
Christmas Holidays
End of teaching
Winter Holydays
Start of teaching / 2nd semester
Spring Holidays
End of teaching / 2nd semester
Tuesday 6th September 2016
Monday 12th September 2016
From 31st October to 4th November 2016
From 21th December 2015 to 2nd January 2017
Mid January 2017
From 23th January to 29th January 2017
Monday 30th January 2017
From 3rd April to 17th April 2017
About 15th June 2017
French National holidays 2016-2017
New Year’s Day: 1st January
th
Lundi de Pâques: 17 March
Fête du Travail: 1st May
Fête de la Victoire 1945: 8th May
Ascencion: 25th May
th
Pentecôte: 5 June
Fête Nationale: 14th July
Assomption: 15th August
Toussaint: 1st November
Armistice 1918: 11th November
Christmas: 25th December
6
French Courses
The office for foreign students in the International Relations Office at UPMC organizes French-language
courses for foreign exchange students.
These courses take place on the campus and are appropriate to the student’s schedule. French classes
over the academic year 2014-2015 are available: between 2 hours and 7 hours each week during one
semester or both, according to the student’s initial level (estimated by a compulsory placement test).
Courses are free for exchange students
An intensive French course is planned for in January 2016 and for June 2016 (2 hours daily over 3
weeks) at the price of 250 euros.
French courses can be validated as optional course units (UE) as a foreign language and can be
awarded ECTS credits.
1st SEMESTER: REGISTRATION BY E-MAIL BEFORE SEPTEMBER 1st, 2016
Compulsory placement in early September
Courses from mid-September to mid-December 2016
Registration only by e-mail: [email protected]
Tower 43-53 – 1st floor – Room 102 –
4, Place Jussieu – 75252 PARIS CEDEX 05
Tél. (+33) 1 44 27 74 23 / 30 62
More information
The courses
The courses usually start in September and end in May/June.
The subjects are grouped into UE (teaching units) that combine lectures and TD (tutorials) or TP
(practicals).
The lectures are held in an amphitheater (or « amphi ») that can accommodate a hundred to a thousand
students.
The TD and TP usually involve 30 students. They are held in classrooms or laboratories.
Continuous Assessment
When studying at the Polytech Paris-UPMC, you will be assessed completely by continuous assessment.
The system integrates the grades obtained during the year from the TP, TD and from exams.
French grading system
The grade scale in France ranges from 0 to 20, where 0 is the lowest and 20 is the highest.
The grade of 10/20 is usually the grade given for an average assignment or exam. A grade from 14/20 for
an assignment or exam is considered as good.
Student Life
While the university is, above all, a place of study and work, your timetable leaves you a great deal of
freedom. This is a unique opportunity to join an association and get involved in the university. You can
join one of the existing associations, but if you wish, you can create your own!
Sport: Physical and sports activities at UPMC are provided by two different but complementary
structures:
- The Department of Physical and Sports Activities (DAPS; Département des Activités Physiques
et Sportives), a UPMC teaching department, organizes personal training courses for all,
traineeships and approved certificate courses, supervised by physical and sports education
teachers who are also responsible for the majority of competition training;
- The UPMC Sports Association (AS; Association sportive) [AS-UPMC], a non-profit association,
7
manages university competitions with the French Federation of University Sports (FFSU;
Fédération française du sport universitaire) and organizes recreational activities.
More information
http://www.upmc.fr/fr/vie_des_campus/sport/daps/formation_personnelle_pour_tous.html
Workshops & Associations
L'UPMC proposes more than 20 artistic workshops (dance, theater, singing…)
http://www.upmc.fr/fr/vie_des_campus/vie_etudiante/ateliers_artistiques.html
In Polytech there are also many associations…
8
ADMINISTRATIVE FORMALITIES
CampusFrance
As a result of the association between UPMC and Campus France, this year, foreign, non European
students (non-citizens of countries in the European Union*, the European Economic Area** and the Swiss
Confederation) residing in one of the 31 countries with a Campus France Area must pass via this
organization (www."name of the country".campusfrance.org) to apply at UPMC. You can find a list of
countries connected to Campus France at http://www.campusfrance.org/fr/espaces/map
Visa
All non European students (non-citizens of countries in the European Union*, the European Economic
Area** and the Swiss Confederation) must acquire a long stay student visa marked “étudiant” (student)
for stays longer than 3 months in France.
*(Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Spain, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece,
Hungry, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech
Republic, Romania, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden), **(Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway).
It is IMPERATIVE that the visa is obtained before your arrival into France.
More information about obtaining a visa can be found at the following website:
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-formulaires_831/espace-etudiants_12793/etudierfrance_12794/demarches-administratives_12818/visas-etudiants_27131.html
Students benefit from automatic renewal of their student visa, subject to producing the relevant
documents requested by the authorities.
Attention, do not leave for Paris with a simple tourist visa. You will be sent back to your country to obtain
the student visa, because only a ‘student’ visa will allow you to obtain a titre de séjour étudiant (student
residence permit) upon arrival into France.
Passport and ID card
All foreigners who arrive through French borders must hold a valid passport issued in their country.
For nationals of the European Union, an ID card will be sufficient.
The valid passport or ID card must cover at least the duration of your stay.
To find out if you need an ID card or a passport, go to the following website:
http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/services-formulaires_831/espace-etudiants_12793/etudierfrance_12794/demarches-administratives_12818/index.html
or inquire at your Embassy:
http://mfe.org/index.php/Annuaires
Le titre de séjour (Residence Permit)
Europeans (EU, EEA, Swiss) are not required to hold a “titre de séjour”. For students originating from
these countries, it is not necessary to make an appointment unless they wish to benefit from a renewal of
their “titre de séjour”.
However, if you are Bulgarian or Romanian national and you wish to pursue a professional activity in
addition to your studies, you are required to hold a “titre de séjour”.
If you are a student of another nationality, you must acquire a “titre de séjour”.
How to obtain your first “titre de séjour”?
Before leaving for France, the French Consulate in your country must stamp a visa in your passport. This
visa allows you to study in France. It only allows you to stay for three months. If you need to stay in
France longer, then it is necessary to obtain a long-term visa from the OFII, in the form of a “titre de
séjour”. Once these steps have been accomplished at the OFII, the validation will be given in the form of
stamp in your passport by this organization.
9
Phase 1 – prepare your application for the “titre de séjour”: (Original and photocopies in A4):
- Valid passport with a long stay student visa (+ photocopies of relevant pages relating to civil status,
expiry date of the passport and stamps of entry and visa)
- Birth certificate translated in French by a French court authorized translator (original + photocopy)
- A proof of address (EDF/GDF electricity bill, a rent statement no older than 3 months, proof of
accommodation ***).
- Official certificate of funding for the duration of the stay (€ 610 per month minimum).
- UPMC student card (original + photocopy)
- 3 ID photos
***if you are housed by an individual, you must provide an accommodation certificate on a plain paper by
your landlord, a photocopy of their ID card or their titre de séjour, a proof of address of the landlord (for
example their last gas or electricity bill).
If you are housed in an accommodation centre, you must provide a certificate from the Director of the
Accommodation Centre and a bill for the last month.
Phase 2 – Submit your application to the OFII
If you live in Paris
- From early September to mid- November: with no prior appointment required, either at the OFII desk at
Cité Internationale
19 bd Jourdan
75690 Paris cedex 14
Tel: (0)1 44 16 64 00
RER B / T3: Cité Universitaire
Opening hours: Monday to Friday from 9h00 to 16h30
Or at the «centre de réception des étudiants étrangers »
92 Boulevard Ney - 75018 Paris
Métro Porte de Clignancourt
Opening hours: Monday to Thursday from 8h35 à 16h30 and Friday from 8h35 to 16h00
- During the rest of the year:
The application must be sent by registered mail to the OFII.
48 rue de la Roquette
75011 Paris
If you do not live in Paris, it is imperative that you send your complete application to the antenne de
l’Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration (OFII) in your area.
Prefecture
Telephone
Website Address
Seine et Marne (Melun 77)
01.64.71.77.77
http://www.seine-et-marne.pref.gouv.fr
Yvelines (Versailles 78)
01.39.49.78.00
http://www.yvelines.pref.gouv.fr
Essonne (Evry 91)
01.69.91.91.91
http://www.essonne.pref.gouv.fr
Hauts-de-Seine (Nanterre 92)
01.40.97.20.00
http://www.hauts-de-seine.pref.gouv.fr
Seine-Saint-Denis (Bobigny 93)
01.41.60.60.60
http://www.seine-saintdenis.pref.gouv.fr
Val de Marne (Créteil 94)
01.49.56.60.00
http://www.val-de-marne.pref.gouv.fr
Val-d'Oise (Cergy-Pontoise 95)
01.34.25.25.25
http://www.val-doise.pref.gouv.fr
10
Phase 3 – Medical visit
On receipt of your application, the OFII will acknowledge your application and send you an appointment
for a compulsory medical check. For students who submit their application during the academic year at
Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, the acknowledgment of their application and their appointment
for the medical check will be given directly on site.
More information on the website: http://www.ofii.fr/article.php3?id_article=35
You will also need to pay a registration fee of 55 Euros.
After the payment of this fee and the medical visit, the OFII will stamp your visa confirming your titre de
séjour for a year within the validity dates on your visa.
More information:
http://www.prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr/Demarches/Particulier/Ressortissants-etrangers/Titre-desejour/Vous-venez-d-arriver-en-France#ancre-2
You wish to renew your “titre de séjour”
Your long stay visa validates your titre de séjour for one year within the valid dates shown on the visa. If
you wish to extend your stay beyond the first year, you must contact the prefecture of the police for the
necessary steps within the last two months of your valid visa.
If you live in Paris: you can make an appointment directly on the website of the Préfecture de Police
Paris:
http://www.prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr/Demarches/Particulier/Ressortissants-etrangers/Titre-desejour/Renouveler-votre-titre-de-sejour#ancre-1
If you do not live in Paris: you must contact the foreign office of the prefecture or the sub-prefecture
where you live.
11
THE SOCIAL SECURITY
Health Insurance
Basic health insurance is compulsory for all students. Different agencies can provide insurance for those
in different situations and age groups.
European students
European students who are nationals of the 27 states of the European Union*, of the European Economic
Area** and the Swiss Confederation must bring with them the European Health Insurance Card (carte
européenne d’assurance maladie - CEAM) which attests that they are covered by the social service in
their country. The CEAM will allow them to claim for reimbursement of medical costs incurred in France.
Support costs of medical care for Erasmus students
Documents necessary for reimbursement:
- Photocopy recto -verso of the European card
- Photocopy recto -verso of the student card
- Photocopy recto -verso of the passport
- The address of residence in France and the date of arrival in France.
- Relevé d’Identité Bancaire or RIB (Bank account details) (Authorizes payment to a third party if
the account is not in their name)
- Claim forms for reimbursement of medical expenses
Quebecois students
You will need to bring your form SE 401 Q102 bis as proof that you have social security cover in Québec.
This form will entitle you to reimbursement for medical expenses.
Other foreign students
-
Stay less than 3 months: You are not required to subscribe to the French system. If you have
social-security cover in your own country, your insurance should reimburse your expenses). But
you can also subscribe to the French student cover (approx € 203) when you enroll at UPMC.
-
Stay longer than 3 months: You have to take out French student cover (approx € 203).
Social Security and supplementary insurance («les mutuelles»)
The Social Security does not totally reimburse the costs, except in the case of surgical operation,
maternity or extended sickness. The rest – called ticket modérateur (proportion of medical expenses
payable by the patient) – remains the responsibility of the insured.
With the third party system, it is not necessary to pay upfront the fees that will be reimbursed and hence
only pay the fees at the care of the patient. Two conditions must be met to benefit: the pharmacy or the
health clinic needs to be subsidized and presenting the insurance card is compulsory.
This cover does not include all care. The ticket modérateur can represent only 20 to 40% of expenses.
Subscription to a Mutuelle or an insurance company allows additional reimbursements.
There are two student mutuelle companies in France:
 La Mutuelle des étudiants (LMDE)
410 rue Linné - 75005 Paris – Monday to Thursday from 9h30 to 18h00 and Friday from 9h30 to 13h00 Métro Jussieu
- 46 rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques - 75005 Paris – Monday to Thursday from 9h30 to 18h00 and Friday
from 9h30 to 13h00 - RER B Luxembourg
Tel: 0969 369 601
http://www.lmde.com/
 La Société Mutualiste des Etudiants de la Région Parisienne (SMEREP)
- 54 boulevard Saint Michel - 75005 PARIS
Tel: 01 56 54 36 34
Monday to Thursday from 9h00 to 18h00 and Friday from 9h00 to
http://www.smerep.fr/
12
These two providers will present at Pierre & Marie Curie University at the beginning of the academic year.
Further Information
Website Campus France: http://www.campusfrance.org/fr/a-etudier/sejour01-7.htm
Website Ameli: http://www.ameli.fr/assures/droits-et-demarches/par-situation-professionnelle/vous-faitesdes-etudes/vous-etes-etudiant/votre-protection-sociale.php
The C.L.EI.S.S (Centre de Liaison Européen et International de la Sécurité Sociale): 01-45-26-33-41
Medical Centers
 The service of preventative medicine and promotion of good health (medical and psychological) and
also the student social service of UPMC can help you If you have worries about the state of your health,
doubts about your life balance, questions about your relations, if you find yourself repeatedly in situations
of failure. You can also obtain medical certificates.
UPMC website: http://www.upmc.fr/fr/vie_des_campus/sante/sumpps.html
 Le relais social international: Academic and psychological aid
Organized by professionals, this agency enables you to meet with psychologists and a teacher who can
listen to your personal and university problems. These people are there to help you to accomplish your
projects and to welcome you for free, by appointment and if you wish, anonymously.
http://www.ciup.fr/mobilite/etudiant/soutien
Relais Social International / Rez-de-chaussée de la Résidence André Honnorat
CIUP / 19, boulevard Jourdan / 75690 PARIS cedex 14 / Tél : 01 44 16 64 00
Email: [email protected]
Opening hours: Tuesday to Friday from 9h00 to 13h00
 Emergency numbers
Anti-Poison Center: Hôpital Fernand Widal, 200, rue du Faubourg Saint-Denis 75010 Paris - 01 40 05
48 48
Severe burns: Hôpital Foch, 40 rue Worth 92150 Suresnes - 01 46 25 24 96
Pharmacy open day and night: 84 avenue des Champs-Élysées - 75008 Paris - 01 45 62 02 41
Emergency Doctor: 01 47 07 77 77
Police Support - Pompiers de Paris: 18
SAMU (serious medical emergencies): 15 or 01 45 67 50 50
Emergency Dentist: 01 43 37 51 00 –on site: 87 Bd de Port Royal, 75013 Paris
Liability Insurance («la responsabilité civile»)
All students must have liability insurance in their country or in France for:
- third party injuries,
- property damage,
- repatriation cover
13
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation in Paris is very difficult to find. It is very important to begin your search for housing
several months before your arrival to France.
La Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris and Polytech
Polytech Paris-UPMC can propose you a room in La MAISON DES INDUSTRIES AGRICOLES ET
ALIMENTAIRES (MIAA) in La Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris (CIUP). There are only few
rooms available. http://www.ciup.fr
Contact: [email protected]
The rent (2015/2016):
- Double room: 332€/month/person
- Single room: 455€/month
IMPORTANT :
The first month, residents have to pay:
- The first month’s rent (332€ or 455€),
- The deposit (332€ or 455€),
- The registration charges (100 €).
Total sum of 764€ for a double room and 1120€ for a single room.
Accommodation for exchange students
Participants of mobility programs benefit from the services of the International Relations Office at UPMC,
who can arrange accommodation for you. They can reserve a room (for a year or for 2 weeks) with
CROUS (undergraduate level) or at the Cité Internationale Universitaire of Paris (CIUP) (masters or
doctorate level), subject to availability. A written request must be sent with the application, this is due to
the number of places being limited.
Cost: approx 400€/month
Contact at UPMC: Omar Diallo
[email protected]
Essential questions to consider before renting:
- how many rooms? (is it a studio, a F1 or a F2?)
- does the apartment have furniture or is it empty?
- how much is the rent?
- are the bills included or extra?
- it is necessary to pay a guarantee or agency fees?
Studio = accommodation comprising of a single room, used as a bedroom, living room, kitchen,
bathroom/WC.
F1 = Accommodation comprising of a principle room, with separate kitchen and bathroom/WC.
F2 = Accommodation comprising of two rooms + kitchen + bathroom/WC + bedroom.
CC = Bills included in rent (building maintenance, electricity and gas).
Equipé = Accommodation with an equipped kitchen (at the least, refrigerator, heating plates, sink).
Meublé = Accommodation with minimal furnishings (bed, table, chairs)
Duplex = Accommodation over two floors, with an internal staircase.
More information
Terms of a lease
In the Paris region, landlords ask for a guarantee of at least 2 month’s rent and a guarantor who can
ensure payment on your behalf. Sometimes the landlord can demand a guarantor who lives in the region
of Ile de France. For more information see the website
HYPERLINK www.loca-pass.com
14
Methods of payment in France
Ask your bank about methods of payment abroad.
In France, payment by French cheque and/or carte bleue (debit/credit card) is the most common (for
example to pay rent).
For more information: http://www.adele.org
Insurance
Students must have housing insurance. Two French student insurance organizations, LMDE and
SMEREP, offer insurance for approximately 50 €/year
Financial aid for accommodation
A Personalized Aid for Accommodation (une Aide Personnalisée au Logement - APL) can be awarded by
the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales de Paris (CAF) for students. APL is calculated as a function of
resources, the family situation and the rent.
The form for the student accommodation aid is available on the website: http://www.caf.fr
For your online application to be taken into account, you must
- be a student
- be renting accommodation and be the lease holder (if you share accommodation, then each
person with their name on the contract must apply for the aid)
- not have, you or your partner, a dependent child
Attention: Non European students must hold a “titre de séjour” (residence permit) valid for at least 3
months.
Dispute with a landlord
In case of dispute, you can contact:
 I.N.C Institut National de la C.N.L. Confédération Nationale du Logement
62, bd Richard Lenoir - 75011 Paris
Tel: 01 47 00 96 20
 Association des Comités de Défense des Locataires (Association for the defense of tenants):
11, rue de Bellefond - 75009 Paris
Tel: 01 48 74 94 84
 Institut National de la Consommation (National Institute of the Consumer):
80, rue Lecourbe - 75015 Paris
Tel: 01 45 66 20 20 - 3615 INC
 A.D.I.L Association D'Information sur le Logement (point juridique) (Association for Information on
lodgement – legal issues):
46 bis, boulevard Edgar Quinet - 75014 Paris
Tel: 01 42 79 50 50 (sur rendez-vous) http://www.anil.org/fr/votre-adil/index.html
C.I.D.J. (Centre d'Information et de Documentation Jeunesse) (information center for the youth)
101, Quai Branly 75740 Paris cedex 15
Tel: (0)1 44 49 12 00 http://www.cidj.com/DesktopSRubrique.aspx?tabid=538
contact a social assistant at the university
15
PRACTICAL INFORMATIONS
Telephone
Land line or mobile phone and/or internet: there are several telephone operators in France. For
information you can consult the following websites (this list does not constitute a recommendation or a
commitment on our part):
- Orange: http://wwwi.orange.fr/
- Free: http://www.free.fr/adsl/index.html
- Bouygues Télécom: http://www.bouyguestelecom.fr/
- SFR: http://www.sfr.com
Bank Account
EGIDE: http://www.campusfrance.org/fr/page/gerer-son-argent
For students outside of the European Union, a titre de séjour (residence permit) is compulsory to obtain a
bank account. Bring some money or withdraw directly from your home bank account using an
international card
Budget
The main expenses are lodgings, food and transport.
Some example prices in Paris
- A baguette: 0.90€
- A croissant: 1.10€
- A coffee: 2€
- A sandwich: approx 6€
- An complete menu at a restaurant: between 15€ and 20€ minimum
- A post stamp: 0.60€
- A cinema ticket: 10€ (student price: 6 to 8€)
- A CD: 18€
An approximate monthly budget for a single student:
- Rent (including bills): 500€
- Food (R.U.)
190€
- Transport
50€
- Culture/hobbies
80€
- Breakfast
70€
- Drinks
55€
-----945€
University catering (CROUS)
CROUS (centres régionaux des œuvres universitaires et scolaires)
manages the university restaurants (resto U).
There are 14 university restaurants and 23 C.R.O.U.S.
cafeterias in Paris which offer a range of menus.
The student card of UPMC allows access to all restos U in the region.
Certain restaurants are open in the evenings,
weekends and during the holidays.
Cost of a meal at resto U: 3,10 Euros.
Payments are made with a rechargeable Crous Card (electronic card system). Recharging will be
possible throughout the day at automatic terminals at the entrance of the restaurants using bank cards or
cash.
For more information see the website: http://www.crous-paris.fr/article.asp?idcat=AAA
16