Living Expenses and Practical Information for Isep Students in Paris
Plan your budget and essentials with Isep’s guide to living expenses, housing, health, and more.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Paris
When moving to Paris, expect your first month to be the most expensive, often doubling the cost of subsequent months as you settle in and discover affordable options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Here is an estimated monthly breakdown of common expenses:
- Housing: €450 – €800
- Food: €200 – €300
- Transportation: €86/month (full adult fare for 2024); €374/year for those under 26
Total Budget Estimate: €736 – €1186
Housing Assistance
Isep’s housing office supports students in finding accommodation options, including residence halls, private rooms, or apartments. Before your arrival, you’ll be in contact with our housing team at [logement@isep.fr] to assist with arrangements.
Housing Aid: French government assistance may be available to students with limited resources. Isep helps students apply for this aid to reduce housing costs.
New Housing Options for Isep Students
Two affordable and conveniently located housing options are now available near Isep’s Notre Dame de Lorette Campus in Issy-les-Moulineaux. These secure accommodations are designed especially for new Isep students seeking a supportive, community-oriented environment. Residents can benefit from connections with the Brothers of Charity community and Stanislas students, or receive tutoring support from lycée-collège students in select housing options.
Handling Money in France
Plan for secure and convenient money management during your stay:
- Traveller’s Checks: Safe and easy to use in Europe; easily replaced if lost.
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted in France. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are recommended for ATM withdrawals and payments.
- Euros: Bringing some euros from your home country can be useful upon arrival.
- Bank Account: For stays longer than three months, opening a French bank account is straightforward, though it can take several weeks to complete.
Dining Options
Isep campuses are equipped with dining areas, offering microwaves, hot and cold drink dispensers, and a selection of snacks and ready-to-heat meals at affordable prices (new as of fall 2023).
From the Paris campus, students can easily reach the Bullier university restaurant (Port-Royal) within a 10-15 minute walk.
Both campuses are surrounded by various dining options and convenience stores, providing plenty of choices for meals and essentials.
Health and Insurance Requirements
Health coverage is essential for students in France. Here’s what you need to know:
- Student Social Security: Registration is mandatory and free for all students except EU citizens with a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
- Supplementary Insurance (“Mutuelle”): This optional coverage can complement Social Security by covering additional health expenses.
- Non-EU Students: Bring a certified French-translated copy of your birth certificate for health registration.
Tip: Schedule a complete health check-up before leaving your home country to ensure a smooth start to your studies.
Useful Information About France
- Time Zone: GMT+1
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Country Code: +33 (Paris area code: +1)
- Electricity: 220V AC