ESSEC Guide 2023

1.Housing

ESSEC Survival Guide

How to settle in ESSEC and in France ?

2.Paper work

3.Campus life

4.ESSEC

Credits

Contact us

Index

5.France

Home page

INDEX

Home page

BDE

List of ESSEC Programs

Home page

Home page

Index BDE

BBA

Cergy VS Paris

List of documents you'll need

What is it ?

Grande Ecole ASC

Residency VS Appartment

Visa validation

ESSEC

Grande Ecole AST

How is it formed ?

Map of residencies

What is it ?

Exchange and Dual Degree

Roles and activites

How to get it ?

Cergy le Haut

Other programs

Get to know the team

CAF

Les Linandes

Campus life

ESSEC Contacts

Main events

Housing

FAQ (1)

Le Port

Respect for Others Charter

Paper Work

Teuf

FAQ (2)

Le Parc

WEI

Social security

La Galerie

Home page

Nuit

20 Campus

How to get it ?

Useful Apps

Gala

Kley Fontaine

Documents required

Chaos and Confusion

International pole

Kley Chêne

ImaginR

Unavailability in France

France

Welcome Week

What is it ?

AppartESSEC FB page

Unsaid rules in Paris Metro

How do get it ?

Guarantors

Buddy system

Important Etiquettes

Phonecard

Who is on the team ?

What to know in a Restaurant

Campus

Key Places

Association Life

Places to eat

1.Housing

Map of the residences

2.Paper work

3.Campus life

Where to live when I arrive at ESSEC ?

Residences, colocation in Cergy, appartment in Paris...

4.ESSEC

You may have many options and many questions when it comes to finding a place to live. Let us provide you with different options by clicking on "Start !" below. Read the pros and cons carefully before taking your decision !

Start !

Official ESSEC brochure (pdf) :

5.France

Guarantors

Move to :

Pros- Easy access to ESSEC - Close to student parties - Cheaper

Cergy

Cons - 40min of RER from center Paris - No RER between 1-5 am

+ info

Paris

Pros- You get the right to say "je suis parisien" - Easy access to touristy places and nightlife

Cons- 40min of RER from ESSEC minimum - It's expensive, very expensive

+ info

vs

You want to be in a :

Appartment

Pros- Cheaper rent for more space - You can find roomates and nice places easily on the FB group

Cons- Often can't make a lot of noise because of neighbors - You'll most likely need a guarantor

+ info

Residency

Pros- You'll be part of your residency community - Easy application process thanks to Alegessec

Cons - More expensive than appartments in Cergy

+ info

vs

MAP

The residencies : 4 ALEGESSEC + 4 Residences

Linandes

Alegessec

RER A

KLEY FONTAINE

CLH

Alegessec

kleyChêne

RER A

La Galerie

ESSEC

20 CAMPUS

Port

Alegessec

Alegessec

Parc

Back to the map

5 min from Cergy-le-haut RER A station

20 min from ESSEC (RER + walk)

45 min to Paris

CLH

60 Av. du Hazay, 95800 Cergy

The biggest ESSEC residency. CLH never sleeps. CLH... It's a community you'll have a hard time escaping.

629-694€ /month

+ info

Link to the Alegessec webpage :

Back to the map

20 min from Cergy-prefecture RER A station

25 min walk 15 min bus from ESSEC

50 min to center Paris

Linandes

15 Les Linandes Oranges, 95000 Cergy

Kinda far away from everything ? But quiet. And has bathtubs in the rooms !

585-681€ /month

+ info

Link to the Alegessec webpage :

Back to the map

10 min from Cergy-prefecture RER A station

8 min from ESSEC

45 min to center Paris

Port

36 Bd du Port, 95000 Cergy

Residency closest to the Port area where you'll find the actually nice restaurants and bars of Cergy. Our local Paris let's say. Ideal for beers with friends after classes if you can afford their prices :D...

795-1052€ /month

+ info

Link to the Alegessec webpage :

Back to the map

6 min from Cergy-prefecture RER A station

1 min from ESSEC

41 min to center Paris

Parc

7 Av. du Parc , 95000 Cergy

683-707€ /month

The residency closest to ESSEC, usually open to BBA students though.

+ info

Link to the Alegessec webpage :

Back to the map

8 min from Cergy-prefecture RER A station

10 min from ESSEC

43 min to center Paris

La Galerie

1 Bd de l'Oise, 95000 Cergy

La Galerie isn't an ESSEC residence, but it has really cool rooms. This place is actually nice. Be mindful of the spawn of BBAs parties in the common room though !

690-840€ /month

+ info

Link to the UXCO webpage :

Back to the map

8 min from Cergy- Prefecture RER A station

3 min from ESSEC (walk)

30 min to Paris

20 CAMPUS

1 ALLEE DES PLATANES, 95000 Cergy

Close to ESSEC and the Cergy Préfecture train station, the residence is not far from shops and all amenities. You can visit Paris or simply enjoy the atmosphere on the Leisure Island of Cergy...As you wish :)

625-780€ /month

+ info

Link to the KLEY webpage :

Back to the map

5 min from Cergy- Prefecture RER A station

9 min from ESSEC (walk)

30 min to Paris

KLEY FONTAINE

7 Avenue des 3 Fontaines, 95000 Cergy

KLEY is not an ESSEC residence, but it is a student residence right in the heart of the Cergy campus., with fully-equipped living spaces with lots of common areas.

765-920€ /month

+ info

Link to the KLEY webpage :

Back to the map

12 min from Cergy- Prefecture RER A station (walk)

17 min from ESSEC (walk)

30 min to Paris

KLEY Chêne

25 Rue des Marjoberts, 95000 Cergy

KLEY Chêne is another residence of KLEY.

755-875€ /month

+ info

Link to the KLEY webpage :

Step 1

01

Follow this link to the ApartESSEC Facebook page

Step 2

02

Fill in your information, you will soon be accepted into the group

Find your dream appartment on the Facebook Page :

Step 3

03

You'll find posts about appartments to rent and people looking for roomates

Every semester there is a wave of people moving in and out of Paris, Cergy and ESSEC campuses abroad.

Step 4

04

If you're looking for a place to stay you can make a post and see who comments under it

More info about guarantors here

Guarantors

You do not need a guarantor in the Alegessec residencies. However you will usually need one if you move to a normal apartment. A guarantor is usually a family member or a friend that pays its taxes in France. A guarantor is an insurance that someone else can be charged in your place if you, as a student, don't have the means to pay your rent. Most French students take their parents as guarantors. However if you don't have a guarantor in France, there are companies that offers to be your guarantor if you do not have another solution. For exemple the French government through VISALE. But the solution only extends to European students with a valid student card and passport or to students with a visa "long séjour" equal to a "titre de séjour" (VLS-TS) "mention étudiant" or "passeport talent". There are private companies such as SmartGarant that offer these services as well to all students (if you use the code SMARTESSEC you get a month for free).

link to VISALE

link to SmartGarant

1.Housing

List of the documents you need to settle in Paris

2.Paper work

3.Campus life

What documents do I need to get ?

Or the art to follow painful paper work in France

4.ESSEC

Disclamer : French administration is VERY SLOW, thus I advise you to arm yourself with patience and diligence to get this vital task done in the shortest delays. Let us give you a list of main documents you need to obtain to live in the most comfortable way in France.

+ info

5.France

CAF

Financial help for students

Visa

validation

Official procedures and Important documents

Phone Card

How to get one

you'll need to settle in France

Social security

Health insurance

ImaginR

Travel pass in Paris

+ FAQs

PHONE CARD

For the new students in France, it is very important to get a local phone card. After all, no phone card means no internet, no internet means desperation... What to do? What should you do if you have just arrived in France and do not have a bank card to apply for a cell phone card yet? Let's talk about phone service providers first.

Orange

Orange France is the largest mobile telecommunications operator. Best signal, highest price.

Bouygues

Compensate for its initial weaker coverage in comparison to Orange and SFR. Medium price, not bad signal

SFR

The second oldest mobile network operator in France. Medium price, not bad signal.

Free

The worst but the cheapest.

PHONE CARD

What do I need to get a SIM card? French residence permit Proof of address in France French bank account details to sign up and set up future payments

After bank account

Prepaid card

Since the registration of phone card requires a bank card, it would be better to have a « carte prépayée » ( known as prepaid card) to go through this tough period. Instead of subscribing to a « forfait » which requires you to pay every month, prepaid card includes a certain volume of phone call, SMS/MMS and internet data.

After opening a bank account, you can do: 1. Keep my number (Portabilité de Numéro) and start a new contract with another service provider 2. Have a new phone card while having forfait at the same time. Go to check each service provider’s page to check the bundle and price, provide your RIB, IBAN and address. Borrow your friend’s phone number, it can be changed afterwards.

Where to get? Tabac

What if phone number is necessary fora bank account?

Physical store

Airport( RELAY)

VISA Validation - Residence Permit

WHAT IS IT?

HOW TO DO IT?

CAF - financial help for students

Link to caf website

Why do I need CAF : When the government offers to help you pay for your apartment, you say yes. Register on the website, depending on your situation you'll receive a fixed amount of money each month to help you pay the rent.

You verify the CAF form with the allocaitre number mentioned on all supporting documents with ALEGESSEC. ALEGESSEC will provide you with an additional form that you will add to this file

In the next few days, you will receive a letter from CAF with an allocaitre number. You use this number to login to your CAF account

After submitting the entire file on the CAF webiste, you will receive a confirmation letter and the CAF starts reflecting in your payment section

ALEGESSEC shares an E-mail with all the steps required to set up a CAF account in detail with snapshots.

FAQs

The VLS-TS étudiant (visa long séjour valant titre de séjour étudiant) or in short known as Visa Validation is to be done by the students arriving on long-term student Visa within 3 months of arrival in France.

For more info

The VLS-TS is translated to as a residence permit for the first year of studies which is critical in obtaining Government resident subsidies such as CAF and Social Security (Carte Vitale)

The validation converts the long-term student visa into a resident permit for one year, after which is also used to obtain a multi-year residence permit (Carte de Séjour)

Having a VLS-TS certificate enables unrestricted mobility in the Schengen area and the holder can show this document to enter France.

ARRIVAL IN FRANCE

The process is simple and completely digital.

APPLIcation website

for more info

Validating the VISA within 3 months of arrival

Obtaining the residence permit and applying for CAF and other procedures

It needs basic documentation and a processing fee which ranges between 50-100 euros.

updating the VLS-TS certificate on the ESSEC Registrar portal (will be notified officially).

Next

Q: How to proceed with the process if you're not an ALEGESSEC student?

You can connect with an ALEGESSEC student for getting to know the process and use the guide similarly as they are using. If you are acommodated with another student residence, you can reach out to the concerned team there as well and they should be helping you. If you are staying with a private owner, you want to check if CAF is eligible for the chosen housing and take relevant details from the owner

Q: When does the process usually start and how long does it take for the process to be completed?

ALEGESSEC shares relevant E-mails within the first month of you arrival. The entire process should be completed within a month if there aren't any unexpected delays

Q: When does the CAF amount start reflecting in the account?

The CAF amount ranges between 170 - 210 Euros and starts reflecting in the account for a new user typically 3 months from the validity date. For the months until the amount reflects, the full rent is paid and the first CAF payment received later will reimburse for these eligible months as well.

Q: What are the supporting documents required for CAF?

The supporting documents include a copy of your passport, a copy of your VISA, a copy of your French bank details (RIB) and your birth certificate translated in French

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Back

Q: What happens if the file isn't submitted within the first month of arrival?

If the file isn't submitted within the first month of your arrival, the first month isn't eligible for CAF and the reimbursable amount is calculated from the next month or the month of application.

Q: What happens if I don't receive my allocaitre number?

In case you don't receive your allocaitre number from CAF via letter you can try obtaining through the registered mobile number or go to the Val D'Oise CAF office near the Cergy Prefecture RER station and obtain the number by showing the CAF application from submitted.The address of the nearest CAF office to school is as follows: 13 Bd de l'Oise, 95000 Cergy

Q: Do we need a French bank account to apply for CAF?

Yes you will require a functional French bank account to apply for CAF and will require to submit the bank RIB during the application process.

Q: Where can I get additional support for CAF?

You can contact the ALEGESSEC office if you're an ALEGESSEC student for more information on CAF or any specific problems. You can also reach out to the CAF helpline centre for any specific requests or any other competent authority overlooking your housing. The helpline center may or may not have English proficiency and might want to reach out to fluent French speakers

2/2

Social security - health insurance

Social Security number is provided by the Government of France to all students after their arrival in France and obtaining the temporary residence permit (VLS-TS).

How to apply

Documents required

The social security number is required to obtain the subsidized healthcare (l’Assurance Maladie) provided by the government to all residents.

FOR MORE INFORmation

1. Creation of the account

4. Create an account

5. Apply and Receive Carte Vitale

2. Obtain the temporary social security number.

The permanent social security number needs to be updated on the ESSEC registrar portal (WILL be notified)

3. Obtain the permanent social security number (Attestation de droits definitive)

*Any subsequent information will be sent via post

recent passport size photograph

residence permit (VISA VALIDATION CERTIFICATE)

PROOF OF STUDY (SCOLARITE CERTIFICATE)

PROOF OF RESIDENCE

FRENCH BANK ACCOUNT DETAILS (RIB)

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

PASSPORT

IMAGINR - NAVIGO PASS

HOW?

WHAT?

- The Ile-de France region is divided into 5 zones (concentric) radially from the central Paris. The passes sometimes can be obtained for specific zones, a combination of zones or all zones. We highly recommend to purchase an all zones pass whenever purchasing the Navigo pass. - The Navigo pass cannot be used to access the long distance trains outside the Ile-de France regions including the TGV and TER lines. - The Navigo pass has different packages for throughout the year, month, weekend and daily usage. They can be purchased online or at any prefecture stations (on the RER line) or any stations on the metro lines

- ImaginR pass or the Navigo pass (commonly called) is a travel/mobility card for moving in the Ile-de France region. -The Navigo pass can be used to obtain access to all the means of public transport in the Ile-de France region including RER, Metro, Bus, Tram, Transilien and any other means offered by RATP (Régie Autonome des Transports Parisiens) o RER lines are long distance metro lines connecting the suburbs in the Paris region to the key arrondissements in Paris. o Metro lines are the subway lines connecting different parts within the central Paris region

- The ImaginR student pass requires basic documentation to obtain the card which is listed on the website. - It usually takes about 2 weeks for the benefactor to receive the card physically and is posted to your address when applied online. - The card is for single-person use only and any malpractice if found including sharing of a single pass between multiple users or using someone else’s pass, could lead to being penalized by RATP authorities - The card needs to be swiped physically to enter the metro stations and any online copy of the card cannot be used to access the stations.

- The ImaginR student pass is a specialized annual mobility pass for students aged below 26 to move freely within all the zones of the Ile-de France region at a subsidized cost of 350 euros. - For students aged above 26 years, its recommended to purchase the regular annual pass for all zones (you pay for 11 months and the 12th month is free)

All Navigo offers

ImaginR pass

Map

1.Housing

List of the associations at ESSEC

BDE

Campus

2.Paper work

3.Campus life

Campus life

What happens, where, when, who organize it ? BDE ? Associations ?

4.ESSEC

Here we will explain how Campus life organizes itself at ESSEC, from the BDE to the key places on campus you should know of, a list of all the associations of ESSEC and what's the process to join them.

Association recruitments

5.France

Welcome to ESSEC

By BDE RIVIERA

MENu

What IS THE BDE

BDE's MAIN EVENTS

THE INTERNATIONAL TEAM

BDE is the « Bureau des élèves » (Student’s Bureau). It’s an association in charge of the campus life at ESSEC. There is one BDE for each program : a BDE Grande Ecole (called Riviera), a BDE BBA and a BDE MS.

Get to know the team

Role and Activities

How the team is formed

The BDE changes every year and has its own name, social identity and personality. This year, the BDE is called Riviera and took over the mandate from the previous BDE, Indiana.The process of how a BDE comes into force is as follows. In the winter trimester (Jan-March), the existing BDE calls upon the stage for two lists to participate in the elections (group of individuals). The lists present themselves with their theme and identity and begin their list recruitment process. This runs simultaneously with the campaign including CAMP, where the lists officially campaign in the premises of ESSEC for 3 days and present an opportunity for the students of ESSEC to interact with the prospective BDE. This is followed by submitting their final mandate of the team including their president to the existing BDE and elections follow. All the students of the MiM program are eligible to vote and the winning list is called upon to form the new BDE

The team consists of 40-45 students (usually M2 International students and french students from different years). The entire team is split into different sub-teams called poles which have a fixed function such as organizing the flagship events of ESSEC, managing all the associations, international student affairs etc. Apart from its own activity, BDE is also an umbrella that hosts all other associations. BDE also hosts alot of individual events throughtout the year, including collaborating with other colleges to conduct events. The communication for all the events is done on Facebook and it is highly recommended to follow the account of BDE Indiana on Facebook - Zackarie Viera. Its a tradition in ESSEC for every student body to have a Facebook account and is usually named rhyming with the name of the association

TEUFS

WEI

NUIT

GALA

TEUF are regular monthly parties organzied by the Pôle Soirée. They are themed parties and exclusive to ESSEC students. The event for the party is created on the BDE's Facebook account with all relevant communication. The tickets to this party can be purchased via the payment link that will be shared a few days before the event night.

Shuttles to and from ESSEC campus if it's in Cergy

At a club in Cergy or Paris

11:00 PM to 5:00 AM

Soft and hard drinks are served

Approximately 15€

Pôle WEI is the team that centrally works for a flagship event of ESSEC called WEI (Week-End Integration); a weekend getaway for all first year Grande Ecole students aimed at providing an incredible experience for new students to meet each other. WEI happens in the mid of September and takes place in a beautiful commune away from Paris. It’s a weekend filled with parties, DJ events, sports and other recreational activities to provide opportunities to connect amongst your fellow students. WEI is a wonderful way to begin the ESSEC experience and one of the earliest opportunities to mingle with the entire ESSEC community. Registrations open during the start of August. WEI 2023 is happening this year from September 22-24 (Friday to Sunday) and is priced approximately at 220 euros Follow the Zackarie Viera account to receive more information on WEI. Look forward to the magnanimous theme announcement on the page real soon!

WEI 2022 was an absolute hit with the last year's batch and the legendary weekend at the castle with blasting music and beer flowing. Here’s a glimpse of insanity and beyond at WEI 2022

Pôle Nuit is the team that centrally works for the flagship event of ESSEC called Nuit De L'ESSEC - The ESSEC Night For Nuit, the whole ESSEC campus turns into a club for the entire night with more than 10 music artists performing throughout the night at 6 venues in the ESSEC campus. The Nuit is open to all students in France and is one of the largest student events organized in the country with previous editions seeing a footfall of 6000+ students. The event is ticketed and the booking starts a few weeks before the night which takes place in the later weeks of January. The night is themed and has several bars near all the music stages. Follow the Zackarie Viera account and the Nuit De L'ESSEC page to receive more information on Nuit De L'ESSEC 2024.

NUIT 2023 was an extraordinary hit as the 46th edition took place exceptionally in the summer. Here’s a glimpse of music, rave and beyond at the Nuit 2023

Gala de l'ESSEC or simply called the Gala is organized by the Pôle Gala, the most sophisitcated evening of the ESSEC calendar Gala happens in the latter months of spring at a destination that boasts history and culture of France. A formal dinner with cocktails followed by an after party until wee hours of the morning, Gala is one of the most looked out events with ESSEC students and alumni in attedance The destination has traditionally been a vintage building from the likes of heritage hotels to magnificent chateaus and even palaces. The tickets are different for the dinner which has few limited capacity and the after party which hosts a much larger gathering than the dinner, both seeing ESSEC students adorning them in the sharpest suits and dazzling gowns. Follow the Zackarie Viera account and the Gala de l'ESSEC page to receive more information on Gala de l'ESSEC 2024.

GALA 2023 was a phenomenal evening in a hisotrical monument in the center of Paris. Take a glimpse at the location announcement of Gala 2023 and foster the excitement towards the 2024 edition!

International Pole

The International pole of BDE was created about a decade ago to purely be responsible for the integration of the International students into the ESSEC community. The pole focuses on activities that help towards a better representation of the international community, addressing the concerns of the international students and providing better opportunities to assimilate into the spirit of ESSEC. The pole organises various activities all around the year for International students and is a robust medium of communication between the student office and International students. The international pole of BDE Riviera is excited to share its program for the coming year with the motto for more inclusivity, activity and opportunity for international students.

Buddy System

Know the team

Welcome Week

The flagship event of International pole is the welcome week – a week full of fun activities to meet the international community, get to know ESSEC and make new connections The welcome week 2023 is scheduled from 21nd August – 25th August (Monday-Friday) followed by a special day event by MELT Association, the association for International students. The welcome week 2022 was a huge hit with an Escape Game, BBQ, picnics, alumni events and ending with a Seine cruise by MELT. This edition of Welcome week is bigger and grander! Stay tuned. All official communication related to Welcome Week 2023 will be shared in the coming few weeks over the Zackarie Viera Facebook account, Whatsapp groups and via E-mail

ESSEC Campus

Every evening

The International pole of BDE Indiana launched the Buddy system last year and the BDE Riviera is carrying the legacy. The buddy system is an extremely popular platform across student networks used to pair a local student with an International student to share culture, resources and help blend into the new environment the international student finds themselves in. The local student is called a mentor and the international student a mentee. A match will be made for a pair who have similar interests for a significant duration of time ranging from a trimester to an year. The buddy system at ESSEC is customized to have multiple mentor-mentee pairings (more than one mentor and mentee) for a wider integration into the culture and a stronger network. The buddies can go on outings, share lunch, attend events together etc. with BDE being only the matching source and the connections being independent and personal to the individuals. BDE International pole will also be organizing monthly events for all the buddies to be under one roof and live the multi-cultural experience offered by ESSEC.

Register here

International pôle

Other Internatinal BDE Members

Sainandan Mohanty

Mokshi Jain

Elise Salla (Respo)

Lena Xu

BDE - Gala pôle

BDE - Campus WEI

MiM - International Student (but French)

MIM - International Student

Ingrid de Vaublanc

Kriti Sultania

Satvik Puti

BDE - Gala pôle

BDE - Teuf pôle

MIM - International Student

Association Life

Places to eat

Key places on campus

Key Places on Campus

Hall des Patios (HDP)

THE ASSO CORRIDOR

ESSEC is always buzzing with its rich association culture and all of this culminates at one place in ESSEC, the asso corridor. Located on the ground floor in E block, this section of ESSEC has the associations locals, rooms allotted to different associations as a base to do their activities. It's extremely active after class hours and the corridor ends with Foys

The HDP or the Hall des Patios is the segment of ESSEC leading from the Grand Amphi to the E block with patios on both sides of it. The open air patio on the left bordering the cafeteria is a popular spot for students to hangout during breaks The hall area is often used for small scale student activities all throughout the year

The famous Foy's is the in-house campus bar. They serve a variety of beer and are often seen at every party and throw one of the most lit parties almost every night. Catch a break after your classes right on campus, grab a beer with your friends, colleagues and teammates! Foy's is located in the E-block, behind the cafeteria

Association life

ESSEC has several associations across different fields of activity students can join. They are a great way to know people, mix within the ESSEC student life and have a rounded ESSEC experience.

List of Assos

Associations recruitments

If you want to join an association, there are several things you can do.

Info

You can know more about these associations on the Nuit des Assos (Association night) that happens in September usually

If not now, maybe next time : the 2nd recruitments

It is now time to apply!

Find out more about the association

Wait

Let the people in the association know you exist

Places to eat on Campus

ESSEC has a huge cafeteria spanning two floors with two eateries in the ground floor. One eatery open till 5:00 PM has a host of viennoise pastries, cheesecakes, doughnuts, basket of fresh fruits, packaged snacks, aerated beverages, selection of yoghurt, cold meat food and daily made sandwiches apart from the rest. They also have in-house coffee. You can pay using cash or ESSEC student card after loading money from the card loading stations. There is also a Starbucks station right beside this eatery offering a select range of their best selling coffees that you can grab until 5:00 PM. There is a second eatery on the same floor which has freshly made meals with two three options to choose from , often healthy and well balanced nutritionally. There are vending machines as well that serve hot coffee, aerated beverages and packaged food all throughout the campus

1.Housing

List of ESSEC programs

2.Paper work

3.Campus life

Scolarity at ESSEC

Based on students experiences

4.ESSEC

We're not going to go over the webinars you must have slept through, let us give you a student perspective and tips that we all wish we knew when we got here. And some useful links as always!

Respect for Others Charter - Important

Some important ESSEC contacts

5.France

List of ESSEC programs

Who does what, what is what and what does who (or who does who :0 ?)

Grande Ecole Program

The others

The exchanges

The ASC

The AST

The BBAs

Some humoristic comments may be made on each program, you're adults so you know how to do "la part des choses" and not take "au pied de la lettre" all the "généralisations" I'll make <3 - a BDE student scared of the "représailles" from the administration -

The BBAs

Or the art of having the best parties of all ESSEC programs

3 ways to be admitted to the BBA program :- with a "concours" during the last year of high school (French students) - through applications during the last year of high school (International students) - after 2 years of upper graduate studies (French students)

3 ways to notice a BBA student :- They have the best outfits - If you can hear the sound of a party from your room on a Tuesday evening, it may (definitely) be them - They also are the youngest students on campus

+ info BBA

Some humoristic comments may be made on each program, you're adults so you know how to do "la part des choses" and not take "au pied de la lettre" all the "généralisations" I'll make <3 - a BDE student scared of the "représailles" from the administration -

The ASC

Or the students that will strugle to explain how they got into this master without knowing the first thing about managment

They come from Prepa. But wtf is Prepa ? It's a program that only exist in France :- It's a highly competitive program designed to prepare students for the entrance exams to the grandes écoles. It usually lasts 2 years, but some students take a 3rd year (“khûbe”) to have a second chance to get a better-ranked school after the exams. - The batch that'll join ESSEC at the same time as you will start by doing a "Pre-Master" year, which is a transition year where they are supposed to acquire the basics of management they'll need to follow the same master courses as you the next year.

3 ways to notice a Prepa student :- They rule the asso world - The freshmen are all burned out - If they have a laptop open in class they are :

+ info ASC

Some humoristic comments may be made on each program, you're adults so you know how to do "la part des choses" and not take "au pied de la lettre" all the "généralisations" I'll make <3 - a BDE student scared of the "représailles" from the administration -

The AST

That's you most probably, if that's not you then who are you ?

Grande Ecole students (Master's) who were admitted through different rounds of applications. They are in the same program as the ASC students, only the admission process differs.

1 way to notice an AST :- They speak English fluently - They almost all do their first year in an ESSEC residency - They have a high probability of catching the "Paris curse" which comes down to hating it when you live there and missing it when you leave there.

+ info MiM

Some humoristic comments may be made on each program, you're adults so you know how to do "la part des choses" and not take "au pied de la lettre" all the "généralisations" I'll make <3 - a BDE student scared of the "représailles" from the administration -

The Exchange and Duals

They are cool but they leave too soon (stay for a master guys)

They are likely to be from a Partner University of ESSEC. They will also attend the same Master classes as you.They are the most active Paris tourists I've ever seen. After two months they're are the one you should ask where to eat and what to do around town. I've heard they also study. Impressive right ?

Some humoristic comments may be made on each program, you're adults so you know how to do "la part des choses" and not take "au pied de la lettre" all the "généralisations" I'll make <3 - a BDE student scared of the "représailles" from the administration -

The Others

Some of them wear suits every day to class ?

We are reaching the limit of my current knowledge on the matter. I know there are MBAs and PHDs... feel free to check all the available programs at ESSEC on their website :

+ info PHD

+ info MBA

Some humoristic comments may be made on each program, you're adults so you know how to do "la part des choses" and not take "au pied de la lettre" all the "généralisations" I'll make <3 - a BDE student scared of the "représailles" from the administration -

Who to contact in ESSEC?

You probably already know the coordinator of you program:

• Cécile Bruneau if you’re an exchange student

• Albane Carail if you’re an ASTi student

But there are also other contacts you may need in case you need it:

• ALEGESSEC for the problems of residences : 01 34 43 32 00. The ALEGESSEC responsible person is Frédéric Castel (castel@essec.edu) and Philippe Palermo is the housing responsible person (palermo@essec.edu)

• The Registrar for everything relating to administrative stuff (tuition fees, visa, resident permit, health insurance, student card…. Their office is on the upper floor of the Grand Hall (9h-17h), in H103D, but you can also join them by email (officeoftheregistrar@essec.edu) or by phone (01 34 43 39 92).

• If you have any question or problem concerning your physical health (or if you need a plaster for you blister because you have new shoes), you can go see Laure Hanse-Pautrot, the student’s nurse : her office is at the ground floor of the Galion, and she’s available by mail (studentnurse@essec.edu) or phone (0134433952). A doctor is also here a few times a week, you can book an appointment with him for whatever you need.

• If you have any question or problem concerning your mental health, feel free to make an appointment with one of the two psychologists of ESSEC : Boris Haguenauer (haguenauer@essec.edu), whose office is in Paris, or Vanessa Ntakabanyura (ntakabanyura@essec.edu, 01 34 43 28 39), whose office is in F109.

Respect for others

Witness or Victim of Violence/Discrimination - what to do?

ESSEC has Zero Tolerance for any violations of the Respect for Others Charter (available on MyEssec portal), whether it be in the context of your educational, associative, festive or professional experience.If you are a victim or a witness of such violence, the school is committed to listening to you and providing you with the best possible support and to punish inappropriate behaviors. IF YOU HAVE BEEN A VICTIM, Surround yourself and try to talk to people you trust. Know that nothing justifies violence and that it is never your fault. IF YOU WERE A DIRECT OR INDIRECT WITNESS (COLLECTION OF A TESTIMONY), First of all, praise the person’s courage to talk about it, do not minimize the violence described and remind them that the law prohibits and punishes violence. If you feel overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to talk about it and contact the professionals. Please find here the detailed guide explaining who to contact, when to contact, how to contact, what to do and every resource that is useful for seeking help, link to the platform and contact details of marion becheri who is responsible for this initiative. You can also contact the BDE REFERENTS , who are more readily available for contact and can help you through in complete benevolance and anonymity.

BDE Referents Contact details

Marion B. Contact details

Link to platform

Guide

1.Housing

List of Apps you'll need

2.Paper work

3.Campus life

France

Some tips, tricks and suggestions how to do quotidian activities smoothly

4.ESSEC

These aren't hard and fast rules or happen with 100% certainty. You are handed some useful recommendations and suggestions from people's experiences who have been living the student lifestyle for a while in Paris

Bucket List

Survival rules

5.France

A few apps you'll need

Here are the most used and useful app in France !

Travel

FOOD

commUnication

ESSEC

Health

Lifestyle

Important

Chaos and Confusion in France

When things are unavailable

Things to know at a restaurant

How to interact with people

Unsaid rules about Metro

When things are unavailable in France

On Sundays, France is asleep

“Greves” - strikes

In France, everything isn't open on Sundays. The country practically shuts down, so it’s best to plan your vacation around that, or you may have some unpleasant surprises. Except for some supermarkets, that are open in the morning (but not all) and some tourist places in Paris, most the cafes and restaurants remain open.

France is also known for its strikes, which happen quite a lot and can sometimes alter the traffic. But don’t worry, every line doesn’t come to a standstill very often! Check the strikes on RATP and SNCF’s apps, which suggests fallback solutions, the information is usually well indicated. Even without strikes, RERs are (too) often late, there are regular maintenance works and you may spend double the amount of time you expected. So in case you have a major appointment, plan to leave early!

When things are unavailable in France

On Sundays, France is asleep

“Greves” - strikes

In France, everything isn't open on Sundays. The country practically shuts down, so it’s best to plan your vacation around that, or you may have some unpleasant surprises. Except for some supermarkets, that are open in the morning (but not all) and some tourist places in Paris, most the cafes and restaurants remain open.

France is also known for its strikes, which happen quite a lot and can sometimes alter the traffic. But don’t worry, every line doesn’t come to a standstill very often! Check the strikes on RATP and SNCF’s apps, which suggests fallback solutions, the information is usually well indicated. Even without strikes, RERs are (too) often late, there are regular maintenance works and you may spend double the amount of time you expected. So in case you have a major appointment, plan to leave early!

Unsaid rules about Paris Metro

Things to know while using Public transportation specially the metro

• When using the moving escalator, STAY ON THE RIGHT if you want to stay still, GO ON THE LEFT if you want to climb it like normal stairs. That will avoid you lots of unpleasant stares and comments.
• Some homeless people do sleep or “live” in the metro.
• Sometimes, there are people singing in the train or asking for money, if you want to give them, you can, but don’t feel pressured.
• Be careful of pick-pockets: be careful while using your phone beside the doors of the train when they are still open, it is risky. Look around you and make sure that there are no suspicious people. In touristic areas, you might also want to wear your bag in front of you.
• You may encounter random ticket controls with RATP agents inside the train (quite rare) or in the corridors (more often). Be sure to have a validated ticket or pass or you’ll expose yourself to a fine up to €50.
• There are no toilets in the Paris Metro.

How to interact with people in France

To kiss or not to kiss

Courtesy is Key

In France, “on fait la bise” meaning that we kiss one another when we meet someone we know. It’s not so common anymore since Covid, but it used to be kind of a social obligation : you could just find yourself kissing your colleagues or even someone you dislike. Now, French people usually only kiss their friends, parents and friends of friends, and some even don’t do it at all anymore. In any case, most French People are aware that foreigners aren’t used to it so never feel like you have to kiss everyone you meet !

Always say Bonjour or Bonsoir (hello/good evening) before saying anything else when you meet someone or enter a shop. Not doing so is considered very rude, and you can expect to be met with gruffness if you launch into a conversation or request without uttering this word first. That’s actually why French people are sometimes considered as rude people, even if some people are a bit grumpy !

Things to know at a restaurant

To tip or not to tip

Ask for the bill – or it won’t come

well … not to tip. In France, waiters are paid a livable wage with benefits and don’t depend on tips. It’s not the same as in the US : waiters aren’t going to give you their names and to check on you all the time to make sure you don’t need anything. It doesn’t mean they don’t provide good service - they have a work contract - but they will just not expect any tips. However, a few coins will always be appreciated if the service is particularly pleasant!

It’s not uncommon for locals to sit at a cafe table for hours after they’ve finished their meal. French waiters won’t impatiently hustle you out the door once you’re finished – quite the opposite. Unless you ask, they won’t bring you the bill either, so a useful phrase would be “L’addition s’il vous plait“.

Contact us!

If you have any questions or simply want to get in touch with us don't hesitate to either send us a message on Facebook or Whatsapp or email us at the following addresses:- Satvik Puti : b00802495@essec.edu - Lena Tong: b00802826@essed.edu -Elise Salla: b00805771@essec.edu