PSL voices | Studying in Paris : 7 Things you should know before you arrive

Published June 2, 2025

#1 : Leaving isn't the same as running away

Moving away from your region or country to study far from home can bring with it feelings of abandonment or rupture. It’s important to remember that this departure is not permanent. You'll have the opportunity to go back home during school vacations, and you can always plan regular visits if it helps you to stay connected with loved ones. Seeing this move as a step forward, rather than a break from the past can help ease any anxiety.

 Article : Studying in Paris: how I managed to overcome my worries

#2: Prepare for the weather, Paris is not the Mediterranean

If you’re coming from the south or a hot country, you’ll need to prepare for a colder, wetter climate. In Paris, winters can be long and temperatures often drop quite low. Make sure you pack warm, waterproof clothing, and why not a nice cozy scarf too? It’s better to plan for the chilly weather, rather than suffer through it.

#3: Ask PSL to help you find accommodation

Finding somewhere to live in Paris can be a real headache. Fortunately, the PSL Housing Service is there to support you, and many of the PSL schools also offer assistance, by putting students in contact with student housing providers or offering specific guidance. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the dedicated teams. Getting the ball rolling early gives you a better chance of finding comfortable and affordable housing.

#4: Getting around Paris is easy with the Navigo pass

The Paris transport network can seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll soon get the hang of it. A Navigo pass gives you unlimited travel throughout the entire Paris region. For the first few days, it’s a good idea to plan your journeys in advance or use apps such as Google Maps or City Mapper. As long as you’re prepared, even changing metro lines at Châtelet will soon feel like second nature. And if you’d prefer to cycle, the Vélib’ service is an excellent option to get around at your own pace, enjoy the city in the open air and avoid rush hour crowds (as an added bonus, there is a discounted student pass available).

#5: Sticking to a budget in an expensive city

Paris can be an expensive city to live in, especially if you’re coming from a more affordable region or country. It might be useful to set yourself a monthly budget from the start. Think about housing, groceries, transport, leisure activities, etc. There is some financial aid available (scholarships, APL - personalized housing assistance, food aid for students, and so on) that can really lighten the load on a daily basis. The student association Epicoop also regularly organizes the distribution of food hampers, in partnership with PSL, for students at PSL schools.

 Initial expenses checklist

#6: Take care of yourself

Living far away from home can sometimes feel stressful or lonely, especially for the first months. To help you, PSL offers a Student Health Service that provides medical consultations, psychological support alongside various preventive health initiatives. If you are going through a difficult period or simply need to talk to someone, you’re not alone. Trained professionals are here to help. And to boost your overall well-being, nothing beats regular exercise. With PSL Sport, you can access a wide range of sports activities in Paris. Taking care of yourself also means staying active, eating well, and giving yourself time to relax.

#7: Coming from abroad

Every year, PSL welcomes hundreds of students from all over the globe. If you’re arriving from another country, you should know that you will be joining a vibrant, well-integrated international community. You won’t be alone in discovering Paris for the first time, learning a new language or adapting to a new culture. To help you settle in and get used to student life in Paris, PSL has set up a specific welcome service for international students, the PSL Welcome Desk, offering support with administrative formalities (residence permit, social security, housing, etc.). Events are also organized to help you connect with other students from different backgrounds.

Conclusion

Studying far from home is all about new experiences, learning how to manage on your own, but also accepting help from others. With some preparation and the confidence to ask questions, you’ll soon see that this new chapter can be incredibly rewarding, even if it is a little intimidating at first.

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