Useful information

If you don’t know how higher education works in France, this page will guide you through the university system’s subtleties.

By the end of their stay in France, most international undergraduates, PhD students and Doctors have formed close relationships with other students and teachers encountered at their host universities. Alumni’s associations enable them to maintain these relationships and even strengthen them further throughout their professional and personal lives.

A “buddy” is a tandem made up of a local student and an international student on an exchange program or free mover.
Thanks to the Buddy System, you can meet a local student who will guide you throughout your stay in France.

Prepare for your academic year at the Université de Lorraine by participating in the intensive FFL program organised by the DéFLE (Department of French as a Foreign Language). 1 or 2 weeks of classes? It’s up to you!

You can open a bank account via Feel-Français, the platform that assists international undergraduates and PhD students with their relocation in France.

There are numerous student associations at the Université de Lorraine. Some of them are more specifically dedicated to international students.

Here is the list of phone numbers and websites in the event of an emergency, loss or theft of your means of payment (bank card, cheque book) or if you need to talk to someone or get advice about your physical or mental health in France.

For a successful stay, make sure you have sufficient financial resources in relation to the cost of living in Lorraine.

Whether you are student, PhD student or researcher, here you will find all the steps you need to take before you leave France.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, the residence permit is mandatory.
Once you are in France, depending on the type of visa you have been issued, you must carry out residence formalities in order to be authorized to live in the country as a student.

Why do sport?
– To stay in good physical and moral health
– To make friends by sharing common activities
– To unwind, manage your stress levels, sleep better … and above all, enjoy yourself!

A multi-service card delivered to all students, PhD-students, staff employed by the Université de Lorraine, temporary teaching staff and hosted staff once their administrative registration process is complete.

Going to university is a major step for any student. All the more so if you have special needs connected with a disability.

In each university, the SHS (Student Health Service) provides medico-psychosocial support to all students in higher education (undergraduates and PhD students).

– A visa : gives you the right to enter France. It is delivered by the French Consulate in your usual country of residence.
– A residence permit : gives you the right to stay in France. It is delivered by the Prefecture of your place of residence in France.

Many French public services, such as the Préfecture, will request translations of your official documents (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc). Here are lists of sworn translators.