Checklist before you leave for France: everything you need to prepare

Studely
December 4, 2025

Are you going to study soon? Before taking your flight, you need to prepare several documents and procedures to avoid unpleasant surprises. Here is a practical checklist of the steps to follow before you leave for France.

How to obtain the necessary administrative procedures before departure

Before leaving, organize yourself like a pro: do the procedures in order to avoid refusal or delay. Here is the logical path and the documents to be prepared.

1) Administrative and educational registration

  • Confirm your registration online, then on site if required by the university.
  • Upload all required documents: diplomas, transcripts, IDs, and proof of payment of fees.
  • Check the deadlines for educational registration in order to register for courses and consult your schedule.

2) CVEC (Student and Campus Life Contribution)
Pay or validate your CVEC online before your administrative registration: without a certificate, your registration could be blocked.

3) Health insurance, mutual insurance and travel insurance
Prepare the insurance certificate required for your visa and the proof of affiliation (Social and complementary security, or private insurance).

  • For short stays, also consider taking out repatriation insurance.
  • 4) Residence permit and conditions
    Find out about the renewal conditions and keep all the necessary proof (resources, receipts, school certificates).

  • Think of Renew your residence permit early enough to avoid any interruption of the right of residence.
  • 5) Documents to be prepared before
    Gather the following documents:
    University acceptance letter

  • Passport and ID photos
  • Proof of financial resources
  • Accommodation certificate
  • Bank statements
  • Proof of insurance (health and travel)
  • Degrees and transcripts
  • 6) Vaccines and health
    Update your vaccination record.

  • If you are undergoing a particular treatment, ask your doctor for a medical certificate.
  • 7) Flight ticket and arrival in France
    Book your flight in advance to get the best rates.

  • Find out about the transport options between the airport and your city: train, bus or taxi.
  • 8) Prepare your personal belongings
    Clothing adapted to the seasons in France.

  • Adapter for electrical sockets.
  • Dictionary or translation application if needed.
  • Practical advice
    Scan all of your documents and prepare certified copies if required.

  • Officially translate the required documents.
  • Make an appointment as soon as possible.
  • Tip: good organization before departure will save you as much time as possible upon arrival in France.

    Conclusion
    Preparing for your departure is essential to arrive in France without stress. Thanks to this checklist, you have all the documents and essentials you need to start your student adventure with confidence.

    Studely
    December 4, 2025
    The company STUDELY, whose head office is located at 12 rue des Bateliers — 92110 Clichy, registered with the NANTERRE RCS under number 820 541 449, exploiting the trade name and the STUDELY brand as a payment service provider for OuiTrust. OuiTrust is the commercial name of Harmoniie SAS, whose head office is located at 1 Rue de la Bourse, 75002 Paris, France. Harmoniie SAS is an electronic money institution approved by the French supervisory authority, the Autorité de Contrôle Prudentiel et de Résolution (ACPR), under the approval number 17478.To find out more about the entity that provides your services, please contact customer service.