You just got your Student visa for France After all Campus France procedures. But be careful: your journey does not end there. Once you have the visa in hand, you still have several essential steps left to successfully settle and start your studies with confidence.
Let's find out together what you absolutely need to do after getting your student visa.
1. Book your plane ticket
As soon as your visa is validated, remember to book your flight to France quickly.
Compare prices across multiple platforms.
Anticipate your arrival a few days before school to have time to settle in.
2. Preparing for your arrival in France
Before you leave, make sure you have:
Your original documents (passport, visa, admission letter, resource certificate, housing, etc.).
Your international health insurance for the first few weeks (before registering for Social Security).
Digital copies of all your papers.
Tip: keep important documents in your carry-on bag.
3. Find or confirm your accommodation
If you have not already done so, now is the time to finalize your accommodation in France:
- CROUS university residence.
- Private student residence.
- Shared apartment or apartment rental.
Some consulates already require proof of accommodation for the visa, but sometimes you need to confirm your lease once you are due to arrive.
4. Declare your arrival and validate your student visa (VLS-TS)
Your long-stay student visa (VLS-TS) must be validated online with the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) within 3 months following your arrival in France.- Go to the official website of The OFII.
- Enter your visa number.
- Pay the tourist tax online.
Without this validation, your visa will not have the value of a residence permit.
5. Enroll yourself at your university or school
Once you arrive in France, you must go to your establishment to:- Finalize your administrative registration.
- Pay university fees (unless you have an exemption or a scholarship).
- Get your student card back.
6. Register for student social security
All foreign students must register on the site Étudiant-Étranger.ameli.fr in order to benefit from Social Security in France.
- It's free.
- You will need your passport, your visa, your school certificate and your French RIB.
7. Open a bank account in France
To pay your rent, receive transfers, or manage your expenses, you need to open a French bank account.
Some online banks or new student banks like Studely offer fast and adapted solutions.
8. Discover and integrate yourself into student life
Finally, take advantage of your arrival to:- Participate in the welcome days and events organized by your university.
- Discover your neighborhood, transport and student tips.
- Join associations to expand your network.
Conclusion
Obtaining your student visa is a decisive step, but your adventure really starts after you arrive in France. Between administrative procedures (visa validation, university enrollment, social security) and practical installation (housing, banking, integration), each step counts for a good start to your student life.
Stay organized, respect deadlines and above all, enjoy this new experience!
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