Study in France: How International Students Can Prepare for Their First Semester

12-Jan-2027

Pollstereducation

Study Abroad

Study in France: How International Students Can Prepare for Their First Semester

Starting the first semester in France is an important transition for international students. Preparing academic documents, accommodation, finances and administrative formalities before classes begin can make the first few weeks more organised.

Campus France's 2026 arrival guidance recommends completing institutional registration, arranging accommodation and preparing administrative, residence and healthcare documents as part of the arrival process.

Complete University Registration

One of the first priorities is completing the required registration with your higher education institution. Students may need to provide admission documents, identification, proof of accommodation and other requested paperwork.

International students should also check whether they need to complete the CVEC (Contribution to Student and Campus Life) process. For the 2026–27 academic year, Campus France lists the CVEC amount at €105, with students required to retain the certificate generated after payment or exemption validation.

Organise Your Important Documents

Keep both digital and printed copies of essential documents. These may include:

Passport
Student visa and residence documents
Admission or enrolment confirmation
Academic certificates
Birth certificate and required translations
Accommodation documents
Health insurance or social security documents
Financial and banking information

Campus France recommends keeping digital copies accessible through secure cloud storage or email so that important documents remain available when needed.

Understand Residence Formalities

Students arriving in France with a long-stay student visa should understand the procedures that apply to their residence status. Campus France advises students with a VLS-TS student visa to validate it through the relevant French administration platform after arrival.

Because immigration requirements can change, students should always follow the latest instructions provided by French authorities and their institution.

Arrange Accommodation Early

Accommodation should ideally be confirmed before travelling to France. Students can consider university residences, student residences, shared apartments or private accommodation.

Before signing an agreement, check:

Monthly rent
Security deposit
Utilities
Internet access
Distance from campus
Public transport
Contract conditions
Housing insurance requirements

Campus France states that housing insurance is compulsory for accommodation and recommends arranging it as part of the settling-in process.

Register for French Social Security

Healthcare administration is another important first-semester task. International students who are not covered by an applicable European arrangement generally need to register with the French social security system after enrolling at their institution.

Campus France states that registration is free and mandatory for international students, and recommends starting the process as soon as possible after academic registration.

Students should keep their passport, birth certificate, visa and enrolment documents ready for the process.

Prepare for the French Academic System

International students should review their timetable, assessment methods and academic regulations before classes begin.

Pay attention to:

Lecture and seminar schedules
Attendance expectations
Assignment deadlines
Examination dates
Referencing requirements
Academic integrity rules
Group projects
Communication with professors
Learning platforms and university email

Students should also identify their academic adviser or relevant student support office during the first few weeks.

Build a Realistic Student Budget

Create a monthly budget before arriving. Include accommodation, groceries, transport, mobile services, study materials, insurance and personal expenses.

It is also useful to keep an emergency fund for unexpected costs during the first semester. Opening a local bank account may make everyday financial management easier; Campus France notes that students generally need identification, proof of address and proof of enrolment when opening a bank account.

Learn Basic French for Everyday Life

Even when a student's academic programme is taught in English, learning basic French can make everyday activities easier.

Students can practise useful phrases for:

Shopping
Public transport
Banking
Accommodation
Healthcare
University administration
Asking for directions

Learning the local language can also help students participate more comfortably in social and cultural activities.

Explore Campus and Student Support

During orientation, students should locate the library, student services, international office, health facilities, career services and other important resources.

Joining student clubs, societies and campus activities can also help international students meet people and become familiar with their new environment.

Campus France highlights student life, accommodation, transport, healthcare and support services as important parts of preparing for a successful academic year.

Create a First-Semester Checklist

Area	First-Semester Action
Registration	Complete university enrolment
CVEC	Pay or validate exemption
Residence	Complete applicable formalities
Accommodation	Confirm housing and insurance
Healthcare	Register for social security
Academics	Review timetable and assessment rules
Finances	Prepare a monthly budget
Language	Learn useful French phrases
Campus	Attend orientation and explore facilities
Support	Save key university contacts

How Pollster Education Can Help

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Career counselling and profile assessment
Course and study-area selection
University selection guidance
Application processing
Application strategy
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Scholarship guidance
Education loan assistance
Student visa guidance
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Pre-departure counselling

Following its Student First Policy, Pollster Education provides its services free to students.

Preparing for the first semester in France involves more than getting ready for classes. International students should organise their documents, complete university and residence formalities, arrange accommodation, understand healthcare procedures and create a realistic budget.

Starting these tasks early can help students focus more comfortably on their studies and adjust to academic and everyday life in France.