5 key steps to prepare for your studies in France
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Reading time
9 min
New in France? Follow our 5-step checklist to prepare your arrival, get your essentials sorted, and settle in smoothly.
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Free guides to download
11 guides in PDF on visa, housing, health cover and student life in France. Free, straight to your inbox.
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Daily life Visa & residence VLS-TS Visa for France
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Reading time
11 min
Everything you need to know about the VLS-TS student visa for France: how to apply, validate, and renew it step by step.
Grab your guideTravel & exploration Choose the Right Travel Insurance
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Reading time
6 min
Travel insurance is a must. Discover which student policies are available, what they cover, and how to apply. Stay protected from unexpected events during your stay in France.
Grab your guideHealth & wellbeing Register for Health Insurance
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Reading time
10 min
Health insurance is essential! Understand French health insurance options, application processes, and coverage specifics. Stay informed and secure your health in France.
Grab your guideDaily life French SIM Card & Top Plans
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Reading time
6 min
Need a French number? Learn how to get a SIM card, compare mobile plans, and find affordable options for students — whether prepaid, eSIM or monthly subscriptions.
Grab your guideHousing Find Student Housing in France
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Reading time
12 min
Looking for a place to stay? From student residences to shared apartments, explore housing types, platforms, and tips to find accommodation in France that fits your budget.
Grab your guideHousing Find a Guarantor in France
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Reading time
7 min
No guarantor? No problem. Understand why it's required for most rentals, and discover trusted solutions and platforms that help international students secure housing in France.
Grab your guideMoney & aid Open a Bank Account in France
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Reading time
6 min
Opening a bank account in France is key. Learn what documents you need, which banks offer student-friendly services, and how to manage your money with ease.
Grab your guideHousing Choose the Right Home Insurance
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Reading time
5 min
Home insurance is mandatory in France. Understand what's covered, how to choose a provider, and which options work best for student housing.
Grab your guideMoney & aid Apply for Housing Benefits
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Reading time
8 min
Need help paying rent? Learn how to apply for APL through CAF, check if you're eligible, and follow our tips to get your student housing aid in France.
Grab your guideHousing Set Up Your Utilities in France
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Reading time
6 min
Electricity, gas, internet… Learn how to activate essential services in your new home, compare providers, and avoid extra fees or delays.
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About the PDF guides
What you get, and how they differ from the online guides.
How are they different from the guides on the site?
The same knowledge, two formats. The online guides are the reference: there are more of them, they cover everything, and we update them regularly.
The PDF guides are the pared-down version: we keep only the essentials, what you'll need most to prepare for your studies in France. You get them by email and keep them with you.
How do I receive a guide?
Pick a guide, enter your email, and the PDF arrives in your inbox within a few minutes. If you don’t see it, check your spam folder — and add us to your contacts so the next one lands properly.
Why do you ask for my email?
Because that is how we send the file: there is no download link, the guide comes to you. It also lets us tell you when a guide is updated, which happens more often than you would think.
We do not sell your address and you can leave in one click from any email we send.
Which languages are they available in?
English and French today. The other five languages of the site — Spanish, Italian, Portuguese, German and Chinese — are coming as we translate the content behind them.
