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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
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.
Professor Grégory Woimbée,Rector of UCLy
Mission statement for hosting international students in French catholic universities
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.
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.
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.
Campuses
Academic calendar
Find key dates for the academic year, holidays, and the catalogue of courses in English
Discover Lyon
Discover Annecy
International Relations Office
Learn more about transport, key moments and activities in the city
Learn more about transport, key moments and activities in the city
Includes the International Student Desk, Pôle International, and the Buddy Program to support and welcome you
Administrative Procedures in France
Living in France
Get an idea of the cost of living, accommodation, and how to find a job
Understand the steps for visas, health insurance, and more
Check-list
A step-by-step guide to prepare your arrival
- For EU students
- For non-EU students
Student Services on campuses
Emergency Phone Numbers
Discover all the support available to you at UCLy
Important contacts in case of emergency
Academic calendar
Semester 1 (Fall) :Septembrer – JanuarySemester 2 (Spring) : February – June
Catalogue of courses in English for exchange students
University and public holidays :
- Christmas: 2 weeks
- Winter Holidays : 1 week in February or March
- Spring Holidays: 1 or 2 weeks in April
Public Holidays
Important :
UCLy is closed
- For the Christmas holidays
- 3 weeks in July - August for Summer Break
1 University — 3 Campuses
UCLy is located on 2 campuses very close to each other in the heart of Lyon and 1 in Annecy :
Saint-Paul Campus
10, Place des archives – Lyon 2e
- 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.)
Carnot Campus
23, Place Carnot – Lyon 2e
- Faculty of Modern Languages and Literature
- Faculty of Theology and Religious Sciences
- Faculty of Philosophy, Psychology and Education
Alpes Europe Campus
25, Rue de la Cité - Annecy
- Faculty of Law
- ESDES (Business School)
- Faculty of Literature and Civilizations (History)
Welcome to Lyon
A European Metropolis
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.
Lyon's Highlights
Moving around in Lyon
Dance and Art biennale
September October
Lumière Festival of Cinéma
Tout l'monde dehors!
October
Summer
Festival of Lights
Nuits de Fourvières
June - July
Key moments in Lyon
Around December 8th
Consular Parties
Quais du Polar
June
March
Nuits Sonores
Lyon BD Festival
May
June
Assises Internationales du Roman
May
Some Markets in Lyon
More here
Farmer’s market
Food and flowers markets
(in the evening)
Saint Antoine Célestins
Throughout the year: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm (1:30 pm Friday to Sunday)
Throughout the year: open from Tuesday to Sunday from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm (1:30 pm Friday to Sunday)
Place Carnot – Lyon 2
Quai Saint Antoine and quai des Célestins - Lyon 2
Organic market
Quai Augagneur
Saint -Jean
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
Throughout the year: every Thursday from 6:00 am to 12:30 pm
Place Edouard Commette, côté Manécanterie, Cathédrale St Jean- Lyon 5
Quai Augagneur – Lyon 3
Croix-Rousse
Les halles de la Martinière
Throughout the year: open from Tuesday to Thursday from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm (1:30 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday)
The grocery store is open from Monday to Saturday from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Les halles Paul Bocuse
23 rue de la Martinière – Lyon 1
Boulevard de la Croix-Rousse – Lyon 4
Open from Monday to Saturday from 7:30 am to 7:30 pm and on Sunday until 1:00 am
102 Cours Lafayette – Lyon 3
Leisure activities in Lyon
Discover Lyon and its region
Le PetitPaumé
+ Further Information
+ Further Information
Lyon Campus
the student web of Lyon metropolis
+ Further Information
Lyon CityCrunch
UCLy’sMission culture
+ Further Information
+ Further Information
ESN Cosmo Lyon
Emergency Phone 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
Other useful numbers:
- 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
Welcome to Annecy
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.
Annecy's Highlights
Moving around in Annecy
High Five Festival
September
Lake Festival
Italian Film Festival
August
September October
Key moments in Annecy
Annecy International Animation Film Festival
Descent from the moutain pastures
October
June
Hors Piste Festival
February March
Leisure activities in Annecy
Discover Annecy and its region
Cultural Events
+ Further Information
+ Further Information
Living in France
Accommodation
How to find a job ?
Living expenses
Procedures in France
You are
NOT a citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
A citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
VISA — Residence Permit
1. Get a student Visa
2. Validate your "Student" Visa
3. Renew your residence permit
+ Further informations for researchers :
Préfecture de la Haute-Savoie | Rue 30E Régiment d’Infanterie - 74000 Annecy Tél. +33(0)4 50 33 60 00
Préfecture du Rhône |97, rue Molière – 69003 Lyon Tél.: +33(0)4 72 61 60 60 ou +33(0)4 72 61 67 06
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
Accommodation Office
UCLy's Choir
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C001
Carnot Campus
Health
Chaplaincy
Saint-Paul Campus | Health area C029 Carnot Campus | Health area L051
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C258
Social Service
Sports
Saint-Paul Campus
Saint-Paul Campus | Gymnasium 6th Floor (Building A)
Mission Handicap
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C026
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
Student Services on the Campuses
The Mission Culture
The "Foyer" Student Spaces
Saint-Paul Campus Level 2 | office B227
All campuses
La Fédé
Cafeterias
Saint-Paul Campus Level -1 | office AS10
All campuses
Henri de Lubac University Library
All campuses
Humanities Training Department (DFH)
French Language and Culture Institute (ILCF)
The personal and cultural training – a strong suit in UCLy!
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 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.
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 DFH offers excellent opportunities for encounters and exchange between French and international students. Besides, some courses are taught in English.
Carnot Campus Building L, 2ⁿᵈ floor
ilcf@univ-catholyon.fr Tel +33 (0)4 72 32 50 53
Tel.: +33(0)4 72 32 51 56
fh@univ-catholyon.fr
Saint-Paul Campus Building C, Entresol
+ Further information
+ Further 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.
More information
You are lost in the maze of administrative procedures?
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!
Access & Contact
Opening hours
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
Saint-Paul Campus Rotunda, 2ⁿᵈ floor Aisle A | Office A275
isd@univ-catholyon.fr+33 (0)4 72 32 50 13
+ Further information
Pôle international
Within the International Relations Office, the Pôle International offers a wide range of events and free activities for UCLy’s international students in Lyon.
calendar
The invitations to events are sent to your UCLy e-mail addresses. For better organization, registration is necessary to participate in activities.
To not miss any event from the Pôle International:
Contact: poleinternational@univ-catholyon.fr +33 (0)4 26 84 52 37
Become an active member
Buddy Program
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
here.
«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!»
«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%.»
Matis CHATEAU,student at the faculty of Law
Solène MOURIER,student at the faculty of Law
Lyon International
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...
+ Further Information
Documents to prepare
Check List
- 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
Ask for your European Health Insurance Card (Carte Européenne d'Assurance Maladie - CEAM)
Before your arrival in France
- Pay the CVEC (unless you are an exchange student)
- Ask for the housing allowance CAF (optional)
European Student
When you arrive in France
The International Student Desk (ISD) can help you with these procedures
Contact here
Before you leave France
Contact the CAF to inform them of your departure from France
Check List
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
Country with Etudes en France procedure - EeF (Campus France)
Contact your Espace Campus France to do the EeF procedure
Before your arrival in France
Contact the embassy/consulate of France
Country without Etudes en France procedure
- 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)
Non-european Student
When you arrive in France
The International Student Desk (ISD) can help you with these procedures
Contact here
- Contact your bank to close your account
- Contact the CAF to inform them of your departure
Before you leave France
Saint-Paul Campus Rotunda, 2ⁿᵈ floor, Aisle A | Office A275-278
ri@univ-catholyon.fr Tel.: +33 (0)4 72 32 50 79
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 :
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 €.
Futher informations
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)
UCLy's 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
Concert Choir
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.
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.
Rehearsals on Mondays from 6:45 pm to 8:45 pm at the Ozanam Room.
Campus Carnot |
choeurs@univ-catholyon.fr
@AssoChoeursUCLy |
+ Further information
Sports
Choose among 20+ activities from mid-September to mid-May (aerobics, athletics, rowing, climbing, football, dance, swimming, etc.)
Saint-Paul Campus | Gymnasium 6th Floor (Building A)
Open on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m for information
bds@univ-catholyon.fr
Tel +33(0)4 72 32 50 69
+ Further information
The « Foyer » / Student spaces
Student break rooms, ideal for meetings and exchanges. Micro-waves, foods and drinks dispensers are available.
Saint-Paul Campus Building A, level -1 |Building B, Ground Floor Carnot Campus Building L, Level -1 Alpes Europe Campus | Student Space
+ Further information
Chaplaincy
Chaplaincy welcomes students, professors and administrative staff. Solidarity and creativity initiatives, through events organized all year long.
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C258
Tel +33(0)4 72 32 50 16
+ Further information
Validating your "Student" Visa
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 :
1. Student and Campus life contribution
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.
2. Banking
You can use your European bank account.
A citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
3. Health insurance
Ask for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your country.
Futher informations
4. Housing allowance from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales)
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.
Futher informations
5. Visa | Residence permit
No formalities are necessary. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient, and bring your birth certificate.
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
Futher informations
Activities (a few examples!)
Once a year / semester:
- Welcome Buffet:
- King cake party:
- Visit of museums
- Wine and cheese tasting:
- Meet and eat international:
- Visit of Saint-Paul campus:
Throughout the year: Cultural and gastronomic excursions, bowling nights, exhibitions, raclette night.
- Café langues: improve your language skills and share your culture by meeting with French and international students
Cafeterias
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.
Saint-Paul Campus | Building A, Ground Floor Carnot Campus | Building K, Ground Floor
Open from Monday to Friday, from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
Open from Monday to Friday, from 7.30am to 4pm
+ Further information
1. Student and Campus life contribution
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.
2. Banking
You can use your European bank account.
3. Health insurance
A citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
Ask for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) in your country.
Futher informations
4. Housing allowance from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales)
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.
Futher informations
5. Visa | Residence permit
No formalities are necessary. A valid identity card or passport is sufficient, and bring your birth certificate.
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€.
Futher informations
How to find a job ?
- 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.
59, rue de la Madeleine – 69007 Lyon www.crous-lyon.fr 5 rue d’Arsonval - 38000 Grenoble www.crous-grenoble.fr (for Annecy)
66, cours Charlemagne – 69002 Lyon
1 rue Jean Jaurès - 74000 Annecy www.info-jeunes.fr/
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
Futher informations
Henri de Lubac University Library
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.
here.
There is also a large number of municipal libraries in Lyon, more
Saint-Paul Campus | Building A, 2nd Floor Carnot Campus | Building K, Ground Floor Alpes Europe Campus 25 rue de la cité 74000 Annecy
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
+ Further information
Mission Handicap
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.
Saint-Paul Campus | office C026
mission.handicap@univ-catholyon.fr
Tel.: +33(0)4 72 32 51 72
+ Further information
Social Service
A social services department and a social worker are at your disposal to accompany you in resolving your problems.
+ Further information
Accommodation
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
Futher informations
1. Student and Campus contribution
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.
2. Banking
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.
Futher informations
NOT a citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
3. French Health insurance
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.
Futher informations
4. Housing allowance from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales)
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.
Futher informations
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.
Follow these steps to get your student visa
The Mission Culture
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).
Le U-Art festival
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!
Saint-Paul Campus
culture@univ-catholyon.fr Tel.: +33 4 72 32 58 81
+ Further information
Renewal of residence permit
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
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).
2. Lyon was historically known for the production and weaving of silk.
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.
La Fédé
Student board of associations in charge of coordinating all of UCLy’s student associations.
+ Further information
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.
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.
3. Annecy is known for its Savoyard specialities:
- 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).
Health
Preventive medecine
Counselling service (Point Écoute)
Resting area and workshops
Consultations and prevention
Emotional and psychological support provided by a professional in a confidential atmosphere.
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.
Saint-Paul Campus | Health area C029
Saint-Paul Campus | Health area C030
Tel.: +33(0)4 72 32 51 72
medecine.preventive@univ-catholyon.fr
Tel.: +33(0)4 72 32 51 72
point.ecoute@univ-catholyon.fr
Carnot Campus | L056 Saint-Paul Campus | Basement - AS01 room
+ Further information
Living expenses
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
Futher informations
Accommodation Office
Saint-Paul Campus | Office C001
Different types of housing are available :
- UCLy student residences : House Saint Bernard
- Public student residences CROUS
- Private student residences
- Studio - Private market
- Apartment-sharing
Isabelle MORALES Valérie MAZOYER sl@univ-catholyon.fr Tel.: +33(0)4 26 84 52 02 or +33(0)4 72 32 51 73
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.
+ Further information
1. Student and Campus contribution
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.
2. Banking
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.
Futher informations
NOT a citizen of the EU / EEA or Switzerland
3. French Health insurance
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.
Futher informations
4. Housing allowance from the CAF (Caisse d'allocations familiales)
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.
Futher informations
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.
Follow these steps to get your student visa
The Pôle International is delighted to collaborate with students to participate in the organization of events and activities. Volunteer students shared their experience:
« 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!»
«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!»
Maÿlis VANDAME, student at ESTRI
«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
If you want to become an active member of the Pôle International!Contact us at: poleinternational@univ-catholyon.fr
Pietra FIRAKOWSKI, Brazilian student at the faculty of Law