Guide for International Students

Bienvenue! SUMMARY

WELCOME 1 SEVEN ESTABLISHMENTS 2 FINDING YOUR WAY 6 PUTTING TOGETHER YOUR STUDY PLAN 7 FINANCING YOU STAY 11 FINDING ACCOMODATION 15 UPON RECEIPT OF THE LETTER OF ACCEPTANCE 19 BEFORE LEAVING 21 THE FIRST DAYS 25 THE FIRST MONTH 29 TAKING ADVANTAGE OF THE CULTURAL LIFE 35 RENEWING YOUR RESIDENCE PERMIT OR PREPARING 41 DEPARTURE

KEEP IN TOUCH 45 Bravo! Like 6000 other international students that enrol each year, you’ll be joining one of Université Paris-Est (UPE) establishments. Vous faites le bon choix With 50 000 undergraduates and 1450 postgraduates (including 45% of internationally mobile PhD students), UPE is known as a major scientific player. Spread out within the Eastern Paris metropolitan area, the educational establishments of UPE offer you an exceptional location, with outstanding international student integration services in a human scale environment. Twenty minutes by metro (subway) or RER train and you are in the heart of Paris. Bienvenue! This guide for foreign students is designed to help you find your bearings: preparation ahead of time, getting started upon your arrival and guiding you through your new life in France. A real aid to your integration, you will find here guidance and practical information that will enable you to fully enjoy your stay in France.

1 7 establishments

belonging to Université Paris-Est have designed this guide.

UPEC

With its 7 faculties, 5 institutes and its Observatory of Sciences of the Universe, the Université Paris-Est Créteil Val-de-Marne (UPEC) has been present in all areas of knowledge since 1971. As a major player in the dissemination of academic, scientific and technological culture, the university offers a wide range of training programmes in over 300 disciplines, spanning from the bachelor to the doctorate level. The international dimension of UPEC is manifested by 9 offshore programs and 27 joint degrees. Its recognition in areas of scientific excellence enhances its attractiveness. The diversification of its economic partnerships increases its local integration while promoting the employability of its students. Strengthened by its pioneering spirit, UPEC also has at its heart to boost international exchanges and encourage the mobility of both students and professors. –

2 UPEM École des Ponts ParisTech

A young university created in 1991, Since 1747, the École Nationale des Ponts et the Université Paris-Est Marne-la-Vallée (UPEM) Chaussées has been training high-level engineers is characterized by a culture of innovation, capable of meeting the challenges of their shaped by the development of close partnerships time in key areas that affect the daily lives of with the economic world, both in the spheres of citizens and businesses: transportation, housing, energy, environment, and urban services; as well training and research. UPEM is a multidisciplinary as public policies related to urban planning, institution with 12 schools and research centres, sustainable development, and environmental including a university institute of technology (IUT risk assessment and management. Today this in French) and 16 research units. In pursuit of its prestigious «grande école» offers a range of assigned public service missions, the university outstanding training programs: engineering focuses particularly on two major objectives: degrees, masters, doctorates (PhD’s), specialized employability (qualified work placement) and masters, MBA programs, and continuing the development of research excellence. It also education. Students receive a broad, well- maintains collaborations and close relations rounded education that is oriented towards at both the European and international levels, management - in an environment that is open in the spheres of education, student mobility to business and to the world at an international and research. – level - thus enabling them to quickly reach executive positions. A rich, pluralistic establishment for education and research that is open to business and to the world; welcome to the École des Ponts ParisTech! –

3 ESIEE PARIS ESTP

ESIEE Paris, originally known as the Ecole The École Spéciale des Travaux Publics, Breguet, was founded in 1904. From the du Bâtiment et de l’Industrie (ESTP) has trained outset it distinguished itself as an Engineering nearly 30,000 engineers since its foundation in School with a flair for innovation and 1891, the majority of whom have participated entrepreneurship. It still maintains this focus as in the largest construction and development ESIEE Paris, the Engineering School of the Paris projects - sectors of French excellence. Region Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The objective of this private «grande école» - After graduating, students find positions in a to train civil engineers to design, build, equip wide variety of fields such as Computer Science, and maintain our quality of life - is a mission of Electronics, Telecommunications and Embedded national interest. The ESTP has also always given Systems, with careers which are often at the great importance to international openness. interface of Technology and Management. – Specifically, the internationalization of the school and its training is reflected today by many tools and activities (mobility, language, communication, etc.). –

4 EIVP ENSAVT

The École des Ingénieurs de la Ville de Paris L’École nationale supérieure d’architecture de la ville (EIVP) is both a prestigious engineering school & des territoires is one of the twenty French higher and a research laboratory on urban issues. national schools of architecture, administrative It leads a double mission in training (initial and public bodies under the aegis of the Ministry of ongoing) and research. For 50 years, Culture. Its creation arose from a wish to establish EIVP has kept sustainable urban development a school of architecture at the heart of a suburban at the core of its teaching and research. university campus, a school of architecture with To reinvent the city and contribute towards an ethos of building design which would be in training those who will make it change together harmony with the understanding of territories and constitute the mission of this grand school their uses. The School, located in an environment of engineering. – embodying all contemporary issues, seeks to awaken in its students an awareness of an ever- evolving world as well as to nurture reflection on current architectural practices. This school prepares for the State Architecture Diploma. The Architect’s licence to project-manage under one’s own name is intended for holders of the Architecture Diploma, either directly after their studies or in the context of work experience accreditation. Following the launch of the DSA “architecte-urbaniste” in 2005, a 2nd post-Masters specialization, the DPEA Architecture – Post-Carbone, opened in 2013. 5 ma p

SEI NE P ARIS Cachan Universitaire Cachan Arcueil Cité halles Les 13mn ESTP Bastille EIVP Créteil Nation Université Créteil 18mn UPEC Fontainebleau Sénart

ESIEE PARIS M AR

N

E —> Champs Noisy Cité Descartes UPEM PONTS PARISTECH ÉCOLE DES 25mn ENSAVT Val d’Europe —>

6 SEI NE P ARIS Cachan Universitaire Cachan Arcueil Cité halles Les ESTP Bastille EIVP Créteil Nation Université Créteil UPEC Fontainebleau Sénart

ESIEE PARIS M AR

N

E —> Champs Noisy Cité Descartes UPEM PONTS PARISTECH ÉCOLE DES ENSAVT

Val d’Europe Premier pas! Putting together

—> your study plan

7 WHERE CAN I RECEIVE FURTHER INFORMATION?

Voilà!

AT UPE MEMBER INSTITUTIONS

UPE internationally mobile PhD students and researchers can be informed and guided by « acc&ss Paris-Est », before their arrival or during their scientist stay in France. All information about Université Paris-Est is available on its website : WWW.UNIV-PARIS-EST.FR 7 partner institutions web pages: − UNIVERSITÉ PARIS-EST CRÉTEIL − ÉCOLE DES INGÉNIEURS (UPEC): DE LA VILLE DE PARIS (EIVP): http://www.u-pec.fr/etudiant-etranger/ www.eivp-paris.fr (near the top-right of the homepage, select − UNIVERSITÉ PARIS-EST MARNE-LA- International > Incoming Students) VALLÉE (UPEM): http://www.u-pem.fr/international/ − ÉCOLE NATIONALE SUPÉRIEURE etudes-a-lupem-entrants/ D’ARCHITECTURE DE LA VILLE ET DES TERRITOIRES (ENSAVT): − ÉCOLE DES PONTS PARISTECH : www.marnelavallee.archi.fr www.enpc.fr/etudier-lecole (click on Affaires internationales on the left side of the homepage) − ÉCOLE SPÉCIALE DES TRAVAUX − PUBLICS, DU BÂTIMENT ET DE ESIEE PARIS: L’INDUSTRIE (ESTP): www.esiee.fr/International/Accueil_ www.estp.fr/content/accueil-et- desetudiantsenechange.php encadrement

8 But also at : www.campusfrance.org www.service-public.fr Campus France: the public The internet portal of the French Je parle français institution in charge of student administration informs you about mobility. Here you will find all the your rights and about adminis- information you’ll need for your trative procedures. mobility project: studying in France (course catalogue, student funding), www.cnous.fr preparing your stay (administrative Learn about scholarships, student paperwork), living in France residences, university restaurants, (housing, health care, work, cultural events on the website of daily life). the National Centre for University and School Works (CNOUS). www.enseignementsup- Good to know recherche.gouv.fr www.letudiant.fr et The website of the Ministry of www.studyrama.com The Espace Campus Higher Education and Research: Two websites specialized in student France located in you will find here much information life, student jobs, housing and your country and about higher education in France. orientation. thei!? Department of www.etudiantdeparis.fr Cooperation and www.diplomatie.gouv.fr The student association of Paris Cultural Action (SCAC) The website of the Ministry of offers fact sheets dedicated to of the Embassy of Foreign Affairs provides indications international students (visa, work, France can help you on the administrative steps you budget, finding housing, etc.). better understand the should take when coming to French educational France (addresses for: consulates, system. embassies, French alliances, French government grants, etc.).

tipS I speak and To find French courses I learn French in your country, check withi!? the French cultural A basic level of French is a of Université Paris-Est (UPE). All institutions: www.institutfrancais. factor of success. The «advanced UPE establishments will help you in com or the Alliances intermediate» level (B1, B2) is this process: upon arrival, you can Françaises: recommended for anyone wishing take courses in French as a foreign www.fondation- to enter one of the establishments language (FLE). alliancefr.org

9 I choose my training

Bachelor, Master, Doctorate

Training provided within establishments of in our universities and have them validated in all the Université Paris-Est (UPE) is based on the European universities. LMD system: bachelor, master, doctorate (PhD). The three levels of training (bachelor, master, These 3 diplomas are recognized at the national doctorate) are classified in four large fields and European levels. (arts, literature and languages; human and social Advanced masters (Bac+6: 6 years of higher sciences; law, economics and management; science, education) and MBA’s are offered by some technology and health). Short degrees (Bac +2), establishments. bachelors and masters are subdivided into areas These degrees are converted into ECTS credits of expertise (applied foreign languages, history, (European Credit Transfer System), which represent international law, biology, etc.) in order to specify a «European exchange currency» for students. This the syllabus followed by the student. system allows you to earn credits during your stay

Understand the LMD system

CREDIT YEARS ) SPÉ +2 NAME ANS — BAC +8 OWN

SPÉ HER

SPÉ

DOCTORATE OR

IN ARCHITECTURAL HIS

IN

SCIENCES GÉNÉRALISTE DOCTORATE

DENTISTE PHARMACIEN — BAC +6 PROJECTS

DIPLÔME D’HABILITATION

MÉDECINE « MASTÈRE À LA MAÎTRISE D’OEUVRE SPÉCIALISÉ » EN SON NOM PROPRE* BUILDING 300 — — BAC +5 MASTER’S DEGREE MANAGE M2 PROFESSIONNAL TO 240 — RESEARCH — BAC +4 DIPLÔME D INGÉNIEUR M1 ’ - THEHOLDER 180 — MASTER’S DEGREE — BAC +3 BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROFESSIONAL STATE

FEMME BACHELOR'S

- ARCHITECT S L3 ’ ENABLING

DEGREE DIPLOMA 120 — — BAC +2 PHARMACIE SAGE MÉDECINE DENTAIRE DIPLOMA

SECOND YEAR L2 DUT SCIENCE COURSES STATE 60 — — BAC +1 PACES : L1 FIRST YEAR FIRST STAGE OF MEDICAL STUDIES SCIENCE COURSES * ( HMONP, BACCALAURÉAT 10 Mon porte-monnaie financing your stay

11 Planning my budget

In order to study under acceptable conditions, you must have adequate financial resources to face the costs of living in the eastern Paris region.

Monthly budget

Sample budget*: Housing (water and electricity included): E 500 Insurance (home, public liability): E 20 to 45 Health insurance: E 30 Food: E 200 Transport: E 30 Telephone & Internet: E 20 Je fais mes comptes School supplies: E 40 Hobbies & outings: E 40 * This financial estimate will vary depending on your particular situation (your type of accommodation most significant).

Budget upon enrolment

Additional fees should also be − Upon entering your anticipated upon arrival. The first accommodation, you will need month you will have to pay for: to pay, in addition to the first important − Your tuition fees: check the sum month’s rent, a security deposit and the terms of payment on the equal to one month’s rent Students who must website of the establishment you (excluding taxes). apply for a visa, at the want to study at. − Settling in costs (sheets, towels, consulate must submit − If you come from a non-European kitchen utensils, etc.). proof of sufficient Union country, student social security − Various sign-up fees (sport, financial resources to is mandatory: around E 200. electricity, telephone, etc.). pursue studies in the − The OFII tax (French Office for eastern Paris region. Immigration and integration): i!? about E 50.

12 Financial aid & other resources

Applying for a scholarship

Financial aid you can apply for: Find out more from: − Scholarships from your − The educational establishment Monthly budget government. you are coming from. − Scholarships from the French − The office for cooperation and important government. cultural action at the French − Scholarships from the European Embassy in your country of origin. Closing dates for Union. − The Campus France website, scholarship applications − Scholarships from international which lists all scholarship are very early. Many organizations, for example. programs available: applications must be www.campusfrance.org. ready by October/ November in order to begin the following September.i!? Completing your budget: Students jobs

Labour legislation in − If you hold a short-stay France visa, you must apply for a temporary work permit from the − If you come from a country DIRECCTE (Regional Department important that is a member of the of Businesses, Competition, European Union (excluding Consumption, Labour and You have the Croatia) you can work in Employment) that corresponds to opportunity to work addition to your studies, within an your address in France. during your studies but annual limitation of 964 hours or this will not allow you to approximately 20 hours per week. − If you possess a long- stay visa equivalent to a cover all your expenses. − If you come from another residence permit, you must A student job can country, you can work up to present it to your employer after onlyi!? be considered as 60% of the amount of normal validation from the OFII (French supplementary income. working hours in France, which Office for Immigration and equates to 964 hours per year or Integration). approximately 20 hours per week. − If you are from Algeria, − If you come from Croatia, you according to the Franco- must apply for a «UE - étudiant - Algerian agreement, you toutes activités à titres accessoires» must request a temporary permit from the prefecture of the work permit from the relevant department you reside in France. DIRECCTE (Regional Department

13 of Businesses, Competition, Alternating training Consumption, Labour and (sandwich courses) Employment), as indicated on The duration of work in this case your residence permit. You can will be above the authorized Understand work up to 822.5 hours per year, legal limit. You must request a or 18.5 hours per week. You will hear temporary work permit from the the phrase «SMIC Find more information on the DIRECCTE (Regional Department i!? horaire». This is website: of Businesses, Competition, the regulated minimum vosdroits.services-public.fr Consumption, Labour and wage in France. Its Employment) that corresponds to you. hourly rate varies on a Student jobs within your yearly basis, for more establishment Doing an internship as information please refer It is difficult to find a student job part of your studies to: www.service-public.fr. from your country of origin. Do not If you do an internship, its duration rely on this option for obtaining is not counted as part of the Alternating a visa. You can find a student job authorized 964 working hours (or (or sandwich) once in France. The educational 822.50 hours for Algerian students), training is establishments regularly offer so you do not have to apply for a structured into student jobs - check with the office work permit. alternate periods of student affairs («Service de of acquiring know- la Vie Universitaire») to find out how and experience more about these opportunities. in a company, and In addition, job offers are posted periods of theoretical on the websites of certain partner training within a institutions. - higher education establishment. Please visit the student job central: www.jobaviz.fr. The internship agreement is the equivalent of an employment contract for internships. It is a document signed by the establishment where you do your studies, the company that hosts and yourself. The internship agreement defines the conditions of the internship: its duration, the remuneration and the social coverage of the trainee. Je cherche un job

14 Mon petit pied-à-terre finding accommodation

15 Procedures you should know

Please note that it is much more comfortable to have accommodation arranged and secured before your arrival. Be sure to ask your host institution about the accommodation IMPORTANT services it offers.

Identify the precise location and Before taking possession means of access to of your room or apartment: your educational establishment and search for accommodation that You must sign a lease. This government housing assistance. is preferably nearby. agreement, commonly called a Rent is usually paid at the Limitingi!? your commuting «bail» in French, contracts the beginning of each month. You time is advantageous for tenant and the owner (be it an should ask for a receipt, called your studies. organization or an individual). a «quittance de loyer», from You must be a signatory to such a your landlord to justify the Fact Sheet N°3 rental agreement in order to receive payment of rent. More information for finding accommodation. 3 preconditions are required for signing a lease:

1/ Organizations and months following your departure individuals who rent rooms from the dwelling, after verifying require guarantees, which that you have left the property can be either: in the same state in which you TipS − a guarantor (or sponsor): received it. The owner is entitled to withdraw from this sum the There are 3 types of a person residing in France, rental: empty, equipped who has been paying taxes in amount necessary for carrying out or furnished. Find more France for more than 3 years repairs in the event of damages. informationi!? in and has sufficient income to Fact Sheet N°2. pay for your rent if you stop 3/ As a tenant, you must doing so; imperatively subscribe to − an upfront payment of the a home insurance policy total sum of all monthly that covers the risk of fire, instalments upon entry into water damage, theft, etc. - the property. known as a «multirisques habitation» policy. Student 2/ A security deposit, or credit unions and banks offer «caution», that usually this type of insurance policy. corresponds to one month’s Inquire at the time of student rent. This money deposit will registration or when you open a be returned to you within the 2 bank account. 16 Different housing options

University Private student residence residence

Accommodation in residence You will find lots of offers for halls fills up quickly in the eastern renting rooms in private residences, Paris region, with demand greatly published on the websites › exceeding supply. Often well www.adele.org and _ located, university residences offer www.fac-habitat.com. They lower prices. Identify the residences offer the advantage of providing a that are near your place of study. number of services: reception, laundry, C’est là Then put together your application cafeteria, common room, etc. form online through the CNOUS website, starting January 15th: Homestay www.cnous.fr.

Warning: very few places are Some people offer rooms in available; do not wait until the their apartment or house. These IMPORTANT last minute. individuals are generally more flexible on the guarantees Accommodation in Flat-sharing requested, but beware you will not university residences be entitled to government housing is mainly reserved assistance. Some families do not for students with Known in French as «colocation», ask for a financial contribution scholarships from the this type of accommodation but instead request a little work French Government and consists of sharing an apartment in exchange (caring for children, students that belong to (or a house) with others - be they cleaning, etc.). This solution can i!?an organised mobility students, artists or employed be beneficial to all the parties, but programme. workers - and thus split the rent. there is no regulating legislation. Many ads are posted on specialized As soon as you move in, you must websites. clearly define the tasks and the Free websites: number of hours expected from www.koloc.org you. There are organisations that do www.colocationfrance.fr the job of selecting families for you. TIPS Websites that charge a fee: You have to pay for these services. www.appartager.com Atome: If you receive a room on www.colocation.fr www.atomeparis campus, arrive during www.portail-colocation.com the week, Monday to Séjour France Famille: Friday,i!? before 16:00. www.sejoursfrancefamille.fr The reception closes at 16:00 during the weekday and is closed the weekend. 17 Individual «Turnkey» studio services

Tips There are associations that offer Directly from an owner or through a turnkey services for your installation real estate agency, you can rent an The individual studio is a (housing, banking, insurance, individual apartment. You will have good option to pursue if telephone, etc.) and integration to pay non-refundable agency fees, you have family already (discounts at some restaurants, i!? called «honoraires». in France who can visit gyms, beauty salons, etc.). These the apartments for you, Website for renting from are private services that you must present a guarantee, individuals: pay for. and sign the lease. www.pap.fr In the Paris region: Beware of Website with agency advertisements: www.erashome.com scams! www.seloger.com Bed and School: Never pay the rent in www.bedandschool.com advance before leaving your country. Housing assistance

You can apply for financial aid to you reside. In order to qualify for help pay for your accommodation; aid, be a tenant or a flatmate and it will be calculated according to your name on the lease. your resources. Housing subsidies More information on the CAF Fact sheets are paid by the CAF (Caisse website: www.caf.fr d’Allocations Familiales). Fact Sheet N°4 The CAF is a departmental service, To better understand so you should address inquires to the French territorial the CAF of the department in which divisions: the commune, the department, the region, and the territorial «collectivités» i!? (the local authorities).

Mon chez-moi

18 Allons-y! when you get the letter of acceptance

19 Preparing my departure

Identify a contact

Good to know Visit the website of your host later than required by the course institution to identify a contact calendar, you must also inform Doctoral (PhD) students with whom you can correspond in your host institution of this. Plenty accepted at Université all matters related to your arrival of «Campus France» centres offer Paris-Est institutions (enrolment services, international pre-departure sessions. It is strongly benefiti!? from the help relations department and recomended that you take part in of a dedicated support department of student life). Start by one of these sessions. team: Acc&ess Paris-Est confirming to the host institution E-mail: access@univ- your interest in the chosen training paris-est.fr programme. If you plan to arrive Preparing my visa application

Do you need Documentation Understand a visa? Upon your acceptance by the All information If you come from a member state establishment, contact the French on visas (types of of the European Union, you do not consular authorities in order to i!? visas, procedures for need a visa to study in France. If obtain a list of the documents obtaining, etc.) on the you come from another country, a required to apply for a visa. We website of the Campus visa is mandatory. advise you to not wait until the France Agency: www. deadline of the visa to prepare campusfrance.org your application, because some Different types documents can require time to of visas obtain.

Before submitting your visa application to the consular authorities, identify in advance the important type of visa you should apply for. There are several categories of visa: When handing in your short-stay visa (less than 90 days), Ouf, visa application, pay «exam» visa (to take an exam or attention to deadlines do an interview), long-stay visa for j’ai mon during busy periods, studies (residence permit VLS-TS), visa! especially from July to and long-stay visa for scientists and September! researchers. i!? 20 Bon voyage! Before leaving

21 I announce my arrival

Ensure means of Find out about communication reception services and payment for the first days Inquire with your host establishment about reception events that may be planned: Think ahead about having a welcome day, integration week, phone that works in France. etc., and let them know of your Save your contacts numbers: arrival. accommodation, educational establishment, and emergency Also ask about the opening numbers. hours for student registration, or even try to get an appointment. Also make sure that your bank card allows you to withdraw Inform the money from cash machines (ATM’s) in France (you will find them owner of your in airports and train stations). accommodation, Otherwise, plan to carry enough or the residence, cash to pay for transportation to of your arrival your accommodation. You will find money exchange offices “bureaux de change” at airports, railway If you stay at a university stations, and, generally, close to bus residence: you will receive your stations. key at the reception. Take heed! The reception closes at 16:00 and doesn’t open on weekends. If you stay in private accommodation: contact the owner and make an appointment to fill in the initial state document of the property and get the keys.

Me voilà!

22 Getting Organized

What to put IF YOU DON’T in my suitcase HAVE PERMANENT ACCOMODATION GOOD TO KNOW While wishing to fit too much into ON YOUR ARRIVAL our suitcase, we often forget the If you follow a specific basics. In your suitcase you should medical treatment, put: Don’t forget to book a room in a youth hostel or in a hotel, for your remember to take − One or two adapters for your first days in France enoughi!? medecine for electrical devices: phones, tablets, − In a youth hostel (20 to 30 €/ your entire stay. computers, etc. Voltages in France night in a shared bedroom): are 220 V. Check out your device. www.fuaj.org − A bilingual dictionary or a − In a hotel (minimum 75 €/night): language application can prove www.booking.com ; especially useful in the early days. www.hotels.com www.kayak.com − Appropriate clothing. For − In a room in a private home, information on the French short stays: climate, please refer to www.atomeparis.com ; www.meteofrance.com www.airbnb.com

J’arrive! 23 Don’t forget

Important documents

Like all international students - whether European or not, and whether part important of an exchange program or not - you will have to perform administrative procedures in France for which you will need a certain number of documents. Do not make passport photos in advance Non-exhaustive list: while in your country − passport or national identity card for members of the because they will not Schengen area (make sure your document is not expired) be accepted for official − birth certificate and certified translation documents. You will − health record and recent x-rays findi!? photo booths − documentation specifying your health care coverage in your («photomatons») that country: produce «passport» . students from the European Union: forms E111 or E128 or your format photos near European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) your educational . students from Quebec: form SE401Q102bis or SE401Q106 establishment, primarily − certificate of registration or letter of acceptance at the host in metro (subway) or establishment (university or school) RER stations. − latest academic diploma (certificate) and corresponding transcripts, together with certified translations − certificate of proficiency in French or English, depending on the language of your chosen study program − driving license (optional)

GOOD TO KNOW

For European students, there are multilingual birth certificates which avoidi!? having to pay for a translation

Mon laissez-passer

24 En route! The first days

25 Moving into my accommodation

Signing the lease and paying the security deposit Whenever you rent a property, you must sign a lease and pay a security deposit. See Fact Sheet N°2.

I register with my school

Within the first few days following your arrival, you must register at the establishment where you are going to study («inscription administrative et pédagogique»).

Administrative procedures

Getting house banks to simplify the procedure insurance of opening an account. Purchasing civil Fact You need to get house insurance liability insurance sheets before signing the lease. Student credit unions or your French bank may offer Fact Sheet this type of contract. This type of insurance covers you in N°1 the event that you accidentally cause A glossary of Opening a bank harm to a third party. It is compulsory banking terms. account in France. Banks and student credit unions offer this type of contract, but make sure you do not pay for it twice. i!? If you plan to stay for more than 3 months in France, we advise you Signing up for to open a bank account. Some organizations such as CAF or the heating and public healthcare system will only electricity services reimburse you by bank transfer to an account in France. A bank account will also be useful for setting up Upon entering privately rented housing, an automated monthly payment of you must subscribe with an electricity your transportation charges. Some service provider. establishments and associations of EDF-GDF Université Paris-Est have agreements www.bleuciel.edf.com with certain banks. Inquire at the Direct Énergie office of student administration, www.direct-energie.com the office of international relations, or an association, for a list of

26 Communication

Telephone Internet important You can buy prepaid telephone If your home is equipped for an cards. These are advantageous Internet connection, you can send Pay attention to for international calls, however an activation request directly to the conditions of the cost of a national call is very the telephone company you have termination for «forfait» high. You also have the option to chosen. All companies offer Internet packages with a time take out a subscription package, packages. However if your home commitment. These commonly called a «forfait». There is not appropriately equipped, an offers can seem very are a multitude of forfaits available. Orange technician will need to attractivei!? at first glance, Before signing a contract, find out install a line, which will implicate but the costs are quite about the conditions of termination, additional costs. high if you leave before the cost of international calls, and the end of the contract. the charges that apply if you go beyond your package’s limits. You can learn more by contacting the leading operators: Free, Orange and Bouygues Telecom (for example). You can also make international calls from a «taxiphone» - a shop that offers inexpensive telephone booths. Prepaid cards: Lebara www.lebara.fr La Poste www.lapostemobile.fr Virgin www.virginmobile.fr

Main operators: Free www.free.fr Orange www.orange.fr Bouygues Telecom www.bouyguestelecom.fr

Allo? 27 emergency numbers

In case of problem

Emergency telephone numbers allow calling emergency services for free, 24 hours a day. In all cases, in order to facilitate and expedite the processing of your call, make sure you specify these three points: − Who you are: Are you a victim or a witness? Consider providing a phone number at which you will remain within reach. − Where you are: Give the precise address of the place where the services are needed. − Why you are calling: Explain the reasons for your call.

SAMU: 15 The service for emergency medical aid (SAMU) is for obtaining the intervention of a medical team, in a situation requiring immediate medical attention. POLICE rescue: 17 This number can be called to report an emergency to the police. Fire Department: 18 Fact sheets The Fire Department number is for reporting a dangerous situation or an accident involving property or persons requiring rapid intervention Fact Sheet N°5 (fire, gas leak, car accident, etc.). Find all these special telephone numbers. i!?

28 Un petit aperçu! the first month

29 Continuing my administrative procedures

Validate your visa Transportation Good to know If you are a citizen of a country The region of Île-de-France is The first trains run at within the European Economic connected by: around 5:30 and the Area, you do not need a residence 448 train and commuter rail (RER) last ones around 0:30 permit. oni!? weekdays and stations, 1:45 on Friday and If you are a student from 302 metro (subway) stations, Saturday nights and another country, you must 129 tram stations and over on the eve of public validate your residence permit 32,000 bus stops. at the OFII (French Office for holidays. These times This dense and widespread network Immigration and Integration). are approximations. Visit will allow you to move easily while www.stif.info for exact You have 3 months as of your at the same time benefiting from times for your station. arrival on French territory to the advantageous «Imagine’R» perform this procedure, but do not pass for students under 26 wait until the last moment. years of age. This package also allows you to travel throughout More information: www.ofii.fr the entire Île-de-France during weekends, holidays, school holidays (including July 15 to August 15), with no zone restrictions (the network is divided into 5 tariff zones). Fact sheets More information on the website of Fact Sheet N°3 STIF: www.stif.info. Understanding the Paris transport system. i!?

30 Fitting into my establishment

Take French Community life classes Good to know Joining a student association All UPE establishments offer you or participating in the activities Some schools offer courses of French as a foreign organized by the BDE are good additional specific language (FLE, for «Français Langue ways to meet other students and programsi!? (summer Étrangère»), either within your speak French! courses, intensive school or in a partner institution. courses, etc.). Check University with your host Athletic activities restaurants institution.

All UPE establishments offer University restaurants, commonly you a wide variety of athletic called CROUS, are accessible to all students at preferential prices: you activities. You simply need to pay € a membership fee to the sports pay between 3 and 4 for a meal. association or to the Student Office A list of restaurants is available on (BDE, for «Bureau des Élèves»). the CROUS website: www.crous.fr

Bon appétit! 31 libraries

Other public libraries

Eastern Paris is woven by an National extensive network of public libraries libraries and media libraries («médiathèques»). Of varying sizes, these libraries offer cultural − The Bibliothèque Nationale and educational activities. They de France (BNF), François- are freely accessible and you only Mitterrand site (Paris, 13th). need to sign up for a library card if Readers have to pay a fee you want to borrow books or other either for an annual card or for works. twenty entries − Municipal libraries located in www.bnf.fr Val-de-Marne: Ideas www.lecturepublique94.net − The Bibliothèque Publique − Municipal libraries located in d’Information (BPI), Centre The Mazarine Library is Seine-et-Marne: Pompidou (Paris, 4th). the oldest public library mediatheque.seine-et-marne.fr www.bpi.fr in France (1643): you − Municipal libraries located in i!? may study there or Paris: simply visit it. The network www.paris.fr/bibliotheques www.bibliotheque- of Université mazarine.fr. Paris-Est Libraries open on Sundays

Within each establishment you will find either a documentation The BNF is open on Sundays from centre, a university library (BU), or 13:00 to 19:00 and the BPI from a common documentation service 11:00 to 22:00. Good to know (SCD). Together, these resources The Central Library of the Cité make up a network of university Internationale (Paris, 14th) is There is a service that libraries. Access is open and you can open on Sundays from 13:00 to assists with literature borrow books upon presentation 19:00. www.ciup.fr/bibliotheque research and is available of your student card, in accordance Two public libraries located in Paris: online:i!? with the the specific regulations Marguerite-Yourcenar Library www.ruedesfacs.fr. of each institution. A common (Paris, 15th) and Marguerite- This is a free question library search portal allows you to identify and locate the information Duras Library (Paris, 20th) open and answer service open on Sundays from 13:00 to 18:00. to all. Responses are resources you require for your sent by e-mail within research: three business days portail-doc.univ-paris-est.fr (excluding weekends and holidays).

32 My health

France has a high-performing health system that foreign students can benefit from.

Social security of their department of residence, where they will be issued a and private health document that should be presented insurance to physicians. Reimbursement claims are addressed to the CPAM. Health care coverage is composed It is compulsory for all other of the Assurance Maladie (Social foreign students under 28 years of Security), that reimburses medical age. You will be charged a fee when expenses based on agreed rates you enrol. You can choose between (between 35-80%), and the two student social security options: «mutuelle», a supplementary private insurance which − la Mutuelle des Étudiants (LMDE) Ça va? complements repayments by www.lmde.fr ; between 35 to 100%. − la Société Mutualiste des Étudiants de la Région Parisienne The Assurance (SMEREP): www.smerep.fr. Students over 28 years of age Maladie cannot be covered under the student social security scheme, but can This public health insurance is instead benefit from Universal Health one of the features of the Social Coverage (CMU, for «Couverture Good to know Security. It is mandatory, and it Maladie Universelle») if they stay gives you the right to receive partial for more than 3 months and are not Some of the Université or total reimbursements of your employed. Paris-Est establishments medical expenses. offer their students a More information at: www.ameli.fr healthi!? service (a medical Student social centre or access to a La mutuelle network of preventive security medicine services called affiliation All students under 28 years of age Résus). Inform yourself can take out a supplementary health by referring to the insurance, called a «mutuelle». website of your host It is not mandatory for students While it is not mandatory, it is institution. from the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein, highly recommended. The social Norway and Switzerland, who security agencies will offer this must be in possession of form complementary insurance during E111 or E128 or the European registration. One of its greatest Health Insurance Card (EHIC); nor advantages is that it entitles you for students from Quebec, who to the «tiers-payant» a system must carry form SE401Q106. These that exempts you from paying the students must report to the Primary medical expenses in advance, in Insurance Fund (CPAM, for «Caisse some cases. It also allows for the reimbursement of hospital expenses. Primaire d’Assurance Maladie»)

33 Receiving medical treatment Choosing a doctor

In order to get the best You will be better reimbursed reimbursement of your medical if you follow this «itinerary of expenses, you should choose coordinated care.» Nevertheless, a primary doctor, called your some specialists can be consulted «médecin traitant», who is in most without going through your cases a general practitioner and reference doctor and without is responsible for following your you being penalized. Such is medical history. the case with gynaecologists, Choose a doctor near you or near ophthalmologists and dentists. your school. Consultation fees vary You must download a form for depending on the subsidized sector. declaring your reference doctor Refer to the website www.ameli.fr from: www.ameli.fr («Choisir et before going to a doctor in order to déclarer votre médecin traitant», at know the price of the consultation the bottom of the homepage, under «Vous êtes assuré»). This document and the reimbursement rate for must be signed by your doctor which you qualify. and sent to the CPAM of your department. In the event that you need to be seen by a specialist, only your doctor can refer you. En pleine

pharmacies forme!

Medicine is sold only Pharmacies are generally open in pharmacies. You will Monday through Saturday from find pharmacies close to all 9:00 to 19:00. Outside these hours, establishments of Université you must go to a pharmacy Paris-Est. “on duty out-of-hours” («une pharmacie de garde»). You will Many drugs can only be sold find a list of those currently on upon presentation of a doctor’s duty posted on the doors of all prescription. Some common pharmacies. medications, such as aspirin, are available over the counter, but only medicine bought with a prescription will be covered and reimbursed by the Social Security.

34 Receiving medical treatment

En pleine forme!

La joie de vivre Taking advantage of the cultural life

35 taking advantage of the cultural life

Beyond the cultural activities offered by your school, cultural life is very rich in eastern Paris and is accessible to students at discounted rates.

Cultural activities in eastern Paris

A few cultural centres located near UPE establishments: Tips The Cité Internationale: La Maison des arts de Créteil: Two publications: True to the cosmopolitan vocation L’Officiel des Spectacles of «the student city», the theatre A place of generalist artistic and Pariscope, available of the Cité Internationale offers production and dissemination everyi!? Wednesday, inform theatre, dance, music, performance especially focused on the use you of all the cultural and circus from the whole world. of digital technologies in the events taking place in www.theatredelacite.com performing arts. Paris and the suburbs www.maccreteil.com The National Theatre at during that week. la Colline: The Museum of A theatre dedicated to modern Contemporary Art of theatre, with a program that Val-de-Marne puts into perspective the texts of – The MAC/VAL – Ce soir, contemporary living writers with The first museum to be exclusively those of great playwrights. devoted to the French art scene www.colline.fr beginning in the 1950s; je sors! 2,000 works of art make up the La Ferme du Buisson: permanent collection, which are is a place that offers open-air areas, presented in resonance with 3-4 theaters and concert halls, cinemas temporary exhibitions per year. and a contemporary art center. It www.macval.fr is a center of manufacturing and promotion of art accessible to all audiences. www.lafermedubuisson.com

36 The benefits of The Press being a student The national press Accessible to all students under 30 Four major national dailies share years of age, the ticket office of the French publishing scene. You CROUS Paris offers special rates will find them priced at € 2 or less. Vocabulary for high quality cultural events: Le Monde www.lemonde.fr www.crous-paris.fr. Le Figaro www.lefigaro.fr A newspaper Musicians can live out their passion Libération www.liberation.fr published daily is a in the OCUP, the Orchestra and Les Échos www.lesechos.fr «quotidien»; weekly, Choir of the Universities of Paris: i!? a «hebdomadaire»; www.ocup.fr Free newspapers are also monthly, a «mensuel». Some museums are free for available, distributed in the people under 26 years of age, vicinity of metro and RER stations: and all museums offer reduced Metronews, 20 Minutes, Direct rates for students. You can also Matin. enjoy discounted prices in most theatres, cultural centres and The specialized press cinemas. Many French newspapers are Good to know The Paris National Opera available in paper and electronic offers young people it’s «Pass’ format. Regional press (for Ile- The sale of newspapers Jeunes» (in partnership with the de-France: Le Parisien www. on the street is Comédie-Française) and offers «last leparisien.fr), specialized press characteristici!? of Paris. minute» seats one hour before the (economics, history, art history, These news-stands performance, subject to availability. international relations, music, etc..), are commonly called More information at: Satirical press (Le Canard Enchaîné, «kiosques à journaux». www.operadeparis.fr not available online), and tabloids In other cities you (Paris Match www.parismatch.com). will find newspapers in bookstores and newsagents («maisons de la presse»).

37 Discovering France and Europe

The beating heart of Europe

The eastern Paris region is at the heart of Europe. From Paris by train, you can access: amsterdam 3:20 h

londres bruxelles 1:30 h 1:30 h berlin 1:50 h paris

rome Barcelone 1:45h 1:40 h Lisbonne 2:25 h

Good to know

Many associations organize trips and excursions at extremely reasonablei!? prices. For a list of certain associations, please visit this website: www.etudiantdeparis.fr On y va!

38 Visiting places

Traveling Tourist sites in the east By Plane of the Paris region Find low-cost offers on websites that carry out price comparisons, The banks of the Marne such as Liligo The banks of the Marne river offer Liligo www.liligo.com ou many walks and traditional dances Vol24 www.vol24.fr. in «guinguettes» (popular cabarets at the water’s edge). Balade By Train www.culture-guinguette.com To travel to other cities and The castle of Vaux-le- provinces in France, all destinations Vicomte and prices are available on the This castle, located in the SNCF website: department of Seine-et-Marne, www.voyages-sncf.com dates from the 17th century. It was To discover Europe towards the east built for the Superintendent of King Tips Louis XIV, Nicolas Fouquet, who (Brussels, Amsterdam, Cologne), appealed to the best artists of the SNCF offers a special visit Thalys’ website: time: the first royal architect, Louis card for people 18-27 www.thalys.com Le Vau; the painter and founder of years old. At a price of the Academy of Painting, Charles Le For London, check the Eurostar 50i!? € per year, you Brun; and the landscape architect of website: the king, André Le Nôtre. benefit from a 25% Eurostar: www.eurostar.com www.vaux-le-vicomte.com discount on all your travels, and up to 60% By bus The castle of Champs- discount if you buy your You can reach certain French and Sur-Marne ticket online well in European cities by bus (coach). Also located in Seine-et-Marne, advance: www.idbus.com this castle of the 18th century is www.sncf.com www.eurolines.fr (nearly 30 the symbol of the «small vacation homes» of this era. It is surrounded Discover the south destinations in Europe). by one of the most beautiful parks of France from the station Marne-la-Vallée Driving in France in France, which combines French and English style gardens. - Chessy with a low You can drive in France with a champs-sur-marne.monuments- budget using: permit issued in your country of nationaux.fr www.ouigo.fr/ origin for the duration of your studies, as long as your license Disneyland Paris is valid and it is either written The amusement park is accessible by train on RER line A (station in French or accompanied by an «Marne-la-Vallée – Chessy»). It is official translation. You must also only five stations away from Cité Discover have the minimum age required Descartes, where four institutions in France, which is 18. More belonging to Université Paris-Est The website of the Office information: are located. for Tourism in France: www.vosdroits.service-public.fr www.disneylandparis.fr www.tourisme.fr 39 i!? In case of problems

I’ve lost my bank card

Inform your bank and cancel it Zut alors! immediately! If your bank card is lost or stolen, immediately call the number provided by your bank when you opened your account.

I’ve lost an identity document

GOOD TO KNOW Go immediately to the nearest police station to report the loss or theft. It is advisable to keep You will be provided a provisional identification separate a photocopy document allowing you to move freely. You will then of each ID document need to contact your embassy. (bothi!? sides) or, better yet, to scan them and You will find a list of consular save them in a place authorities resented in France on the website of you can access over the the Maison des Français de l’Étranger: www.mfe.org. internet (your e-mail, for example). In case of loss or theft, you will thus be I’ve lost able to recover a copy, my phone which will facilitate the renewal process. Inform your telephone company so it can take the appropriate steps to protect your line.

40 Je reste... je pars Renewing your residence permit or preparing departure

41 Continuing studies

Enrol in an establishment

Good to know Before beginning any paperwork with the French authorities, you must re- enrol in your school and receive a certificate of registration. Unlike the short-stay visa, you do not have to return to your home Renew your residence permit countryi!? in order to get a new visa. The renewal of a long-stay When your first residence The renewal of the residence visa takes place in permit (VLS-TS) expires, you can permit is subject to verification France, and results in a get a multiannual stay permit. You of attendance during the past valid residence permit need to renew your permit with the academic year: presence at (VLSTS). prefecture that corresponds to the exams, progress in your studies, department you reside in (students or coherence of shifts in career residing in Paris must go to the orientation. police headquarters). You will also need to provide This new residence permit will proof of financial resources. If be detached from your passport you work, this revenue is taken into important and will be in the form of a plastic account. card. After verification by the Once you obtain the prefecture, you will get a multiannual stay permit, The renewal must be made residence permit covering all of each year you will have within the two months before your studies, up to 4 years. to send proof of having the expiration of your current passed your exams residence permit. As the waiting More information: or admittance for the period varies for an appointment, www.campusfrance.fr following year, via a inform yourself well in advance. registeredi!? letter with acknowledgment of receipt.

42 I acquire FIRST EXPERIENCE AT THE END OF MY STUDIES

Legislation

You are a citizen of the − Once you have an European Union: employment contract You can work freely at the end of that is related to your your studies. degree, you can work You are not a citizen of full time. You must receive the European Union, a wage that is at least 1.5 and you hold a degree equivalent to times the minimum wage. a Master’s degree (Bac +5): − Within 15 days following − At the end of your «student» the signature of your residence permit and after contract, you must apply for you graduate, you can apply for a temporary working residence a temporary residence permit. permit at the prefecture that − You are allowed to seek corresponds to your address. and take employment for More information: the duration of your temporary www.vosdroits.service-public.fr residence permit. If your employment is unrelated to your degree, you are limited to 964 hours (60% of the annual working time).

Organizations that assist in finding a job

The agency Pôle Emploi is the offers of employment): public institution in charge of www.apec.fr employment issues in France. You Check with your establishment to will find job offers posted on its find out what help they provide in website: www.pole-emploi.fr search of employment. For holders of a diploma equivalent to a master degree (Bac +5), the Also check specialized websites and Association for the Employment of journals in your field of study. Executives (APEC) is a private organization that can help you in your efforts (advice, support and

43 Preparing departure

Get your certificate

Vocabulary Consider asking the school for proof of education, your transcripts and eventually your degree certificate (diploma). A registered letter with recorded delivery (LR/ Leaving your accommodation AR) is a service offered i!? by post offices that serves as legal proof. It If you are in a furnished apartment, is therefore commonly the notice period is one month. used in the context of terminating a contract. If you are in an empty apartment, the period is three months. In all cases, send a registered letter with recorded delivery to your landlord or management agency.

Terminate your subscriptions

Before leaving, make sure you have performed the following steps: To close your bank account, Fact sheets you do not have a notice period to respect nor do you have to submit any justifying documentation. Send a registered letter with recorded delivery to Fact Sheet N°4 your bank agency. Warning: if your account is overdrawn, you must correct Information concerning this situation before closing your account. the post office. If you signed-up for a monthly travel pass, Fact Sheet N°5 go to RATP agency to cancel your «forfait» package. If you hired a telephone Example of how to write and/or Internet service, inquire with your carrier on notice periods. All an administrative letter. correspondence should be sent in the form of registered letters with recorded i!? delivery. You also need to terminate your insurance policies (housing, civil liability). You must send a registered letter with recorded delivery to your insurance agency. Find out about notice periods, which vary between organizations.

44 Au plaisir de vous revoir keep in touch

With your school

Alumni networks are present in all UPE establishments – sign-up for participaton before your departure. With France

The network of French institutes www.institutfrancais.com and French Alliances www.fondation-alliancefr.org allows you to keep in contact with French language and culture. Radio France Internationale (RFI) is a French public radio which broadcasts in French in all regions of the world. TV channels France24 and TV5 Monde also broadcast abroad in French. Reading French press is a good way to stay in touch.

45 Au revoir!

La vie est belle

Au boulot!

46 BANK PROCEDURES YOU 1 SHOULD BE FAMILIAR WITH OPENING A BANK WHAT ACCOUNT DOCUMENTATION IS NEEDED? If you own a bank account in your country of origin, inquire − An identity document (ID): before leaving if your bank has a a valid passport or national partnership with a bank in France. identity card. THE BANK It will make things easier. − Your residence permit, or a receipt that demonstrates it WHY OPEN A BANK is being processed, for non- ACCOUNT? European students. − Proof of accommodation: a rent receipt, a utility bill, or GOOD TO KNOW If you plan to reside more than a letter from the person that three months in France, we advise provides your accommodation, There are two kinds you to open a bank account. Some together with a photocopy of his of bank cards: a cash organizations such as CAF or the or her identity card. card only lets you public healthcare system will only withdrawi!? money reimburse you by bank transfer − A photocopy of your student from cash machines to an account in France. A bank ID card. If you have not yet (ATMs), while a account will also be useful for received it, provide an enrolment payment card allows setting up an automated monthly certificate, which you can get you to also pay for payment of your transportation from the enrolment office purchases at shops. charges. («le service de scolarité»). Bank cards are , charged. The price − A deposit of minimum 15 varies depending on HOW LONG DOES IT to open the account, which can the bank, costing TAKE? be paid by travellers checks or on average between cash. ,15-40 per year. To help you compare You can get a bank card and a HOW TO OPEN AN banking services, checkbook in an average of ACCOUNT refer to: 15 days. www.comparer-les- banques.com Make an appointment with a bank agent in order to sign your bank account contract (often called a «convention» in French). When making the appointment, ask for both confirmation and further details on the documentation needed to open the account. If you are missing anything, you won’t be able to sign the contract and will have to make another appointment. GLOSSARY OF BANK RELATED TERMS

«AUTORISATION DE PRÉLÈVEMENT» a certain amount (on the basis of an (Direct Debit) agreement previously signed with your bank), Operation by which you authorize a specific or not authorized altogether. In either case, the person or organization to collect funds from customer must pay overdraft charges to the your account, be it in one or more instances. bank, which are calculated on a daily basis. Direct Debit is often used to pay for monthly «DISTRIBUTEUR AUTOMATIQUE DE recurring costs such as a transportation pass, BILLETS (DAB)» (cash machine or ATM) insurance, etc. Automatic machine that enables bank «CARTE DE PAIEMENT» (debit card customers to withdraw cash from their or credit card) accounts through the use of a bank card. A means of payment that allows the holder «INTÉRÊTS DÉBITEURS» OR «AGIOS» to make purchases and withdraw from cash (overdraft charges) machines (ATMs). There are two types of payment: immediate debit (every purchase is Interests earned by the bank on an account automatically charged from your account) and with a negative balance. Overdraft charges are deferred debit (the total of all purchases is calculated on a daily basis. Even authorized debited once each month). overdrafts are subject to these charges.

«CARTE DE RETRAIT» (cash card) «OPPOSITION» This card can only be used for withdrawing An operation performed to cancel a check money from cash machines (ATMs) or or bank card, in case either goes missing. By bank counters. It cannot be used to pay for means of an «opposition», you give your bank purchases. instructions to refuse all debit transactions.

«CHÈQUE» (cheque) «VIREMENT» (transfer) A means of payment that is valid for 1 year A means of payment by which you order your and 8 days from the date it is signed. Beyond bank to credit the account of a payee. The that period, it will be denied for payment. transfer may be a one time operation or a The check is usually used to pay a deposit, periodic one, such as for automated monthly the rent or bills - in case you have chosen payment of your rent. not to automate these payments by monthly direct debits. «RIB» (bank account details) Standing for «Relevé d’Identité Bancaire», it is «CRÉDIT» (credit) a document issued by the bank that represents Action by which a sum of money is paid into an «identity card» of your account. One can your account. Your account is «credited». present it to an organization in order to set up monthly payments via Direct Debit (to pay «DÉBIT» (debit) the RATP for your «Imagine’R» travel pass, Action by which a sum of money is deducted for instance) or to receive payments (from the from your account. Your account is «charged». Social Security, for example, which can pay your benefits directly into your account). A RIB «DÉCOUVERT» (overdraft) is often found at the end of a checkbook or at An account is said to be «à découvert» or the top of a bank statement. «débiteur» when its balance is below zero. Such an overdraft may be authorized, up to HOW TO DECIPHER PROPERTY 2 RENTAL ADVERTISEMENTS TYPES OF HOUSING

«CHAMBRE DE BONNE» OR F1 OR T1 APARTMENT «STUDETTE» In this case the kitchen is separate. A room or small studio located on ‘F’ or ‘T’ followed by a number the top floor of a building. Make indicates the number of other sure it has an area of at least rooms («pièces»). The kitchen, 9 square meters in order to be bathroom, toilet, entrance and eligible for housing assistance. The hallways are not counted in the shower and/or toilet are usually number of «pièces». For example, located in the corridor and are an F2 has a living room, one shared with a few neighbours. bedroom, a kitchen, a bathroom and a toilet (which might or STUDIO APARTMENT might not be separate from the This type of dwelling only has bathroom). one main room, which includes a EMPTY ACCOMMODATION ACCOMMODATION kitchenette. Only the bathroom and toilet are separate. The dwelling can be completely empty or have an equipped kitchen. Ask the landlord to specify this point. The following resources can help you equip and furnish at a low cost: Emmaüs: www.emmaus-france.org ; Le bon coin: www.leboncoin.fr ; Garage sales and flea markets («brocantes»): www.vide-greniers.org

FURNISHED ACCOMMODATION The accommodation will include a bed, a fully equipped kitchen and some other furniture. However, no legislation specifies the furniture items that are indispensable for everyday life. You will have to Mon chez-moi inquire with the owner in order to assess how well equipped it is: kitchen utensils, dishes, blankets, etc. TERMS YOU SHOULD KNOW

M² (SQUARE METERS) «LA CAUTION» (the security deposit) The surface of a dwelling is expressed in Before taking possession of a rental property, square meters (m²) in France. The surface you must pay the first month’s rent, a security specified is often followed by the words «Loi deposit (equivalent to one month’s rent Carrez», which is the name of the law that excluding charges (HC)), and a mandatory regulates surface measurements in France. home insurance policy.

«LES CHARGES» (utility expenses) «LA TAXE D’HABITATION» Rent prices are indicated either as exclusive (residence tax) of expenses (HC or HT) or with utility charges Before taking possession of a rental property, included (CC or TCC). At the very least, the you must pay the first month’s rent, a security rental price covers building maintenance deposit (equivalent to one month’s rent expenses and rental taxes. Generally, hot water excluding charges (HC)), and a mandatory is also included, but ask for confirmation. For home insurance policy. homes with collective heating - that is to say, where heating is managed by the association «L’ÉTAT DES LIEUX» (state of the of co-owners of the building - the charges property) that accompany your rent will be higher, An inventory that documents the state of the but your gas or electricity bills will be lower. property - called an «état des lieux» - must For homes with individual heating, you will be made, both when taking possession of and be paying for additional gas or electricity to when handing back rental property. The initial keep warm. An estimate of your consumption inventory must be made in the presence of will be calculated by the electric and/or gas both tenant and landlord, at the moment of companies. You can expect to pay an average handing over the keys. It consists of writing , of 30 per month for each. Your electricity down the general condition of the apartment and/or gas meters will be read regularly by (cleanliness, electrical fittings, heating, walls, technicians, so as to determine your actual floors, bathrooms, toilets, faucets, etc.). consumption. After a period of time, your bill Both initial and final inventories must be will be adjusted accordingly: either you will be prepared with care. The comparison of these reimbursed, if you advanced more than your two documents will serve as a reference in actual consumption, or you will be charged for identifying damaged items and determining the additional consumption. responsibilities. The owner will decide on this The main gas and electricity companies in basis whether to return all or part of your France are: security deposit when you leave the property. − EDF-GDF: www.bleuciel.edf.com THE NOTICE PERIOD − Direct-Energy: Before leaving the property, make sure you www.direct-energie.com give notice to your landlord within the time period established by law, called the «délai de −  Poweo: préavis». The owner will be entitled to claim www.poweo.fr rent for the months due if you do not respect this notice period. The notice period is one month for furnished accommodation and three months for empty accommodation. Announce your departure by letter, which you must send by registered mail with acknowledgment of receipt (see Fact Sheet N°5). GETTING AROUND IN THE 3 PARIS REGION THE REGIONAL NETWORK

The regional network of Ile-de- for students under 26 years old. France offers a variety of modes This pass also allows you to travel of transportation. In2013 : 5 RER throughout the entire Ile-de-France commuter rail lines and 8 train region during weekends, holidays, lines, 16 metro lines, 6 tram lines, and school holidays (including and nearly 1,500 bus lines, 47 of July 1 to August 31), with no zone which were Noctilien night buses. restrictions (the network is divided This dense and well extended into 5 tariff zones). network will allow you to move Find out more on the STIF website: TRANSPORT around easily, while taking www.stif.info. advantage of the «Imagine’R» pass

HOW TO TAKE THE METRO OR THE RER

Metro ou RER ? READING THE MAP tickets costs €13.70, while The metro (subway) serves Locate your departure station a single ticket is €1.70. If only central Paris and some and arrival station on the map. bought onboard a bus, a ticket adjacent suburban cities Then identify the lines that costs €2 and does not allow (Créteil, Vincennes, Montreuil, serve each and think out your connections. Prices for RER etc.). The RER network, on route based on the available trips vary depending on the the other hand, provides connections. Once you have distance travelled, but the rule an extensive service to the visualized the route, you must is the same: buy 10 tickets and suburbs of Paris. RER trains remember the identifying are faster, but their stops are number (for the metro) or letter you will save money. relatively distant from each (for the RER) and the terminus KEEP RIGHT other. Another difference is the station of each line you must pricing: RER ticket prices vary follow (which indicates the A rule specific to metro and depending on the origin and direction of travel on a given RER corridors: if you do not destination of the trip, while line). Each line is also identified wish to walk on an escalator or the price for the metro is fixed. by a colour, which is easier to moving walkway, keep to the − A station is referred to spot from a distance. right. Otherwise, you will be as «une station» on the reminded by hurried travellers. metro network, whilst on the BUYING TICKETS RER you will hear two terms: You can buy a ticket for the «gare» and «station». metro or the RER at station − A «correspondance» counters or ticket machines. is a junction between Buying 10 tickets at once gives two metro lines that are you a discount over single accessible by corridors. tickets. A «carnet» of 10 metro ALTERNATIVE MODES OF TRANSPORT

Vélib’ CARPOOLING Vélib is a self-service bicycle rental system that «Covoiturage», as it is known in French, is is easy to use. It is available 24 hours a day, the organized joint use of a vehicle between 7 days a week. The first half hour is free and individuals, with the aim of sharing the cost additional time will be charged. Stations are of travel (and reducing its energy footprint concentrated in Paris and its nearby suburbs. at the same time). Even though carpooling www.velib.paris.fr is based on a principle of collaborative self- organization, well structured tools are offered by specialized websites: Autolib’ www.covoiturage.fr Autolib’ is a self-service electric car rental system. You can take a car at one station www.123envoiture.com and return it at another. It is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The rental rate decreases with time. Stations are concentrated in Paris and its nearby suburbs. This service is accessible to students with a foreign driving license. www.paris.fr/autolib

À bicyclette! ADMINISTRATIVE 4 MATTERS THE POSTOFFICE(«LaPoste») THE ADMINISTRATIVE ORGANIZATION OFFRANCE PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION UNDERSTANDING FRENCH the typeofdelivery requested on theweightbeing sentand The pricevaries depending Post andtobaccoshops). Poste) orbygroupsof 10(atLa can beboughtindividually(atLa 12:00, orattobacco shops. They 19:00 andSaturdayfrom8:00to Monday toFriday from 8:00to offices, whicharegenerally open Stamps canbeboughtatpost (small ring): PETITE COURONNE DEPARTMENTSOF THE further away fromParis. couronne»), eachconcentrically and alargering(«grande of asmallring(«petitecouronne») than others. Onespeakstherefore it, somebeingclosertothecapital seven otherdepartmentsaround region ismadeupofParis and number 75. The Ile-de-France in itsownright, identifiedbythe city ofParis isafulldepartment departments, numbered1-95. The métropolitaine») consistsof95 located inEurope(termed«France procedures. The partofFrance when carryingoutadministrative level youwillhearmostoften regions. The departmentisthe consortia), departmentsand intercommunalities (intermunicipal communes (municipalities), into fouradministrative levels: The French territoryisdivided

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HOW TO WRITE A FORMAL ADMINISTRATIVE LETTER

You will have to write a number of formal letters during your stay in France. We here offer an example of the type of presentation and language you should use. You can adapt it to each particular situation. Letters of complaint or contract termination must be sent via recorded delivery («lettre recommandée avec accusé de réception (LR/AR)»).

Your identity Person or organization to [Madame/Monsieur [name + surname] whom you write [Address] [Name] [Phone number] [Address] [e-mail address] à [Location], le [date as DD/MM/YYYY]

Objet : [specify the purpose of your letter: subscription termination, lease contract, etc.]

Madame, Monsieur,

Je soussigné(e) [your name + surname], vous informe par la présente vouloir [purpose of the letter] à compter du [specify the date upon which you wish it to come into effect].

Je me tiens à votre disposition pour tout complément d’information et je vous prie de croire, Madame, Monsieur, en l’expression de mes sincères salutations.

[Signature]

Accusé réception

5 s’il vous plait vous s’il

Un café café Un A YEAR IN FRANCE appreciated! Nevertheless, tipsarealways is includedinthepostedprice. Tipping isnotrequired. The service NOT TO TIP? OR TO TIP caffeine. «décaféiné» iscoffeewithout latte (largecup). A «déca»or crème» or«caféaulait»isa to theItalianmacciato). A «café with justadropofmilk(equivalent meaning ‘hazelnut’) isanexpresso serré». A «noisette»(literally stronger coffee, ordera«café If, onthecontrary, youwouldlike cup ofcoffee, orderan«allongé». «expresso». Ifyouwant alarge automatically beservedan If youorderacoffee, youwill DRINKING COFFEE KNOWING SMALL THINGSWORTH LAUNDERETTES in publicspaces. a bar. Itisalsoillegaltobedrunk corresponds totwodrinksservedin mg perlitreofexhaledair, which grams perlitreof blood, or0.25 of exhaledair. The legallimitis0.5 litre ofbloodormilligrams per litre measured ingrams ofalcohol per limit. The bloodalcohollevelis alcohol contentoverthelegal It isforbiddentodrivewithablood RER stations; etc. accessible tosmokers); metroand sheltered inwinterandremain of terraces (someterraces are and cafes, withtheexception to academicbuildings; restaurants places. This prohibitionthusapplies It isforbiddentosmoke inpublic AND ALCOHOL ON TOBACCOLAWS drying machine. and €0.50per30minutesofa € 3.50forawashing machine but expecttopayonaverage your accommodation. Pricesvary, launderettes moreorlesscloseto machine. You willfindself-service are equippedwithawashing for collectiveuse. Few studios equipped withwashing machines residence, youwillusuallyfindit If youarelodgedatauniversity HOLIDAYS IN FRANCE CHU: centre hospitalier universitaire (university hospital) CPAM: Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie January 1st: New Year’s Day («Jour de l’an» or (primary public health insurance fund) «Nouvel an»). CROUS: Centre Régional des Oeuvres Easter Monday: set according to the lunar Universitaires et Scolaires (regional centre for calendar, the date is variable and corresponds university and school works) to the day after Easter («Pâques»), the first OFII: Office Français de l’Immigration et de Sunday after the first full moon of spring. l’Insertion (French Office for Immigration and May 1st: Labour Day (fête du Travail). It is Integration) the only mandatory non-working day for RATP: Régie Autonome des Transports employees (except for employees of a public Parisiens (regional transportation consortium service that cannot be interrupted (health, of Paris) transport, etc.). RC: responsabilité civile (civil liability) May 8th: End of the Second World War. RER: Réseau Express Régional (regional Ascension Thursday: 40 days after Easter. commuter rail network) Whit Monday: 50 days after Easter. RIB: Relevé d’Identité Bancaire (bank account details) July 14th: National Day of France. SMIC: Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel de August 15th: Assumption of Mary. Croissance (minimum wage) November 1st: All Saints («la Toussaint»). SNCF: Société Nationale de Chemins de Fer November 11th: (National Railway Company) Armistice of 1918, end of the First World War. TGV: Train à Grande Vitesse (high-speed train) December 25th: Christmas («Noël»). UE: Union Européenne (European Union)

EMERGENCY NUMBERS HIGHER EDUCATION

There are five emergency numbers worth BU: bibliothèque universitaire (university library) saving on your phone: DELF/DALF: Diplôme d’Études en Langue INFORMATION: 118-000 Française / Diplôme Approfondi en Langue POMPIERS: 18 (Fire-fighters) Française (official intermediate/advanced level SAMU: 15 (emergency medical French language diplomas) attention) ECTS: European Credit Transfer System POLICE: 17 EUROPEAN EMERGENCY NUMBER: 112 FLE: Français Langue étrangère (French as a foreign language) A SMALL LIST OF ACRONYMS RU: Restaurant Universitaire (university restaurant) TCF: Test de Connaissance du Français (a ALE: Aide au Logement Étudiant (student French language test) housing assistance) APL: Aide Personnalisée au Logement TOEFL: Test of English as a Foreign Language (individualized housing assistance) TOEIC: Test of English for International CAF: Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (family Communication assistance fund) CRÉTEIL

Located south-east of Paris, within the Val de Marne department (county), the city of Créteil offers a good quality environment and is home to the main campus of the Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC). The Maison des Langues et des Relations Internationales offers French language courses and other services for international students.

GETTING THERE: The campus of Créteil, located 30 minutes from the centre of Paris, can be reached by metro. Line 8 takes you to three nearby stations: «Créteil-l’Échat», «Créteil-Université» and «Créteil-Pointe du Lac». The Trans-Val-de-Marne (TVM) bus service also takes you to «Créteil-Université». For public transport routes and timetables, visit: www.stif.info

ACCOMMODATIOn WHERE TO EAT

Students on exchange The Créteil campus offers programmes can find reserved a wide range of catering accommodation at the Cité choices at all teaching Internationale Universitaire locations. Find more de Paris (CIUP) and other information at university campuses. For www.crous-creteil.fr GOOD TO KNOW further information, contact: [email protected]. BANKS The student Other students can contact association French the housing office of the Vie Many banks are located Life in Paris (FLIP), de Campus service to find near campus. Here are specialisingi!? in providing offers for accommodation three examples: hospitality, advice and (homestays, accommodation Caisse d’épargne guidance for foreign in exchange for services, UPEC students, has a Agence Créteil Soleil flat-sharing, and individual partnership agreement Avenue du Général-de-Gaulle with a specific bank studios or apartments): www.caisse-epargne.fr [email protected] branch. For more BNP Paribas information, contact: Agence Créteil l’Echat frenchlifeinparis@ 7 résidences universitaires Avenue du Général-de-Gaulle gmail.com agences.bnpparibas.net sur le campus : LCL 2 residences managed by the Agence centre CROUS: commercial régional www.crous-creteil.fr Avenue du Général-de-Gaulle and 5 private residences: www.lcl.fr find all addresses at www.adele.org ADMINISTRATIVE specialists when needed. One commercial cinema: - Access to medical care after UGC Ciné Cité Créteil, SERVICES 20:00 and on weekends. located at the entrance to Find further information the Créteil Soleil shopping centre: www.ugc.fr POST OFFICE about the RÉSUS network at: www.u-pec.fr Adress: La Poste SPORTS Créteil Palais – 2, allée UPEC offers a wide range of Parmentier, Créteil. STUDENT LIFE sporting activities. Visit its Opening hours: Monday website for details: to Friday: 8:30-19:00 www.u-pec.fr LIBRARIES Saturday: 8:30-12:30 UPEC provides a network of Find out about the sports CITY COUNCIL libraries and documentation facilities of the City of Créteil Office near campus: centres grouped into a at: www.ville-creteil.fr/ le Relais – mairie du Palais common documentation les-equipements-et-les- (allée Parmentier, Créteil). service (SCD). This SCD brings installations-sportives Opening hours: together the whole of the Monday to Friday: 8:30-17:00 documentary resources and (until 19:00 on Wednesday) services of the university. Saturday: 9:30-11:30 Learn all about the university’s libraries: For more details, visit: bibliotheque.u-pec.fr www.ville-creteil.fr The City of Créteil also PREFECTURE OF provides a network of 14 VAL-DE-MARne reading centres. To find out Adress: 21-29 ter, avenue du more, visit: Général-de-Gaulle, Créteil. www.lecturepublique94.net

Opening hours: La Maison des arts Monday to Friday: 9:00-16:00 de Créteil (MAC) Be attentive: some services Located in the heart of have more limited times. the city, the Maison des For more information: Arts de Créteil (MAC) is a www.val-de- place for the production marne.gouv.fr and dissemination of multidisciplinary and HEALTHCARE generalist arts (theater, dance, concerts, comedy, exhibitions, festivals, etc.). International students enrolled at UPEC can Check-out its event benefit from the RÉSUS programme: university healthcare www.maccreteil.com network, launched in 2012. Cinema RÉSUS OFFERS: Two cinemas run - Simplified access to a by associations: nearby general practitioner. La lucarne : - A consultation charge www.mjccreteil.com et of € 6.90 maximum. Les Cinémas du Palais- - Good quality medical Armand-Badéyan : follow-ups and referrals to www.lepalais.com Sénart & Fontainebleau

The Université Paris-Est Créteil (UPEC) receives more than 3,000 students on its sites at Sénart and Fontainebleau, including over 200 international students. Comfortable and modern facilities, fitted with advanced teaching equipment, provide students with favourable study conditions.

GETTING THERE: The Sénart campus is located within the municipality of Lieusaint, 45 minutes from the heart of Paris on RER line D (station Lieusaint-Moissy). The T-Zen bus also reaches the campus. The Fontainebleau site is accessible by rail: take the TER train from “Gare de Lyon” station, get off at Fontainebleau-Avon, and then take bus line A until “Les Lilas”. For public transport routes and timetables, visit: www.stif.info et www.transilien.com To get around using carpooling, refer to Fact Sheet N°3. accomodation Restaurant de l’IUT : Fontainebleau campus: Route de Hurtault, BNP 77300 Fontainebleau 156, rue Grande. NEARLY 250 PLACES IN Caisse d’Epargne UNIVERSITY RESIDENCES BANks 102, rue Grande. are offered at Sénart and Fontainebleau. CIC Sénart campus: 8, place de la République. The allocation of housing Bank branches are found Crédit Agricole in university residences is at Lieusaint, Moissy 20,rue du Château. managed by the Scolarité Cramayel and the Carré and Vie Étudiante services. Sénart shopping centre. LCL BNP 85, rue Grande. For assistance in searching for 96 rue de Paris, Lieusaint. BRED housing, contact the housing Caisse d’Epargne 16, rue Grande. service of Vie de Campus: Carré Sénart shopping centre [email protected] CIC ADMINISTRATIVE where to eat 90, av. Philippe-Bur, Moissy. SERVICES Crédit Agricole 73, av. Philippe-Bur, Moissy. Restaurant l’Arlequin, LCL Post offices Avenue Pierre-Point Centre com. Carré Sénar. Sénart: rue de la Motte 77127 Lieusaint Société Générale à Moissy-Cramayel (10 (Sénart campus) 4, av. Philippe-Bur, Moissy. minute walk from campus) Fontainebleau: 2, rue de At Fontainebleau, a nurse OUTDOORS la Chancellerie (15 minute is present every Friday. Both sites are located walk from campus). To benefit also from the near beautiful forests. CITY COUNCILS university’s service of Sénart National Forest is Sénart: 50, rue de preventive healthcare Paris, Lieusaint and health promotion, one of the oldest forests in make use of Créteil’s France and an ideal place for Opening hours: RÉSUS network. outdoor sports and activities. Monday and Wednesday to Friday: 9:00-12:00 STUDENT LIFE The forest of and 14:00-18:00 Fontainebleau is Tuesday: 14:00-18:00 particularly famous for its Saturday: 9:00-12:00 Student associations at rock formations, which make Sénart and Fontainebleau Fontainebleau: 40 rue it a place that cannot be Grande, Fontainebleau contribute to create a convivial atmosphere overlooked by climbers. Opening hours: that enables intercultural Monday: 13:30-17:30 exchanges: evenings, Tuesday to Friday: 8:30- workshops, clubs, organized 12:15 and 13:30-17:30 weekend outings in Europe, Saturday: 9:00-12:00 ski trips, humanitarian projects, student jobs, etc. PREFECTURE OF SEINE-ET-MARNE LIBRARIES Adress:12, rue des Saints- A university library is Pères, 77000 Melun. available at each site. Opening hours: Find out more at: only 9:00-12:00 on Monday, Sénart: www.senart.com Tuesday, Thursday and Friday. Fontainebleau: Be attentive: some www.fontainebleau.fr services have more limited schedules. For further arts details, visit: www.seine- Cultural centres, cinemas, et-marne.gouv.fr and music venues. A good Note: Before going to the quality program of cultural prefecture, inquire with activities that are open the “Vie de Campus” or to all can be checked on “Vie Etudiante” service the following websites: on visa application and Sénart: renewal procedures. www.senart.com Fontainebleau: HEALTHCARE www.fontainebleau.fr

Sports On duty medical personnel For information on the are available for health tips, sports that can be practiced etc. At Sénart, a nurse is nearby the IUT, visit: www. present Monday to Thursday senart.com et www. from 8:30 to 17:00. fontainebleau.fr ver ® - ck o t h e inside b a : see o c redits : t

More information: www.univ-paris-est.fr : - Pho and pr o du c ti n : y 2014 - D esign

Guide funded by IDEA, which receives state support managed by the National Research Agency under the program UNIVERSITÉ PARIS-EST - M a UNIVERSITÉ PARIS-EST Investissements d’Avenir (reference ANR-11-IDFI-0022), in addition to the contributions of the establishments involved. j ill o T ru nti I o n : T ranslati 03 26 51 59 31 - L e R éveil de la M arne : P rinted by: