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Register your titre de séjour
Critical · 3-month deadlineWithin 3 months of arrival, register at your préfecture for a residence permit. Bring your visa, passport, proof of enrollment, and proof of address.
Enroll in Sécurité Sociale (CPAM)
Health · Free coverageRegister on etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr to get state health coverage. You'll need your passport, visa, proof of French address, and bank details.
Open a French bank account
Finance · Do this earlyStart with an online bank (Revolut, N26, or Lydia) — they accept students without a French guarantor. A traditional bank account is needed for CAF and rent.
Apply for CAF housing aid (APL)
Money · Up to €200/monthOnce you have a French bank account and signed lease, apply on caf.fr for APL (Aide Personnalisée au Logement). Students can get €80–€200/month.
Get a French SIM / phone plan
Admin · Needed for everythingFree Mobile (forfait à 2€) and Bouygues both have cheap student plans. You'll need a French number for most administrative procedures.
Enroll at your university
University · Day 1 priorityComplete your inscription administrative and get your student card. This unlocks transport discounts, meal vouchers, and cultural passes.
Apply for your Carte Vitale
Health · Takes several weeksAfter your CPAM registration is processed (4–8 weeks), request your Carte Vitale. It's your physical health card — you need it at every doctor visit.
Set up your transport pass
Transport · Big savingsIn Paris: get a Navigo Imagine R (student annual pass, ~€350/year). In other cities, check for Carte Avantage or local student transport programs.
Register a médecin traitant
Health · Don't forget thisDeclare a primary care doctor (médecin traitant) on ameli.fr to get full reimbursement rates. Without one, you only get 70% reimbursed instead of 100%.
Open a Livret A savings account
Finance · Zero feesFree at any French bank, no fees, government-guaranteed. Useful for paying rental deposits and keeping an emergency fund. Interest rate: 2.4%.
Want the full picture?
This checklist tells you what to do.
The guide shows you exactly how.
The complete Arrivée guide covers every step in depth — which préfecture to go to, which documents to bring, which banks accept students, how to navigate CPAM, and more. Plus a 24/7 AI assistant to answer any question.