PSL Voices | Welcome to PSL: The Ultimate Guide for International Students in Paris

Published May 1^st, 2026

First of all, welcome to PSL, one of the most prestigious institutions in France, and a place that will not only shape your academic journey but also give you an experience of a lifetime. Paris is a dream for many - rich in culture, history, and opportunities - but we understand that arriving in a new country comes with a whirlwind of questions and concerns, especially when you're an international student.

I’ve been in your shoes. When I got my admission to PSL, I was thrilled - but also anxious. I was stepping into the unknown: a new city, a new culture, and a new way of life. I kept wondering:

• Am I doing everything right?
• What are the essential steps to settle in?
• Which websites are trustworthy?
• What documents do I need?
• How can I avoid last-minute stress?

Like many of you might do, to students already studying at PSL, sent dozens of messages, and spent hours researching just to make sure I didn’t miss anything important. And that’s exactly why I’m writing this article - for you. To save your time, reduce your concerns, and help you settle into your new life with ease.

This guide will walk you through all the must-do things as an international student—from the moment you receive your offer letter to the first few weeks of arriving in Paris. Whether it's securing accommodation, validating your visa, or getting a SIM card, we've got it covered.

Contact the PSL Welcome Desk

The PSL Welcome Desk is your main point of contact for administrative questions and support during your arrival in France. They provide guidance on visas, housing, healthcare, and many other practical aspects of student life.

⚠️ Important: Administrative procedures and regulations may change over time depending on your nationality and immigration status. For the most up-to-date information, we strongly recommend contacting the PSL Welcome Desk, which supports international students throughout their arrival and installation in France.

Confirm Your Admission & start Registration

The moment your admission is confirmed, one of the first things you should do is book your flight. Don’t wait too long—flights tend to get expensive closer to the departure date, and early booking ensures better prices and more options. Plan wisely and make sure your luggage meets airline guidelines while covering all essentials you’ll need during your first weeks in Paris. 

Next, you'll need to pay the CVEC fee (Contribution de Vie Étudiante et de Campus) This is a mandatory contribution for most students in France. The CVEC helps fund services that improve student life, including health support, sports, cultural activities, and campus initiatives. The process is simple and completed online, but it is essential: without paying the CVEC, you cannot finalize your university registration.

Soon after, PSL or one of its schools will reach out to you with the specific registration process for your department. Though the steps may vary slightly depending on your course, one thing is universal: the importance of early registration. Once you're officially registered, you’ll receive an admission certificate, and trust me, this document will become your key to unlock nearly every essential service in France.

From finding accommodation to applying for a transport pass (Navigo), getting a local SIM card, opening a French bank account, securing your visa validation, registering for social security, and applying for housing assistance (CAF)—this admission certificate is required everywhere.

Find Accommodation

Finding accommodation in Paris can be one of the biggest challenges international students face. Rent prices are high, competition is fierce, and many apartments are located far from university campuses. But don’t worry—there are reliable, student-friendly options to explore. 

The best place to start is with CROUS (France’s regional student services center) or the CIUP (Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris), which offers housing specifically for international students and researchers.

For CROUS housing, note that the main application phase usually takes place earlier in the year, and places are very limited for international students arriving later. However, a complementary application phase opens in July, which is accessible to all students but offers fewer available rooms.

You can also contact the PSL Housing Service, which helps students find accommodation and provides practical guidance during the housing search.

To apply for most accommodations in France, you’ll need a guarantor—someone who agrees to pay your rent if you can’t. For international students without a guarantor in France, the Visale guarantee can act as a free government-backed guarantor.

Once you have moved into your accommodation, you may be eligible to apply for housing assistance (CAF – Caisse d’Allocations Familiales). However, please note that housing assistance rules may change, and eligibility conditions depend on your residence status. In particular, recent policy changes may affect eligibility for some newly arrived non-European students. Applications can be completed through the CAF website Most student services, including housing and financial aid applications, are accessible via the MesServices Étudiant portal—so make sure to create an account as soon as possible.

Get a French SIM Card

A French phone number is required for nearly every step: opening a bank account, visa validation, health insurance registration, CAF, and more.

You can order a SIM with international delivery before arrival or buy one upon landing. If your phone supports eSIM, that’s often the fastest route. Choose a plan with enough data, EU roaming, and international call options.

Open a French Bank Account

Setting up a French bank account is essential for student life in Paris—it’s required for things like receiving your CAF housing allowance, paying rent, and managing daily expenses.

Start by researching different banks to compare their student account plans, monthly fees, and benefits. Look for features like free international transfers, zero maintenance fees, or English-language support.

Pro tip: Most bank apps and customer service portals are in French. During your appointment, ask the bank staff to walk you through how the app works so you don’t miss important features like tracking expenses or receiving notifications.

Since Paris can be expensive, it’s also wise to create a personal budget early on. Make the most of student-friendly services like CAF for rent assistance, CROUS restaurants for subsidized meals, and access to student healthcare benefits. These support systems exist to help you—use them, and don’t let your finances catch you off guard.

Validate Your Visa

If you hold a VLS-TS student visa, you must validate it online after arriving in France. Without this, your stay in France is not legally recognized After submission, you'll receive a validation certificate - save this PDF carefully. It’s needed for nearly every administrative step, including travel within the Schengen Area.

Apply for the Navigo Card

The Navigo pass gives you unlimited access to Paris’s public transport (metro, bus, RER, tram). As a student under 26, apply for the Imagine R student plan for a major discount.

Register for French Social Security

This covers basic healthcare and is free for students. Apply through the Ameli portal.

Once registered, apply for your Carte Vitale, which lets you get medical reimbursements. 

• Carte Vitale application: Ameli Connect 
• Track your health records: Mon Espace Santé

Apply for CAF Housing Assistance

If you have a lease in your name and a validated VLS-TS visa, you’re likely eligible for CAF housing aid. Submit everything via the CAF website. Payments usually begin the month after you apply.

Join Student Committees & Support Networks

PSL is more than just academics—it’s a community. 

• Sports & Fitness: From yoga to football—explore PSL Sports 
• Mental Health: Need to talk? Nightline offers free student support
• Buddy Program: Get matched with a local student to ease your transition Join the Buddy Program
• Clubs & Societies: Theater, tech, sustainability, debate—you’ll find your tribe Discover PSL Organizations

Visit the Welcome Desk & Meet Your PSL Ambassadors

We hope this guide has helped you understand the essential steps to settle smoothly into your new life in France. Remember, you're never alone in this journey. If you have any further doubts or need personalized assistance, don't hesitate to reach out to the Welcome Desk they’re here to support you. We highly encourage you to attend the information seminars organized by the Welcome Desk, join the mentor and buddy programs to connect with fellow students, and book an appointment if you need one-on-one guidance with Welcome Desk.

All the relevant links and resources have been provided to help you navigate the key services. We’re here to ensure that you not only feel supported but also thrive in your academic and personal life in France.

Wishing you a wonderful, enriching, and successful experience - Bienvenue en France!

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