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International students: 10 steps to prepare for your arrival in France

Have you been accepted to study at Rennes School of Business? Preparing to move to France is an exciting step, but it can also feel a little overwhelming at first. From accommodation and transport to healthcare and administrative procedures, there are several things to organise before you arrive.

To help you get ready, Rennes School of Business has put together this practical guide covering 10 key steps to prepare for your arrival in France and start your student experience with confidence.

1. Get to know your campus and your future city

Rennes School of Business is an international business school with campuses in Rennes and Paris.

The Rennes campus is located around 10 minutes from the city centre and brings together teaching buildings, student facilities, sports areas and green spaces in a dynamic international environment. Rennes is one of France’s most student-friendly cities, with a lively cultural scene, a welcoming atmosphere and easy access to the Breton coast.

The Paris campus is located at 9 rue d’Athènes, 75009 Paris, in the heart of the capital, close to Saint-Lazare station.

Whether you are preparing to live in Rennes or Paris, taking a little time to learn about your future city before you leave can make your arrival much easier.

Discover the Welcome Office resources

2. Find your accommodation as early as possible

Accommodation should be one of your first priorities once your admission is confirmed. Housing demand can be high, especially in the weeks leading up to the start of term, so it is best to begin your search early.

Rennes School of Business supports students in their accommodation search through dedicated information and partner solutions.

In Rennes

Students can look for accommodation through several options, including:

  • Studapart, the Rennes School of Business housing platform
  • shared accommodation platforms such as Colocatère, HLWC and KenavHome
  • private rentals in Rennes and the surrounding area

Students studying on the Rennes campus may also be interested in Constellation, the School’s new student residence located directly on campus. This residence offers an additional housing solution close to classes and campus life.

In Paris

Students joining the Paris campus can consult the School’s accommodation guidance and partner solutions to explore housing options in the city.

Before signing a rental contract, make sure you understand the main administrative requirements for renting accommodation in France, including deposits, guarantors, insurance and supporting documents.

3. Prepare the documents you may need for renting in France

In France, landlords and residences often ask students to provide a file containing several documents. Depending on your situation, you may be asked for:

  • proof of identity
  • proof of admission or enrolment
  • proof of income or financial resources
  • a guarantor
  • supporting documents translated into French or English

Preparing these documents in advance can save valuable time when applying for accommodation.

4. Open a French bank account

Opening a French bank account is strongly recommended during your studies in France. It can make everyday life much easier, especially when paying rent, receiving housing support, managing subscriptions and completing administrative procedures.

To open a bank account in France, you will generally need:

  • proof of identity
  • proof of address in France
  • proof of enrolment at Rennes School of Business

Depending on your situation and place of study, it may also be possible to begin the process online before arriving in France. Rennes School of Business provides guidance to help students understand the steps involved and identify the documents required.

5. Register for French social security and healthcare

France has a high-quality public healthcare system, and international students may be eligible to register for French social security depending on their nationality and administrative status.

Registering for social security is an important step, as it allows you to access healthcare reimbursement during your studies. Once your registration has been completed, you may then be able to apply for a carte Vitale.

Because the process can take time, students are strongly advised to gather the required documents before arriving and to complete their registration as soon as possible after reaching France.

6. Check your visa or residence permit requirements

If you are an international student from outside the European Union or the European Economic Area, you may need a student visa or residence permit to study in France.

Visa and residence permit requirements vary depending on your nationality, your country of residence and the length of your studies. It is therefore essential to check the applicable procedures well in advance with the relevant French authorities and Campus France services in your country.

Once in France, some students may also need to validate their visa or complete additional residence permit procedures. Rennes School of Business provides guidance to help students identify the right steps and understand the administrative process.

7. Plan your journey to Rennes or Paris

Before you travel, make sure you have planned the final stage of your journey from your arrival point in France to your campus or accommodation.

Getting to Rennes

Rennes is located in Brittany, in western France, and is easy to reach from Paris and other major French cities.

The main travel options include:

  • train from Paris Montparnasse to Rennes: the high-speed TGV connects Paris to Rennes in around 1 hour 25 minutes
  • train from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport to Rennes: depending on schedules, it is possible to travel to Rennes by train after landing at CDG
  • flight to Rennes: Rennes can also be reached by air depending on your departure city and available routes

Once you arrive in Rennes, public transport, taxis and ride services can help you reach your accommodation or campus.

Discover the Rennes campus

Centre ville de Rennes - quartier de Saint Anne

Getting to Paris

If you are studying on the Paris campus, you can reach central Paris easily from the city’s airports and train stations using public transport, taxis or airport transfer services.

Where possible, book your tickets in advance and make sure you have all arrival details saved before travelling.

Discover the Paris campus

8. Take out suitable health and travel insurance

Even if you are eligible for French social security, it is important to arrange health and travel insurance before you leave for France.

Private insurance can be particularly useful during the first weeks of your stay, while your administrative procedures are still being processed. Depending on your situation, you may want cover for:

  • medical expenses
  • repatriation
  • civil liability
  • travel disruption or loss of luggage

Always check exactly what is included in your policy and whether it covers the whole period of your stay in France.

9. Brush up on your French before you arrive

You do not need to be fluent in French to study at Rennes School of Business, but learning a few basics before your arrival can make daily life much easier and help you settle in more quickly.

Simple phrases can already make a big difference:

  • Bonjour, je m’appelle… – Hello, my name is…
  • Où est… ? – Where is…?
  • J’ai besoin de… – I need…
  • Je ne parle pas français, parlez-vous anglais ? – I don’t speak French, do you speak English?

Students who want to strengthen their language skills and gain confidence before or during their studies can also explore French language learning opportunities available through the School.

campus de paris - intérieur du bâtiment

10. Start discovering student life in Rennes or Paris

Moving abroad is not only about administration: it is also the start of a new personal and cultural experience. Taking time to discover your future city before you arrive can help you feel more confident and excited about the move.

Why study in Rennes?

Rennes is a fast-growing, vibrant and student-friendly city with a strong international community. It offers a high quality of life, a lively cultural calendar, plenty of cafés and restaurants, and easy access to Brittany’s coastline and countryside.

To get a feel for the city before you arrive, you can explore:

  • local cultural events, festivals and exhibitions
  • student neighbourhoods and transport options
  • practical information about everyday life in Rennes

Rennes a student city that is becoming increasingly popular 

Why study in Paris?

Paris offers an exceptional environment for students looking to study in the heart of one of the world’s leading capitals for business, culture and innovation. Museums, restaurants, neighbourhood life, transport connections and professional opportunities all contribute to a unique student experience.

Whether you are heading to Rennes or Paris, taking time to explore your new environment in advance will help you settle in more quickly once you arrive.

A final tip before you leave

Before your departure, make sure you keep all your important documents in one place, both in printed and digital format. This includes your passport, visa documents, admission letter, accommodation information, insurance documents and any paperwork needed for enrolment or administrative procedures in France.

You can also follow Rennes School of Business on social media and consult the School’s student support resources to stay informed before your arrival.

We look forward to welcoming you to Rennes School of Business and helping you start your student journey in France.