Living in France

Student Life in France 2027

Academic culture, daily life, social scene, and practical tips for France — including the work rules, health insurance and the new €1 CROUS meal.

ScholarshipUnion Editorial 3 min read Updated Oct 6, 2026

Studying in France means adjusting to a different academic culture, a famously thorough bureaucracy and a slower, food-centred rhythm of life. Here is what to expect in class, day to day and socially, plus the practical rules on work, health insurance and the weather.

Academic culture

Teaching style

Lectures plus tutorials and seminars. Independent study is expected, critical thinking is valued, and office hours are available.

Assessment

Exams, papers and presentations, with group projects common. Academic integrity rules are strict, and grading varies by institution.

France also runs an elite parallel system alongside its universities: the selective Grandes Écoles of engineering, business and more.

Daily life

Daily routine

Classes, library, social, exploring.

Food

Markets, canteens, street food.

Transport

Public transit and student passes.

Healthcare

Insurance and doctor access.

Banking

Opening accounts abroad.

Phone

Best SIM deals.

Food is where France is kindest to students: since 4 May 2026 every student can eat a full CROUS university restaurant meal for €1 (it used to cost €3.30), in every CROUS restaurant nationwide (etudiant.gouv.fr). See Cost of Living for transport passes and everyday prices.

Culture shock

1
The bureaucracy is legendary
Every process needs forms, queuing and patience. Start weeks early, and bring originals and copies.
2
French is expected
Even in international programmes, daily life needs French. Learn the basics before arriving.
3
Shops close on Sundays
Many shops close on Sunday, and some small shops also close on Monday morning.
4
Dinner is late
Many French people eat at 8–9pm, and many restaurants don’t serve dinner before about 7:30pm.
5
Small talk differs
The French separate professional and personal life strictly. Deep friendships develop slowly.

Did you know?

Bureaucracy is extreme

Queue at the préfecture, CAF, bank. Bring every document plus copies of copies.

Lunch is sacred

Lunch between noon and 2pm is a proper meal. Some small shops close for it.

La bise is confusing

One to four cheek kisses depending on the region. Nobody agrees on the number.

Strikes happen

Transport and general strikes are a cultural institution. Always have a Plan B.

Wine at lunch is normal

A glass with a weekday meal is fine. Student canteens skip it though.

Academic hierarchy is steep

Professors are addressed formally. The relationship is more distant than in the UK or US.

Part-time work

964 hrs/yr

Permitted work

60%

Of a full-time year

€12.31/hr

Minimum wage (gross)

A student visa (VLS-TS) or student residence card lets you work up to 964 hours a year without a separate work permit. There is no separate weekly limit in the official rules; the annual cap is what counts, counted from the date your card is issued or your VLS-TS is validated. Students on a six-month student visa need a work authorisation, with hours in proportion (482 hours for six months). Your employer must file a declaration with the préfecture at least two working days before you start.

The legal minimum wage (SMIC) is €12.31 gross an hour since 1 June 2026.
A student residence card does not allow you to work as an auto-entrepreneur (self-employed).
Algerian students need a work authorisation obtained by the employer and may work up to 50% of annual working time.
You can sign an apprenticeship contract after one year in France (no wait if you are enrolled in a master’s-level programme). Once the contract is validated, you can work beyond 964 hours. Professionalisation contracts also need one year in France.

Sources: Service-Public.fr, student work; Service-Public.fr, SMIC.

Healthcare and insurance

Registering with French social security is free for international students. Non-EU students, and EU students without a European Health Insurance Card, sign up online at etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr. It reimburses part of your medical costs; a complementary mutuelle is not mandatory but is recommended. A visit to a sector-1 GP costs about €30, of which around €19 is reimbursed, and university health centres offer free check-ups.

Weather

Typical temperature ranges (approximate); the south is warmer and the north-east colder.

Season	Temperature	What to expect
🌸 Spring	8–18°C	Paris blooms. Unpredictable.
☀️ Summer	18–30°C	The south is hot. Long evenings.
🍂 Autumn	8–18°C	Wine harvest. La rentrée.
❄️ Winter	1–8°C	Mild in the south. Christmas markets.

Fun facts

🎓 France hosts more than 400,000 international students (Campus France).
🍴 A three-part CROUS meal now costs €1 for every student.
📚 The Grandes Écoles form an elite parallel system to the universities.