Living in Paris
Living Expenses
Though individual needs vary, you might spend more money during the first month of your stay than at any other time. Often the first month can be twice as expensive as the others, there will be things you forgot to bring and it will take a few weeks to find the bargain shops, restaurants and entertainment.
You will find below an average estimated cost for living expenses in Paris on a monthly basis:
You will find below an average estimated cost for living expenses in Paris on a monthly basis:
- Housing: 450-800 €
- Food: 200-300 €
- Transportation: 75 €/month (Adult Full Fare) ; 38€/month (Under 26 years old);
Total budget: 690 to 1100 €
Housing
ISEP helps students to secure accommodation in residence halls, private rooms or flats. You will be in contact with our accommodation office [logement@isep.fr] before arrival. An housing aid from the French Government can be available if you pay a rent and have few resources. ISEP will help you to apply. Please find here an Q&A about accommodation for international students.
Handling Money
- Traveller’s checks: a very easy way to carry money inEurope. They are safe and convenient. They are almost accepted everywhere and are easily and quickly replaced if lost or stolen so long as you keep an accurate record of serial numbers.
- Credit cards: the simplest way to get money in France, starting from your arrival at the airport, is to use a credit card, with a PIN number .Visa, American Express and MasterCard are widely recognized. They are useful for emergencies, and with a pin, you can withdraw money from ATMs.
- You can also buy euros in your country: having some cash when you arrive can be useful.
- Opening a bank account is easy if you remain more than three months in France. This can take up to four weeks or more.
Health
Registration to the student social security is compulsory for all students, except for EU citizens that have their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Student Social Security is free of charge (the registration has to be renewed every academic year).
Social Security pays off only a part of your health expenses. An additional coverage called “mutuelle” can be subscribed to complete the Social Security.
Think to do a full medical check up before leaving your country!
Social Security pays off only a part of your health expenses. An additional coverage called “mutuelle” can be subscribed to complete the Social Security.
Think to do a full medical check up before leaving your country!
FOR NON-EUROPEAN STUDENTS, PLEASE BRING A CERTIFIED COPY OF YOUR BIRTH CERTIFICATE TRANSLATED IN FRENCH.
Students from countries in the European Economic Space are exempted from participation as long as they hold either a European health insurance card (or temporary certificate) valid for the entire academic year.
About France
- Hour: GTM+1
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Country phone code: + 33 (+1 for Paris)
- Electricity : 220V AC