Exchange Students › A few tips

Immigration

European Union nationals are entitled to stay in France with their valid EU identification (passport).
Non-EU nationals must acquire a long-stay visa before arriving in France and they must check the process with the consular authorities in their own country as it may depend upon particular agreements between France and the country concerned. To apply for a visa, it is necessary to meet several conditions and to present a certain number of documents: a valid passport as well as documentary evidence of the purpose of the stay (registration or pre-registration) and conditions of residence in France (resources, housing...). A long-stay visa is mandatory for non-EU nationals to apply for a residence permit later.

Bank Account

The official French currency is the Euro. On arrival in France, before you establish a French bank account, you should be able to pay easily with your “home” credit card if it is one of the major names like Visa and MasterCard. However, students staying over three months will need a bank account to pay for essential services. A valid passport, proof of address, and residence permit for non-EU nationals are required to open a bank account.

Health insurance

EU nationals must have a European Health Insurance card issued by the appropriate authorities of their originating country as well as a photocopy of this document (or the E128 form).
Non-EU nationals will automatically have to join the French social security system upon registration. Complementary health insurance that covers the difference between medical costs incurred and the Social Security reimbursements is not mandatory but recommended.

Accommodation

The International Office at ENIT helps international students to be accommodated in private halls of residence or flats (from 200 to 400 euros per month). Students can also benefit from a privileged access to student residences situated only a stone’s throw from the campus.

Housing aid

If you pay a rent and have limited income, you may be eligible for housing aid. The amount can be as much as 50% of the rent, within certain limits.

Learning French

Following admission and registration, international students are granted access to the language resource centre in order to start or improve their French and facilitate their integration upon arrival.

Meals

The student card will give you access to the campus cafeteria.