Welcome guide

Budget to plan

Before coming to Nice, you should plan an approximate monthly budget of at least €800. For additional income, it is possible to find a student job. Please visit this website for more information ahead of visiting University Côte d’Azur.

ID document required

Before leaving their home country, any foreign national wishing to study in France must obtain a long stay “Student” visa. You must apply to the French consular services in your country of residence. Nationals of the European Union, Andorra, Monaco, the Vatican, Switzerland, San Marino and Liechtenstein are exempt from the long-stay visa.

All the documents required for an application (birth certificate, academic documents) which are written in a foreign language, must be translated into French by a sworn translator approved by the French consular services in your home country. Your passport must be valid for the duration of your study period in France. More details here.

Long Stay Visa

For students VLS-TS

Allows the holder to stay in France for a period between 4 months and 1 year in order to pursue higher education.

Gives the right to travel freely in all the countries of the Schengen area, to work (see the next chapter), to benefit from VISALE (free student rental deposit) and to receive housing benefit from the CAF.

If you wish to stay in France to continue your studies when your VLS-TS visa is about to expire, you can request its renewal by sending an application to the prefecture: you need to apply for a multi-year residence permit. You must apply three months before your VLS-TS visa expires. Please note you must validate your visa within 3 months of arriving in France.

Talent – researcher passport

Allows you to follow a PhD, conduct research or teach in France at university level under a hosting agreement (not necessary for Europeans and Algerians).

For interns

Allows the holder to stay in France for longer than 3 months as an intern. Your internship must be part of your professional training and must take place in a company or a public hospital. When your VLS-TS expires, you can get a temporary residence permit (marked “intern”) if your internship is extended or renewed. You must apply for this at least two months before your VLS-TS expires and the Prefect will have to validate an amendment to your initial internship agreement. If you receive no response from the Prefect within 15 days, you can consider your application successful.

Please note: You will need to validate this visa with the French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) upon arrival.

Insurance

It is strongly recommended to take out health, travel and repatriation insurance before departure.

Mandatory insurance: multi-risk home insurance (for rental contracts), civil liability (for academic registration and internships).

Some banks offer these services when you take out a bank card with them.

Once in France, after registering at the University, you will have access to the French Social Security. 

Banks

For day-to-day transactions (receiving a grant or salary, monthly bills, various payments) it is highly advisable to have a French bank account. Online banks can be an alternative to traditional banks.

You will need the following documents to open a bank account:

• proof of identity;
• proof of address;
• proof of academic registration.

Accommodation

There are several housing options on the French Riviera: university rooms, student residences, shared apartments, etc..

You can check the following sources regarding accommodation

• Crous Nice 
• Studapart  The Studapart platform created by UniCA offers student accommodation throughout the year
• Lokaviz is a national website for private rental accommodation
• Centre Régional d’Information Jeunesse – CRIJ
• VISALE, the free rental deposit for students
• Map with public and private residences

Ride to campus

Arriving by Plane

From Nice Côte d’Azur airport, the city’s tramways provide access to several areas of the city. Tickets can be purchased at the ticket machines at each station.

The Tramway lines 2 and 3 provide a free link between Terminal 2, Terminal 1 and the « Grand-Arénas » station. Less than 500 metres apart, a dedicated pedestrian walkway takes 7 minutes to reach the station from Terminal 1.

Reaching Sophia Antipolis

The Sophia Antipolis technology park can be reached with the bus 630 Bus 630 (formerly 230Xpress) runs between Central Nice, Nice Airport and Sophia-Antipolis. It is also possible to get there by bus from Antibes, Cannes and Grasse. Sophia Antipolis is the largest technology park in Europe.

Reaching Menton Campus

The Menton campuses are accessible by train from the Nice Ville train station (Tram stop “Gare Thiers”), or by bus (n°110 from the airport, and n°100 from downtown Nice).

Reaching The St Raphaël campus

The St Raphaël campus of is also accessible by train from the Nice Ville train station (Tram stop “Gare Thiers”), or by bus “Zou83”, from the airport.

Academic registration at the university

The administrative registration is an online process, directly completed on the registration platform.

If the student has technical issues with the process, they can book an appointment by filling a request form on the following page. 

The process is the same for the academic registration, which is completed afterwards.

Exchange students must also prepare their learning agreement.

If the student comes through an academic exchange program, the administrative registration is done on arrival at the International Relations Office (BRI)

To finalize your registration, the payment for the CVEC (Contribution for Student and Campus Life) is mandatory (€100 for 2023-2024).

Erasmus+ students, refugees, asylum seekers and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection status are exempt from the CVEC fee.

More information here.

Once the registration is completed, the ENT account (Digital Work Environment tool) has to be activated on the “Sésame” platform. This process will grant access to the enrolment certificate. All of the institutional information will be sent to this new account and email!

Use the following link to watch the tutorial.

The student card will be issued once the registration is confirmed.

Student cards

Activate me on izly.fr and usee me for:

• paying at the university canteen
• accessing the library
• using the coffee machine
• and much more!

You can have discounts upon presentation of this card (transport, food & drinks, shopping, museums, etc.)!

Transport plan

Train

SNCF offers a great alternative to traveling by plane or car.

The Zou card created by the Région Sud gives discounts on several train lines (TER : Trains Express Régionaux).

Bus & tramway

Nice Ligne d’Azur

Antibes and Sophia Antipolis

Cannes Palmbus

Two-wheelers

Vélos Bleus is a bike rental network that can be used with a cell phone. Self-service stations are spread around the Nice Côte d’Azur metropolis.

City Scoots offers self-service electric scooters, parked in public places and geolocalized on the Cityscoot app.

International driving license: Check its validity here

Mobile plan

In France, phone companies offer subscriptions or pre-paid phonecards.

You can take out a contract directly in store, contracts are often for a minimum of 12 to 24 months (before subscribing to anything, it is important to check if this matches with your stay length – you might have to pay a fee if you terminate your contract early). Before any subscription, compare the offers! Prepaid cards are rechargeable and can be bought in a supermarket or a Bar-Tabac.

Health insurance

The CPAM (Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie) is the French organization in charge of covering most medical fees. For the CEAM holders (European Health System Card), registering with the French health system (Sécurité Sociale) is not mandatory.

Overseas students have to register online.

This procedure is free and mandatory for students who:

• have a VLS-TS or VLS-T or C and D visa (Schengen)
• are Europeans and don’t have the CEAM (European Health System Card)
• are Europeans with a S1 form
• are not Europeans

The online registration can be completed on the following website

For a medical service, the CPAM refunds 70% of the total price, with 30% left to pay. All health professionals are listed on the website, and divided by categories (secteur 1: medical fees are fully refunded, secteur 2: additional fees can apply).

Health – Complementary coverage

A private health insurance can be subscribed to cover the remaining 30% fees – which are not covered by the CPAM.

Financial help

Housing benefit

The CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) offers financial support for people living in France, if they meet the eligibility requirements. It is important to make an early application as the granting process might take a while.  

Scholarships

Different scholarships are available, you can find out more on the French Government website. 

Foreign policy

OFII registration is mandatory for students with a long stay visa and must be completed no more than 3 months after arrival in France. The procedure fees are to be added to the visa fees. Warning: Penalties can apply during visa renewal if this procedure was not completed on time.

Residency permits

To extend your stay in France, it is possible to renew your visa.

If you wish to pursue your studies when your study visa validity is coming to an end, you have to apply to the prefecture to renew it at least two months before it expires.

You can apply for a temporary student residence permit (valid 1 year) or multi-year student residence permit (valid 2-4 years), subject to financial resources.

More information about this procedure.

Introduction

Université Côte d’Azur offers the perfect exploration ground for those who dare to create. It combines a wealth of skills, spirit of innovation, diversity of the courses on offer, strong student support, professional immersion, among others.

It has more than 300 courses on offer, 21 faculties, 14 campuses and over 33 000 students, 20% of them are international students.

Labeled «Initiative d’excellence», Université Côte d’Azur is one of France’s top 10 research-intensive universities.

The campuses are located across the French Riviera. Nice, Cannes, Menton, Sophia Antipolis are all sites that promote an intense, welcoming and fulfilling living environment.

University courses can be completed in 2 (DUT), 3 (Bachelors), 5 (Masters) or 8 (PhD) years in the following fields:

• Biology, Health, Sport
• Law, Politics, Economics and Management
• Education, Teaching, Training,
• Arts, Humanities, Languages and Communication
• Human and Social Sciences
• Sciences, Engineering, Technology, Environment

Université Côte d’Azur strives to develop disciplinary excellence while encouraging a multidisciplinary approach.

The student is at the heart of innovative educational dynamics. All teaching is carried out by teacher-researchers, accompanied by laboratories and supported by key companies in the area.

Academic calendar

Find all the highlights of your academic year

Summer school

Nice’s International Summer School / Université Internationale d’Été de Nice (UIEN)

Every summer, UIEN welcomes all students wishing to acquire or improve their knowledge of French, with language training for A1, A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 levels. Courses in English or Russian are also offered.

The Université Cote d’Azur summer school is open for 6 weeks from July to mid-August.

The courses take place from Monday to Friday, i.e. 20 hours per week for a total of 40 hours of courses per session (preferential rate (-20%) for students pre-registered at UniCA – 320€ / per session). More info here.

Language courses for international students

Do you want to improve your language skills? You have access to the 10 Language Resource Centers / Centres de Ressources Linguistiques (CRL) located on all Université Côte d’Azur campuses. You can learn French, but also other foreign languages with courses offered at very attractive rates. The CRLs also offer intensive summer courses in June and July (2 weeks duration, with daily classes from 9am to 1pm).

All Erasmus+ students have the possibility to participate in a free French course during their mobility. The course starts in February/October and amounts to about 3 hours per week for 10 weeks. You will receive more details about this course after your arrival. There are no ECTS credits for this class.

More info here. 

Engagement centre

The Engagement Center encourages and values the commitment of students in activities of general interest, in addition to their studies and in line with the values of the Université Côte d’Azur. The missions can be very varied and take place in local and international associations/organizations.

Libraries

Each Université Côté d’Azur campus has a university library (BU), with its own hours. Registered students have access to all BUs regardless of their course of study, by presenting their student card.

Canteens

The University Restaurants offer complete meals (starter, main course and dessert) for 3.30€. You can check out the full list here.

Activities at university

You want to get moving? You can sign up for sports activities at Université Côte d’Azur. The range is wide: climbing, paddle, dance, orientering, etc.

• News & Events. Note that regular practice of a sport can give you 0.25 bonus points on your curriculum (variable terms to be checked with your school). News and events that bring Université Côte d’Azur to life can be found on the website.
• The Culture PASS. With the Culture Pass, students can receive a check worth 500€ to spend on cultural products and activities in the southern region.
• The Health PASS. Offered by the Région Sud to young people under the age of 26, the health PASS includes 9 coupons worth approximately 250€ to cover various medical expenses (consultations, tests, contraception, etc.).

International relations contacts

Each campus has an International Relations Office (BRI), which is responsible for the administrative management and follow-up of international students’ exchange programs. The BRI supervises exchange students and supports the international activities of Université Côte d’Azur’s faculties and institutes. Each BRI is the contact point for international exchange students. More info here.

Students’ house

The student center is an information and service center created to support students, researchers and teachers with their procedures. Located on the St Jean d’Angély campus (Vauban tram stop), it is a place of expression and creativity where cultural and entrepreneurial projects are carried out.

The Welcome Center provides information, advice and personalized assistance to researchers, doctoral students and teachers at the Université Côte d’Azur before and during their stay on the French Riviera. It also has a “faculty club” residence to welcome international researchers.

University health service

The physical health and well-being of students is essential for Université Côte d’Azur. In addition to medical consultations, the University offers stress management workshops, free HIV/Covid tests, and consultations with psychologists and psychiatrists.

Health service

• Discover all the health services available:
• List of general practitioners
• The University Counseling Service (BAPU)

Studies and Disability

For students with disabilities, it is possible to benefit from specific arrangements. For the steps to follow, please visit this link.

Social services

If you encounter personal or financial difficulties during your studies, social assistance is there to help you find solutions. Click here.

Alumni

Registering on the AlumnForce platform as soon as you arrive allows you to become part of Université Côte d’Azur large community, by receiving news and participating in events. This platform is a springboard for alumni who can thus take advantage of a vast network of former graduates who have now become professionals. It also includes internship and job offers, conferences and seminars. Click here for more information.

Extra scholar activities

Discover six clubs offering sports and social activities at Université Côte d’Azur:

Clubs d’Université Côte d’Azur – Université Côte d’Azur (univ-cotedazur.fr)

ESN (Erasmus Student Network France) is a network of associations present in 37 university cities in France. The network works throughout the year to develop and deploy projects of national or European scope to facilitate international mobility, improve the reception of international students and make young people aware of the opportunities available to them.

Student jobs

It is important to check if you have the right to work in France.

The minimum wage is 8,11 euros per hour. Warning: French legislation might cap the number of working hours for international students.

The website “Jobaviz” gathers job offers and advice (resume, cover letter, etc.).

The CRIJ (Centre Régional d’Information Jeunesse) also shows job offers on its website.

To do list

• Promenade des Anglais
• Nice old-town and its flower market
• Food tryouts: pan bagnat, farcis niçois, socca, and pissaladière
• Have a swim at la Réserve de Nice
• Cimiez’s Arenas
• Grasse, world capital of perfume
• Matisse museum
• Lérins islands (near Cannes)
• Visit Eze and its exotic garden
• Visit the Ephrussi villa
• Wander in St Paul de Vence
• Have a drink in Monaco
• Walk along the coastal paths in Antibes and Cap d’Ail
• Parc du Mercantour
• Gorges du Verdon

Tourist Office website

Hiking website

City maps

Université Côte d’Azur is located at the heart of an exceptionally diverse environment, between sea and mountains. More info

Nice is surrounded by 49 towns and villages. More info.

Useful addresses, venue, adresses and contact numbers

• Epicerie Solidaire des Marguerites – 187 Boulevard de la Madeleine , 06000 Nice
• Epicerie sociale arc en ciel – 3 rue Ribotti , 06300 Nice
• Solid’Actes – 77 Avenue du Maréchal Lyautey , 06000 Nice

Emergency

If you have a medical emergency, dial #18 (firestation) or #15 (SAMU). From a cellphone, dial #112 (European emergency number). You will be able to speak to a doctor who will advise you on what you have to do. More info about emergency numbers here.

Pharmacies and doctor appointments

In France you must choose a GP (médecin traitant): the GP provides patients with routine care and preventive treatment and sends them to a specialist if need be. The GP is your first port of call if you are ill.

A consultation with a GP costs between 23 and 28 euros, part of which is reimbursed by student Social Security.

A consultation with a specialist costs between 25 and 90 euros, part of which can be reimbursed.

Generally, in France, you have to make an appointment to see a doctor. Usually, you have to wait a few days to have an appointment with a general practitioner, sometimes several months for a specialist. But some doctors consult without an appointment (you must check beforehand).

Some medicines can be purchased directly at the pharmacy and others are only available on prescription.

A prescription is given by a doctor, and most of the time you will be reimbursed for the drugs (not all drugs are reimbursed or not fully reimbursed).

Paracetamol is available without prescription (for pain-relief or fever).

Security guidelines in matters of Covid-19

With the COVID-19 pandemic, the French government has established strict safety instructions. All the information is here.

Places to take a COVID-19 test in Nice here.

Vaccination center for COVID-19 are available here.

Important and useful laws and rules

Some useful rules for living in Nice:

• You must not be shirtless in the streets
• Bus and tram tickets must be validated before you board
• You must be quiet (no loud music) after 10pm
• Every day at noon, a canon blows from the Castle Hill in Nice
• Each first Wednesday of the month, sirens are tested
• The yellow containers (yellow lids) are for recycling cardboard, metal, plastic, etc.
• You may be fined for not cleaning up after your dog.

Do’s and don’ts

Do’s

• Greetings: when you enter a shop/coffee/bus, always greet people with ‘Bonjour’ or ‘Bonsoir’ (after 6pm). Say ‘au revoir’ (goodbye) when leaving. Don’t forget to use ‘s’il vous plait’ (please) and ‘merci’ (thank you). This applies to administrative emails as well.
• To greet someone, you can do ‘la bise’
• When you are invited, always bring something: flowers, chocolate or wine are common gifts.

Dont’s

• When speaking French, do not use « tu » but « vous » instead, until the person offers to switch. It is more formal and respectful.
• Do not start your meal before everyone gets their food – in France, eating is a serious matter.
• Being noisy when eating or drinking is considered rude.
• Tips are not mandatory, but you can leave some change if you were satisfied with the service.
• When speaking to someone, don’t start in English without asking ‘parlez-vous anglais?’ (do you speak English ?) in French.
• Don’t be disappointed if social relationships take longer to develop than expected. The French will not invite you to their homes right away; building a network is a bit more difficult but it pays to be patient.

Acronyms

• BU Bibliothèque Universitaire
• CAF Caisse d’Allocations Familiales
• CHU Centre Hospitalier Universitaire
• CM Cours Magistral
• CPAM Caisse Primaire d’Assurance Maladie
• CROUS Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires
• CVEC Contribution Vie Etudiante et de Campus
• DES Dossier Social Etudiant
• ECTS European Credit Transfer System
• EEE Espace Économique Européen
• FLE Français Langue Étrangère
• OFII Office Français de l’Immigration et de l’Intégration
• RH Ressources Humaines
• RIB Relevé d’Identité Bancaire
• RU Restaurant Universitaire
• SAEH Service d’Accompagnement des Étudiants en situation de Handicap
• SNCF Société Nationale des Chemins de Fer
• SUAPS Service Universitaire des Activités Physiques et Sportives
• SUMPPS Service Universitaire de Médecine Préventive et de Promotion de la Santé
• TCF Test de Connaissance du Français
• TD Travaux Dirigés
• TGV Train Grande Vitesse
• TP Travaux Pratiques
• UE Union Européenne
• UFR Unité de Formation et de Recherche
• VLS-TS Visa Long Séjour valant Titre de Séjour

Annual event’s calendar

Unmissable events on the French Riviera:

• February: Nice Carnival / Menton’s Lemon Festival / The Mimosa Festival in Mandelieu /Play Azur Festival
• March: The Paris-Nice run
• April: The Côte d’Azur Garden Festival
• May: The May Festival in Nice & Lou festin dei mai / International Film Festival in Cannes
• June: Ironman in Nice
• July: Nice Jazz festival / Juan-les Pins Jazz Festival and Bastille Day on 14th July
• August: Firework festivals in Antibes, Cannes & Monaco / Nuits du Sud in Vence
• September: European Heritage Days
• October: Science Festival
• December: Christmas Markets

French symbols

The flag: Blue, White, Red

The French motto: Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, which makes France the country of Human Rights.

Marianne: emblematic woman who is a republican icon, a symbol of freedom, and refers to the revolution of 1830. If you go to a town hall or a court, you will undoubtedly see a sculpture representing a bust of a woman wearing a Phrygian cap or a laurel wreath.

The official seal of the Republic: present on the passports and on the coat of arms of the French Republic, it is a political symbol, evoking Justice, the demand for legitimate authority and collective strength.

The national anthem: «La Marseillaise» As the Tuileries insurrection of August 10, 1792 was decisive for the people, this song (which was previously reserved for military forces) became very popular and is now France’s national anthem ( QR ) If you have a good memory, you could learn it off by heart but there are fifteen verses all together!