Table of Contents

Table of Contents
First steps ............................................................................................................................................ 1
Documents Checklist............................................................................................................................... 4
Your first days ......................................................................................................................................... 6
Buddy Program ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Accommodation ...................................................................................................................................... 8
Finding an accommodation..................................................................................................................... 8
Rent and associated costs ................................................................................................................. 10
Standard clauses ............................................................................................................................... 12
Different housing opportunities ....................................................................................................... 15
Sciences Po partnerships .................................................................................................................. 17
Housing benefit ................................................................................................................................. 17
Health .................................................................................................................................................... 18
Social Security and Health Insurance ................................................................................................ 18
Social Security and Complementary Insurance ............................................................................ 18
Complementary insurance ............................................................................................................ 19
The Sciences Po Health Centre ..................................................................................................... 20
In Case of Emergency .................................................................................................................... 20
Money ................................................................................................................................................... 20
Opening a bank account ................................................................................................................... 20
Mobile phone .................................................................................................................................... 22
Transport in Paris .................................................................................................................................. 23
First steps
Your application has been accepted... What next?
Congratulations, you have been accepted to study at Sciences Po.
Below are the eight initial steps you should take once you have received your letter of admission and
before beginning the academic year:
1) Write down you student number (or ID) that will sent to you by email. Your ID and password will
give you to access your Espace Sciences Po. You will then be abble to begin your administrative
formalities and course registration.
2) Answer to your admission offer through your Espace Sciences Po
3) Activate your Sciences Po mail, ENTG mail account (for email, calendar, forum, etc.)
4) Complete your administrative registration
Compulsory registration will start few months before the beginning of classes.
Please check the registration calendar to find out the exact deadline for your registration.
This procedure is compulsory and will make your presence at Sciences Po official.
You will then be able to get your student card which will allow you to access all student services and
the library.
You should also download your admission certificate ("certificat de scolarité") so that you can
begin applying for a visa. You can find it in the "Accueil administratif" section of your Sciences Po
student space.
The student card entitles you to discounts in museums and is needed when applying for the annual
travel card (“carte Imagine’R”). While waiting for your student card, you can use your admission
certificate as proof that you are a student at Sciences Po.
5) Complete your course registration
Course registration for your classes and seminars is to be completed online:

in early July for the autumn semester

in early December for the spring semester
You can also email the following address: [email protected].
Before contacting us for registration assistance, we invite you to take the following steps:





For course registration, connect to your Student space,
See here for the course registration calendar,
For all details on academic life at the Undergraduate college,
For question on your language levels,
Watch the course registration tutorial video.
During the period of course registration, the registration service and the different academic offices
handle several hundred calls every day.
For this reason, we would ask you to read carefully all the information available on the FAQ page and
watch the video, which explains how to complete your registration before contacting our services, as
you will more than likely find the answer.
Advice: The best way to complete your registration is to prepare your timetable in advance. Class
times will be sent to you before registration opens.
6) Learn about and enrol in orientation programmes (if necessary)
7) If you are an international student, begin the administrative formalities required to obtain a visa.
Immigration

Passport and visa
As an incoming international student at Sciences Po, you will need to complete some mandatory
administrative formalities to regularise your immigration status.
You may be required to apply for a visa, depending on your country of residence.
Information about visas (who is concerned, how to apply, cost, etc.) can be found on the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs’ website. If you do require a visa, please plan ahead, as the process can take some
time.
Handy to know: Your admission certificate ("certificat de scolarité"), proving that you have been
accepted to Sciences Po, may be useful in applying for a visa. You can find it at your Espace Sciences
Po: click on "Espace étudiant - accueil administratif" and then scroll down the page to the section
titled "Les certificats administratifs et documents de la MAIF." Follow the hyper link on "visa
d'étudiant" to find your admission certificate.

Extended-stay student visa, with residency permit (VLS-TS)
With one exception, the new VLS-TS visa applies to all international students wishing to enrol in a
French institution of higher education. The exception is Algerian nationals, who are subject to other
provisions.
In most cases, the extended-stay visas with residency permit (VLS-TS) is valid for 1 year.
When the VLS-TS visa is issued, the consulate will give the applicant an official form (with
instructions) that the applicant must present to the French Office of Immigration and Integration
(OFII).

Obtaining a VLS–TS under the online CEF procedure (through CampusFrance)
In 31 countries the local offices of CampusFrance are equipped to administer the online CEF
procedure.
This electronic procedure provides students intending to study in France with advice while preparing
the visa application and, later, assistance in tracking the prospective student's applications.

Sciences Po's Resident Permit Office on the Paris campus
Sciences Po has put in place a liaison service between the Police Department of Paris and students,
so that international students do not have to visit the Prefecture of Police alone.
Sciences Po has put in place a liaison service between the Police Department of Paris and students,
so that international students do not have to visit the Prefecture of Police alone.
Please be aware that this service is only available for students residing within the city of Paris (areas
with postal codes beginning with 75). We strongly advise you to find your housing accommodation in
« Paris intra-muros » in order to facilitate your application process.
This office is open at the beginning of each semester from September to December and from
January to mid-February. The office will reopen again to students at the end of August 2013.
If you have a query concerning a first application or a renewal outside of office opening times, please
read carefully the information about first applications and renewals.
For further information outside of office opening times, please contact by
email: [email protected]
- Read the latest news on the Residence Permit
- Read the Residence Permit Circular (in French)
Students who live outside of Paris, in the Ile-de-France region, can visit the Prefecture’s website for
information on the application process.
Students who live in one of the six campus outside of Paris will receive information from the
administrative team of their campus.

Working in France
As a foreign student, you are allowed to work in France. You just need your student card and your
residency permit mentioning your student status. You have the right to work up to 964 hours per
year (starting from your arrival in France). The minimum wage in France is 9 euros/hour.
Documents Checklist
You will need to provide many different documents for all of your administrative procedures (for
Sciences Po, accommodation, social security, residency permit, etc.). Here is a non-exhaustive list of
documents that you will definitely need. Make sure to make several photocopies of all important
papers.
Identity documents

A valid passport with a long-stay student visa (unless you have a dispensation), original and
photocopy.
* For citizens of the European Economic Space an ID card is sufficient.

Your original birth certificate and a certified (official) translation. This document is proof of
your civil status.

The original documents you used to obtain a visa from the French consulate or embassy in
your home country. You may be asked to present these at customs and they will be
necessary when you apply for a residency permit (titre de séjour).

A dozen or so ID photos (3,5 X 4,5 cm), which you will need for many different cards (student
card, public transport discounts, museums and more). But you can always get these in
France.
Health

Students from the European Economic Space: proof of health insurance (public or private)
that can be used as proof of social cover in France. You can obtain this from the health
insurance office in your country.

Vaccination booklet (document containing particular information on your health)

Photocopy of prescriptions for any medication and glasses if you use them.
Studies

Originals of your diplomas (high school and university, if applicable) and a certificate
attesting that the high school diploma allows you to attend a university in your home
country.

Detailled transcript of all of your grades from your last two years of school or university
(these are indispensable for certain enrolments: preparatory classes, certain university
courses, etc...).

Exchange students: certificate of enrolment from your university.

Ph.D. candidates: transcript of all classes taken and grades thorughout your university career
(and for certain disciplines, a detailed research proposal).

Students on French government scholarships: a letter of presentation from the cultural
service of the French embassy.
Others

If you intend to drive in France, don't forget your valid driver's licence.
* We also advise you to keep a scanned version of all these documents.
* Documents in foreign languages: all official documents must be translated by a certified translator.
Your first days

If you arrive by plane
You will touch down at one of the city's two main airports; Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) located
23km to the north-east of Paris, or Paris-Orly (ORY), 14km to the south of Paris.
Handy to know: there is also the Paris-Beauvais airport (BVA), which specialises in low-cost flights all
over Europe. However, this airport is located 1.15h away (by special shuttle from Porte Maillot) to
the west of Paris.
Customs declaration: only sums of money (cash or cheques), deeds (actions, contracts, etc.) and
valuables equal to or worth more than 10,000 euros must be declared at customs.
For more information on customs declarations.

Getting around
From the airport to Paris
Sciences Po does not have a transport services to collect students from the airports of Paris, but you
might find some of the following links helpful for when you first arrive.
- Airports of Paris site (AdP) which also has information on access (airport maps, parking, etc.)
- The Paris Info site which has metro, RER and other public transport maps
Railway stations in Paris
Paris has several railway stations, each of which services a different zone of France. All of these
stations are situated in the heart fo Paris.
If your destination is one of the campuses outside Paris, you may have to come through Paris:
Gare Saint-Lazare for Le Havre
Gare de Lyon for Menton and Dijon
Gare de l'Est for Nancy and Reims
Gare Montparnasse for Poitiers

Exchanging currency
Euros: Although the exchange rate is always more favourable in the host country, we would advise
you to arrive with enough euros to pay for your first taxi or night in a hotel.
Banks take a commission of three to five euros each time you exchange money. This commission
varies from one bank to another.
Handy to know: Post offices often offer the best exchange rates and accept all foreign currencies as
well as travellers cheques, American Express and Visa.
Another possible alternative are currency exchange outlets. You can find these at airports, train
stations and in tourist districts (the Latin Quarter and Champs-Elysées, for example).

Where should I stay?
When you first arrive in France you will probably have to find temporary accommodation while
searching for a place, if you are attending the Paris campus, or transferring to a regional campus.
Youth hostels are the cheapest option in Paris. There are also nice hotels that can help you out in a
tight spot.
Information on hotels in Paris
Information on youth hostels in Paris

Eating and drinking
You can find information on the page dedicated to eating and shopping.
If you want more information about eating out in Paris.

Telephone/Internet
You will find many telephone booths for which you can buy a phone card (sold in tabacs or
newspaper kiosks) starting from 7.5 €, or directly with a VISA card.
Handy to know: there is WiFi access in most public places (train stations, airports, shopping centres)
and in many cafés, as well as cybercafés.
Buddy Program
International students in Paris
The "Buddy Program" allows international students in Paris to learn the ropes and settle in as soon
as they arrive with the friendly help of a Sciences Po Buddy.
Buddies are there to help international students find their feet and integrate into the Sciences Po
community to ensure that their year (or semester) here is a rich and lively experience.
All exchange students will receive on their Sciences Po email account the name and contact details
of their Buddy before they arrive .
If you have any questions about the Buddy Program, you can write to us
[email protected]
Accommodation
students will need to pay for a translated copy of their birthcert before they go to France in order to
avail of the living allowances granted by the French government
Located in the heart of Paris, Sciences Po does not have housing on campus to offer its students. As
a result, you must make arrangements to find your own accommodation. Sciences Po has made
available numerous housing offers and information to help guide you in your search. One section
also provides information regarding housing benefits to which you may be entitled. You will find on
this site accommodation listings and information on finding housing in Paris, as well as practical and
legal advice on renting in France.
Sciences Po Housing Service
Located within the Social Assistance Service,
The Student Housing Unit welcomes students
Monday to Friday, 10:00 to 18:00 without appointment
9 rue de la Chaise
Contact: [email protected]
To assist you in finding housing, Sciences Po has placed at your disposal a listings registry made only
available to its students: http://logements.sciencespo.fr/
Access to the site is free of charge. To log on, use the username and password associated with your
Sciences Po e-mail account. You may browse through listings as well as post your own ads.
Be sure to check regularly for updates, as every offer submitted to Sciences Po will be published on
this site:

Private flats

Private sector student halls of residences

Social housing offers
Available rooms in the halls of residence at the Cité Universitaire
Landlords may also post housing offers, free of charge, directly on this site. Please feel free to pass
along this information.
Finding an accommodation
Determining your needs and priorities
You must first determine your needs, set your criteria and create a budget. As a general rule, do not
limit your search only to Paris. Nearby suburbs are often easily accessible via the metro and rental
rates are substantially lower than within Paris.
Key terms that often appear in listing ads:

Loyer CC ou TCC: rent (service charges included)

Hono/H + €: letting agency fees

T1: the number that follows the "T" corresponds to the number of rooms

The floor area is always indicated in square metres

PK/GAR: parking or garage

ET: floor or storey

ASC: lift access

INT/DIG: intercom/digital code entry

SDB: bathroom (may include a bathtub, but not always the case)

DCH: shower

KITCH: kitchenette located in the main room and at the very least equipped with a sink, hot
plates and a refrigerator.
The first contact with the landlord
Up next is the initial telephone call to the property manager, landlord or letting agency. If you don't
speak french very well, you absolutely need to request help from a french students. Some of the
landlords are old people who don't speak english.
Be clear about what you want to know and ask specific questions. If you are unsure of any
information found in the listing ad, do not hesitate to ask for clarification.Be aware when reading
listing ads that an address is rarely included and claims such as "10 minutes from the metro station"
or "ideal for student" are not always accurate. Ask about the bus and metro routes that circulate
through the neighbourhood and nearby corner shops. If necessary, take it upon yourself to verify.
The viewing
Before you begin, prepare all the supporting documents required for entering into a tenancy
agreement. This will save you considerable time.



Front and back photocopy of identification document for both you and your guarantor;
Photocopy of the last three pay stubs for you and/or your guarantor (if you do not have any,
those of your guarantor will suffice);
Photocopy of the last income tax return for you and/or your guarantor;



Proof of residence for your guarantor (latest receipt of rent payment, last utility or
telephone bill);
Bank details or RIB (for a commercial, savings or postal bank account) for both you and your
guarantor;
Affidavit completed by your employer, if you are employed (the landlord may request this).
Preparing your dossier ahead of time can potentially give you an advantage over the competition.
More importantly, show up on time for your appointment to view the flat. Be sure to cancel any
appointment that you are unable to attend prior to the scheduled date and time. Courtesy and
politeness are very much appreciated. Arrive plenty of time before the appointment to walk around
the neighbourhood. Take notice of the nearby corner shops, bus stops, and the noise-level in the
daytime, etc. The flat viewing is the most crucial moment. A careful inspection of the property could
help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Of course you can fall in love with the flat, but be aware that it
may hide certain defects that you will later regret. Ideally, you should view the property along with a
parent or a friend who could offer a different perspective.
What you should verify: The overall state of the accommodation and that all installations are in good
working order. Verify the plumbing – turn the water faucets all the way on and flush the toilets (if
there is no running water, get it written down in the tenancy agreement to have the service resume)
– the sanitary facilities, the electrical installations (fittings and fixtures) and the heating installations
(even in the middle of the summer). Are these compatible with the standard regulations? Count the
number of electrical outlets and verify the radiators. Check for the availability of a telephone socket,
a TV antenna/areal socket and the possibility for Internet connection. Verify the condition of the
paint and wallpapers, doorways and openings (doors, windows, shutters), and flooring. If on the top
floor, verify the thermal insulation properties of the roofing system. This way, you could avoid
having to endure freezing winters and stuffy summers.
The building: Is there a caretaker? Are the stairways kept clean? What condition are the letterboxes
in? Where are the rubbish bins located? Is it possible to bring your bicycle indoors? Do other
students reside in the building? What are the security features of the building (digital code entry or
intercom)? Ask the neighbours about the pros and cons of residing in the building and in the
neighbourhood.
Rent and associated costs
There are several rental costs for which you are responsible:
Rent: generally, you must pay one-month rent once you sign the tenancy agreement. The rent
amount must be written into the tenancy agreement separately from the service charges. Always
ask if any charges are included (and the types of charges involved) in the given amount.
Service charges: these include the costs for maintaining the common areas in the building and for
one or more utilities (for example: lift usage, water, rubbish collection). Charges are paid to the
landlord who in turn arranges provision of the services. In some cases, separate costs associated
with water and heating may also be included. Be sure to ask which service charge items may or may
not be included in your monthly rent.
Other charges: electricity, telephone, and Internet are usually separate from the rent. You must
apply for these utility services separately and ensure that you terminate the contracts at the end of
the tenancy.
The deposit at the start of the tenancy: it serves to ensure that you honour your obligations, such as
payment to repair damages caused by the tenant. Within two months after your departure, the
owner is legally obliged to refund your deposit, minus the expenses he/she incurred to repair the
damages made during your stay.
The inventory of the premises (états des lieux), unless conducted by a third party, is free of charge.
A first inventory is done at the start of the tenancy, at the time the keys are given to you and before
you move in. The inventory details the condition of the property and lists its content. The second
inventory takes place at the end of the tenancy period. Both must be as precise as possible, with
detailed observations, in order to avoid any dispute at the end of the tenancy. If you notice any
defect, even if it may seem unimportant, ask that it be taken into account in the inventory. For
example, a single stain on the carpet that goes unmentioned on the initial inventory could lead to an
unscrupulous landlord charging you for the replacement of the carpet.
Home insurance: you are obligated to subscribe an insurance coverage through an agency of your
choice (between 30 to 60 € depending on the size of your accommodation)
The guarantor: a guarantor is often required for student tenants – guarantee by a family member or
a bank, or in some cases several months' rent in advance.
The housing tax is a local property tax payable each year in autumn. It is owed for the entire year by
whoever occupies the property on 1st January of that year. Verify with your landlord the amount and
who is responsible for paying this tax.
The tenancy agreement
The purpose of a written agreement signed by the landlord and tenant is to define their relationship
and thereby protect the interests of both parties. The tenancy agreement can be made directly
between the landlord and the tenant or through a third party professional (agency, bailiff, notary).
The agreement must be executed in two (2) original copies, one for each party. Unfurnished tenancy
is governed by the law of 6 July 1989. The landlord must abide by the conditions set forth in this law.
Characteristics of Decent Housing (Decree No. 2002-120 of 30 January 2002): the accommodation
must comprise a liveable floor area of no less than 9 square metres above which a ceiling height of
at least 2.20 metres, or otherwise a living space of at least 20 cubic metres. The accommodation
must be equipped with heating, electric and gas installations that comply with safety regulations. If
the property consists of only one room, its sanitary facility may be limited to a WC located outside
the flat.
Definition of furnished accommodation: the law of 1989, which explicitly excluded furnished tenancy
from its purview, imposes however certain requirements when the dwelling constitutes the primary
residence of the tenant. A written tenancy agreement is required. A dwelling unit (house, flat, a
spare or independent room) is considered furnished when the premises contain the proper and
necessary furniture for everyday life: table, bed, storage, cookware, refrigerator, hot plates, etc.
Sheets and linens are the responsibility of the tenant.
A standard tenancy agreement must contain the following:

Name and address of the landlord and/or agent

Start date and duration of the tenancy period

Description of the property and annexes

List of common areas

Use of the property (residential, professional or mixed)

Amount for rent payable and the date that it is due each month

Amount for service charges

Deposit amount (limited to one month's rent excluding service charges; it cannot be
changed during the course nor when renewing the tenancy)
Standard clauses
For the landlord:

Make the property available to the tenant and maintain it in a good state of repair

Keep the premises fit for habitation in accordance to the tenancy agreement

Ensure that the tenant has quiet enjoyment of the premises

Guarantee the tenant against all vices and defects on the premises that prevent or diminish
their use
For the tenant:

Pay the rent and services charges

Use the premises peacefully and refrain from activities that could harm or disturb the peace
of the neighbourhood, including noise<

Pay for damages, unless attributable to force majeure or the landlord
The landlord may require that the tenant subscribe an insurance policy providing coverage for fire
and water damage.
Please note: if you are required by the landlord to pay a holding deposit fee and sign a reservation
agreement, the latter agreement must include a detailed description of the accommodation, the
rent amount, the length of the tenancy, as well as the conditions for a refund of the amount paid,
should you change your mind.
It is important to convey any critical information to your landlord by means of a registered letter
with return receipt. This is mandatory for terminating a tenancy agreement. It is also essential to
respect the advance notice requirements and deadlines specified in your tenancy agreement, and in
particular the notice requirements for terminating your tenancy.
The inventory

It is in the interest of both the landlord and the tenant to establish an inventory (états des
lieux) in order to determine who is responsible for any repair costs at the end of tenancy.
Insist on your landlord conducting an inventory. List details as precisely as possible regarding
the condition of the property. Descriptions such as "in good condition" or "in average
condition" can leave room for interpretation and should therefore be avoided.

The inventory should list the items and the condition of furniture put at the disposal of the
tenant. It should be as precise as possible. This will allow the landlord to prove ownership of
the furniture in question and an opportunity for the tenant to verify and require that all
equipments be delivered in good working order.

The landlord can demand compensation from a departing tenant for damages caused to any
furniture at the property.

A written inventory must be established in agreement between the landlord and the tenant,
at the time the keys are given out and when the keys are being returned to the landlord.
When done in this manner, the inventory is free of charge. In order to be valid, both the
initial and final inventories must be signed by the two parties.

The landlord and the tenant can otherwise agree on using the services of a bailiff (huissier),
and on which party will incur the costs.

You must notify your landlord within 20 days of any defects discovered after moving into the
property, which were not taken into account in the inventory, by means of a registered
letter with accused receipt.
In case of dispute
In case of dispute, the best course is to try to negotiate an amicable solution with your landlord or
flatmate(s). For assistance, you may contact the Departmental Housing Information Associations
(ADIL). The ADIL can provide information free of charge by telephone, by appointment at its centres,
and is present in the municipal district halls as well as the offices of the CROUS. The ADIL can advise
you on all types of housing issues. Free consultation:

by appointment only at the headquarters of the ADIL (46 bis Bd Edgar Quinet, 75014 Paris).
Telephone: 01 42 79 50 51

by appointment at the municipal district halls

at the CROUS (39 av Georges Bernanos), the first Tuesday of each month. For an
appointment contact: 01 40 51 37 46 (Division de la vie étudiante)
If you have subscribed legal assistance coverage, you may also consult your insurance agency.
The deposit
The deposit covers potential damages to the property by the tenant as well as all outstanding
amounts due to the landlord.
For an unfurnished tenancy, the deposit is limited to the equivalent of one-month's rent, excluding
the services charges.
For a furnished tenancy, the amount of the deposit is not fixed and is usually no more than the
equivalent of two months' rent. However, a landlord who requires three months advance rent
cannot demand the payment of a deposit.
The deposit is paid to the landlord at the start of the tenancy and must be refunded within two
months of the date the tenant returns the keys, minus any deductions for outstanding rent and/or
other justifiable charges.
The deposit amount cannot be changed during the length of the tenancy.
If you damage or poorly maintain the property during your stay, your landlord may deduct repair
costs from your deposit, or even withhold the full amount.
During the term of the tenancy, you are obligated to perform regular upkeep and certain repairs that
fall under your responsibility as a tenant: replacement of broken windows and door handles,
maintenance of plumbing fixtures, replacement of fittings on sanitary fixtures, etc.
Failure to fulfil your obligations may result in you being charged for the repair work done after your
departure, based on the comparison of the initial and final inventories.
The guarantor
Landlords generally ask for a person with a sound financial record, often a parent, to act as a
guarantor for rent payments. It is necessary to provide a written consent from the guarantor. This is
the document whereby the person agrees to cover a tenant against non-payment of rent. For this
document to be valid all rules in form and content must be respected.
Reminder: the law of 25 March 2009 prohibits the requirement of a personal guarantor when the
landlord has already subscribed an insurance policy against the non-payment of rent (or GRL).
Insurance
Home insurance is compulsory in France. The landlord is entitled to ask the tenant to provide proof
of insurance within a week of signing the tenancy agreement.
Different policy options are available through insurance agencies. Read the proposed conditions
carefully: an excessive coverage is often expensive and may not necessarily meet your needs.
If your family resides in France, it may be possible to be covered under your family policy: be sure to
verify this with the insurance agency.
Different housing opportunities
Rent a room at the ciup
If you wish to rent a room at CIUP for the month of September (only for international students who
come to Paris campus) reserve your room and pay through your Sciences Po online area. The
reservation for a room at the Cité Internationale Universitaire Paris gives you guaranteed housing for
one month at a reasonable price to facilitate your arrival and your housing search. No refunds will be
made.
The number of rooms available is limited. For more information, visit on website Sciences Po's
International Office
If you are a graduate student, you can also apply for a long term stay
: http://workflow.ciup.fr/citeu/site/login.php
Private students' residence
To rent a flat in a private students' residence = direct contact through URL Adele website provides
any details you may need concerning all residences. You can reserve on line.
To rent a room in a family :

http://www.parisacademicrentals.com

http://www.sejoursfrancefamille.fr/
Offers from private landlords

http://www.crous.fr/

http://www.pap.fr
Offers from agencies

http://www.lodgis.com

http://www.parisattitude.com

http://www.apartofparis.com
Housing for short term time period
When coming to Paris to get in touch with owners, estate agencies, and/or to visit flats, housing for
a short time period can be useful:
In lodging house

http://www.aijparis.com/framea.htm

http://www.mije.com/

http://www.bvjhotel.com/

http://www.woodstock.fr/
If you're looking for a cheap hotel, consult http://www.etudiantdeparis.fr/
flat share
Sharing a large flat between two or more students is an interesting and less expensive alternative,
particularly in big cities with a shortage of single-living accommodations.
The most common option is a single tenancy agreement signed by all tenants, when two or more
persons share the flat. This means that you will all have exactly the same responsibilities and rights
vis-à-vis the landlord. All flatmates are considered joint tenants and are mutually and individually
responsible for paying the rent.
Mutual obligation
The agreement usually contains a solidarity clause that binds all co-tenants for the duration of the
tenancy, even if one individual were to move out.
This clause can be still be valid even when the agreement makes no explicit mention of the term
"solidarity": if the tenants are said to be responsible "l'un pour l'autre" (for one another), "chacun
pour le tout" (one for all and all for one), or "ont obligation au tout" (are obligated for all) then they
are bound by a solidarity clause and equally liable for the payment of rent and service charges.
A problem may occasionally arise at the end of the period of the tenancy with regard to the deposit.
At the start of the tenancy, the co-tenants pay, in most cases, a single deposit to the landlord
(usually the equivalent of one month's rent). However, following the departure of the tenants, the
landlord is not required to reimburse each tenant his/her share of the deposit. The landlord will
return the deposit to one of the tenants, who in turn will be responsible for reimbursing the others
their share.
Departure of a joint tenant
When one of the persons sharing the flat decides to move out, there are two possibilities:
If the agreement does not contain a solidarity clause, the tenant must notify the landlord of his/her
pending departure by means of a registered letter. He/she will continue to be liable for the rent and
charges until the end of the notice period.
If the agreement contains a solidarity clause, the departing tenant will continue to be responsible for
the rent and additional charges until the end of the tenancy, despite having notified the landlord by
means of a registered letter. This rule also applies to the guarantor of the departing tenant.
In all cases, the conditions of the agreement will remain unchanged for the remaining tenant(s).
However, the departing tenant will not be reimbursed his/her share of the deposit until the end of
the period of the tenancy.
A new tenant can be included in the agreement, either by way of an addendum that will be attached
to the initial agreement to substitute his/her name, or a completely new tenancy agreement can be
drawn up (at the risk of a rent increase).
Sharing household expenses
Insurance: co-tenants should all be insured in order to avoid potential conflicts.
Electricity: up to three co-tenants may request to feature on the EDF account. This implies that the
persons whose names appear on the contract are jointly responsible. The bills may also serve as
proof of residence.
Housing benefit: each tenant may qualify for housing benefit, but will be required to provide a copy
of the tenancy agreement for the calculation of his/her benefit entitlement. The benefit amount will
be lower than if the individual were residing alone while paying the same rent.
It may be useful to establish ground rules and each person's share of the household expenses.
Sciences Po partnerships
private students' residence
Sciences Po has many partnerships with private students' residences :

Les Studélites : Sciences Po students can benefit of 50% rebate for the application fees.

The residence CAMPUSEA at Le Bourget.
10 à 20 rooms have been reserved for Sciences Po students. 18 to 24 m2 with shower and
kitchnette. Rent 615 to 695 euros. Application fees: 575 euros. Availability: mid August 2013. NO
GUARANTOR REQUIRED. 15 mn from "Cluny la Sorbonne" with RER B. Contact the Sciences Po
housing unit for a partnership code: [email protected]

The residence Jacques Restignat at Cachan :
20 rooms reserved for Sciences Po student. Room 16m2 with shower. Sharing kitchen. Rent 584
euros. Application fees : 350 euros. Available immediatly. 30mn from Sciences Po with the RER B.
Contact the Sciences Po housing unit : [email protected]
Housing benefit
CAF housing allowance
Individual and/or joint tenants may be entitled to housing benefits whether living in an unfurnished
or furnished flat, home-stay, or student hall of residence.
The accommodation must correspond to decent home standards (offer a minimum comfort: water,
toilet, heating installations) and have a minimum floor area of 9 sq. metres.
The tenancy agreement must be in your name or that of your legal guardian, if you are a minor. You
must not be a relative of the property owner (child or parent).
Students from outside the European Economic Zone must hold in their first year an extended-stay
visa with residence permit (known as the VS-TS), and a residence permit in their second year.
The calculation of your housing benefit will take into account your income, the type of
accommodation, the location and the amount of the rent.
For an estimate of your benefit entitlement please visit the CAF website.
The CAF will be at the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris, from Monday 16th September to
Friday 22nd November (salle Nathan, 21 bd Jourdan, 75014 Paris) in order to help you with your
application, even if you do not live at the CIUP.
Health
Social Security and Health Insurance
Social Security will reimburse around 60% of your health expenses. Alongside this compulsory
system, membership of a student mutual society (from 110 euros annually) covers the rest of your
health expenses.
Sciences Po students (excepting EU students who hold a European health insurance card) must be
affiliated with Social Security and as part of their administrative registration must also choose a
payment centre, LMDE orSMEREP, for the reimbursement of their healthcare costs. The two options
are relatively the same. The price and services are equal. It's just a choice.
Social Security and Complementary Insurance
General Rules
Obtaining students social security is compulsory for students under 28, except for:

students personally insured as paid workers

spouse/ partner of an eligible regular affiliated member(non student).

students with a parent, salaried in a company under a special French social security system

Citizens of European Union countries using the European Health Insurance Card . This card
has to be obtained from the social security office before departing from their country. The
card must be valid when registering at Sciences Po.

students coming from Quebec, Andorra and Monaco provided with specific forms issued by
their national social security office.
Important : In any of the above listed situations, the student must be able to provide proof of social
security coverage during the whole academic year (September 1 to August 30). This coverage must
be valid throughout the French territory and cover the same risks as the student social security.
Students over 28 can't affiliate to the student social security. They should contact the Primary Health
Insurance Fund from their place of residence for terms and conditions of their care. For more
information...
Rates
To benefit from the student social cover system, students pay an annual and a one time fixed
rate which IS 211 € for the 2013-2014 academic year.
Scholarship holders, under the condition that they have not yet used all their scholarship rights, for
their degree or cursus, will be exempted of payment for the health insurance upon producing the
relevant documents proving their scholarship holder status.
Reimbursement procedures
Students covered with the student social security have to choose a payment centre that will process
the reimbursements for medical expenses : SMEREP (center 617) or LMDE (center 601). If they also
decide to subscribe for a complementary insurance with one or the other of these student
mutuelles, they will have to choose the one corresponding to the chosen payment center (see
below).
Taking an insurance cover with the student's social security (compulsory) and a mutuelle (optional)
have imperatively to be done at the time of registration with the administrative department.
Reimbursement conditions for medical expenses have changed since the 2004-810 rule of august
13th, 2004. For more information, please consult the website of social security offices
(http://ameli.fr) to be informed on the medical care formalities and the obligation, to declare and
designate a regular doctor known as médecin traitant.
You can find the procedures to follow on your first request for reimbursement of medical expenses.
Complementary insurance
These policies are proposed by the student mutuelles (complementary insurance companies)
empowered by the Ministère de l'Enseignement Supérieur under the control of the Social Security
offices (caisses primaires d'assurance maladie). They complete and cover the difference between the
reimbursements made by the Social Security and actual costs, as well as give access to the tiers
payant card (which exempts from paying certain expenses in advance in certain establishments).
Please note that students receiving a scholarship from the Crous, can benefit from a € 100 allowance
from the "Region Ile-de-France" , in order to buy a complementary insurance. For more
information,click here
For more information about social security and complementary insurance in several languages,
please click on http://www.lmde.fr and http://www.smerep.fr or browse the frequently asked
questions to get immediate help.
The Sciences Po Health Centre
The Paris campus houses a health centre that is open to students. It includes an infirmary and quiet
room and offers general medicine and psychological assistance.
The campuses outside of Paris don't have a health centre, but the administrative staff are happy to
advise you about accessing health services.
In Case of Emergency
- 112 is the number to call for emergency services throughout the European Union.
- 15 is for the SAMU (ambulance/paramedics service)
- 18 is for the nearest fire station, which also administers first aid
- 3654 for SOS médecin (12c/minute), for doctors who make house calls, 365 days/year, 24/7
Money
The euro is the currency used in France and seventeen other member states of the European Union.
Opening a bank account
To open a bank account, you should make an appointment with the bank of your choice and bring
along the following documents:
- ID
- Proof of residency (phone or electricity bill, rental receipt, etc.)
- Your student card or a certificat de scolarité (proof of enrolment) from Sciences Po, to benefit from
our partner offers
Banks
Is a French bank account really necessary?
Absolutely! While you may prefer the familiarity of your bank in your home country, having a French
bank account will truly make your life a lot simpler while you're living here. Many things in France
require a French bank account, just to name a few:

many landlords in Paris

CAF housing benefits (all students may be eligible, regardless of origin)

many mobile phone companies

the Velib' public bike share system
In addition, transferring money (virements), making scheduled electronic payments (prélèvements),
and getting reimbursed is extremely easy, and in some cases only possible with a French bank
account. With your Carte Bleue (ATM card), making purchases almost anywhere in France and many
places throughout Europe Europe is fast, easy, and secured with a PIN code. Other exmples of when
having a French bank account are useful are:

reimbursements from the Sécurité Sociale or the mutuelle (French health insurance)*

monthly payments for gym memberships

monthly cinema memberships

paying your monthly metro/bus transport card

e-payments for utility bills at home

paying your renter's insurance (required by law)
Finally, in France you can withdraw money from any ATM machine (even from banks other than your
own) up to 5 times per month without a service fee. When traveling within the Euro Zone, life
becomes a lot simpler when you use your French ATM card, which is also accepted almost anywhere
major credit cards are accepted.
How do I open a French bank account?
To open a bank account in France, you must have a French address. Until you have an established
residence in France, you are welcome to use the address of Sciences Po's administrative offices:
9, rue de la Chaise
75007 Paris
This temporary address may be used for your online registration (inscription), for your medical
insurance, and other procedures until you've estiblished residence. Keep in mind however that this
is a temporary solution, and you must be diligent about updating your address immediately upon
finding your new home in Paris.
Are there benefits to opening a French bank account through Sciences Po?
Definitely! Several major banks in France also have partnerships with some of our major student
associations, such as the BDE (Bureau des Elèves), the AS (Association Sportive), and
the BdA (Bureau des Arts). By opening a new bank account at one of these partner banks, you can
receive many benefits, including up to 100€ free deposited automatically into your new bank
account!
Discover the offers from all of Sciences Po's partners by clicking on any of the choices in the "Partner
Offers" tab above.
*All non-European students are required to purchase health insurance while in France. There are
two companies to choose from whose services are identical and each cost 210€. European Union
citizens with health insurance in their home countries are exempt from this rule so long as they
maintain their insurance at home.
Estimated average monthly budget for the 7 campuses of Sciences Po
This estimated budget does not include tuition fees (if you have to pay them), health insurance
registration, telephone costs or the price of the plane/train ticket between your hometown (in
France or abroad) and your campus.
Mobile phone
The three main operators (Bouygues Telecom, Orange et SFR) have many offers, some including the
handset, pre-paid or subscription. Other operators often have cheaper deals: Virgin Mobile, Prixtel,
La Poste Mobile, etc. Work out what your budget and needs are, check out different operators, and
compare!
* A French bank account is a must for mobile phone subscriptions but not necessary for pre-paid
cards
While waiting to open your bank account, you can buy a SIM card for use in your telephone. If you
have a (third generation) handset that was bought overseas, you can still use it in Europe. For this
you can buy prepaid credit recharges.
* Before leaving your country, find out from your operator whether your phone can be used in
France.
Transport in Paris
Metro, bus and RER
The fastest, most practical and cheapest ways to get around Paris!
Paris and the Parisian region are home to a vast public transport network. Public transport in Paris is
run by theRATP (bus, metro, RER).
Find out how public transport works in Paris:
-The RER
-The Métro
-The Bus
-Consult the metro and RER map
- Find tickets and prices
If you miss the last metro... The noctiliens (the night bus network) runs between 12.30 and 5.30am
on special lines. The tickets cost the same as during the day.
Vélib'
The Vélib' system (bikes for public use available at stands throughout the city) has been a wild
success with the Parisian population. You can find these bikes for rent pretty almost anywhere in the
streets of Paris. They are self-service, available 24/7, and cost 29 euros a year, 8 euros a week or
1,70 for a day. Grab one, pedal away, and leave it at another stand when you arrive. It's free if you
use it for less than half an hour!
Taxi
It can be in hard to find a taxi in some areas or late at night. The easiest way is often to walk to a
large intersection, find a taxi rank or phone a taxi company.
Some estimates of price (day - night):
Gare du Nord - Châtelet : 6-12 euros
Paris - Roissy: 35 - 60 euros
Paris - Orly: 25 - 60 euros
Sciences Po - Gare Montparnasse: 8 - 14 euros
Taxis bleus: 36 09 ou 0 891 70 10 10
Taxis G7: 36 07 ou 01 47 39 47 39
YOU HAVE BEEN ACCEPTED AS AN EXCHANGE
STUDENT. WHAT SHOULD YOU DO NOW?
Congratulations, you have been accepted to Sciences Po as an exchange
student. You should now follow the 6 steps below in order to make your
status as an exchange student official:
1) Make a note of your student number (or ID) which has already be sent to you by email. Your ID and
password will allow you to access your Sciences Po online area (Votre « Espace Sciences Po. ») You can
complete your administrative registration as well as registering for courses by accessing your Sciences Po online
area. By default, your password is either
1) The last 6 figures of your ID, or
st
2) Your date of birth: for the 31 December 1980, you will need to type 311280.
You must change your password when connecting for the first time.
2) Activate your Sciences Po email address by connecting to the following address http://entg.sciences-po.fr/.
When logging on for the first time, you will need to select “Activer votre compte” and enter your student number
(or ID) and your password. Your Sciences Po email address is composed of: [email protected].
PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL IMPORTANT INFORMATION CONCERNING YOUR ARRIVAL AT SCIENCES PO
AND ADMINISTRATIVE REGISTRATION WILL BE SEND DIRECTLY TO YOUR SCIENCES PO EMAIL
ADDRESS.
3) Register administratively by connecting to your Sciences Po online area, Student interface – Administrative
processing:
You must fill out the online administrative registration form, submit it and then print it out. You must also attach
any required supporting documents. Exchange students should send the pre registration form and documents by
post before arriving in France to the following address: Accueil Administrative, 9 rue de la Chaise, 75007 Paris.
Students without a permanent address in France can indicate 9 rue de la Chaise, 75007, Paris as their address
on their pre registration form. For any further information, please contact: [email protected]
You can register administratively from May 2013. Administrative registration is compulsory for all exchange
students and will allow you to obtain your student card which will allow you to access important facilities within
Sciences Po including the library. This document also acts as proof of your student status and will enable you to
obtain many student discounts (museums, metro travel pass). You can also download a provisional certificate of
student status which will help you to obtain your visa for France. To find out more...
4) Register for your courses online through your Sciences Po online area.
Course registration will take place from July 10th till July 16th 2013. You will find the exact dates and practical
information regarding course registration by accessing the following link: http://formation.sciencespo.fr/en/contenu/course-registration-online
For undergraduate exchange students to be fully prepared for course registration, please read carefully the
exchange programme web pages. These pages will inform you about the curriculum, the course load, the types of
courses. You'll also find course syllabi as well as your main contacts: To find out more…
Masters exchange students should consult the masters website.
You must also get to know the academic regulations at Sciences Po, with regards to exams, intellectual honesty,
class attendance, etc.
5) If you wish to register for the Welcome programme (only for international students admitted to the Paris
campus) through your Sciences Po online area. The Welcome programme is paying and optional and aims to:
Help you to become familiar with Sciences Po’s methodology and to help you feel confident before the start of the
semester.
Help you to settle into student life in Paris.
Offer you advice concerning administrative procedures (housing allowance, French residency permit etc)
Become familiar with Sciences Po, St Germain des Près and Paris
Warning! The number of places is limited. To find out more, please visit the International Affairs Division's
website. Sciences Po’s regional campuses organise their own Welcome program and you should contact either
the regional campus for further information. Please note that refunds are made under certain conditions.
6) If you wish to register for a room at the Cite Internationale Universitaire de Paris (International student
residence) from August 22nd until September 30th 2013 only (rooms are only for international students
attending the Paris campus) through your Sciences Po online area.
Reserving a room at the CIUP will allow you to secure a room in advance and at a reasonable price for your first
month in Paris and will help you to settle in quickly and give you the necessary time for finding accommodation for
the semester or year.
Warning! The number of places is limited. To find out more, please visit the International Affairs Division's
website.
7) Arrive in France: we advise you to arrive in France from the middle of August onwards if you are arriving from
far away. Having a couple of weeks before the start of classes will help you to settle in and begin any
administrative steps you have to carry out. For more information regarding the academic calendar...
0
200 m
Codes bâtiments
27, rue St-Guillaume
56, rue des Sts-Pères
9, rue de la Chaise
199, bd Saint Germain
2, square de Luynes
Où trouver …
Rennes
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Restaurants universitaires
Adresses
H
J
K
L
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28, rue des Sts-Pères
13, rue Pré aux Clercs
13, rue de l’Université
117, bd Saint Germain
224, bd Saint Germain
56, rue Jacob
Code/Adresse bâtiment
Accueil adm., logement, bourses et aide sociale C
Association des Sciences-Po
26, rue St-Guillaume
Associations et syndicats étudiants
B
Association sportive (AS)
A
Atelier de cartographie
B
Bibliothèque
30, rue St-Guillaume
Bibliothèque de l’École doctorale
D
Bureau des arts (BDA)
B
Bureau des élèves (BDE)
A
DAIE
J
DAIE Pôle mobilité (échanges)
J
DAIE Centre Asie-Pacifique
J
DAIE Centre des Amériques
J
DAIE Centre Europe
J
DAIE Zone Afrique et Moyen-Orient
J
Département des langues
C
DRH
33, rue St-Guillaume
Direction de la stratégie et du développement (DSD) A
École de la communication
A
École de journalisme
K
École doctorale
D
Formation continue
H
Junior Consulting
41, rue du Four
Librairie de Sciences Po
30, rue St-Guillaume
Master of Public Affairs (MPA)
K
Master Urbanisme
6-14, rue J.-S. Bach (13e)
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Adresse/Téléphone
Accueil appariteurs +33 (0)1 45 49 50 01 / 02
Standard +33 (0)1 45 49 50 50
Help Desk informatique étudiant +33 (0)1 45 49 53 95
Infirmerie bâtiment B, +33 (0)1 45 49 59 81
Pôle d’écoute psychologique
B
Restaurants universitaires :
+33 (0)1 43 25 66 23
+33 (0)1 46 34 23 83
Cafétérias
A, B et 45 rue des Sts-Pères
SAMU
15 ou 112
Police
17
Pompiers
18
Code bâtiment
Amphithéâtres É. Boutmy, J. Chapsal,
A. Leroy-Beaulieu, Albert Sorel
Amphithéâtre Caquot
Amphithéâtres J. Moulin, C. Erignac
salles A11-A37 salles B101-B407 salles C901-C933 salles D501, D502, D510, D511, D605 et D606
salles H101-H409
salles K700 -725 salles
J07-J14, J101-105, J205-J211
Centres de Recherche
nt-
Jardin du
Musee de Cluny
Jardins du
Luxembourg
Presses de Sciences Po
K
Salles informatiques
A, B, C, D, H
Salles de travail
A, C, H
Salle des professeurs
H
Sciences Po Avenir (stages et premier emploi)
J
Sciences Po Entrepreneurs
41, rue du Four
Secrétariats 1ers cycles
A
Secrétariats Masters
J
Secrétariat Master Finance et stratégie
H
Secrétariat Préparation concours administratifs
A
Secrétariat Tronc commun, Projets collectifs
A
Service audiovisuel/autoscopie
B
Service reprographie
J
Salles de Cours
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E
Centre d’Études Européennes (CEE)
H
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98, rue de l’Université
CSO
19, rue Amélie (7e), J
Centre d’Histoire de Sciences Po
S
GEM
H
OSC
54, boulevard Raspail
OFCE
69, quai d’Orsay (7e)
1er cycle
euro-asiatique
du Havre
1er cycle
relations
transatlantiques
de Reims
1er cycle
franco-allemand
de Nancy
Campus
de Paris
1er cycle
Amérique Latine,
Espagne, Portugal
de Poitiers
1er cycle
européen
de Dijon
1er cycle
Moyen-Orient,
Méditerranée
de Menton