Practical information

Visa and stay in France

Your visa depends on your nationality and how long you stay in France.:
 

EU / EEA / Swiss Students	You do not need a visa to study or live in France, no matter how long you stay.
Stay of up to 90 days (3 months)	You may need a short-stay visa (Schengen visa – Type C). Some nationalities do not need a visa Other nationalities must apply for a short-stay visa This visa cannot be extended  Check if you need a visa here:   http://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr
Stay of more than 90 days	You must apply for a Long-Stay Student Visa (VLS-TS). Valid for up to 1 year Works as a residence permit Mandatory for all non-EU/EEA/Swiss students After arrival in France Within 3 months, you must: Validate your visa online (OFII) Pay the required residence tax ⚠️ This step is mandatory.

Important

• If you need a visa, you must register with Campus France before applying

• Always check visa rules before traveling

If you are unsure, contact the French embassy or Campus France in your country.

Home Insurance in France and Civil Liability (Mandatory)

In France, home insurance is compulsory for anyone renting accommodation, including students.
It protects you in case of incidents such as fire, water damage, theft, or accide

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When and how to subscribe

• Students must subscribe to a French home insurance policy (assurance habitation)

• The insurance must be taken out with a company based in France

• The policy usually starts on the move-in date (payment is made once you are in France)

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 Proof of insurance

You must provide a certificate of home insurance:

• To incoming@utt.fr

• if your accommodation is booked through the UTT International Center

• To your landlord, if you find accommodation on your own

Without this document, you will not be allowed to move into the accommodation.

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 Civil Liability Insurance

Home insurance in France automatically includes Civil Liability insurance (responsabilité civile).

This insurance:

• Covers damages you may cause to other people or their property

• Is mandatory for administrative registration at UTT

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 Help with LivinFrance

UTT works with the LivinFrance platform, which helps students:

• Subscribe to home insurance

• Benefit from partner insurance companies in Troyes

 Access details and instructions for LivinFrance are sent by email a few weeks before the official arrival date.

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⚠️ Student responsibility

Home insurance is entirely the student’s responsibility.

Students must:

• Inform their insurance company of any change of address

• Renew the insurance themselves if their stay lasts more than one year

If you have questions, the International Relations Office will be happy to assist you.incoming@utt.fr

More information here
 

CVEC: Student and Campus life Contribution

Since the 2018-2019 academic year, students admitted to a French institution of higher education are subject to a new fee (payable every academic year, 100€ as of 2024/2025) known as the CVEC, which helps to finance on-campus programs that enhance the student experience:

• Exchange students are not subject to CVEC
• Only students subject to payment of tuition fees (academic fees), whoever pays for it and whatever the amount, are subject to payment of CVEC. Payment of CVEC must occur prior to registration and students must provide a copy of the released proof of payment to the International Center.

WARNING: students MUST wait for the International Center’s emails before doing anything!

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Living expenses

The average living expenses are around 600€-700€ per month. The cost of living for students in France is one of the cheapest in the Western World. When students are making their budget forecast they should divide their expenses into 2 categories: their regular living expenses and the additional expenses associated with travelling.

Students should make sure to have an International Credit Card (Visa or MasterCard). Whichever type of accommodation they choose, they will have to pay a rent and a deposit upon arrival.

More information here
 

Checklist before leaving home

Students are asked to consult our "International Students Guide" to bring the mandatory documents with them in France.
 

Legislation and regulations at UTT and in France

Students have to consult and to take note of the main legislation and regulations at the UTT and in France before their arrival.

Please find here all the informations regarding the driving legislation in France.

This document is not exhaustive, for more details, students are invited to consult the different websites or to consult us in case of any doubts or questions.

Local tax

This tax is compulsory and MUST be paid by every tenant and every owner in France to the French Government.
For more information please consult the web site: www.impots.gouv.fr.

Housing benefits

Housing benefit (or “CAF” in French) is a financial support from the French Government. People can benefit from it when they pay for a rent in France and depending on their financial situation.

Note that the International Department is not in charge of the students’ application to CAF and do not provide help to the students to apply but an information note is available here and a tutorial in English is available here.

Move out (from your accommodation)

In France, the law compels people to respect the notice periods before moving out: One month's notice when students are at the end of their studies and about to return to their home country/begin their internship. Three months’notice in any other case (i.e. you stay in France but want to move out). The month notice has to be given to the real estate agency by e-mail.

Note that no departure date and no inventory of fixtures’ appointment will be changed, postponed, cancelled once students send their months’ notice.

Before leaving France

Students are asked to consult to our "International Students Guide" to know what is mandatory to do before leaving France.

More information here