14/08/2025
Dear all,
For new coming sfudents, I’ve made this to help everyone prepare for their journey to France smoothly, following the official Campus France process, broken down into clear stages.
Preparation Stage
1. Before applying for a visa, find accommodation (as early as possible)
Student dormitories (CROUS) – in Paris, priority is given to those receiving French government scholarships.
Rent a private apartment or share a place.
Search for housing through Studapart, Erasmus Place...
Rental documents:
Admission letter.
VISALE guarantee, or a guarantor in France.
ID documents, rental contract.
Note: If you are under 30, register for VISALE at visale.fr (you don’t need a visa yet) to get a rental deposit guarantee. If you haven’t found housing yet, you can temporarily stay in an Airbnb, hotel, or hostel.
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Pre-departure Stage
2. Apply for a student visa
Visa type: VLS-TS or long-term student visa.
Typical documents include: valid passport, admission letter, proof of financial means, housing reservation.
Apply early to have enough time for other preparations.
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After Arrival in France
3. Open a bank account
Bring: passport + visa, admission letter, proof of address.
Suggested banks: BNP Paribas, Société Générale, LCL, Revolut…
4. Get a mobile SIM card
Popular providers: Orange, SFR, Free, Bouygues Telecom.
You can buy in-store or online, choose a suitable plan.
5. Enroll & activate VLS-TS visa
Pay CVEC fee.
Complete enrollment procedures at the school.
Activate visa in France (online)
6. Register for health insurance (Assurance Maladie)
Go to ameli.fr.
Required documents: visa, admission letter, ID documents.
Receive your social security number to access healthcare benefits.
7. Apply for housing assistance (CAF)
Register at caf.fr as soon as you move into your housing.
Provide rental contract, personal and financial documents.
8. Integrate & join the community
Join school clubs and events.
Make friends, learn French, explore the culture to adapt quickly.
I hope this guide helps you get an overall picture and prepare well for your study abroad journey in France. I’m always ready to help if you need it.