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International Students Guide
RI UCLy
Created on March 20, 2025
For you, international students, UCLy has prepared a comprehensive guide to help you find out everything you need to know about Lyon and Annecy, our campus, our services, and the administrative procedures to be completed before your arrival and once you're on French territory.
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Transcript
Professor Grégory Woimbée,Rector of UCLy
Dear Student,In the name of all the members of Lyon Catholic University (UCLy), I would like to say how happy I am to welcome you among us. It is also my pleasure to welcome you to our city, on behalf of the Université de Lyon, the Lyon-Saint Etienne consortium of Higher Education Institutions for training and research, of which UCLy is an associated member, and to the vast Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, which you will soon be starting to discover and, I sincerely hope, admire. You have finally reached us at UCLy after going through procedures which may well have been both long and arduous. The tradition of cultural and intellectual exchange and international friendship which brought you here is, as you will readily understand, considerably longer. The identity of UCLy is humanistic and universal, and the university attaches great importance to welcoming students and particularly international students who, even more than others, need individualised support. This guide is intended to make it as easy as possible for you to organise your stay and decide what you want to do in our university and in our city, so that your time and studies here will be rewarding both for you and, albeit less directly, for your country. In addition to the help this guide will provide, you will also receive help and guidance from all the different Schools and Institutes within the university. They will probably be your first point of contact, but all the university services are also there to assist you, notably the International Relations Office which will try to make your integration easier. I trust that you will make good use of this guide and I look forward to perhaps meeting you at one of our international events. In the meantime, I wish you an enjoyable and successful time.
In accordance with the human and Christian values that inspire them, the members of UCLy consider that international students, through their linguistic, cultural and spiritual differences, serve to promote universality.
In order to ensure that they are warmly welcomed, to enable them to feel at home as quickly and as effortlessly as possible and to create a climate of cultural exchange beneficial to the entire university, the representatives of UCLy hereby make the following commitments :
- To respond quickly to requests for information from international students, by giving explicit answers easily understandable to people of different cultural origins.
- To offer personal attention to students when they arrive, and to spend as much time as necessary to assist them with the material aspects of their arrival in Lyon, and the practicalities of joining the schools and institutes where they will be studying.
- To give them the chance to express and share their own cultural and spiritual identity and to encourage them to serve on the various representative bodies that are in charge of student affairs.
- To help international students with administrative formalities both inside and outside the university. One way of doing this is to identify staff members and French students who can give personalised assistance.
Lyon Catholic University pays particular attention to the needs of international students who are doing part or all of their studies at one of its schools or institutes.
Mission statement for hosting international students in French catholic universities
- For EU students
- For non-EU students
Learn more about transport, key moments and activities in the city
Discover Annecy
Learn more about transport, key moments and activities in the city
Discover Lyon
Includes the International Student Desk, Pôle International, and the Buddy Program to support and welcome you
A step-by-step guide to prepare your arrival
Check-list
International Relations Office
Important contacts in case of emergency
Discover all the support available to you at UCLy
Understand the steps for visas, health insurance, and more
Emergency Phone Numbers
Administrative Procedures in France
Student Services on campuses
Academic calendar
Campuses
Find key dates for the academic year, holidays, and the catalogue of courses in English
Living in France
Get an idea of the cost of living, accommodation, and how to find a job
Catalogue of courses in English for exchange students
Public Holidays
UCLy is closed
- For the Christmas holidays
- 3 weeks in July - August for Summer Break
Important :
- Christmas: 2 weeks
- Winter Holidays : 1 week in February or March
- Spring Holidays: 1 or 2 weeks in April
University and public holidays :
Semester 1 (Fall) :Septembrer – JanuarySemester 2 (Spring) : February – June
Academic calendar
10, Place des archives – Lyon 2e
Saint-Paul Campus
Alpes Europe Campus
Carnot Campus
- Faculty of Law
- ESDES (Business School)
- Faculty of Literature and Civilizations (History)
- Faculty of Modern Languages and Literature
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Sciences
- Faculty of Philosophy, Psychology and Education
- Faculty of Economics and Management
- Faculty of Legal, Political, and Social Sciences
- Faculty of Sciences and Health
- Rectorate and Administration
- Central services (International Relations, Communication, IT Services, etc.)
- Student services (Health Department, student associations, etc.)
25, Rue de la Cité - Annecy
23, Place Carnot – Lyon 2e
UCLy is located on 2 campuses very close to each other in the heart of Lyon and 1 in Annecy :
1 University — 3 Campuses
Lyon's Highlights
Lyon, administrative center of the Rhône department and European metropolis of over 1.5 million inhabitants, is situated at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers. Lyon is a cultural, artistic and gastronomic centre, as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As such, it has an abundance of architectural and cultural treasures.It hosts events of international dimension such as the Dance and Art Biennale, the Nuits Sonores, the Nuits de Fourvière, the Fête des Lumières (Lyon Festival of Lights), etc. Lyon offers a variety of cultural draws such as its Opera, House of Dance, theaters, museums, libraries... It is one of France’s most prominent centers for European business. Many foreign and domestic companies of international scale as well as international organizations (Interpol, Euronews, WHO, IARC . . .) are located in Lyon and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. Lyon is the second largest student city in France with four universities and several colleges. The scientific community is very dynamic with particular centers of excellence in the areas of medical research, biotechnology, transportation, clean technology and digital entertainment.
A European Metropolis
Welcome to Lyon
Moving around in Lyon
June
Consular Parties
Lyon BD Festival
June
September October
Dance and Art biennale
Summer
June - July
May
May
March
Around December 8th
October
Tout l'monde dehors!
Nuits de Fourvières
Key moments in Lyon
Assises Internationales du Roman
Nuits Sonores
Quais du Polar
Festival of Lights
Lumière Festival of Cinéma
102 Cours Lafayette – Lyon 3
Open from Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm and on Sunday until 1:00 am
Les halles Paul Bocuse
23 rue de la Martinière – Lyon 1
The grocery store is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Place Edouard Commette, côté Manécanterie, Cathédrale St Jean- Lyon 5
Throughout the year: every Thursday from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm
Les halles de la Martinière
Saint -Jean
Place Carnot – Lyon 2
Throughout the year: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm (1:30 pm Friday to Sunday)
(in the evening)
Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse – Lyon 4
Throughout the year: open from Tuesday to Thursday from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm (1:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
Quai Augagneur – Lyon 3
Throughout the year: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm (1:30 pm Friday to Sunday) and on Thursday afternoon from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Quai Saint Antoine and quai des Célestins - Lyon 2
Throughout the year: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm (1:30 pm Friday to Sunday)
Croix-Rousse
Quai Augagneur
Saint Antoine Célestins
Organic market
More here
Farmer’s market
Food and flowers markets
Some Markets in Lyon
ESN Cosmo Lyon
+ Further Information
+ Further Information
+ Further Information
+ Further Information
+ Further Information
the student web of Lyon metropolis
Lyon Campus
UCLy’sMission culture
Le PetitPaumé
Lyon CityCrunch
Discover Lyon and its region
Leisure activities in Lyon
- Pharmacies open 24/7 : Grande Pharmacie lyonnaise (from 20h to 8h00)
- Hôpital Saint Joseph Saint Luc: 04 78 61 81 81
- SOS Médecins 24h/24 (doctors): 04 78 83 51 51
- Maison Médicale de Garde: 04 72 33 00 33
- Anti-poison and Anti-drug Centre: 04 72 11 69 11
- Drugs Information service: 0 800 23 13 13
- Alcohol Information service: 0 811 913 030
- Psychiatric emergencies: 04 72 11 69 53
- SOS Amitié (emotional support): 04 78 29 88 88 – 04 78 85 33 33
- CAP Écoute: 0800 33 34 35 – 04 72 33 34 35
- Nightline: 04 85 30 00 10, Available in French and English | nightline.fr (chat)
+ Further Information
Other useful numbers:
- UNIVERSAL EUROPEAN EMERGENCY SERVICES NUMBER: 112
- SAMU (ambulances): 15 or 04 72 68 93 00
- Fire brigade: 18
- Police: 17 | Neighbourhood police station: 04 78 42 26 56
Emergency Phone Numbers
Annecy's Highlights
Annecy, nicknamed «Venice of the Alps» for its canals that run through the old town and its lake with blue-green waters, is located 40 km from Geneva and 50 km from Chambéry. Perched at an altitude of 446 meters, Lake Annecy is the second largest natural lake in France and the first lake in Europe for the purity of its waters.As a city with a long story and an important Gallo-Roman influence, Annecy has also preserved a rich architectural heritage. Between lake and mountains, the capital of the Haute-Savoie is in the seventh place of the 2023 ranking of cities with more than 2000 inhabitants where it is good to live.
Welcome to Annecy
Moving around in Annecy
September
High Five Festival
June
Annecy International Animation Film Festival
Key moments in Annecy
October
Descent from the moutain pastures
August
February March
September October
Lake Festival
Hors Piste Festival
Italian Film Festival
+ Further Information
+ Further Information
Cultural Events
Discover Annecy and its region
Leisure activities in Annecy
Living expenses
Accommodation
How to find a job ?
Living in France
NOT a citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
A citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
You are
Procedures in France
3. Renew your residence permit
2. Validate your "Student" Visa
Préfecture du Rhône |97, rue Molière – 69003 Lyon Tél.: +33(0)4 72 61 60 60 ou +33(0)4 72 61 67 06
Préfecture de la Haute-Savoie | Rue 30E Régiment d’Infanterie - 74000 Annecy Tél. +33(0)4 50 33 60 00
+ Further informations for researchers :
1. Get a student Visa
VISA — Residence Permit
Saint-Paul Campus
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C258
Carnot Campus
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C001
All services housed on the Saint-Paul and Carnot campuses are accessible to Campus Alpes Europe students. Don’t hesitate to contact them by e-mail or telephone!
Accommodation Office
Health
Saint-Paul Campus | Health area C029 Carnot Campus | Health area L051
Social Service
Mission Handicap
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C026
Sports
Saint-Paul Campus | Gymnasium 6th Floor (Building A)
Chaplaincy
UCLy's Choir
Student Services on the Campuses
Saint-Paul Campus Level 2 | office B227
Saint-Paul Campus Level -1 | office AS10
All campuses
All campuses
All services housed on the Saint-Paul and Carnot campuses are accessible to Campus Alpes Europe students. Don’t hesitate to contact them by e-mail or telephone!
Student Services on the Campuses
The Mission Culture
The "Foyer" Student Spaces
All campuses
Henri de Lubac University Library
La Fédé
Cafeterias
Student Services on the Campuses
ilcf@univ-catholyon.fr Tel +33 (0)4 72 32 50 53
Carnot Campus Building L, 2ⁿᵈ floor
Whether you want to follow French courses or take an exam to certify your skills, ILCF offers you this opportunity. You will have the choice between different teaching schedules as well as exam sessions throughout the year.
The DFH offers excellent opportunities for encounters and exchange between French and international students. Besides, some courses are taught in English.
fh@univ-catholyon.fr
Tel.: +33(0)4 72 32 51 56
Saint-Paul Campus Building C, Entresol
These courses include:
- Emotional intelligence and positive psychology
- Media Literacy
- Theater: writing and acting
- Thinking and living interculturality
- Workshop: Acting in English
- Environnmental challenges: biodiversity
The Humanities Training Department offers cross-disciplinary courses (intercultural relations, arts and ethics) as well as workshops (artistic expression, self-awareness, entrepreneurship) to develop our students’ understanding of the world through different learning perspective.
The personal and cultural training – a strong suit in UCLy!
Humanities Training Department (DFH)
French Language and Culture Institute (ILCF)
+ Further information
+ Further information
More information
UCLy, holder of the «Bienvenue en France» label since 2019, once again awarded by Campus France in May 2023, pays special attention to the quality of its welcome of and support to international students and is deeply committed to its continuous improvement in that field. In this context, the International Relations team is pleased to welcome you throughout the year and to facilitate your integration so that you can live your French experience with serenity.
+ Further information
isd@univ-catholyon.fr+33 (0)4 72 32 50 13
Tuesday and Thursday: 9 am to 5 pm + Wednesday: 9 am - 12h30 pmMaking an appointment is strongly advised for the following administrative procedures:
- Visa/residence permit
- French health insurance
- Housing allowance
Opening hours
Access & Contact
Saint-Paul Campus Rotunda, 2ⁿᵈ floor Aisle A | Office A275
The International Student Desk (ISD) is here to help, support and advise you for an easy integration. Do not hesitate to contact us or come to our office!
You are lost in the maze of administrative procedures?
Become an active member
Contact: poleinternational@univ-catholyon.fr +33 (0)4 26 84 52 37
calendar
To not miss any event from the Pôle International:
The invitations to events are sent to your UCLy e-mail addresses. For better organization, registration is necessary to participate in activities.
Within the International Relations Office, the Pôle International offers a wide range of events and free activities for UCLy’s international students in Lyon.
Pôle international
here.
Matis CHATEAU,student at the faculty of Law
Solène MOURIER,student at the faculty of Law
«As I myself was questioning the idea of mobility abroad, I wondered how to approach this decision. Meeting my buddy was for me a successful approach in two senses. Firstly, because of the great friendly relationship that developed, but also because of the exchange: while I was showing him the best of Lyon, my buddy taught me all about mobility so that I could be as prepared as possible. I recommend it 100%.»
«Participating in the Buddy Program not only allows a person just arriving in France to discover the country, the culture, improve their French and meet at least one «local», it also allows French people to discover a new culture, meet new people and, why not, improve their language skills.Joining the Buddy Program is also a great way to make friends. Personally, I’ve kept in touch with my Buddy!»
Be part of a tandem with a French student at UCLy who will help you easily integrate your new life in Lyon!The Pôle International will put you in touch with your French buddy, after you’ve sent the following information
Buddy Program
+ Further Information
Our partner
The association Lyon International consists of 400 families from Lyon that welcome students in their homes for a cheerful dinner. The perfect occasion for cultural exchanges! Lyon International also offers festive events throughout the year: international buffets, discovery of the Beaujolais region, Rally of painted walls...
Lyon International
The International Student Desk (ISD) can help you with these procedures
Documents to prepare
- ID card and/or passport
- Birth certificate with filiation
- European Health Insurance Card (CEAM)
- Important medical Information
- Acceptance letter to UCLy
- Driver's licence
- Electrical socket adapter
Check List
Contact the CAF to inform them of your departure from France
- Pay the CVEC (unless you are an exchange student)
- Ask for the housing allowance CAF (optional)
Before you leave France
When you arrive in France
Before your arrival in France
Contact here
Ask for your European Health Insurance Card (Carte Européenne d'Assurance Maladie - CEAM)
European Student
The International Student Desk (ISD) can help you with these procedures
Documents to prepare
- Passport
- Birth certificate with filiation + official French translation
- Private insurance for the first 2-3 months in France
- Important medical information
- Acceptance letter to UCLy
- Driver's licence
- Electrical socket adapter
Check List
- Contact your bank to close your account
- Contact the CAF to inform them of your departure
- Pay the CVEC (unless you are an exchange student)
- Validate your student Visa (mandatory)
- Open a bank account (optional)
- Register for the French health insurance (mandatory) and Complementary insurance (optional)
- Ask for the housing allowance CAF ( optional)
Contact the embassy/consulate of France
Contact your Espace Campus France to do the EeF procedure
Before you leave France
When you arrive in France
Before your arrival in France
Contact here
Non-european Student
Country without Etudes en France procedure
Country with Etudes en France procedure - EeF (Campus France)
ri@univ-catholyon.fr Tel.: +33 (0)4 72 32 50 79
Saint-Paul Campus Rotunda, 2ⁿᵈ floor, Aisle A | Office A275-278
Get a student Visa
Depending on your country of residence and/or nationality, and duration of your stay, a visa may be required. More information :
Futher informations
Vélo’v is a bike rental service with over 5000 bikes and electric bikes available 428 stations on a 24/7 basis and Electric bikes.
- A single ride ticket costs 1,80 € and can be bought online or directly at a Vélo’v station kiosk by bankcard.
- A day Pass ticket costs 4 € and is valid for 24 hours.
- Annual membership for 14-25 years old is 16,50 €.
Public holidays
- November 1st (All Saints’ Day)
- November 11th (Armistice Day)
- December 25th (Christmas)
- January 1st (New Year’s Day)
- Easter Monday
- May 1st (Labor Day)
- May 8th (Victory in Europe Day)
- May 9th (Ascension Day)
- Whit/Pentecost Monday
- July 14th (Bastille Day)
- August 15th (Assumption Day)
Rehearsals on Mondays from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm at the Ozanam Room.
4 workshops are offered during the year: Gospel, musicals, French and international songs. No experience is required; the pedagogy of the choirmaster adapts to all levels, and the repertoire opens to all styles. This workshop welcomes students, members of the concert choir, but also people from all backgrounds wanting to discover a musical style.
choeurs@univ-catholyon.fr
@AssoChoeursUCLy |
Campus Carnot |
The choir of the University offers a repertoire covering several centuries of sacred musical heritage (Monteverdi, Bach, Haydn, Mendelssohn and contemporary composers) for concerts with soloists and professional musicians. It is open to UCLy students and staff, as well as anyone wishing to join the choir. At the beginning and after the rehearsal, a quick interview with the choirmaster will confirm your place in the choir.
Concert Choir
Conducted by a young and dynamic professional choirmaster, the Choirs of UCLy allow to develop vocal expression, interpretation, listening, breathing, voice placement, and quality musical performances.
Choir school
UCLy's Choir
+ Further information
Open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m for information
Saint-Paul Campus | Gymnasium 6th Floor (Building A)
bds@univ-catholyon.fr
Tel +33(0)4 72 32 50 69
Choose among 20+ activities from mid-September to mid-May (aerobics, athletics, rowing, climbing, football, dance, swimming, etc.)
Sports
+ Further information
Saint-Paul Campus Building A, level -1 |Building B, Ground Floor Carnot Campus Building L, Level -1 Alpes Europe Campus | Student Space
Student break rooms, ideal for meetings and exchanges. Micro-waves, foods and drinks dispensers are available.
The « Foyer » / Student spaces
+ Further information
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C258
Tel +33(0)4 72 32 50 16
Chaplaincy welcomes students, professors and administrative staff. Solidarity and creativity initiatives, through events organized all year long.
Chaplaincy
+ Further information
Within 3 months after your arrival in France, you mandatory have to validate your “Student” visa online. Otherwise your visa won’t be valid until the expiration date so you risk to face difficulties in France or when you travel. The visa validation is also mandatory to enrol in the French health insurance and to apply for the housing allowance from the CAF. More information :
Validating your "Student" Visa
Futher informations
Futher informations
A citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
5. Visa | Residence permit
No formalities are necessary. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient, and bring your birth certificate.
4. Housing allowance from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales)
3. Health insurance
Like all students, you may benefit from financial assistance from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) to help you pay your rent. The process is free and entirely online.
Ask for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your country.
You can use your European bank account.
2. Banking
The CVEC applies to French and international students enrolling in a public or private university. Each student must pay this mandatory contribution to the French State. To proceed, visit this website, create your account and pay. Note: This fee does not apply to exchange students joining UCLy.
1. Student and Campus life contribution
Futher informations
More than 600 bikes are available in the city and its surroundings with several rental options. Students benefit from the following reduced rates:
- for a classic or folding bike: 8 €/week, 13 €/month, 30 €/year
- for an electric bike: 188 €/year no time limit
Throughout the year: Cultural and gastronomic excursions, bowling nights, exhibitions, raclette night.
Once a year / semester:
- Café langues: improve your language skills and share your culture by meeting with French and international students
Activities (a few examples!)
- Welcome Buffet:
- King cake party:
- Visit of museums
- Wine and cheese tasting:
- Meet and eat international:
- Visit of Saint-Paul campus:
Open from Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Open from Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 4pm
Saint-Paul Campus | Building A, Ground Floor Carnot Campus | Building K, Ground Floor
On each of the 2 campuses Carnot and Saint-Paul, a cafeteria managed by the CROUS allows you to have lunch on site, with a balanced meal at a lower cost. Caution: CROUS cafeteria don’t accept cash.
Cafeterias
+ Further information
Futher informations
Futher informations
A citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
5. Visa | Residence permit
No formalities are necessary. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient, and bring your birth certificate.
4. Housing allowance from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales)
3. Health insurance
Like all students, you can benefit from financial assistance from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) to help you pay your rent. The process is free and entirely online.
Ask for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your country.
You can use your European bank account.
2. Banking
The CVEC applies to French and foreign students enrolling in a public or private university. Each student must pay this mandatory contribution to the French State. To proceed, visit this website, create your account and pay. Note: This fee does not apply to exchange students joining UCLy.
1. Student and Campus life contribution
Futher informations
Alpes Europe Campus: Line bus 15, Balmettes stop
- A single ticket, which lasts 1 hour, costs 1,50 €.
- Several transport pass are available: monthly at 40 €, and annual for people under 26 at 80€.
66, cours Charlemagne – 69002 Lyon
1 rue Jean Jaurès - 74000 Annecy www.info-jeunes.fr/
59, rue de la Madeleine – 69007 Lyon www.crous-lyon.fr 5 rue d’Arsonval - 38000 Grenoble www.crous-grenoble.fr (for Annecy)
- Classified ads on your Intranet account, in «Student Jobs»
- At the CROUS (Regional Centre for Student Support Services), you can find short-term jobs within the academic year.
- At the Regional Youth Information Center:
- At the Local Structure Youth Information: Centre Culturel Bonlieu
- Find here the list of sites dedicated to searching for employment on the UCLy webpage:
- Looking for an internship? Consult the school, institute or faculty where you are registered.
How to find a job ?
Futher informations
Greater Lyon’s public transport network, ran by TCL, consists of metro and tram lines, funicular railways and bus routes.
- Saint-Paul Campus: Metro line A, Perrache stop - Tram: T1 and T2, Place des Archives stop
- Carnot Campus: Metro line A, Perrache stop - Tram: T1 and T2, Perrache stop
here.
There is also a large number of municipal libraries in Lyon, more
Open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m to 8:00 p.m
Open from Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m to 8:00 p.m
Saint-Paul Campus | Building A, 2nd Floor Carnot Campus | Building K, Ground Floor Alpes Europe Campus 25 rue de la cité 74000 Annecy
The library hosts almost 400,000 documents, including 760 journals, 6,000 online magazines and 15,000 ebooks of which 300 are perennial. Modern works directly accessible to the public are distributed according to the teaching locations of UCLy students.
Henri de Lubac University Library
+ Further information
mission.handicap@univ-catholyon.fr
Tel.: +33(0)4 72 32 51 72
Saint-Paul Campus | office C026
Mission Handicap has been established to ensure a comfortable learning environment for students with disabilities. Specific procedures regarding courses and/or exams can be implemented, depending on your situation or requests.
Mission Handicap
+ Further information
A social services department and a social worker are at your disposal to accompany you in resolving your problems.
Social Service
+ Further information
Futher informations
UCLy’s Accommodation service helps students look for a room in:
- UCLy University residence (Saint-Bernard): between 470€-590€/month, facilities included
- Public student residences CROUS: from 260€/month, facilities included
- Private student residence: from 300€/month
- Studio - Private market : from 600€/month
- Apartment-sharing: from 300€/month, facilities non included
Accommodation
Follow these steps to get your student visa
Futher informations
Futher informations
Futher informations
NOT a citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
5. Visa | Residence permit
A passport is required to enter the French territory. Before departure, contact the French Embassy in your country and make sure that your passport expires at least 6 months after the final day of your stay.
4. Housing allowance from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales)
3. French Health insurance
Like all students, you may benefit from financial assistance from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) to help you pay your rent. The process is free and entirely online.
The enrolment to the French Health insurance is mandatory, free and allows you to benefit from the partial refund of your health costs. As this procedure can take up to 2 or 3 months, we advise you to get an alternative health insurance during the first 2 or 3 months of your stay.
We advise you to open a bank account upon arrival. Having a French bank account is mandatory to benefit from the CAF and French Health insurance.
2. Banking
The CVEC applies to French and foreign students enrolling in a public or private university.Each student must pay this mandatory contribution to the French State. To proceed, visit this website, create your account and pay. Note: This fee does not apply to exchange students joining UCLy.
1. Student and Campus contribution
In April, student artists have the opportunity to exhibit their creations on UCLy’s Lyon campuses. Musicians, painters, photographers, authors, the festival is open to all. Students are then invited to vote for their favorite work!
Le U-Art festival
culture@univ-catholyon.fr Tel.: +33 4 72 32 58 81
Saint-Paul Campus
Since 2017, UCLy’s Mission Culture has been inviting Art to its campuses and offering students a variety of cultural events: exhibitions, performances, concerts, workshops... It is also committed to encouraging artistic and cultural practice through the Theatre Troupe, the UCLy Choirs and the Orchestra (M2CO).
The Mission Culture
+ Further information
If you wish to continue your studies in France, you have to submit your visa renewal 4 to 2 months before your visa expiration date. More information : Do not hesitate to contact the International Student Desk (ISD), if you need help with your application.> isd@univ-catholyon.fr
Renewal of residence permit
2. Lyon was historically known for the production and weaving of silk.
1. Lyon is considered as the world capital of gastronomy
A bouchon is a unique type of restaurant found in Lyon that serves specialities of the region:
- andouillette (sausage of coarsely cut tripe),
- tablier de sapeur (beef tripe marinated in white wine, covered in breadcrumbs and fried),
- cervelle de Canut (cheese seasoned with chopped herbs and shallots),
- grattons (pork, goose, chicken or duck fat fried... in their fat!),
- quenelles (mixture of creamed fish or meat, with a light egg binding, formed into an egg-like shape).
Traboules are hidden passages connecting one street to another. Originally used by the Canuts (silk-weavers) during the 19th century to transport silk but also by the French Resistance during the Second World War.
Student board of associations in charge of coordinating all of UCLy’s student associations.
La Fédé
+ Further information
2. Annecy has become the world capital of animated films with its famous festival where several thousand professionals gather to select the best animated film of the year during which films are broadcast for free in theatres and outdoors.
1. In February, a few days after the one in Venice, Annecy hosts its Venetian carnival with hundreds of masked and disguised people, who wander and parade through the streets in a quiet atmosphere.
- fondue (comté, emmental and beaufort cheeses cooked with white wine and garlic),
- raclette (cheese melted over a fire and then scraped onto boiled potatoes),
- tartiflette (baked potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons and onions)
- and its variant, the croziflette (potatoes are replaced with little pasta called crozets).
3. Annecy is known for its Savoyard specialities:
point.ecoute@univ-catholyon.fr
Tel.: +33(0)4 72 32 51 72
Saint-Paul Campus | Health area C030
Carnot Campus | L056 Saint-Paul Campus | Basement - AS01 room
medecine.preventive@univ-catholyon.fr
Consultations and prevention
Did you know that sleeping well helps you succeed? That’s why a siesta room has been set up to help you discover the benefits of a micro nap on the body. Sophrology, meditation and aromatherapy workshops are also offered throughout the year.
Resting area and workshops
Emotional and psychological support provided by a professional in a confidential atmosphere.
Counselling service (Point Écoute)
Preventive medecine
Tel.: +33(0)4 72 32 51 72
Saint-Paul Campus | Health area C029
Health
+ Further information
Futher informations
To live in Lyon or Annecy, make sure you have a budget of 950 €/month on average. These prices are subject to change !
- Public transport in Lyon : 25€/month (until 27 years old) then 74.10€/month
- Public transport in Annecy: 40€/month or 80€/year
- 7.80€ rhône Day Pass for students until 27 years old
- Food: about 250-300€/month (lunch at the cafeteria is around 4€ and dinner at a nice restaurant around 20€)
- Internet and phone: between 20€-40€/month
Living expenses
Isabelle MORALES Valérie MAZOYER sl@univ-catholyon.fr Tel.: +33(0)4 26 84 52 02 or +33(0)4 72 32 51 73
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C001
You may be eligible for housing benefits (rather applicable to long stay). Housing benefits can usually be granted from the month after you move in, subject to the submission of a complete application file.
Accommodation Office
Different types of housing are available :
- UCLy student residences : House Saint Bernard
- Public student residences CROUS
- Private student residences
- Studio - Private market
- Apartment-sharing
+ Further information
5. Visa | Residence permit
A passport is required to enter the French territory. Before departure, contact the French Embassy in your country and make sure that your passport expires at least 6 months after the final day of your stay.
NOT a citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
Follow these steps to get your student visa
Futher informations
Futher informations
Futher informations
4. Housing allowance from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales)
3. French Health insurance
Like all students, you can benefit from financial assistance from the Caisse d’Allocations Familiales (CAF) to help you pay your rent. The process is free and entirely online.
The enrolment to the French Health insurance is mandatory, free and allows you to benefit from the partial refund of your health costs. As this procedure can take up to 2 or 3 months, we advise you to get a health insurance health costs during the first 2 or 3 months of your stay.
We advice you to open a bank account upon arrival. Having a French bank account is mandatory to benefit from the CAF and French Health insurance.
2. Banking
The CVEC applies to French and foreign students enrolling in a public or private university.Each student must pay this mandatory contribution to the French State. To proceed, visit this website, create your account and pay. Note: This fee does not apply to exchange students joining UCLy.
1. Student and Campus contribution
Pietra FIRAKOWSKI, Brazilian student at the faculty of Law
«I decided to be part of the Pôle International in order to meet foreign students and also because I like to organise events. During this period, I was able to develop my language skills in both French and English, work in a team and welcome students from all over the world in order to connect them together. I believe that the mission of a volunteer is to give time to others and contribute to a personal and cultural development through exchanges.»
Rozhin AFRASIABI, Iranian student at ILCF
Maÿlis VANDAME, student at ESTRI
If you want to become an active member of the Pôle International!Contact us at: poleinternational@univ-catholyon.fr
«I’m very sociable by nature, I like being in a multicultural environment and ISD organizes a lot of events for international students, which allows you to meet people from different cultures and share your own as well. The ISD team is warm and supportive. I was lucky enough to meet the team, who always has a friendly smile and makes herself available whenever I need help. They very often come up with a solution to my problems, or try to find one. They made my stay in Lyon so much easier!»
« Early this year I decided to be part of the Pôle International, and I do not regret my decision! My main goal was to meet people with diverse backgrounds and have meaningful exchanges around our cultural differences, thus learning more about the world we live in. By attending Pôle International events, I made numerous international friends, and shared amazing moments with them as well as with other French members. Overall, contributing to the Pôle International is a greatly enriching experience for everyone involved!»
The Pôle International is delighted to collaborate with students to participate in the organization of events and activities. Volunteer students shared their experience: