France Student Visa – Quick Guide
1. Visa Process
| Step | Details |
| Type of Visa | French Student Visa (VLS-TS) – mandatory for stays longer than 90 days |
| Where to Apply | Campus France → VFS Global |
| Duration | Issued for course duration, renewable in France |
| Apply Timeline | At least 2–3 months before departure |
| Processing Time | 4–8 weeks |
| Fees | €99 (Visa) + ₹8500 (Campus France fee) |
| Interview | Campus France interview – mandatory |
2. Visa Checklist
| Requirement | Notes |
| Valid Passport | Minimum 6 months validity beyond stay |
| Visa Application Form | Online submission |
| Passport-size Photos | 2–4 photos as per French guidelines |
| Campus France Proof | Fee payment receipt + Interview proof |
| University Admission Letter | Official acceptance from university |
| Proof of Accommodation | CROUS confirmation / Airbnb booking / rental |
| Proof of Financial Means | Approx. €740 per month |
| Health & Travel Insurance | Must cover entire stay in France |
| Academic Documents | Transcripts & certificates |
| Flight Ticket Booking | Recommended but not mandatory |
3. Flight Booking Hacks
| Tip | Details |
| Booking Time | Best 2–3 months in advance for low fares |
| Platforms | Skyscanner, StudentUniverse, MakeMyTrip (student discounts) |
| Compare | Round-trip vs one-way |
| Smart Search | Use VPN / Incognito mode for better prices |
| Arrival Airports | Paris CDG (best), Lyon / Marseille (cheaper options) |
4. Best Airlines for Students
| Airline | Student Baggage Allowance | Special Notes |
| Air France | 2×23kg + 1 cabin bag | Student fares available |
| Lufthansa | 2×23kg | Extra student discounts on long-haul |
| Emirates | 2×23kg | ~10% student discount |
| Qatar Airways | Up to 40kg total | Student deals |
| Etihad Airways | 2×23kg | Student offers |
5. Document Checklist
Must-Carry Documents
- Passport
- Visa
- Admission Letter
- Campus France documents
- Vaccination certificates
- Insurance papers -Travel + Health
- University fee receipts
- Accommodation proof Financial proof (Bank statements, Loan letters, Forex card)
- Photocopies & Digital copies (Google Drive/USB backup)
- Emergency Cash: €200–€300
- Forex Card
- International Debit/Credit Card
Useful Apps for Students in France
Local & Transport Apps
| App | Purpose |
| Astuce Rouen | Official Rouen public transport app (bus, tram, metro schedules, tickets) |
| SNCF Connect | Train bookings across France (Rouen ↔ Paris and beyond) |
| Omio / Trainline
EU |
Compare & book trains, buses, flights at best prices |
| Citymapper | Navigation in Rouen, Paris, etc. |
| Google Maps | Essential for walking, buses, shops |
Shopping & Food
| App | Purpose |
| Too Good To Go | Buy surplus food cheaply from bakeries & restaurants |
| Carrefour / Auchan / Intermarché | Grocery delivery & offers |
| Uber Eats / Deliveroo / Just Eat
France |
Food delivery |
| Leboncoin | Buy/sell second-hand items (like OLX) |
| Vinted | Buy cheap second-hand clothes |
| IKEA App | Furniture & essentials for student housing |
Banking & Finance
| App | Purpose |
| Wise (TransferWise) | Send/receive money internationally |
| Revolut / N26 | Free online student-friendly banks |
| PayPal | Online purchases, money transfers |
| Indian Bank Apps (ICICI, SBI, etc.) | Manage accounts back home |
French Language & Daily Life
| App | Purpose |
| Duolingo / LingQ / Babbel | Learn French basics |
| Google Translate | Quick translations (menus, signs, conversations) |
| Deepl Translate | Better for academic & long-text translations |
| La Poste App | Track parcels & mail |
| Doctolib | Book doctor appointments |
Must-Carry from India Clothing
| Category | Items |
| Winter Wear | 2–3 Winter Jackets (1 heavy, 1 medium, 1 waterproof rain jacket), 5–
6 Thermals (sets), Woolen sweaters, Hoodies, Pullovers, Scarves, Woolen caps, Ear muffs, Gloves |
| Casual &
Daily Wear |
10–12 T-shirts (half & full sleeves), 5–6 Shirts, 5 Jeans / Cotton trousers, 2–3 Joggers / Track pants, 3–4 Shorts, Light cotton shirts |
| Formal Wear | 1–2 Business Suits / Blazers, Formal shirts, Ties |
| Ethnic Wear
(Optional) |
1–2 Kurta sets / Sarees (for festivals/events) |
| Other Clothing | 12–14 Undergarments, 10–12 Socks (cotton + woolen), Nightwear /
Pyjamas, Swimwear |
| Rain
Protection |
Raincoat / Umbrella |
Shoes
| Type | Items |
| Daily Wear | 1 Pair Sports/Running Shoes, 1 Pair Casual Sneakers |
| Formal | 1 Pair Formal Shoes |
| Winter | 1 Pair Waterproof Winter Boots |
| Indoor | 1 Pair Slippers/Flip-flops |
Medicines
| Category | Items |
| Prescription | 6-Month Supply (with doctor’s prescription copies) |
| General | Paracetamol, Crocin, Cold & Cough Syrup, Vicks, Antacids, Band-aids |
| First Aid | Cotton, Antiseptic liquid, Ointments, Pain relief spray |
| Supplements | Multivitamins, Eye drops |
Electronics
| Item | Notes |
| Laptop + Charger | Keep bill for customs |
| Mobile Phone + Charger | Unlocked phone |
| EU Plug Adapters | 3–4 pieces |
| Extension Board | With Indian + EU sockets |
| Power Bank | 20,000 mAh recommended |
| Headphones/Earphones | Essential |
| Storage | External Hard Drive, USBs, Pen drives |
| Optional | Portable Speaker, Calculator (if allowed for exams) |
Kitchen Essentials
| Category | Items |
| Utensils &
Cookware |
Pressure Cooker (2L + 3L, induction safe), Extra rubber rings/valves,
Small Frying Pan, Small Kadai, Saucepan, Tawa, Rolling Pin + Board, Mixer Grinder (small), Rice Cooker (optional) |
| Cooking
Tools |
Spatulas, Tongs, Wooden Spoon, Knife Set, Peeler, Chopping Board,
Strainer, Grater, Can/Bottle Opener, Measuring Cups & Spoons, Whisk |
| Eating &
Storage |
Plates (2), Bowls (3), Glasses (2), Coffee Mugs (2), Lunch Box
(microwave safe), Water Bottle (steel 1L), Storage Boxes (4–5 airtight), Ziplock Bags, Foil & Cling Wrap |
| Spices &
Food Items |
Spice Box (8–10 compartments), Turmeric, Chili, Garam Masala,
Coriander Powder, Jeera, Mustard Seeds, Pepper, Ready-to-eat (Upma, Poha, Noodles, Instant Mix), Tea/Coffee Powder, Salt, Sugar, Pickles, Papad, Mixtures, Biscuits |
| Cleaning | Dishwashing Soap, Scrub Pads, Kitchen Cloths, Gloves |
Personal Care
| Category | Items |
| Oral Care | Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Mouthwash |
| Bathing | Soap, Shampoo, Conditioner, Towels (2 bath + 2 hand) |
| Skincare | Face Wash, Moisturizer, Sunscreen, Lip Balm |
| Grooming | Shaving Kit / Trimmer, Hair Oil, Comb |
| Hygiene | Nail Cutter, Earbuds |
| Fragrance | Perfume / Deodorant |
Miscellaneous & Extras
- Backpack (daily use)
- Cabin Bag (for weekend trips)
- Strong Suitcase with Lock & Name Tags
- Travel Pillow, Eye Mask, Ear Plugs
- Stationery: Pens, Notebooks, Files
- Sewing Kit (needles, thread, buttons)
- Portable Umbrella (wind-resistant)
- Small Gifts / Souvenirs from India (for French/International friends)
Packing & Travel Tips
- Always check airline baggage allowance before packing.
- Use vacuum bags for clothes to save space.
- Carry essential medicines in your cabin luggage.
- Mark all luggage with name tags & contact details.
- Keep digital copies of documents in Google Drive/USB.
- Carry a set of clothes & essentials in your cabin bag in case your main luggage gets delayed.
- Buy heavy items like blankets, quilts, pans from IKEA/Decathlon in France instead of carrying from India.
Must-Carry from India – Kitchen Items – Consolidated
(Lightweight, multipurpose, saves money)
- Pressure cooker (3–5 L) – #1 essential, very costly/difficult to find in France.
- Idli stand / Dhokla stand (if you use them often) – fits inside cooker.
- Chapati roller & small board (chakla belan) – if you make rotis.
- Spice box (masala dabba) – with your basic spices.
- Small kadai / fry pan – if you cook Indian often.
- Tava / dosa pan (flat, medium-sized).
- Paneer maker / muslin cloth – easier to carry just muslin cloth/cheesecloth, paneer mould is optional (can use normal strainer in France).
- Stainless steel plates, tumblers, small bowls – at least 1–2 sets (Indian-style).
- Reusable lunch box + water bottle – handy for university days.
Spices & Ingredients (carry small packs)
- Chilli powder, turmeric, garam masala, sambar/rasam powder, cumin, mustard seeds, hing (hard to find).
- Ready mixes (MTR upma, poha, dosa, pulao, etc.)
- Pickles, dry chutney powders.
- Tea powder/coffee
(In Rouen, you’ll find Indian/Asian stores for dals, rice, atta, etc., but they’re pricier than India.)
Buy in France (cheap in Carrefour, IKEA, Auchan, Action)
- Cutlery (forks, spoons, knives).
- Non-stick pots & pans.
- Cooking spoons, spatula, ladle.
- Strainer, chopping board, scissors.
- Oven-safe dish (many student rooms have microwaves/ovens).
- Dish rack, cleaning stuff.
Quick Reference – Jobs & Internships in Rouen (For Indian Students)
| Platform / Source | Type | Notes / Usage |
| Piktalent | Internship | Paid internships (marketing, IT, design, finance). |
| GoAbroad | Internship | International internship programs + guides. |
| BNP Paribas Careers
(Normandy) |
Internship / Full-
Time |
Student jobs, apprenticeships, summer roles (filter “Normandy”). |
| UNcareer.net | Internship / Full-
Time |
NGO/UN/EU opportunities, some remote. |
| Erasmusu (Student section) | Part-Time (Casual) | Babysitting, event staff, interpreting. |
| Indeed France | Part-Time / Full-
Time |
Use keyword “anglais” (English) + Rouen. |
| Pôle Emploi | Part-Time / Full-
Time |
Govt. job board for local student jobs. |
| LeBonCoin | Part-Time / Full-
Time |
Local marketplace, tutoring & casual jobs. |
| Glassdoor | Part-Time / Full-
Time |
Jobs + salary reviews. |
| EnglishJobs.fr | Internship / Part-
Time / Full |
Lists English-speaking opportunities. |
| JobTeaser (via Uni) | Internship / Part-
Time / Full |
University career portal (if available). |
| Facebook / WhatsApp
Groups |
Part-Time /
Networking |
Join “Indians in Rouen” for direct leads. |
Tips for Indian Students in Rouen (English-Speakers):
- Legal work limit: 20 hrs/week (min wage ~€7.83/hr → ~€700/month). Focus on English-demand roles: tutoring, babysitting, tourism, cafes.
- Always get a written contract; avoid scams or underpaid cash jobs.
- Networking (student groups, uni boards) gives faster results than just online applications.
Student SIM Card Comparison – Rouen
| Provider | Plan
Type |
Data & Calls | Validity | Price
(approx.) |
Where to Buy | |
| ☐ | Free
Mobile |
Prepaid | 210 GB + unlimited calls/texts | 30 days | €20 | Free kiosks, Tabac shops |
| ☐ | Lebara | Monthly | 70 GB + unlimited calls/texts | 30 days | €7.99 | Online, supermarkets,
Tabac |
| ☐ | Lycamobile | Monthly | 20–250 GB +
unlimited calls/texts |
30 days | €5.99–
24.99 |
Online, Relay, Tabac |
| ☐ | Bouygues | Prepaid | 20 GB + calls/texts +
€25 credit |
30 days | €39.90 | Bouygues store, Relay kiosks |
| ☐ | Orange
Holiday |
Prepaid | 30 GB + unlimited
EU calls/texts |
14 days | €39.99 | Orange store, Relay kiosks |
| ☐ | SFR
Prepaid |
Prepaid | 200 GB + unlimited calls/texts | 30 days | €40 | SFR store, supermarkets |
| ☐ | AloSIM
(eSIM) |
eSIM | 5 GB data | 30 days | ~€13–14 | App store download |
| ☐ | Ubigi
(eSIM) |
eSIM | 3–10 GB data | 30 days | €8–15 | Ubigi app |
| ☐ | Nomad
(eSIM) |
eSIM | 3–5 GB data | 30 days | €12–14 | Nomad app |
Pro Student Tips:
- Cheapest option for long-term: Free Mobile (€20/month, huge data).
- Easy & English-friendly: Lebara & Lycamobile (setup in English, recharge online).
- Short stay (first month): Orange Holiday SIM (tourist-friendly, fast setup).
- If you don’t want physical SIM hassle: Go with AloSIM or Ubigi eSIM.
- Always carry passport when buying SIM in store (mandatory in France).
Indian Grocery Stores in France
| Store / Source | Type | What You Can Buy |
| Dookan | Online delivery | Indian groceries including pickles, snacks, paneer, spices, batters — fast delivery to Rouen region.Dookan |
| Annachi
Supermarket (France) |
Online delivery | Wide selection of common Indian staples like dals, flours, snacks, spices, instant mixes.annachi.fr |
| Neuf Provinces
(Rouen store) |
Local brickand-mortar | Offers varied Asian ingredients (including some Indian items); good for fresh & daily-use products.Wheree |
Pro Tips for Indian Students in Rouen
- Order essentials ahead using Dookan or Annachi—perfect for your first week, saves you shopping trips.
- Use Neuf Provinces when already in Rouen for quick buys (condiments, sauces, some spices). Always compare prices at checkout.
- Tip from expats: “You can order from … annachi.fr—they deliver all over France.”Reddit
Things to Do Immediately After Arrival in Rouen
Legal & University Formalities
- Validate your Visa (VLS-TS) with OFII within 3 months of arrival.
- Register at University / Orientation Day – collect student card, course schedule, Wi-Fi, library access.
- Apply for French Health Insurance (CPAM) – free but mandatory; register online at fr.
- Get Student Insurance (Mutuelle étudiante) for extra medical coverage (optional but useful).
Accommodation & Housing
- CAF Housing Aid (APL) – apply online at caf.fr → students usually get €100– €250/month subsidy.
- Sign your housing contract and get an attestation d’assurance habitation (mandatory house insurance, ~€30–50/year).
- Open electricity/Internet account (if private housing, not CROUS).
Banking & Finance
- Open a French bank account (BNP Paribas, Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, or online banks like N26/Revolut). Needed for CAF + stipend + payments.
- Get a Forex Card / Revolut / Wise account for cheaper India ↔ France money transfers.
- Keep €200–300 cash for initial expenses (bus pass, groceries, SIM card).
Mobile & Connectivity
- Buy a SIM card (Free, Lebara, Lycamobile are cheapest).
- Install essential apps → Astuce Rouen (local transport), SNCF Connect (trains), Too Good To Go (cheap food), Leboncoin (second-hand items), Wise/Revolut (money).
- Get Student Wi-Fi access from university.
Transport & Mobility
- Get Navigo / Astuce Rouen card for buses, trams, metro → student discount available (~€37.60/month).
- Apply for SNCF Carte Jeune (18–27) → 30% discount on trains (Rouen ↔ Paris & nationwide).
- Use BlaBlaCar for cheap intercity trips.
Shopping & Daily Essentials
- Buy cheap essentials at Action, IKEA, Carrefour, Auchan.
- Check Leboncoin / Vinted → second-hand furniture, cycles, clothes at very low cost.
- Carry or buy a pressure cooker → saves money and makes Indian cooking easy.
- Stock Indian spices locally at Indian/Asian stores (Velan Paris, Paris Store) or order online (indiansupermarket.fr).
Jobs & Internships (for English speakers)
- Check university career portals (JobTeaser, LinkedIn student groups).
- Search part-time jobs on Indeed, Pole Emploi, Erasmusu.
- Network via Facebook/WhatsApp groups like “Indians in Rouen” for local opportunities.
- Remember: You can legally work 20 hrs/week on student visa (~€700/month at minimum wage).
Community & Support
- Join Indian/French student WhatsApp groups → housing, jobs, events.
- Join university clubs (sports, cultural, entrepreneurship) → networking & cheap activities.
- Register at Indian community in Paris (ICWA events) if you want larger Indian network.
Study & University + Social & Community Apps
| Category | App / Platform | Purpose / Use Case |
| Study &
University |
Google Drive / Docs / Sheets | Assignments, group projects, file sharing |
| Microsoft Teams /
Zoom |
Online classes, group calls, collaboration | |
| Notion / Evernote | Note-taking, organizing study material | |
| Moodle / Blackboard | University course management (if applicable) | |
| Social &
Community |
WhatsApp / Telegram | Student groups, Indian community in Rouen |
| Meetup | Networking, events, hobby-based meetups | |
| Tandem / HelloTalk | Practice French with locals, language exchange | |
| Join groups like “Indians in Rouen/Paris” or “Étudiants Rouen” |
First Month Survival Planner – Rouen (for Indian Students)
Week 1 – Essentials & Setup
| Task | Why Important | Notes |
| Validate VLS-TS Visa (OFII online) | Legal requirement | Must be done within 3 months |
| Register at University | Access Wi-Fi, library, courses | Collect student card |
| Buy SIM card (Free, Lebara,
Lycamobile) |
Stay connected | Cheapest ~€9.99–
19.99/month |
| Buy Transport Card (Astuce Rouen
/ Navigo Jeune) |
Unlimited bus, tram, metro | Student rate
~€37.60/month |
| Arrange temporary accommodation
(Airbnb, CROUS check-in) |
Safe landing | Keep proof for CAF |
| Buy basic groceries & cooking starter kit | Save money | Carrefour, Auchan,
Action, IKEA |
Week 2 – Banking & Housing
| Task | Why Important | Notes |
| Open French bank account (BNP,
Société Générale, Crédit Agricole, or N26/Revolut) |
Needed for CAF
& payments |
Carry passport + address proof |
| Apply for CAF housing aid (APL) | Get €100–250 rent subsidy | Apply online at caf.fr |
| Get House Insurance (Assurance
Habitation) |
Mandatory for rentals | ~€30–50/year |
| Shop cheap second-hand items
(Leboncoin, Vinted, Emmaüs) |
Save money | Beds, tables, jackets, cycles |
| Join student WhatsApp/Facebook groups | Networking + jobs | Search “Indians in
Rouen”, “Etudiants Rouen” |
Week 3 – Health & Daily Life
| Task | Why Important | Notes |
| Apply for CPAM (French health insurance) | Free & mandatory | Online at ameli.fr |
| Consider student Mutuelle
(extra insurance) |
Covers what CPAM doesn’t | Optional but useful |
| Register at local GP (doctor) via
Doctolib |
Easier for emergencies | Needed for reimbursements |
| Buy winter wear locally (if not carried) | Cheaper off-season | Check Vinted, Decathlon |
| Explore Too Good To Go app | Save money on food | Bakery/restaurant surplus
€3–5 |
Week 4 – Career & Settling In
| Task | Why Important | Notes |
| Start part-time job search (Indeed,
Pole Emploi, Erasmusu) |
Earn ~€600–
700/month |
20 hrs/week legal |
| Prepare French-style CV & cover letter | Required for jobs | Keep 1 English + 1
French version |
| Attend university career center workshops | Networking + internships | Many use JobTeaser |
| Join student clubs/societies | Build network &
social life |
Cheap/free memberships |
| Plan bank transfer setup (Wise,
Revolut) |
Cheaper India ↔
France transfers |
Compare rates |
Quick “Survival Musts” in First Month
- SIM card + Internet
- Transport pass (Astuce Rouen / SNCF Carte Jeune)
- French bank account
- CAF housing aid + insurance
- CPAM health insurance
- Basic Indian spices, pressure cooker
- Part-time job hunt begins