Easy Going
International Students’ Guide
> Sophia Antipolis Campus
> Lille Campus
> Paris Campus
Three
Campuses
in France
> Sophia Antipolis
> Lille
> Paris
sophia ANTIPOLIS
Campus
Get ready for your international experience
6
> Your First Steps: Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
> Getting Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Getting here by yourself
> About the Sophia Antipolis Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
The campus and its facilities
> Residence Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Who & when? How to apply?
First Application / Renewal
FAQ
> The French Social Security System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
> Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
How to find it?
FAQ
The different places
The rent allowance
> Financial Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Bank account
Banks in Sophia Antipolis
Banks in Antibes & Juan-les-Pins
Useful information
Start living your french life
27
> Daily Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Communication
Transportation
Mail
Shops for food
Electronic adapters
Laundromats
Cost of living
Get the French Touch
32
> Culture & Entertainment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Shopping
Sport activities
Cinemas
Perfume factories
Museums
Concerts
Snack Bars & restaurants
Pubs & bars
Night clubs
> Wandering Around & Further . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Let’s discover the French Riviera
Getting along the Coast
Going further in France
Let’s discover the European universe
Useful contacts
41
> Emergency Telephone Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
> Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
Sophia Antipolis Campus
Table of contents
Get ready for your
international
experience
Your First Steps: Checklist
Before your arrival:
VISA
Do not forget
If you come from one of the following countries, (Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon,
Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo Brazzaville, Czech Republic, Gabon, Guinea, India, Ivory
Coast, Korea, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Senegal, Syria,
Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, USA and Vietnam) you have to contact Campus France to obtain your visa:
www.campusfrance.org
For other countries, you should contact the French Embassy of your country directly.
Plane ticket
If you need to apply for a Residence Permit, all the documents are listed on page 50
For EU citizens: get a European health insurance card
Look for a flat: www.skema.edu/en/SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS/Housing%20Services
6
From the airport
> There is a bus from the Airport to SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus: Only €1, every 30
minutes
If you arrive at Terminal 2 (T2), take the free bus to go to Terminal 1 (T1); then take the bus line 230
(direction “Gare routière des Messugues VSA” - Valbonne Sophia-Antipolis, stop at “CERAM/SKEMA”).
www.cg06.fr/cms/cg06/upload/servir-les-habitants/fr/files/230.pdf
> There is a bus from the Airport to Antibes & Juan-les-Pins: Only €1, every 30 minutes
If you arrive at T2, take the free bus to go to T1, and then, take the bus line 250 (destination Cannes). You
can stop in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins city centers.
www.cg06.fr/cms/cg06/upload/servir-les-habitants/fr/files/250.pdf
For all buses and shuttles (whatever your destination), please consult:
www.nice.aeroport.fr/passagers/Acces-plan-et-parking/Acceder-a-l-aeroport/Bus-et-navettes
> Cab companies:
International Transports
for multi-persons transportation: reservation possible 24 hours before your arrival:
Cellular phone: +33 (0)6 09 77 32 06
Tel: +33 (0)9 60 49 70 40 - Fax: +33 (0)4 92 10 13 99
E-mail: contact@international-transports.fr
Web site: www.international-transports.fr (You can book a cab online)
Transeurope
897, Chemin du Valbosquet, 06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 34 58 21
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 33 61 78
A train (TER) from the station Nice-Saint Augustin (10 min walk from the airport) to go to the Antibes or Juanles-Pins train stations.
From the train station
High-Speed and Express Trains (TGV and Train Corail) from the Riviera link the coast to all French regions
and all major European cities. The TGV Méditerranée (high speed train) speeds you from Paris to Nice in 5
hours 25 minutes. To get to SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus, you should stop in Antibes
or Juan-les-Pins and catch a bus.
www.sncf.fr
To go to SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus:
> From Antibes train station you can take the bus line 100 Express. It costs only €1.
> From Juan-les-Pins train station: when you go out of the train station, turn to the right to “Rue de
l’Estérel”. You will arrive in front of the sea. You can take the bus line 1 (direction “Gare routière des
Messugues VSA” - Valbonne Sophia-Antipolis) and stop at “CERAM/SKEMA”. It costs only €1.
www.envibus.fr
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
Getting Here
By car
France's motorway system links the Riviera to Europe.
A few examples of distances in kilometres from Nice:
Paris 950 km, Milan 320 km, Geneva 630 km, Barcelona 670 km, Rome 710 km, Munich 810 km,
Brussels 1,220 km, Amsterdam 1,400 km.
Reckon on an 8-hour drive from Nice to Paris.
Driving to SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus:
> If you come from Antibes - Juan-les-Pins, you should take the road “D35” driving to Sophia Antipolis.
Follow the signs “Sophia Antipolis” and go to “Les Lucioles” accès 3.
> If you come from Nice or Cannes, you should take the motorway “A8” and exit at number 44
(Antibes - Sophia Antipolis). Follow the signs indicating Sophia Antipolis and “Accès 3, Les Lucioles”.
8
> Access to SKEMA
Business School
Sophia Antipolis Campus
60 rue Dostoïevski, BP 085
06902 Sophia Antipolis Cedex,
France
> Access to SKEMA Bachelor
157 rue Albert Einstein, BP 085
06902 Sophia Antipolis Cedex,
France
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 95 44 44
www.skema.edu
SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis campus’ buildings can be accessed freely throughout the day or
with a magnetic student card (early in the morning and late at night):
Monday to Friday, from 7.30 am to 10 pm
Saturday from 8 am to 6.30 pm
Bus lines making a stop at SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus: 1, 9, 20, 100 and 640.
www.envibus.fr
Computer rooms
Students have access to computer laboratories throughout the school. All computers have Internet access;
there is one printer per computer lab.
The library, called the “Médiathèque”, also has a few computers with Internet access.
Laptop Internet access
The school has a number of fixed computers, but it is recommended that you bring your own laptop.
Don’t forget to bring the appropriate electricity converters if necessary.
There are a lot of computer plugs throughout the school to which your computer can be hooked up: in the
“Médiathèque”, the foyer, in designated laptop computer rooms and in various hallways. You can access
the school network and printers via a network card.
You can connect your own laptop to the free WIFI; the Front Office will help you to link to the network and
provide you with a user identity.
The Front Office: office 214
Monday to Friday: 9 am to noon and 1.30 pm to 4 pm
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
About the Sophia Antipolis Campus
> Cafeteria
The school cafeteria offers meals for €3.
Monday to Friday: 11.30 am to 1.45 pm
> Library
The library is normally open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm. It is divided into two main rooms and
a few study rooms and it houses approximately 13,000 different titles, adding up to 20,000 books. These
are mostly management books, but other subjects can be found, including science, psychology, law,
economics and languages. There is also a large collection of newspapers and magazines, numbering
approximately 230 titles, which are available both in English and French. Avid readers of Time, the
Economist and the Financial Post as well as Le Nouvel Observateur and L’Express will find more than
enough to read.
> Student associations
Over 30 student associations that foster your personal development: cultural (theatre, arts, music, etc.),
humanitarian, sports, professional.
http://www.skema-bs.fr/fr/skema-business-school/vie-associative
These student associations are very active at SKEMA Sophia Antipolis Campus.
> Interculture - A welcome for foreign students
– Whose mission is to help international students’ integration into SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis
Campus and in France
– Organises events designed to help them settle in at SKEMA Sophia Antipolis Campus or enabling them to
discover the region
– Handles the reception of foreign students & sets up a buddy system
– Helps international students every day (for instance: French course)
> The AMD Association will be able to help you find a job:
If you need money to pay for all of SKEMA Sophia Antipolis Campus activities, go to meet the student
association, called AMD. Various job offers are proposed.
Don’t hesitate to contact them.
> Some of the main activities
> WEI: integration weekend organized by the BDE (Student Board) – end of September
> GALA: organized by the Gala association – mid November
> SEMISKI: 4 days of skiing organized by X’trem – January
> Le FESTI: National Theatre Festival of Grande Ecoles and Universities, it brings together amateur drama
groups (national and international) for an entire week
> SKEMA Beach Session: national tournament of beach soccer, beach rugby, volleyball, sand ball, etc.
organized by the BDS (Sport association) – April
Every Thursday one student association organises a party on the beach or in a club. (Entrance €8 for SKEMA
students.)
> Sport
You have the possibility to practice sports at SKEMA Sophia Antipolis Campus (fitness, badminton, basketball, dance, climbing, soccer, golf, rugby, tennis, sailing, etc.).
You can for instance join our famous soccer team, handball team or rugby team.
Think about bringing a medical certificate for sport
For any questions:
Nathalie SANCHEZ
nathalie.sanchez@skema.edu
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Who & when ?
If it is mentioned on your visa: “dispensé temporaire de carte de séjour”
> You don’t need to apply for a Residence Permit
For European citizens, Residence Permits are not required.
If you are not concerned by this section, go directly to page 16
If you are a non-European student:
> You have to apply for a Residence Permit
> As soon as possible after the Orientation Day, you need to
make an appointment with the person in charge of the Residence
Permit, Dhélia Larive. She is available on Mondays at
SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus; please sign up for an
appointment on the timetable posted on the door of her office (office 322).
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Upon arrival in France, it is strongly recommended to apply immediately for your Residence Permit,
because it could take more than 3 months to obtain it!
How to apply?
> Before your arrival in France
You must get together the following documents:
A birth certificate translated into French by a certified translator
A copy of your vaccination certification (for the medical visit)
The Residence Permit will cost you €55 for a first Application and €30 for a Renewal.
11
Sophia Antipolis Campus
Residence Permit
First Application
After the visa instruction given by the consular authority in your home country, the consulate gives you a
long stay visa.
With your visa, the consulate gives you 2 documents called “demande d’attestation OFII” (appendice 1)
and a “notice explicative” (appendice 2). Keep these documents carefully!
The Residence Permit application procedure has to be done in 4 steps:
> Step 1: As soon as you arrive in France (beginning of September or January)
Upon your arrival you should make an appointment with Dhélia Larive, office hours every Monday at
SKEMA Campus Sophia Antipolis (office # 322).
> You will have to bring the following documents to your appointment with Dhélia Larive:
the OFII certificate (appendice 1). You have to fill it in before your appointment.
Dont forget to write your address: it is very important.
your passport.
a clear copy of your passport (the pages containing information about your identity, your visa and
the stamp testifying your entry to France or to the Schengen space).
> Step 2: Dhélia Larive will send your documents to the OFII
The OFII will acknowledge receipt of your documents by regular mail to your address (think of giving
your complete address in France).
Within three months after your application, the OFII will send you an appointment notice to have a
medical examination. You can’t change your appointment. You have to go even if you have courses.
12
You can buy the OMI stamp for €55 at the “Hôtel des Impôts” (find the location on
http://en.mappy.com) in Sophia Antipolis (80 route des Lucioles) or Antibes, or at the “Préfecture”
(147, route de Grenoble – 06200 Nice from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm – www.alpes-maritimes.pref.gouv.fr.
> Step 4: OFII sticker as proof of Residence Permit
After remittance of these documents to the OFII, a sticker will be stuck on your passport by the OFII, to
prove that the procedure has been completed.
You will be authorized to remain on French territory (for the duration of your visa) only if your passport
contains this sticker from the OFII, certifying that you have carried out these formalities within 3
months of your arrival in France.
The appointment for your medical examination cannot be changed (about 6 months waiting list!!)
OFII
Immeuble SPACE - 208, Route de Grenoble - 06200 Nice Ouest
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 29 49 00
Application for a renewal
You will receive the form to fill in (and a list of required documents) during the Orientation Day (when
you are in France) or at the International Office (office 322).
You should make an appointment with Dhélia Larive (office 322) and bring all required documents and
the form filled in properly. Please make a copy of each document and hand in everything (original +
copies) to Dhélia Larive.
It is compulsory to come with ALL the original documents. If you forgot an original, you will have to ask
somebody to send you the document(s) left at home (financial statement, birth certificate, etc.).
It is compulsory to provide the ORIGINAL documents with the legible copies.
Incomplete forms will be refused (see application form p.15)
Notice: You must apply for a renewal almost 2 months before your current Residence Permit expires.
Your renewal cannot be done if your Residence Permit has already expired.
About 2 weeks* after your application, you will receive an email from Dhélia Larive asking you to come
and take your “récépissé” (temporary Residence Permit) which is valid for 3 months. About 2 and a half
months* later, you will receive another email asking you to pick up your Residence Permit at the
“Préfecture”.
For sudents who have the new visa VLS-TS and ask for the first time a renewal, a birth
certificate translated into French must be provided.
* Times are given for information; they might be modified by the “Préfecture” at any time.
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
> Step 3: Your appointment with the OFII
You will need to bring these documents with you for the medical examination:
Your passport with the long stay visa,
A full face photo without a hat (French passport size photo: 3.5 x 4.5 cm)
Proof of domicile in France – receipt of rent, electricity, gas, water or telephone bill in your name or
the contract you signed with the landlord (“bail de location”),
The taxes to be paid to the OFII, i.e. an OMI stamp for €55.
Frequently Asked Questions
> What about travelling?
I am in France and my visa is still valid - can I travel outside of France?
> First Application: You can travel as soon as you get your yellow sticker or your passport, ie after you have
had the medical check-up.
> Renewal: You can travel only if you have your old residence permit plus the valid ”recepissé”
> And what about working?
> Internship
If I am an exchange student (European or non European)
> If you want to do an internship in France, you need an “internship agreement” provided by your home
university.
If I am an MS, MSc or SAI student (European or non European)
> If you have to do an internship during your academic year, you can do it without any Work Permit; you
just need an “internship agreement” signed between yourself, the company and SKEMA Business School
(further information at the Careers Office of SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus).
> Working
If I am a European citizen
> You can work wherever you want without any Residence or Work Permit.
If I am a non European citizen and it is written on my visa « dispensé de carte de séjour »
> You cannot apply for a job.
If I am a non European citizen applying for a Residence Permit
> You need to have applied for a Residence Permit and have found a job, which means having received a
contract.
Students cannot work more than 964 hours/year.
The company will take care of the whole administrative process.
Then, there are 2 possibilities of work conditions:
- 12 months working part-time (maximum 17.5 hours per week)
- 9 months working part-time and 3 months full-time (35 hours/week)
For more information, please see:
www.campusfrance.org
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CER -FOR -0053 -V04
International Students
2011-2012
Information
Surname and First Name : ______________________________________________________________
Maiden Name :_______________________________________________________________________
E-mail :_____________________________________________________________________________
Birth Date :__________________________________________________________________________
Birth Place :_________________________________________________________________________
Father’s Surname and First Name :_______________________________________________________
Mother’s Maiden Name and First Name :___________________________________________________
Nationality :__________________________________________________________________________
Passport Number :____________________________________________________________________
Passport Date of Issue :________________________________________________________________
Passport Date of Expiry :_______________________________________________________________
Residence Permit Number:______________________________________________________________
Permit Date of Issue :__________________________________________________________________
Permit Date of Expiry :_________________________________________________________________
Marital Status :
Single
Married
Divorced
Widowed
Date of Entry in France :________________________________________________________________
Personal Address in France :____________________________________________________________
Documents to enclose
Copy of the expired Residence Permit
Copy of your valid passport: Pages concerning your personal information, the validity for at least 1 year (with a long stay visa).
SKEMA Business School original certificate
Degrees obtained or your official transcript (marks or grade obtained in previous studies) or certificate of success of the
previous year
Financial certificate of resources from your bank or your parents, certifying that you have at least 450 euros per month during
the stay of your studies + Your last 3 bank statements from your French Bank.
Copy of the Social Security Form
Written proof of address dated within the last three months (lease contract, electricity, telephone or water bill... and if
necessary certificate + identification of the person accommodating the applicant – copy of his/her ID Card or Residence
Permit).
3 recent and high-contrast identity pictures (passport size)
1 OMI Stamp (30 euros)
Married / Divorced Certificate translated into French by a certified translator
CERFA Form available at the Residence Permit Office (to be signed during your appointment)
Students who have the new VLS-TS visa, and who ask for a renewal for the fist time, must provide a birth certificate translated
into French.
Incomplete files will not be accepted!
SKEMA Business School
International Office (Room # 322)
60 rue Dostoïevski – BP 085 – 06902 Sophia Antipolis Cedex – France
Tél : +33 (0)4 93 95 44 59 (only on Mondays) – Fax : +33 (0)4 93 95 45 70
www.skema.edu
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
Residence Permit Renewal Application Form
The French Social Security System
IF
You are under 28 years old (born on or after 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for more than 3 months
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR
THE FRENCH SOCIAL SECURITY HEALTH CARE INSURANCE; IT IS COMPULSORY
How much does it cost?
Approximately €200 payable by French cheque, credit card or cash.
When must you register?
You must subscribe to the Social Security health care insurance on the first day of your arrival at SKEMA
Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus.
What do you absolutely need for your subscription?
- A copy of your ID or Passport
- Your Birth Certificate translated into French
- Payment (bank cheque, international credit card or cash)
- Address in France
Special situations:
> Students from European Union Countries are exempt from these Social Security requirements if they
have on them the European Health Insurance card or a private insurance certificate with valid dates written
on it (private insurance accepted only if the minimum validation date of 30/09/2011 is clearly indicated – if
not, you must register for the French student Social Security).
> Students from Quebec are exempt if they have an SE401Q form.
VERY IMPORTANT:
FOR ALL STUDENTS ARRIVING IN SEPTEMBER UNDER 28 YEARS OLD :
FRENCH SOCIAL SECURITY DOES NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL 1st OCTOBER, SO YOUR OWN
MEDICAL INSURANCE MUST COVER YOU IN FRANCE UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER
IF
If you are over 28 years old (born before 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for 1 year
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THE CMU (Universal Health Cover)
16
You need to bring to the CPAM (please note that some of the documents have to be prepared in your
country):
A birth certificate translated into French
Copy of Student ID or passport
Copy of Residence Permit or “récépissé”
Proof of money earned in the last year (income 2010) worldwide: salary or letter from parents,
financial sponsor, etc. with the amount of money you received from them to live on.
Proof of address in France : rent contract or proof of payment
Your French bank account details (“RIB”)*
A proof of study at SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus
Incomplete applications will not be accepted!
Please prepare all documents and contact the “Registraire” as soon as you arrive
VERY IMPORTANT:
FOR ALL STUDENTS ARRIVING IN SEPTEMBER OVER 28 YEARS OLD
YOU MUST COME WITH YOUR OWN MEDICAL INSURANCE VALID IN FRANCE WHICH COVERS
YOU UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER, BECAUSE THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR CMU
TAKES TIME.
YOU WILL HAVE TO GIVE US A COPY OF THIS INSURANCE ON YOUR ARRIVAL TRANSLATED INTO
ENGLISH OR FRENCH (DETAILED DOCUMENT STATING WHAT YOU ARE COVERED FOR WITH DATES OF
VALIDITY)
IF
If you are over 28 years old (born before 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for 1 semester only
YOU
COVERING
YOU
YOU MUST
MUST COME
COME WITH
WITH YOUR
YOUR OWN
OWN MEDICAL
MEDICAL INSURANCE
INSURANCE VALID
VALID IN
IN FRANCE
FRANCE WHICH
COVERS
UNTIL
THE END
STAY.
YOU UNTIL
THE OF
ENDYOUR
OF DECEMBER,
BECAUSE THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR CMU
TAKES TIME.
*As soon as you have an address in France, you need to open a French bank account. Ask for a check book and a ”RIB” (which is the “Relevé d’Identite Bancaire” = IBAN)
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
The CMU form (Universal Health Cover) will be obtained from the Social Security office (CPAM) of your
residence. The rate is variable.
Frequently Asked Questions
> What is the French Social Security?
The French Social Security is the national French system of Social Security cover.
Employees and students pay a contribution to be able to have access to health care, with the
reimbursement of health care expenses that they may have incurred.
> “Médecin traitant”
When you register for the French Social Security, you will be asked to choose a "médecin traitant"
(designated doctor).
If you are ill, this is the doctor you should go to: he will transfer you to a specialist if necessary. On your first
visit, ask for a "déclaration de choix du médecin traitant” which you will both sign.
We recommend you choose a doctor of "Secteur 1", whose fees are the cheapest.
If you do not follow this procedure, you will be reimbursed less for medical expenses. Please note that in
any case the “Sécurité Sociale” does not reimburse 100% of all expenses (see below).
Form to fill in:
www.lmde.com/fileadmin/img/secu/Declaration_de_choix_du_medecin_traitant.pdf
> Which treatments are reimbursable?
> Doctors (between 50% and 70%),
> Emergency services and hospitals (hospitals’ charges vary according to the treatment),
> Medicines (medicines must be prescribed by your doctor; certain drugs, sometimes called comfort
drugs, are not reimbursable).
To avoid having to pay a large outstanding amount for treatment, it is preferable to take out an additional
health insurance policy, which, once your subscription fee is paid, will guarantee a reimbursement for health
costs in addition to the one received from your “Registraire” office.
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SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus helps everyone
to find a place to stay. Our school has a special website which is an
efficient tool to find accommodation either for French or foreign students.
What if the rent of an apartment is too expensive for you? Don’t worry: before getting here, you’ll be able
to find someone to share accommodation with you thanks to the ‘roommate’ section on our website!
Have a look on the housing section of our website:
www.skema.edu/en/SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS/Housing%20services
From that website, you can:
Look for an accommodation
Once on the website, click on “direct access” and select “housing services Sophia Antipolis” to access
the housing section on the website. In the grey box in the middle of the page, click on “Access to
SKEMA’s offers” in order to see small ads from apartment owners. This website requires a password and
is primarily dedicated to new students. For the upcoming academic year, your password will be provided
with your information package.
Some information:
A “studio” is a one-room flat; this is the right place for you, if you want to live alone.
F2, F3, F4 are bigger flats: the number indicates how many rooms the flat has, excluding kitchen and
bathroom.
F2: one bedroom + a living room
F3: two bedrooms + a living room
F4: three bedrooms + a living room
Look for a roommate
> If you have already found a place to stay, but are looking for someone to share it with: click on “You
can find other students to share an apartment with”.
> You didn’t find an accommodation but are looking for a flatmate: click on “You can find other students
to share an apartment with”: enter the password that will be available at the end of May and fill in the
other sections to log in. Click on the “roommate section” and register or contact the students directly!
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
Accommodation
Frequently Asked Questions
> What is the difference between a Residence and a Hotel ?
A residence offers a kitchen with cooking facilities for each apartment*.
Rent is calculated per week or per month. A hotel has no cooking facilities and rent is calculated per day.
You will find the list of residences / hotels on the website.
*There are different sizes of apartments available in residences, e.g. studio (one-room),
“ 2 pièces” (bedroom+ living area), “3 pièces” (2 bedrooms + living area), etc.
> If I find accommodation through an agency, is there any cost?
Yes, normally you have to pay one month’s rent as the agency fee. This fee may vary depending on the
agency and the type of accommodation. You can find a list of agencies on our website.
> Is it possible to find accommodation without paying an agency?
Yes. A list of private landlords is also available on our website (to access this list, you need the password
that will be sent to you). Private landlords are owners of accommodation who rent specifically to students of
SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus. You must contact them directly, and no agency fees are
payable. You will be entitled to apply for the C.A.F. housing allowance (Info: See p.22 Rent Allowance).
> Why do I have to confirm my accommodation before my arrival?
- If you arrive in September, you will arrive in a highly popular tourist region where the season is
not yet over.
- An accommodation contract is very important for students of certain nationalities. You may need
this certificate to apply for a visa.
- After your arrival, you may need a personal address to apply for your bank account, insurance,
Residence Permit, etc.
- If you do not book accommodation in advance, you may end up paying more, and having less
choice.
- If you prefer to visit prospective apartments “in person” and/or if you want to find someone to
share with after having met at SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus, we suggest you
to book a residence or a hotel room for the first week. You will then be able to decide which type
of accommodation suits your expectations.
However, by waiting, you also risk having less choice with regards to price and convenience.
> I don’t drive a car, where should I live?
Most of the students live in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins since the bus takes about 30 minutes to get to SKEMA
Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus. Juan-les-Pins and Antibes are very convenient towns with
everything you’ll need (internet cafés, laundry, post office, shops, train and bus station, clubs, etc.). Last but
not least, if you choose to rent a flat in Juan-les-Pins, you will never be far from the sea!
The towns of Cannes and Nice are quite far away from SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus.
Most students who live over there have a car.
Other students prefer living in a place close to SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus. If you do
so, you won’t have to wake up very early in the morning to reach SKEMA! However, you have to know that
SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus is in the middle of a technology park. The school is
surrounded by companies and other academic institutions, meaning that shops and activities are not there!
> Who can give me advice?
If you encounter any difficulties to find a place to live, you can contact:
corinne.bonnin@skema.edu
20
In Sophia Antipolis you can find student residences close to the campus.
The details of these offers are available on the internet on www.adele.org.
Residences in Sophia-Antipolis & Valbonne
Sun Valley
www.sunvalley.fr
140, Rue Albert Einstein
Les Lucioles -06560 Valbonne
svsophia@sunvalley.fr
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 38 99 80
Fax: +33 (0)4 92 96 08 68
Studea Sophia
www.lamy-residences.fr/
2, Avenue Pythagore
06560 Sophia Antipolis
Saint Exupéry
www.grand-sud-accueil.com
Carrefour Georges Pompidou
06560 Valbonne
sophia@grand-sud-accueil.com
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 96 00 04
Fax: +33 (0)4 92 96 04 11
Oxford
www.etud-accueil.fr/oxford
Domaine Saint-Philippe
85, Rue Henri Poincaré
06410 Sophia-Antipolis
oxford@etud-accueil.fr
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 95 84 47
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 95 82 10
Thesa
www.etud-accueil.fr/thesa
Domaine Green Side 210
210, Avenue Roumanille
06410 Biot
sophia@etud-accueil.fr
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 00 03 93
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 65 29 21
Résidence SKEMA
Rue Fedor Dostoievski
06902 Sophia-Antipolis
Citéa Sophia Antipolis
www.citea.com
2, Avenue Pythagore
06560 Sophia Antipolis
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 38 58 50
Fax: +33 (0)4 92 38 58 51
Nemea Appart'hotel
www.nemea-appart-hotelbiot.cote.azur.fr
45, Rue Henri Poincaré
(Avenue Roumanille) Accés 17
06410 Sophia-Antipolis – Biot
sophia@nemea-appart-hotel.com
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 65 05 01
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 64 97 55
On the other hand, housing is available at Antibes and Juan-les-Pins. They are more pleasant and the
majority of the students live there. For transport, SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus is
connected by buses and many students use car pooling.
Residences in Antibes & Juan-les-Pins
Pierre & Vacances Port Prestige
www.pierreetvacances.com
1, Avenue Frederic Mistral
06600 Antibes
atp@pierreetvacances.com
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 90 62 00
Fax: +33 (0)4 92 90 62 01
Résideal Antibes
www.resideal.com
240, Avenue Jules Grec
06600 Antibes
resideal.antibes@resideal.com
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 90 76 00
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 65 88 02
Couleur Soleil
www.franceloc.fr
17, Avenue Maréchal Joffre
06160 Juan-les-Pins
csr@franceloc.fr
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 93 68 68
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 67 97 08
Hotel Saint Charles
www.hotelsaintcharles.fr
4, rue Saint Charles
06160 Antibes Juan les Pins
info@hotelsaintcharles.fr
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 61 18 82
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 61 15 86
21
Résidence Olympe
www.residence-olympe-antibesjuan-pins.cote.azur.fr
1ère, Avenue d'Antibes
Les Combes
06160 Antibes
beach@rentaflatriviera.com
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 67 00 00
Fax : +33 (0)4 93 67 76 40
Sophia Antipolis Campus
The different places
Résidence le Mas de Tanit
www.franceloc.fr
Chemin du Tanit
06160 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 93 55 95
Fax: +33 (0)4 92 93 55 88
Résidences Sun Holidays
www.residences-sun-holidays.com
65, Chemin Fournel Badine
06160 Antibes – Juan-les-Pins
contact@residences-sun-holidays.com
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 61 22 08
Cell: +33 (0)6 62 79 79 00
More residences can be found on the website: www.skema.edu/en/SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS/Housing%20services
The Rent Allowance (APL)
The CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) can provide you with housing aid, (“aide au logement”).
www.caf.fr
If you are eligible, the amount of this aid depends on your financial situation.
This is not a scholarship but a French governmental aid which is aimed to help students.
> To obtain this aid you must fulfill the following conditions:
> Be a European citizen or have a valid Residence Permit for non-European citizens
> Live in a city of more than 100,000 inhabitants (which is the case for Antibes, Juan-les-Pins and Sophia
Antipolis)
> The surface of your flat must not be less than 9 square meters for a single person and not less than 16
square meters for two persons (+ 7 m for any supplementary person) and meet certain standards of
comfort: a heater, etc.
The housing aid is not paid during the summer months except if you need your flat during that
period. In this case, inform the CAF and they will send you a form. You will have to explain and
justify the reasons why you have to pay the rent during the summer. The lack of a timely
response on your part may result in a suspension of your aid.
> How to get the application form?
You can download it and complete it directly by connecting to the website www.caf.fr/pdfj/al0.pdf
Or
You can pick it up from the CAF office located at:
Le Péage – 660, Allée Terriers, 06600 Antibes.
> How to fill in the application form for the rent allowance?
You have to complete an application form. In this application form, you will find many parts.
Part 1: “Vous” (You). It is general information about your address, age, nationality, etc.
Part 2: “Votre situation professionnelle” (your professional situation).
Normally, you would simply put a cross in the box “étudiant” (Student).
Part 3: “Votre logement” (your accommodation) is about your flat. You fill in this section by indicating your
date of entrance “Vous habitez le logement depuis le…”. If you stay in a residence, give this paper to the
reception office of your residence. They are accustomed to filling in this kind of document.
Do not forget to sign the last page.
22
Incomplete application forms will not be accepted!
After the deposit of your complete application form at the CAF, it takes between one and three months
to receive the money.
For any further inquiries, you can visit the “housing benefit” section on our website:
www.skema.edu/en/SOPHIA-ANTIPOLIS/Housing%20services
And do not hesitate to contact: corinne.bonnin@skema.edu
*Example of a formal declaration of your financial resources (“déclaration sur l’honneur”):
LAST NAME First Name
Address
Caisse d’Allocations Familiales
Address of the nearest CAF Office
Je soussigné, Mme/Mlle/Mr LAST NAME First Name, demeurant au ADDRESS,
atteste sur l'honneur disposer de ressources suffisantes pour le paiement
de mon loyer.
Fait le DD/MM/YYYY à CITY
Signature
23
Sophia Antipolis Campus
Then, return your complete application to the CAF, with the following required documents:
A bank account number (“RIB”)
A photocopy first side - reverse of the Residence Permit and the original to show (if you are a nonEuropean citizen).
for European citizens a copy of your European Health Insurance card and a formal declaration*
stating that your financial resources are sufficient for the payment of your rent (without indication of
the amount of your resources)
A photocopy of the student card
If you live in a residence or hall, a certificate attesting the management of your flat
A receipt of rent supplied by the owner. If he shows reluctance do not hesitate to explain to him that
by renting a flat to a student he can benefit from tax cuts. He should be satisfied then... And you too!
A lease of rent (original and certified copy)
A statement (declaration) of resources (original and certified copy)
Financial Matters
Bank account
> You have the possibility to keep your home bank account.
> If you do not have an account from which you can write cheques in euros, you will need to open a
French bank account as soon as you have an address in France.
Ask for a cheque book and a “RIB” (which is the “Relevé d’Identité Bancaire” = IBAN).
Bank representatives will be at SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus at the beginning of
September.
Call ahead and make an appointment to open an account.
The BDE (Student Board) has agreements with BNP Paribas.
You can get €50 if you open a bank account with BNP Paribas.
> To open a bank account, you will need:
Your identity card, your passport and your Residence Permit for non European citizens (valid time period)
- A proof of domicile (originals, less than 3 months):
> your lease
or
> an electricity bill
or
> a France TELECOM bill (French phone company for land lines)
or
> a water bill
Banks in Sophia Antipolis
BNP PARIBAS - Les Bouillides
www.bnpparibas.net
695, Route des Dolines
06560 Valbonne
Tel: 0 820 82 00 01 – Fax: +33 (0)4 92 94 33 25
Open Monday to Thursday 8.45 am to 1.05 pm and
2.20 pm to 5.40 pm
Friday 8.45 am to 1.05 pm
Société Générale - Les Bouillides
www.societegenerale.fr
Place Joseph Bermond
06560 Valbonne
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 96 54 40 – Fax: +33 (0)4 92 96 06 59
Open from Monday to Friday from 8.35 am to 1.10
pm and 2.30 to 5.15 pm.
Banks in Antibes & Juans-les-Pins
BNP PARIBAS
www.bnpparibas.net
Juan-les-Pins
14, Avenue Marechal Joffre
06160 Juan-les-pins
Tel: 0 820 82 00 01 – Fax: +33 (0)4 92 93 73 25
Open Monday to Friday 8.35 am to 12.15 pm and
1.45 pm to 5.00 pm
24
Antibes
9, Avenue Robert Soleau
06602 Antibes
Tel: 0 820 82 00 01 – Fax: +33 (0)4 92 90 42 35
Open Monday to Friday 8.45 am to 12.15 pm and
1.45 pm to 5.30 pm
Antibes Croix Rouge
1160, Route de Grasse
Riviera Park
06602 Antibes
Tel: 0 820 82 00 01 – Fax +33 (0)4 92 91 84 35
Open Tuesday to Friday 8.30 am to 12.30 pm
and 1.45 pm to 5.15 pm and Saturday 8.30 am
to 12.40 pm
Société Générale
www.societegenerale.fr
Antibes Bastides
324, Route de Grasse
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 33 23 10 – Fax: +33 (0)4 93 74 14 19
Open Tuesday to Friday 8.35 am to 12.00 pm
and 1.30 pm to 5.45 pm and Saturday
8.35 am to 12.35 pm
Antibes Etoile
11, Avenue Thiers
06600 Anitbes
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 90 92 00
Open Monday to Friday 8.45 am to 12.30 pm
and 1.45 pm to 5.15 pm
AntibesVille
8-9, Place de Gaulle
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 91 22 00 – Fax: +33 (0)4 93 65 81 70
Open Tuesday to Friday 8.30 am to 12.15 pm
and 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm and Saturday
8.15 am to 12.30 pm
Juan-les-Pins
140, Boulevard Wilson
06160 Juan-les-pins
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 61 19 38 – Fax: +33 (0)4 93 61 29 89
Open Monday 1.30 pm to 5.20 pm and Tuesday
to Friday 8.20 am to 12.05 pm and 1.30 pm
to 5.20 pm
Crédit Agricole
www.ca-pca.fr
Antibes la Fontonne
696, Route de Nice
06600 Antibes
Tel: 08 26 27 05 09 – Fax: +33 (0)4 93 33 44 36
Open Tuesday to Friday 8.30 am to 12.30 pm
and 1.45 pm to 5.00 pm and Saturday
8.30 am to 12.30 pm
Antibes Rochat
25, Avenue Philippe Rochat
06600 - Antibes
Tel: 08 26 27 05 06 – Fax: +33 (0)4 93 74 22 66
Open Tuesday to Friday 8:30 am to noon
and 1.15 pm to 5.30 pm and Saturday
8.30 am to 12.30 pm
Useful Information
Non-resident bank account
You have the possibility of opening a bank account even before you have a Residence Permit. These
accounts are called ‘Non-resident’ Bank Accounts. To do this, you will need a passport and a school
certificate provided by SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus.
25
Sophia Antipolis Campus
Antibes la Fontonne
78, Route nationale 7 (RN7)
06602 Antibes
Tel: 0 820 82 00 01 – Fax: +33 (0)4 92 91 84 15
Open Monday to Friday 8.30 am to 12.15 pm
and 1.45 pm to 5.15 pm and Saturday 8.30 am
to noon
What is a “RIB” (IBAN)?
A “Relevé d’Identité Bancaire” is a series of codes that include the code of your bank in France, its location
and also your personal account number. You will need this number in order to receive electronic money
transfers from your bank in your home country and to receive other automated electronic deposits to your
account, for example, remuneration for an internship or other employment. This should be provided by your
bank several days after opening your account or can be obtained directly at the branch, simply by asking for
your “RIB”.
Credit card
Credit cards given by your bank (“Carte Bleue”, Visa or Mastercard) are debit cards. The money is directly
debited from your bank account (you may choose immediate debit or debit at the end of the month). You
can also use it in any Automated Cash Machine around France.
If you are coming from North America, you will notice that in Europe credit cards almost always feature a
microchip. This has important implications for those coming from North America, as machines or other
automated devices will only accept your card with this chip AND/OR with your personal pin number. In
North America, it is not common to either know or use a PIN number with your credit card. Before leaving
your home country, contact your card issuer for your PIN number and particulars about using your card in
Europe. In restaurants and stores, you can pay with your card (magnetic strip), and you will be asked for
your signature as usual. Conversely, European credit card holders do not sign, as their PIN number
substitutes this verification. In addition, you may be asked for a supplementary piece of identification when
paying by credit card. The minimum payment amounts for using your credit card ranges from 10 euros to 20
euros.
Cash dispensers (ATM)
If you need cash, there are lots of cash dispensers in Antibes and Juan-les-Pins, but there is also one of the
BNP PARIBAS bank at SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus.
26
Daily Life
Communication
Cell Phone
The main operators are Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom.
There are many different plans available depending on your need. If you stay a short time in France (less
than one year), the best is to bring your own mobile phone and use prepaid card. You can ask in the “tabac”
places for a card which will give you a certain amount of credit (for instance 1 hour that you can use for 2
months).
You can find all the offers on the internet:
www.orange.com
www.sfr.fr
www.bouyguestelecom.fr
Landline
> If you want to get a home phone: www.orange.fr
The France Telecom Office is on: Rue des Frères Oliviers, near Place Charles de Gaulle in Antibes. You will
have to pay a connection fee and a monthly rent.
> International telephone cards: these can be bought at any “tabac” for 8 euros and 15 euros. They are
called “Carte pour des appels internationaux”.
They are operational in the telephone booths.
> Telephone booths: If you want to make a national call, all telephone booths operate using France
Telecom cards that can be bought in any shop with a “tabac” sign. If you want to make an international call,
you should buy either a card specified to the destination of your call or an international phone card. Both
can be found in the “tabac” shop.
> The national Phone Book: Yellow and White pages: www.pagesjaunes.fr
27
Sophia Antipolis Campus
Start living your
French Life
Internet
> Internet at SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus: there are computer rooms available at
SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus and a lot of electricity plug ins with access to wifi. A
personal login and password will be given to you during the Orientation Day, don’t loose it!
> Internet cafés: they can be found in Antibes (located 2 minutes away from “La Gaffe”) and one on
Avenue Président Wilson in Juan-les-Pins (“Cyber Pizza”, located across from “Schlecker”). The cyber café in
Antibes also offers printing and scanning services, along with North American keyboards and English
software.
You can also find Wifi at some McDonald’s restaurants:
- McDonald's Juan-les-Pins
33, Avenue de Cannes
- McDonald's Antibes Nord
Rond Point Weisweller
1990, Route de Grasse
- McDonald's Antibes
Centre Commercial Carrefour
Chemin de Saint Claude
> Internet at home: you first have to ask the owner of your flat if there is a possibility for you to have a
connection at home. If so, the first step is to open a home phone line: go to France Telecom on Rue des
Frères Oliviers in Antibes; then, you’ll have to contact an Internet company such as AOL, Wanadoo or Free…
www.orange.fr
Transportation
Bus
> To go to SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus from Antibes you can take the bus line 100
Express; it reaches the school in 20 minutes! The departure is at Antibes train station (“passerelle SNCF”).
The bus goes through Juan-les-Pins before arriving at SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus.
> “Envibus”: The line 1 or 9 can take you to SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus:
From Antibes: line 1 and 9
From Juan-les-Pins : line 1 only
Bus services stop at 8 pm for “Envibus” and around 10 pm for other lines.
> Prices:
– The price of a single ticket is €1
– The monthly pass is €22 and €12 for students under 26.
28
For further inquiries: www.envibus.fr
You can find all the lines and schedules on this website.
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 38 96 38
Train
Along the French Riviera (between Marseille and Italy) there is a regional train network called the TER.
It is a regional train that connects most of the coastal cities of the French Riviera: Cannes, Juan-lesPins, Antibes, Nice, Monaco, etc.
To go to SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus, it is easier to take the bus!
www.sncf.fr
Car
The volume of traffic between Antibes and SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus changes
every day. Most of the time, it is difficult to park downtown during the day without paying (usually you
have to pay until 7 pm). However, driving a car is still the best way to move around and if you park
your car downtown in the evening, you shouldn’t face any problem! The car is also the best mode to
visit the French Riviera.
> Rent a car
There are many companies in Antibes, Juan-les-Pins, Sophia Antipolis and at the airport. Prices vary
according to the companies and the kind of car, so don’t hesitate to check all the prices first and look
for the closest sales point.
Avis: www.avis.fr
Budget: www.budget.fr
Europcar: www.europcar.fr
Hertz: www.hertz.fr
Easyrentacar: www.easyrentacar.com
Mail
La Poste is the national post office, in charge of collecting, routing and delivering mail.
Regular stamps (for Europe) can be bought in tobacconists (“tabac”) and cigarette counters (cafés). If
you want to send a letter outside Europe, you usually have to buy a stamp at the Post Office directly.
More information can be found at www.laposte.fr
It is possible to send an urgent document by Chronopost with guaranteed 24-hour delivery in France
and express international deliveries.
29
Sophia Antipolis Campus
To buy a monthly pass you need a photo and an identification document. You can purchase it at the
main bus station of Sophia-Antipolis (Gare Routière des Messugues) or at the main bus station of
Antibes, Vallauris and Biot.
Shops for food
Sustainable Development: A lot of food shops don’t give plastic bags anymore. Think about
bringing some.
The largest place where you will find out every sort of international food is “Carrefour” in Antibes. That
place is accessible from SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus with the bus line 1.
CARREFOUR
Chemin de Saint Claude
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 91 25 25
From Monday to Friday 8.45 am to 8 pm and Saturday 8.45 am to 9.00 pm
In downtown Juan-les-Pins and Antibes, there are a lot of small stores called “Casinos”; not the casino
where you win money, but a place to buy food.
They will be very convenient if you live there since you won’t have to catch a bus with all your bags to go
home. However, they are a little more expensive than the hypermarket “Carrefour” and you may not find
all the products you are looking for.
Casino
70, Avenue Philippe Rochat, 06600 Antibes - Mon to Sat 8.30 am to 8.30 pm
Rue Nicolas Aussel, 06600 Antibes - Mon to Sat 8.30 am to 8.30 pm
138, Boulevard Wilson, 06160 Juan-les-Pins - Mon to Sat 8.30 am to 8 pm
ZAC St Philippe II, 06410 Biot - Mon to Sat 8.30 am to 8.30 pm, Sun 9.00 am to 12.30 pm
Intermarché
8, Avenue Niquet, 06600 Antibes - Mon to Sat 8.15 am to 7.30 pm
22, Boulevard Wilson, 06600 Antibes - Mon to Sat 8.15 am to 7.30 pm
Champion
127, Route de Grasse, 06600 Antibes - Mon to Sat 8.30 am to 8 pm / Sun 8.30 am to noon
3, Avenue Pasteur, 06600 Antibes - Mon to Sat 7.30 am to 7.30 pm
Leclerc
55, Avenue de Cannes, 06160 Juan-les-Pins - Antibes Mon to Sat 8.30 am to 8 pm / Sun 9 am – 12.30 pm
Marché Plus
122, Boulevard Wilson 06600 Juan-les-Pins Mon to Sat 7 am – 9 pm / Sun 9 am – 1 pm and 5 pm – 8 pm
If you have a tight budget, the best thing is to go to the discount stores:
> Leader Price: 71, Boulevard Raymond Poincaré, 06160 Juan-les-Pins - Mon to Sat 9 am – 8 pm
> Dia: 1770, Route de Grasse, Antibes
30
Adapters for electrical equipment from the UK can be bought at ‘Geoffrey’s of London’ (Rue Lacan / La
Galerie du Port, 06600 Antibes) opposite ‘La Gaffe’ in Antibes.
You can also find adapters in “Carrefour”.
This is only necessary for those arriving from outside Europe and who use a voltage rate of 120 volts. In
France and most European countries, the voltage is 220 volts, with a different plug configuration. It is
advised that you purchase the appropriate conversion device in your home country, as they are generally
not sold in France. The French plug has two parallel round pins, with a circular outlet.
You will need a conversion device to power your shaver, foreign hair dryers and other personal appliances.
Always read the instructions of your devices carefully to ensure they are suitable to be used in Europe.
Laundromats
You’ll find laundries in Juan-les-Pins and in Antibes. If you’re lucky, they might even offer internet!
> Chemin Frères Garbero - 06160 Juan-les-Pins
> Rue du Docteur Fabre (near Juan-les-Pins Train Station) - 06160 Juan-les-Pins
> 1, Rue Pompe - 06600 ANTIBES
Cost of living
> The cost of living in France
The average monthly student budget is €1000
> What is the average for?
> A meal at SKEMA Sophia Antipolis Campus
dining hall: €3
> At a fast-food restaurant: €6
> At a local restaurant: €15 - €30
> Entrance to a museum: €6
> A monthly public transport pass: €22
and €12 for students under 26.
> A sandwich: €3.50
> A coffee: €1.50
> A baguette: €0.85
> A butter croissant: €1
> A camembert: €1.90
> Six eggs: €1.20
> A litre of milk: €1
> A kilo of potatoes: €1.20
> A kilo of rice: €1.90
> A newspaper: €1.20
> A postage stamp: €0.58
> Identity photos from a booth: four photos
for €4
> A telephone card for public telephone
booths: 50 or 120 units for €7.50 to €15
> A round-trip train ticket between Paris and
Nice: €135
> One night in a hotel: €60 to €100
> A microwave oven: €120 - €215
> A television: €110 - €200
> A CD player: €55 - €190
> A music CD: €20
> A litre of petrol: €1,20 - €1.30
> Accomodation: €400 - €600
> Parties organised every Thursday in clubs by
Student associations: €8
All prices are given for information only and may be subject to changes.
31
Sophia Antipolis Campus
Electronic adapters
Get the French Touch
Culture & Entertainment
www.eng.cityvox.fr
The following information is given as a non-exhaustive list of places and activities.
Shopping
Cap 3000
One of the biggest shopping centers: “Centre Commercial CAP 3000” located 2 km from Nice International
Airport. You’ll find over there many shops, but if you have a tiny budget, you’d better go shopping
somewhere else!
Rue Meynadier in Cannes
Located behind the famous “Croisette”, this street is full of cheap opportunities!
Sport activities
You want to have fun and do sport at the same time?
Let’s climb the trees and have fun for a few hours!
> Accrobranche CANYON FOREST
26, Route de Grasse
www.canyon-forest.com
06270 Villeneuve Loubet
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 02 88 88
> Bowling d’Antibes
1, Avenue Nova Antipolis
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 91 70 30
> Golf de Saint Philippe
Avenue Roumanille
06560 Sophia Antipolis
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 00 00 57
32
Isola 2000: www.isola2000.com Auron: www.auron.fr.st Tel: +33 (0)4 93 23 15 15
Think about booking online your ski material in advance so you can get a discount
(even just the night before).
> Hiking
Hiking in the Esterel Mountains? Or simply going there for a picnic, enjoying nature, breathing the fresh air?
This area is surely one of the most beautiful places on the French Riviera coast to enjoy the harmony with
nature within a protected area where garbage and cigarettes are strongly prohibited!
> Swimming
Public swimming pool, accessible on foot from Antibes train station!
210, Avenue Jules Grec
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 90 53 50
Cinemas
www.allocine.fr
> La Strada
Route de Cannes
06370 Mouans-Sartoux
Student: €5.50 / Regular: €7.50
> Le Casino
6, Avenue du 24 aout
06600 Antibes
> Le Star
98, Rue d’Antibes
06400 Cannes
> Arcades
77, Rue Felix-Faure
06400 Cannes
Student: €6 (except during the weekend)
Regular: €8.50
> Mercury All the movies in original
language
16, Place Garibaldi
06300 Nice
Student: €5 / Regular: €7.50
Perfume factories
> Fragonard
20, Boulevard Fragonard
06130 Grasse
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 36 44 65
www.fragonard.com
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> Galimard
73, Route de Cannes
06131 Grasse
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 09 20 00
www.galimard.com
> Molinard
60, Boulevard Victor Hugo
06130 Grasse
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 36 01 62
www.molinard.com
Sophia Antipolis Campus
> Ski
If you want to go skiing, there is a daily pass including transportation by bus from Nice / Cannes / Antibes
to the Isola 2000 / Auron resort and a ski lift pass (1h drive). You will just have to provide your gear.
Please check out the conditions and prices online: www.santa-azur.com/santa/site
Museums
Art:
> Musée Picasso
Château Grimaldi
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 90 54 20
www.antibes-juanlespins.com/
fr/culture/musees/picasso/
Student: €3 / Regular: €6
> Fondation MAEGHT
Montée des Trious
06570 Saint-Paul de Vence
www.fondation-maeght.com
Student: €9 / Regular: €11
> Museum of modern and
contemporary art
Promenade des Arts
06364 Nice
www.mamac-nice.org
Free entrance
> Musée Matisse
164, Avenue des Arènes de Cimiez
06000 Nice
www.musee-matisse-nice.org
Student: €2.50 / Regular: €5
A great place to attend a Dolphin show,
Marineland is one of the most well-known
attractions in Antibes. You can’t miss it!
> Marineland
RN7-Antibes
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 33 49 49
www.marineland.fr
Concerts
Check out if one of your favourite artists will be on stage soon!
www.fra.webcity.fr/concert_nice or www.fnacspectacles.com
Snack bars and restaurants
www.eng.cityvox.fr/restaurants_antibes/Restaurants
Do you want an ice-cream?
Two addresses where you will surely enjoy an ice-cream!
> Aux Parfums d’Italie
28, rue Aubernon
06600 Antibes, Juan-les-Pins
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> Gelateria Italiana
20, Place Nationale
06600 Antibes, Juan-le-Pins
> Wall Street
Buy a meal and get a free drink with your
SKEMA student card.
3, Boulevard de la Pinède
06160 Juan-les-Pins
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 61 62 35
> Panini & Cie
39, Rue Masséna
06000 Nice
> Pizza Fifi
112, Boulevard Wilson
06160 Juan-les-Pins
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 67 53 14
> Bruschetteria
Place du marché Provençal
Vieil Antibes
> McDonald's
- 33, Avenue de Cannes - Juan-les-Pins
- Rond Point Weisweller - Route de Grasse
- Centre Commercial Carrefour - Chemin de
Saint Claude
> So Sushi
6, Avenue de l’Esterel
06600 Antibes
Take away or delivery
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 74 78 32
+33 (0)6 61 27 20 18
www.sosushi.fr
> O’Sushi
2222, Route de Grasse
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 94 96 57
Take away or delivery
www.osushi.fr
> Mister Pizza
Take away or delivery
www.mister-pizza.fr
Typical Restaurants
Socca is the typical food of the area, it is a kind of pancake made of chickpea and olive oil.
You can’t stay here without tasting it!
> La Socca
62, Rue Meynadier
06400 Cannes
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 39 91 39
Cusine of Nice and Italy
> La Zucca Magica
4 bis, Quai Papacino (Rue de Foresta)
Nice (port de Nice)
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 56 25 27
Cuisine of Nice
> Acchiardo
38, Rue Droite
06000 Nice
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 85 51 16
Theme restaurants
> Plage du Colombier
3, Boulevard Edouard Baudoin
06160 Juan-les-Pins
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 61 24 66
> Le Farfalla
1, Boulevard Croisette
06400 Cannes
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 68 93 00
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> Le Jungle Art
6, Rue Lépante
06000 Nice
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 92 00 18
Sophia Antipolis Campus
Snacks take away or deliveries
A sandwich, a panini, a pizza? If you need a take away meal, here are some good addresses:
Pubs & Bars
www.eng.cityvox.fr/bars-et-boites_antibes/Bar
> La Gaffe – International students’
meeting point
6, Boulevard Aguillon
06600 Antibes
> Hop store – Irish pub
38, Boulevard Aguillon
06600 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 34 15 33
(Live music & Sport on TV)
> L’Estérel
12, bis Avenue de l’Estérel
06160 Juan-les-Pins
You’ll find a lot of bars in Juan-les-Pins and the old Antibes (just behind the old city walls); and of course
in the old Nice area (“Vieux Nice”).
Night Clubs
You will discover through SKEMA parties “le Milk”, “le Village”, “l’Anfer” in Juan-les-Pins and also the
“Palm beach” in Cannes.
To find more clubs:
www.eng.cityvox.fr/discotheques_antibes/Discotheques
www.eng.cityvox.fr/discotheques_cannes/Discotheques
www.eng.cityvox.fr/discotheques_nice/Discotheques
Wandering Around & Further
Let’s discover the French Riviera
Offering wonderful opportunities for sea and snow sports, the French Riviera is without doubt one of
the most attractive areas in France for tourism. Lovely weather, beautiful and varied landscapes, 120 km
of Mediterranean coast… For sure, the French Riviera attracts thousands of tourists in summer. 3,900
events each year! That’s what happens on the Côte d’Azur! Every day is a celebration and the year is
punctuated by these diverse events that leave their stamp on cities and make of the French Riviera a
multicultural area.
The rolling countryside of the “Alpes-Maritimes” is a playground for all sporting activities from trekking
and skiing in the mountains to swimming and sailing in the beautiful Mediterranean Sea. In the memory
of Picasso and Chagall, museums and art exhibitions abound, and music lovers can enjoy a variety of
concerts in Cannes, Nice and Monaco, and the jazz festivals in Juan-les-Pins & Nice.
www.guide-riviera.com
> Antibes
Antibes has a great view of its surroundings: the sea, the old town and a section of the Alps in the
background. Antibes is calm and a typical French “Provencal” town. On the other hand, Juan-les-Pins is
the place to be during the summer, with a busy nightlife and fashionable bars and clubs. However, as it
is the low season for tourists, there are fewer activities during the winter period.
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> The Picasso Museum: In 1949 the Grimaldi Castle became the Picasso Museum, and it was the first
French museum to be dedicated to the work of a living artist. The museum boasts 25 paintings, 44
drawings and several ceramic pieces created by Picasso while he lived in the region.
> Peynet Museum: The museum houses over 400 works, paintings, post cards, sculptures, decorative
arts and costumes, the oldest of which date back to the 1930’s.
> Archaeological Museum: On display are numerous objects discovered on archaeological digs as well
as on underwater dives around the Cap d’Antibes. There are Greek vases, Roman ceramics, inscriptions,
mosaics, a marble fountain and a treasure of money discovered during the port’s construction.
> Cap d’Antibes
The beautiful homes of millionaires and the coveted sandy beaches vie for attention with the
breathtaking panoramic view from the Cap. It encompasses the “Baie des Anges”, a bay that lies
between Nice and Antibes. In addition, those who enjoy outdoor sports will love the many jogging trails
that run along the seashore.
> Juan-les-Pins
This is the fashionable town of the French Riviera and it is located between the Cap d’Antibes and
Cannes. Life in Juan-les-Pins is divided into two seasons: the busy summer season and the calmer
winter season.
Summertime in Juan-les-Pins: the town serves as a meeting place for the stars and the millionaires, and
it is a very popular destination for tourists. The city’s casino and its numerous luxury boutiques are just
a few paces away from its bars and nightclubs. It is a charming little town with a long sandy beach, on
which various bars and restaurants are directly located.
Year round: Although calmer the rest of the year, Juan-les-Pins is reputed for its diverse entertainment
events, such as its world renowned jazz festival in July and the “Palais des Congrès” that holds year
round events and international conferences.
www.antibesjuanlespins.com
> Cannes
Cannes is approximately 8 kilometres west of Juan-les-Pins. It is famous for the international film
festival in May that attracts top stars, as well as for its luxury shops on “la Croisette”, the wide
boulevard along the sea.
www.festival-cannes.fr
Aside from its bustling summer season, it’s a quaint town known for its shopping and night-life,
boasting a castle and several museums.
Nearby, St. Marguerite Island and St. Honorat Island make up the Lérins Islands, to which ferries run
regularly from Cannes and Juan-les-Pins. Their flora protects the two islands and St. Marguerite Island
has a fort and a historic prison while St. Honorat Island has an ancient monastery.
www.cannes-on-line.com
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
> Old Antibes
The old town is a walled city that protects Antibes’ port, the most important leisure port on the French
Riviera. It is a charming and typically French part of town, with small cobblestone streets and unique
stores, a Provencal market, traditional restaurants and a number of pubs. It makes for great strolling,
browsing and shopping. It is also a cultural centre with various museums:
> Nice
Easily accessible by car, plane or train, Nice is located approximately 25 kilometres from Antibes. The
city’s most known landmark is the “Promenade des Anglais”, a wide boulevard lined with palm trees that
runs along the sea. On one side of the boulevard are palace hotels such as the famous Negresco and on
the other side is the beach and the “Baie des Anges”, also known as the Bay of Angels.
Nice is also known for its main square, Place Massena, its commercial street Jean Medecin, its numerous
museums including the Matisse museum and the Chagall museum, its carnival at the end of February
(www.nicecarnaval.com), its typically Mediterranean port and above all, the old section of the town. In
the latter, there are daily provincial markets, quaint cobblestone streets and an abundance of
restaurants and bars, such as ‘le Bouche à Oreille’ or the ‘Thor pub’.
www.nicetourism.com
> Monaco
The principality of Monaco is a 45 minutes drive from Antibes and it is a day trip that should not be
missed. Around its port, immense buildings have been constructed right into the hillside. Also be sure to
discover its coveted casinos, palaces such as the Hôtel de Paris and the Hôtel Hermitage, its numerous
Ferraris and the Fontvielle quarter. Perched above the city, the royal palace dominates the city and is
surrounded by the old quarter and the Oceanographic Museum. Finally, slightly to the east, there is the
extremely well known city of Monte-Carlo.
The formula 1 Grand Prix is a unique race and one of the best-known sporting events in the world. For
drivers and teams alike, winning in Monaco represents the most prestigious victory of the season and
leads the way into automobile legends.
Although Monaco is a Principality of France, local police often stop cars for identity checks. For EU
citizens, your national identity card will be enough. For non-EU citizens, a passport is preferred. If you
choose to enter the ‘Big Casino’, an official identification document is required for their
computer/security system.
www.monte-carlo.mc
> Grasse
Grasse is the perfume capital of the world with a number of perfume factories located here, the most
famous of them is Fragonard. Grasse is also a beautiful picturesque city and has interesting museums
such as the perfume museum, the costume museum and the jewellery museum.
www.ville-grasse.fr
> Saint Paul de Vence
Perched on rock, Saint Paul de Vence is primarily a medieval town with cobblestone streets and many
artistic boutiques. It is known for its fortifications and it is also the burial place of the painter Marc
Chagall. Finally, there is a beautiful and simplistically designed chapel a few kilometres away that was
designed by the renowned painter Henri Matisse.
www.saint-pauldevence.com
> Saint Tropez
This city has two faces: its winter character resembling an authentic little fishing village, and its summer
character with its influx of tourists, stars and yachts. The finest sandy beaches of the French Riviera are
here, especially at Ramatuelle.
www.ot-saint-tropez.com
> Menton
Menton is known in France for its unusually warm climate. Due to this, the city offers its visitors
magnificent gardens and an amazing array of beautiful fruits and vegetables. Its agricultural prowess is
demonstrated each year with its Lemon Festival in February. This event uses more than 100 tons of citrus
fruits, decorating structures. Every year in Menton takes place a new challenge made of green and
yellow citrus fruits!
www.villedementon.com
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Getting along the coast
By car
You usually have to pay for parking from Monday to Saturday from 9 am to noon and from 2 pm to 6 pm.
In the summer season, traffic conditions may prove to be difficult along the coast.
By bus
The bus network is well-developed on the Côte d'Azur, with both inter-urban and inter-village
connections. Shuttle services are also available from Nice Côte d'Azur Airport to town centres and also
from all bus stations in towns on the Côte d'Azur. Timetables and information on the towns are available
from the bus stations.
> Nice bus station: Tel: +33 (0)4 93 85 61 81
> Antibes bus station: Tel: +33 (0)4 93 34 37 60
> Cannes bus station: Tel: +33 (0)4 93 45 20 08
> Grasse bus station: Tel: +33 (0)4 93 36 37 37
> Menton bus station: Tel: +33 (0)4 93 35 93 60
> Monaco bus department: Tel: +377 97 70 22 22
By taxi
Taxi ranks in towns are indicated by a blue panel. To reserve a taxi, central booking services are at your
disposal in the Riviera's main towns.
Allo Taxi Riviera in Nice: Tel: +33 (0)4 93 13 78 78.
By train
TER (Regional Express Trains) provide fast efficient connections between the main towns on the Côte
d'Azur from Cannes to Vintimiglia (Italy). At certain times of day, there is a train every 30 minutes.
Information:
Tel: +33 (0)8 91 70 30 00
www.sncf.fr (to order a ticket)
www.ter-sncf.com/paca (for timetables, services)
Information and prices from the Chemins de Fer de Provence: Tel: +33 (0)4 97 03 80 80
www.trainprovence.com
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
> Sophia Antipolis
Nestled in a cluster of hills overlooking the Mediterranean between Cannes and Antibes, and only 20
minutes from Nice Airport, SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus is in the core of the first
technology park of Europe. SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus is surrounded by more
than 1,200 companies, employing about 25,000 employees. This location enables SKEMA to develop its
areas of expertise in a dynamic and innovative knowledge based economy. It also leads students to gain
professional experience in a significant area, taking a step further towards globalisation. Either at
SKEMA or in Cannes and Nice, you’ll be every day in contact with foreigners… Join the rich mixture of
cultural and professional activities!
www.sophia-antipolis.net
By boat
Regular boat trips to the Lérins Islands from the "Gare Maritimes" in Cannes. All the boat companies run
services to Ste-Marguerite's Island, but only the Planaria Company runs services to St-Honorat's Island.
Further information from the Cannes Tourism Office.
Going further in France
You want to go to Paris or somewhere else? For many destinations, flying is cheaper than taking the train!
Why? Because low cost airlines cut their prices to attract clients! Great!
The train is the right transportation mode if you’re not going far and of course, if you have a specific
reduction: usually, young people have a 12-25 reduction card (you must be between 12 and 25 years old to
get this card), which enables them to have really good discount. However, the price of this card is 50 euros,
so you have to travel quite a lot to cover that investment. Besides, even if it is cheaper thanks to the
discount, Paris is still 5h30 from Nice whereas it is 1h30 by plane… So, before booking a train www.sncf.fr,
check out the website of Easyjet www.easyjet.com, a low-cost airline… If you book 2 months in advance,
you’ll surely find great prices. Otherwise, if you want to book at the last minute, AirFance www.airfrance.fr
has probably better prices than the train for long-distance destinations.
For further information regarding France: www.edufrance.fr
Let’s discover the European universe
20 km from SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus is the second biggest airport in France:
Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
www.nice.aeroport.fr
With a capacity of 13 million passengers and more than 50 airline companies, the airport welcomes about
25,000 passengers every day flying all over Europe.
Thanks to low cost airlines and the Schengen treaty which facilitates movements within more than 20
countries in Europe, students have the possibility to pack their luggage for a cheap week-end in Europe!
www.mediavisa.net/schengen-visa-categories.php
London, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Geneva, Budapest, Vienna, Oslo, Amsterdam… Many Capital cities are on
the daily timetables of low cost airlines at Nice Côte d’Azur Airport.
Let’s check out how cheap it is! You could find Nice to London for only 13.99 euros …
Just add the airport taxes and you’ll get your ticket online for less than 70 euros for the round trip!
40
Emergency telephone numbers
> Contacts from a home-phone
> Police emergency: 17
Commissariat central
5, Avenue des frères Olivier
06600 Antibes
Tel: + 33 (0)4 92 90 78 00
Open from 8.30 am to 12.30 pm and from 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm
> Fire brigade: 18
> SAMU (medical emergencies): 15
> From a mobile phone
> European emergency call: 112
To call abroad: 00 + country code + number
To call France from abroad: 00 + 33 + number
41
Sophia Antipolis Campus
Useful contacts
Health
> Pharmacy
In a pharmacy, most medicines are only available by prescription, so you will need to give the pharmacist a
doctor’s prescription (“ordonnance”). The pharmacies are usually open from 9 am until 7 pm and closed on
Sundays.
> Doctor
In France, medical treatment is deregulated. You can choose the doctor you want.
The fee for a visit to a general practitioner is around 23 euros (32 euros for a specialist). Home calls, night
calls, Sundays and public holidays are charged at a higher price. Doctors’ names are listed in the telephone
directory.
www.pagesjaunes.fr
Example of local English speaking Doctors:
Dr Le Polles
20, Avenue Amiral Courbet
06160 Antibes
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 61 15 83
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 67 49 29
Dr Barboni-Gross,
7, Rue asphodèles
Haut Sartoux
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 65 40 89
Dr Veronique Cendres, Dr Emmanuel Laverne
1755, Route des Dolines
Valbonne
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 65 32 79
Sports Doctor, osteopath
Dr Gabinski, Dr Dalloz
Ophira II, Place Bermond
Haut Sartoux
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 96 06 29
Ophthalmologist
Dr Petchot-Bacque
Centre Medical
1755, Route des Dolines, Sophia Antipolis
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 95 81 85
Physiotherapist
Mme Aulanier-Quisefit
6, Rue Soutrane
Valbonne
Tel: +33 (0)4 92 96 91 98
Dermatologist
Dr Bridoux-Pradal
Centre Medical
1755, Route des Dolines, Sophia Antipolis
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 65 22 24
Radiologist
Dr Menegazzo
Villantipolis
8, Place Bermond
Valbonne
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 65 33 66
Dentist
Dr Beck
Villantipolis
8473, Route des Dolines, Sophia Antipolis
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 95 85 00
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Sophia Antipolis Campus
General Map of Sophia Antipolis
SKEMA BS
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lille
Campus
Table of contents
Get ready for your international experience
46
Start living your french life
65
> Daily Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65
Communication
Transportation
Mail
Shops for food
Electronic adapters
Laundromats
Cost of living
National holidays
Foreign Embassies in France
Get the French Touch
69
> Culture & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Shopping
Sport activities
Cinemas
Museums
Concerts
Restaurants
Pubs & bars
Night clubs
> Wandering Around & Further . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72
Let’s discover Lille and its region
Getting about in Lille
Going further within France
Going outside France
Useful contacts
75
> Emergency Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
> Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Lille Campus
> Your First Steps: Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
> Getting Here . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Pick up service
Getting here by yourself
> About Lille Campus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
The campus and its facilities
> Residence Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Who & when? How to apply?
First Application & Renewal
FAQ
> The French Social Security system . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
> Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
How to find it?
FAQ
The different places
The rent allowance
> Financial Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63
Bank account
Banks in Lille
Useful information
Get ready for your
international
experience
Your First Steps: Checklist
Before your arrival:
VISA
Do not forget
If you come from one of the following countries, (Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon,
Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Congo Brazzaville, Czech Republic, Gabon, Guinea, India, Ivory
Coast, Korea, Lebanon, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Senegal, Syria,
Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, USA and Vietnam) you have to contact Campus France to obtain your visa:
www.campusfrance.org
For other countries, you should contact the French Embassy of your country directly.
Plane ticket
If you need to apply for a Residence Permit, all the documents needed are listed on page 50
Quebec students have to provide the SE401Q form
Send an email to “S’Konnection” for the pick up service
Look for a flat – www.skema.edu/en/LILLE/housing-services
Getting Here
Pick up service
The S’Konnection students’ organisation provides a pick up service for the “Grande Ecole” Program; contact
them by email (skonnection@skema.edu) and send them information about the place, time and date of your
arrival in Lille. They will pick you up and drive you to your residence.
Getting here by yourself
If you arrive during an annual period when the S’Konnection students’ organisation is unable to pick you up,
you will have to find a different means of transportation. Depending on your provenance, you will find below
different ways of getting to the place you want to go to:
46
From the airport
> There is a Shuttle from the Lille (Lesquin) Airport to SKEMA Business School Lille Campus: Only €7, every hour.
Take the “Navette” (destination Gare, stop at EURALILLE shopping centre). Every hour.
www.lille.aeroport.fr/acces/navette.asp
> A taxi from Lille Airport to SKEMA Business School Lille Campus. The taxi fare will be at least €25 from
the airport. Cab Company «TAXI UNION LILLE». To book a cab: reservation possible 24 hours before your
arrival: Tel: +33 (0)3 20 06 06 06
> If you arrive in Paris at the “Roissy Charles de Gaulle airport”:
Take the high speed train from the “Aéroport CDG 2 TGV” train station. There is a train every hour and you
will get to “Lille Europe” train station, which is next to the school, in one hour. It will cost you between 30
and 70 euros depending on the time of day.
www.voyages-sncf.com This web site will provide you with all the prices and the time tables.
You will find all the timetables and the information about transport in Paris on the following website: www.ratp.fr
Once you get to the “Gare du Nord” train station, you will be able to take the high speed train for Lille. It will
also cost you between 30 and 70 euros depending on the time of day.
Information can be found on: www.voyages-sncf.com
From the train station
High Speed Train (TGV) speeds you from Paris to Lille in 1 hour. To get to SKEMA Business School Lille
Campus, you should get off at the Lille Europe train station or Lille Flandres train station (www.sncf.fr) and
then walk to the school, which is located between the two train stations.
By car
Five major European routes link up in Lille. The main motorways in the region are the:
A1 Lille – Paris
A23 Lille – Valenciennes
A25 Lille – Dunkerque (Dunkirk)
A27 - E42 Lille – Tournai (Doornik) – Bruxelles (Brussels)
A22, A14, E17 Lille – Gand (Ghent) – Anvers (Antwerpen) – Amsterdam
A26 - M2 Calais – Londres (London) by the Channel Tunnel
A16 Dunkerque – Calais – Boulogne
A 26 Calais – Reims – Lyon
For routes in France and Europe, maps and traffic information, you can also consult the following website:
www.viamichelin.com
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Lille Campus
> If you arrive in Paris at the “Orly airport”:
You will need to take the Orlybus that will take you downtown; you will get off at the terminus: “Denfert
Rochereau” metro station.
Once there, you will take RER B (which is quicker) direction “Aéroport Charles de Gaulle- Mitry-Claye”, then
get off at the station “Gare du Nord”.
You can also take the metro line 4 (the red one) direction “Porte de Clignancourt” and get off at the station
“Gare du Nord”.
About Lille Campus
The campus and facilities
Access to SKEMA Business School
Campus de Lille
Avenue Willy Brandt
59777 Euralille
Lille – France
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 21 59 62
www.skema.edu
SKEMA Business School Lille campus
buildings can be accessed freely.
Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 10.00 pm
Saturday from 7.30 am to 6.00 pm
SKEMA Business School
Computer rooms
You can use computer facilities in most of the buildings on the campus including the library (called the
“Fusée”). You have access to the Internet and word processing programs after being given a private login
and password and you are entitled to print 250 pages a month.
Laptop Internet access
The school has a number of computers but it is recommended that you bring your own laptop. There is a
wifi connection throughout the whole campus.
Don’t forget to bring the appropriate electricity converters if necessary.
There are a lot of computer plugs throughout the school to which your computer can be hooked up: in the
library designated laptop computer rooms and in various hallways.
You can connect your own laptop to the free WIFI.
The IT department will help you to link to the network and provide you with a user identity. To connect to
the SKEMA network, connector cables that look similar to those used to connect to a phone line are used.
The IT department is located in zone C, first floor and is at your disposal to answer your questions about
this matter.
Monday to Friday: 7.45 am to 6.00 pm
Saturday: 7.45 am to noon
48
> Cafeteria
> Student Cafeteria
The cafeteria is a meeting place where you can have either hot or cold drinks.
It also offers snacks and sandwiches (from 2 to 5 Euros).
There is also a student restaurant, the “CROUS”, ten minutes’ walk from school.
There you will be able to eat a complete meal for €2.85.
> CROUS
171, Rue Charles Debierre
59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 52 58 57
> Media Center (Library)
The school media centre (“la Fusée”) is open Monday to Friday between 9 am and 7 pm, and Saturday
between 9 am and noon. It is located in the building D.
S’Konnection - A welcome association for foreign students
- Whose mission is to help international students’ integration into SKEMA Business School Lille Campus
- Organizes events designed to help them settle in at SKEMA Business School Lille Campus or
enabling them to discover the region
- Handles the reception of foreign students
- Helps international students every day
The Adéquation Association will help you find a students’ job.
Don’t hesitate to contact them, they find a job for 400 students each year.
> Some of the main activities
> WEI: integration weekend organized by the BDE (Student Board) – end of September.
> GALA: The Gala is also organized by the BDE; it takes place in Lille.
> SEMISKI: it is organized by the BDS (sports students’ office) and it will give you four wonderful days of
skiing. It takes place the last week of January.
Weekly party: twice a week, on Tuesday and Thursday, free parties take place at school.
Once a month, a party is organized in an external place, usually a club, and it will cost you €15.
Most of those parties are organized by the BDE and sometimes the BDS.
> Sport
You have the possibility to do sport at SKEMA Business School Lille Campus.
You can also join our teams to compete for the universities championship.
Think about bringing a medical certificate for sport
For any questions:
Head of Sport: Jean-Christophe BIGO:
jeanchristophe.bigo@skema.edu
49
Lille Campus
> Student associations
There are over 30 student associations that foster your personal development: cultural (theatre, arts, music,
etc), humanitarian, sports, professional, etc.
http://assoesc.fr
These student associations are very active at SKEMA Business School Lille Campus.
Residence Permit
Who & when ?
If it is mentioned on your visa: “dispensé temporaire de carte de séjour”
> You don’t need to apply for a Residence Permit
For European citizens, Residence Permits are not required.
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If you are not concerned by this section, go directly to page 56
If you are a non-European student:
> You have to apply for a Residence Permit
> Right after your arrival, you need to make an appointment with the person in charge of Residence
Permits at the International Office, room C219 on: Mondays (9.00 am to noon) and Thursdays (2.00 pm to
4.30 pm).
Upon arrival in France, it is strongly recommended to apply immediately for your Residence Permit
because it could take more than 3 months to obtain it!
How to apply?
> Before your arrival in France
You must get together the following documents:
A birth certificate translated into French by a certified translator.
A copy of your vaccination certification (for the medial visit)
The Residence Permit will cost you €55 for the first application and €30 for a renewal.
50
First Application
After your visa instruction given by the consular authority, the consulate gives you a long stay visa. The visa
is a small sticker (“vignette”) which is stuck on your passport.
Lille Campus
With your visa, the consulate gives you 2 documents called “demande d’attestation OFII” (appendice 1) and
a “notice explicative” (appendice 2). Keep these documents carefully!
> As soon as you arrive in France (beginning of September or January)
When you arrive in France (during the first 3 months), you will have to send by registered post (registered
letter with acknowledgement of receipt: “courrier recommandé avec accusé de réception”):
the OFII certificate (appendice 1) filled in,
a clear copy of your passport (pages containing information about your identity, your visa and the stamp
testifying your entry to France or to the Schengen space)
51
Within three months after your application, the OFII will send you an appointment notice to have a medical
examination.
> You will need to bring these documents with you for the medical examination:
Your passport with the long stay visa,
A full face photo without a hat (French passport size photo), sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm
Proof of domicile in France – receipt of rent, electricity, gas, water or telephone bill, in your name or the
contract you signed with the landlord (“bail de location”),
The taxes to be paid to the OFII, i.e. an OFII stamp for €55.
You can buy the OFII stamp for €55 at the “Hôtel des Impôts” (find the location on
www.taxe.com/index-annuaire-nord~59-services.fiscaux~299.html ) or at some tobacco stores.
After remittance of these documents to the OFII, a sticker will be stuck on your passport by the OFII, to
prove that the procedure has been completed.
You will be authorized to remain on French territory (for the duration of your visa) only if your passport
contains this sticker from the OFII, certifying that you have carried out these formalities within 3 months of
your arrival in France.
The appointment for your medical examination cannot be changed (about 6 months waiting list!!)
OFII
892, Avenue de la République
59700 Marcq en Baroeul
Application for a renewal
You can collect the form to fill in (+ list of required documents) at the International Office (office C219).
You should make an appointment at the international office (room C219) and bring all required documents
and the form filled in properly. Please make a copy of each document and hand in everything (original +
copies) to the International Office.
It is compulsory to come with ALL the original documents. If you forgot an original, you will have to ask
somebody to send you the documents left at home (financial statement, birth certificate, etc).
It is compulsory to provide the ORIGINAL documents with legible copies.
Incomplete forms will be refused. (see application form p.55)
> Notice
You must apply for a renewal almost 2 months before your current Residence expires. Your renewal cannot
be done if your Residence Permit has already expired.
Once your form is accepted by the International Office (if it is complete), you get a “attestation de dépôt”, a
proof of receipt.
Often about 5-6 weeks* after your application, you will receive a “récépissé” (temporary Residence Permit)
which is valid for 3 months. About 2 and a half months* later, you will receive the appointment notice to
collect your Residence Permit at the “Préfecture”.
52
For students who have the new VSL-TS visa and ask for the first time a renewal, a birth certificate
translated into French must be provided
> Documents to enclose
Incomplete files will not be accepted!
53
Lille Campus
Copy of the expired Residence Permit
Copy of your valid passport: Pages concerning your personal information, the validity for at least
1 year (with a long stay visa).
SKEMA Business School original certificate
Degrees obtained or your official transcript (marks or grade obtained in previous studies) or
certificate of success of the previous year
Financial certificate of resources from your bank or your parents, certifying that you have at least 536
euros per month during the stay of your studies + Your last 3 bank statements from your French Bank.
Written proof of address dated within the last three months (lease contract, electricity, telephone or
water bill... and if necessary certificate + identification of the person accommodating the applicant –
copy of his/her ID Card or Residence Permit).
3 recent and high-contrast identity pictures (passport size)
1 OFII Stamp (30 euros)
Married / Divorced Certificate translated into French by a certified translator
CERFA Form available at the International Office
Students who have the new VLS-TS visa, and who ask for a renewal for the fist time, must provide a
birth certificate translated into French.
Frequently Asked Questions
> What about travelling?
I am in France and my visa is still valid… Can I travel outside of France?
> First application: you can travel as soon as you get your yellow sticker on your passport, i.e. after you
have had the medical check-up
> Renewal: you can travel only if you have your old residence permit plus the valid “récépissé”.
> And what about working?
> Internship
If I am an exchange student (European or non European)
If you want to do an internship in France, you need an “internship agreement” provided by your home
university.
If I am an MS, MSc or SAI student (European or non European)
If you have to do an Internship during your academic year, you can do it without any Work Permit; you just
need an “internship agreement” signed between the student, the company and SKEMA Business School
(further information at the Careers Office of SKEMA Business School Lille Campus).
> Working
If I am a European citizen
You can work wherever you want without any Residence or Work Permit.
If I am a non European citizen and it is written on my visa « dispensé de carte de séjour »
You cannot apply for a job.
If I am a non European citizen applying for a Residence Permit
You need to have applied for a Residence Permit and have found a job, which means having received a
contract.
Students cannot work more than 964 hours/year.
The company will take care of the whole administrative process.
Then, there are 2 possibilities of work conditions:
- 12 months working part-time (maximum 17.5 hours per week)
- 9 months working part-time and 3 months full-time (35 hours/week)
For more information, please see:
www.campusfrance.org
54
Residence Permit Application Form
PRÉFET DU NORD
DIRECTION DE L’IMMIGRATION ET DE L’INTÉGRATION
Demande de
Titre de Séjour pour Étranger
..
NOM de naissance : …………………………………………………….
Adresse en France (chez) : ……………………….………………….
….…………………………….………………………………………..
N° d’étranger
NATIONALITÉ :
1ère
DEMANDE
RENOUVELLEMENT
MODIFICATION
Changement domicile
Autorisation Provisoire
de Séjour
Carte de Séjour Temporaire
Carte de Résident 10 ANS
Certificat de Résidence
Algérien 1 AN
Certificat de Résidence
Algérien 10 ANS
Carte de Séjour
Communauté Européenne
Site Internet de la préfecture du Nord : www.nord.gouv.fr
55
DUPLICATA
Lille Campus
Prénom(s) : ……………………………………………………………
The French Social Security System
IF
You are under 28 years old (born on or after 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for more than 3 months
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR
THE FRENCH SOCIAL SECURITY HEALTH CARE INSURANCE; IT IS COMPULSORY
How much does it cost?
Approximately €200 per year (even if you only stay for one semester) payable by French cheque, credit card
or cash.
When must you register?
You must subscribe to the Social Security health care insurance on the first day of your arrival at SKEMA
Business School Lille Campus.
What do you absolutely need for your subscription?
- A copy of your ID or Passport
- Your Birth Certificate translated into French
- Payment (bank cheque, international credit card or cash)
- Address in France
Special situations:
> Students from European Union Countries are exempt from these Social Security requirements if they
have on them the European Health Insurance card or a private insurance certificate with valid dates written
on it (private insurance accepted only if the minimum validation date of 30/09/2010 is clearly indicated – if
not, you must register for the French student Social Security).
> Students from Quebec are exempt if they have an SE401Q form.
VERY IMPORTANT:
FOR ALL STUDENTS ARRIVING IN SEPTEMBER UNDER 28 YEARS OLD:
FRENCH SOCIAL SECURITY DOES NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL 1st OCTOBER, SO YOUR OWN
MEDICAL INSURANCE MUST COVER YOU IN FRANCE UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER.
IF
If you are over 28 years old (born before 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for 1 year
YOU MUST REGISTER FOR THE CMU (Universal Health Cover)
56
The CMU form (Universal Health Cover) will be obtained from the Social Security office (CPAM) of your
residence. The rate is variable.
You need to bring to the CPAM (please note that some of the documents have to be prepared in your
country):
A birth certificate translated into French
Copy of Student ID or passport
Copy of Residence Permit or “récépissé”
Proof of money earned in the last year (income 2010) worldwide: salary or letter from parents,
financial sponsor, etc. with the amount of money you received from them to live on.
Proof of address in France : rent contract or proof of payment
Your French bank account details (“RIB”)*
A proof of study in SKEMA Business School Lille Campus
Incomplete applications will not be accepted!
Please prepare all documents and contact the “Registraire” as soon as you arrive
VERY IMPORTANT:
YOU MUST COME WITH YOUR OWN MEDICAL INSURANCE VALID IN FRANCE WHICH COVERS
YOU UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER, BECAUSE THE REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR CMU
TAKES TIME.
YOU WILL HAVE TO GIVE US A COPY OF THIS INSURANCE ON YOUR ARRIVAL TRANSLATED INTO
ENGLISH OR FRENCH (DETAILED DOCUMENT STATING WHAT YOU ARE COVERED FOR WITH DATES OF
VALIDITY)
IF
If you are over 28 years old (born before 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for 1 semester only
YOU MUST COME WITH YOUR OWN MEDICAL INSURANCE VALID IN FRANCE COVERING
YOU UNTIL THE END OF YOUR STAY.
*As soon as you have an address in France, you need to open a French bank account. Ask for a check book and a ”RIB” (which is the “Relevé d’Identite Bancaire” = IBAN).
57
Lille Campus
FOR ALL STUDENTS ARRIVING IN SEPTEMBER OVER 28 YEARS OLD
Frequently Asked Questions
> What is the French Social Security?
The French Social Security is the national French system of Social Security cover.
Employees and students pay a contribution to be able to have access to health care, with the
reimbursement of health care expenses that they may have incurred.
> “Médecin traitant”
When you register for the French Social Security, you will be asked to choose a "médecin traitant"
(designated doctor).
If you are ill, this is the doctor you should go to: he will transfer you to a specialist if necessary. On your first
visit, ask for a "déclaration de choix du médecin traitant” which you will both sign.
We recommend you choose a doctor of "Secteur 1", whose fees are the cheapest.
If you do not follow this procedure, you will be reimbursed less for medical expenses. Please note that in
any case the “Sécurité Sociale” does not reimburse 100% of all expenses (see below).
Form to fill in:
www.lmde.com/fileadmin/img/secu/Declaration_de_choix_du_medecin_traitant.pdf
> Which treatments are reimbursable?
> Doctors (between 50% and 70%),
> Emergency services and hospitals (hospitals’ charges vary according to the treatment),
> Medicines (medicines must be prescribed by your doctor; certain drugs, sometimes called comfort
drugs, are not reimbursable).
To avoid having to pay a large outstanding amount for treatment, it is preferable to take out an additional
health insurance policy, which, once your subscription fee is paid, will guarantee a reimbursement for health
costs in addition to the one received from your “Sécurité Sociale” office.
58
Accommodation
How to find it?
Look for an accommodation
To search an accomodation, have a look on our website:
www.skema.edu/en/LILLE/Housing%20Services
Look for a roommate
> If you have already found a place to stay, but are looking for someone to share that accommodation:
use the school tools (ads in the school, website).
> You didn’t find an accommodation but are looking for a flatmate:
You should look for information at school.
Frequently Asked Questions
> What is the difference between a Residence and a Hotel ?
A residence offers a kitchen with cooking facilities for each apartment.
Rent is calculated per week or per month.
A hotel has no cooking facilities. Rent is calculated per day.
You will find the list of residences / hotels on our website.
> If I find accommodation through an agency, is there any cost?
Yes, normally you have to pay one month’s rent as the agency fee. This fee may vary depending on the
agency and the type of accommodation. You can find a list of agencies on our website.
Please be informed that agencies will ask you to have a French guarantor. SKEMA cannot act as a
guarantor.
> Why do I have to confirm my accommodation before my arrival?
- If you arrive in September, you will arrive with all the other students who will also be looking
for accommodation.
- An accommodation contract is very important for students of certain nationalities. You may
need this certificate to apply for a visa or for a Residence Permit.
59
Lille Campus
Some information:
A “studio” is a one-room flat; this is the right place for you, if you want to live alone.
F2, F3, F4 are bigger flats: the number indicates how many rooms the flat has, excluding kitchen and
bathroom.
F2: one bedroom + a living room
F3: two bedrooms + a living room
F4: three bedrooms + a living room
- After your arrival, you may need a personal address to apply for your bank account, insurance,
residence permit, etc.
- If you do not book accommodation in advance, you may end up paying more and having less choice.
- If you prefer to visit prospective apartments in person and/or if you want to find someone to
share an apartment with after meeting him/her in Lille, we suggest you to book a residence or a
hotel room for the first week. You will then be able to decide which type of accommodation suits
your expectations.
However, by waiting, you also risk having less choice with regard to price and convenience.
> Where can I stay temporarily when I arrive?
Students who have not reserved a room in advance can obtain advice from the Tourist Office of Lille and
contact hotels.
Tourist Office of Lille, Tel: +33 (0) 3 59 57 94 00
www.lilletourism.com > Hotels
Première Classe, Tel: +33 (0)3 28 36 51 10
Flandre-Angleterre, Tel: +33 (0)3 20 06 06 69
Le Brueghel, Tel: +33 (0)3 20 06 06 69
Le Faidherbe, Tel: +33 (0)3 20 74 69 63
Hôtel Lille Europe, Tel: +33 (0)3 28 36 76 76
> Youth Hostel
12 Rue Malpart – Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 57 08 94 / +33 (0)3 20 63 98 93
> Where should I live?
The City Centre, the Euralille and the Vieux-Lille areas are all located near the school.
The different places
In Lille you can find student residences close to the campus.
The details of these offers are available on the internet at www.adele.org
Residences in Lille
Résidence Lille Métropole
Europe
271, Avenue Willy Brandt
Euralille (Tour 4)
59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 28 04 75 51
Résidence Europe
10, Rue Guillaume Vernier
59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 56 68 41
60
Les Studiantes
Rue Willy Brandt
Euralille (Tour 3)
59777 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 00 16 16
Résidence « Studea »
10, Rue Maracci
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 28 16 00 60
Campuséa
Résidence EuraLille (Tour 5)
333, Avenue Willy Brandt
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)8 25 00 75 00
The Rent Allowance (APL)
The CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) can provide you with housing aid, (“aide au logement”).
www.caf.fr
If you are eligible, the amount of this aid depends on your financial situation.
This is not a scholarship but a French government system which is aimed to help students. Be advised
that students with short term visa cannot apply for this allowance.
> To obtain this aid you must fulfil the following conditions:
> Be a European citizen or have a Residence Permit for non-European citizens valid for the duration of
your stay
> Live in a city of more than 100 000 inhabitants (which is the case for Lille)
> The surface of your flat must not be less than 9 square meters for a single person and than 16
square meters for two persons (+ 7 m for any additional person) and meet certain standards of comfort:
a heater, etc.
> How to get the application form?
You can download it and complete it directly by connecting to the website:
www.caf.fr/pdfj/al0.pdf
Or
You can pick it up it from the nearest CAF office (check the addresses on their website).
> How to fill in the application form for the rent allowance?
You have to complete an application form. In this application form, you will find many parts.
Part 1: “Vous” (You). It is general information about your address, age, nationality, etc.
Part 2: “Votre situation professionnelle” (your professional situation).
Normally, you would simply put a cross in the box “étudiant” (Student)
Part 3: “Votre logement” (your accommodation) is about your flat. You fill in this section by indicating
your date of entrance “Vous habitez le logement depuis le…”. If you stay in a residence, give this paper
to the reception office of your residence. They are accustomed to filling in this kind of document.
Do not forget to sign the last page.
Then, return your complete application to the CAF, with the following required documents:
A bank account number (“RIB”)
A photocopy first side - reverse of the Residence Permit and the original to show (if you are a nonEuropean citizen)
for European citizens: a copy of your European Health Insurance card and a formal declaration*
stating that your financial resources are sufficient for the payment of your rent (without indication of
the amount of your resources)
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Lille Campus
The housing aid is not paid during the summer months except if you need your flat during
that period. In that case, inform the CAF and they will send you a form. You will have to
explain and justify the reasons why you have to pay the rent during the summer. The lack of
a timely response on your part may result in a suspension of your aid.
A photocopy of the student card
If you are in a residence or hall, a certificate of residence
A receipt of rent supplied by the owner. If he shows reluctance do not hesitate to explain to him that by
renting a flat to a student he can benefit from tax cuts. He should be satisfied then... And you too!
A lease of rent (original and certified copy)
A statement (declaration) of resources (original and certified copy)
Incomplete application forms will not be accepted!
After the deposit of your complete application form at the CAF, it takes between one and three months to
receive the money.
*Example of a formal declaration of your financial resources (“déclaration sur l’honneur”):
LAST NAME First Name
Address
Caisse d’Allocations Familiales
Address of the nearest CAF Office
Je soussigné, Mme/Mlle/Mr LAST NAME First Name, demeurant au ADDRESS,
atteste sur l'honneur disposer de ressources suffisantes pour le paiement
de mon loyer.
Fait le DD/MM/YYYY à CITY
Signature
62
Financial Matters
Bank account
> You have the possibility to keep your home bank account.
> If you do not have an account from which you can write cheques in euros, you will need to open a
French bank account as soon as you have an address in France.
Ask for a cheque book and a “RIB” (which is the “Relevé d’Identité Bancaire” = IBAN).
Bank representatives will be at the SKEMA Business School Lille Campus at the beginning of September.
Call ahead and make an appointment to open an account.
The BDE (Student Board) has agreements with banks. This might change from one year to another, so
check with them before opening you bank account. You might be able to save some money by doing so.
Lille Campus
> To open a bank account, you will need:
Your identity card, your passport and your Residence Permit for non European citizens (valid time period)
- A proof of domicile (originals, less than 3 months):
> your lease
or
> electricity bill
or
> France TELECOM bill (French phone invoice)
or
> water bill
Banks in Lille (Non exhaustive list)
BNP SAINT MAURICE
161, Rue Faubourg de Roubaix
59800 - Lille
Tel: 0 820 82 00 01 – Fax: +33 (0)4 92 94 33 25
Open Monday to Friday 8.45 am to 12.15 and
1.45 pm to 5.15 pm and Saturday 8.30 am to
12.15
BNP NATIONALE
55, Rue Nationale
59800 - Lille
Tel: 0 820 82 00 01- Fax: +33 (0)3 20 42 74 19
Open Monday to Friday 8.45 am to 12.15 and
1.45 pm to 5.15 pm and Saturday 8.30 am to
12.15
BNP VIEUX LILLE
114, Rue Saint André
59800 - Lille
Tel: 0 820 82 00 01 – Fax: +33 (0)3 20 42 33 45
Open Monday to Friday 8.45 am to 12.15 and
1.45 pm to 5.15 pm and Saturday 8.30 am to
12.15
Crédit du Nord
Place Rihour
59000 Lille
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LCL
Centre Commercial Euralille
Useful Information
Non-resident bank account
You have the possibility of opening a bank account even before you have a Residence Permit ("residence
card"). These accounts are called ‘Non-resident’ Bank Accounts. To do this, you will need a passport and a
school certificate provided by SKEMA Business School Lille Campus.
What is a “RIB” (IBAN)?
A “Relevé d’Identité Bancaire” is a series of codes that include the code of your bank in France, its location
and also your personal account number. You will need this number in order to receive electronic money
transfers from your bank in your home country and to receive other automated electronic deposits to your
account, for example, remuneration for a “stage” or other employment. This should be provided by your
bank several days after opening your account or can be obtained directly at the branch, simply by asking for
your “RIB”.
Credit card
Credit cards given by your bank (“Carte Bleue”, Visa or Mastercard) are debit cards. The money is directly
debited from your bank account (you may choose immediate debit or debit at the end of the month). You
can also use it in any Automated Cash Machine (ACM) around France.
If you are coming from North America, you will notice that in Europe credit cards almost always feature a
microchip. This has important implications for those coming from North America, as machines or other
automated devices will only accept your card with this chip AND/OR with your personal pin number. In
North America, it is not common to either know or use a PIN number with your credit card. Before leaving
your home country, contact your card issuer for your PIN number and particulars about using your card in
Europe. In restaurants and stores, you can pay with your card (magnetic strip), and you will be asked for
your signature as usual. Conversely, European credit card holders do not sign, as their PIN number
substitutes this verification. In addition, you may be asked for a supplementary piece of identification when
paying by credit card. The minimum payment amounts for using your credit card ranges from 10 euros to 20
euros.
Never give your PIN number to anyone.
Cash dispensers (ATM)
If you need cash, there are lots of cash dispensers all around the city but also in the Euralille center next to
SKEMA Business School Lille Campus.
64
Start living your
French Life
Daily Life
Communication
The main operators are Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom.
There are many different plans available depending upon your need. If you stay a short time in France (less
than one year), it would be best to bring your own mobile phone and use prepaid card. You can ask at the
tobacconist’s (“tabac”) places for a card which will give you a certain amount of credit (for instance 1 hour
that you can use for 2 months).
You can find all the offers on the internet:
www.orange.fr
www.sfr.fr
www.bouyguestelecom.fr
Landline
> If you want to get a home phone: www.orange.fr
The France Telecom Office is on: Centre commercial Euralille 1st floor, near SKEMA Business School Lille
Campus.
You will have to pay a connection fee and a monthly rental charge.
> International telephone cards: these can be bought at any “tabac” for 8 and 15 euros. They are called
“Carte pour des appels internationaux”.
They are operational in telephone booths.
> Telephone booths: If you want to make a national call, all telephone booths operate using France
Telecom cards that can be bought in any shop with a “tabac” sign. If you want to make an international call,
you should buy either a card specified to the destination of your call or an international phone card. Both
can be found in “tabac” shops.
> The national Phone Book: Yellow and White pages: www.pagesjaunes.fr
65
Lille Campus
Cell Phone
Internet
> Internet at SKEMA Business School Lille Campus: there are computer rooms available at SKEMA
Business School Lille Campus. A personal login and password will be given to you upon arrival, don’t loose
it! If you have a laptop, you should bring it to the SKEMA Business School Lille Campus “IT department” to
configure SKEMA Business School Lille Campus wireless connection on it.
> Internet at home: you first have to ask the owner of your flat if there is a possibility for you to have a
connection at home. If so, the first step is to open a home telephone line: you can go to France Telecom at
the Euralille mall next to school; then, you’ll have to contact an Internet company such as Neuf Télécom,
Orange or Free. We recommend you check with the Internet company first, as it may be cheaper to open a
telephone line through them.
www.orange.com
Transportation
Public transport includes buses, metro and tramway.
> Usually most of the students live near the school in the city center. However, if you live a bit further
away, you will find all information about how to optimise your time to get at school on:
www.transpole.fr
Car
> Rent a car
There are many companies in Lille and at the airport. Prices vary according to the companies and the kind of
car, so don’t hesitate to check all the prices first and look for the closest sales point.
Avis: www.avis.fr
Budget: www.budget.fr
Europcar: www.europcar.fr
Hertz: www.hertz.fr
Easyrentacar: www.easyrentacar.com
Mail
La Poste is the national post office, in charge of collecting, routing and delivering mail.
Regular stamps (for Europe) can be bought at tobacconists (“tabac”) and cigarettes counters in cafés. If you
want to send a letter outside Europe, you usually have to buy a stamp at the Post Office directly.
There is a post office located in the Euralille shopping center. Open from Monday to Friday 10 am to 7 pm
and Saturday from 10 am to 5 pm
More information can be found at www.laposte.fr
It is possible to send an urgent document by Chronopost with guaranteed 24-hour delivery in France.
66
Shops for food (Non-exhaustive list)
Sustainable Development: A lot of food shops don’t give plastic bags anymore,
but sell them at very low prices.
The largest place where you’ll find any sort of international food is “Carrefour” in the Euralille shopping
centre next to school.
CARREFOUR
100, centre commercial
59777, Euralille Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 14 52 20
From Monday to Saturday 9 am to 10 pm
Casino
158, Rue Colbert, 59800 Lille - Mon to Sat 8.30 am – 8.30 pm
38b, Rue du pont neuf, 59800 Lille - Mon to Sat 8.30 am – 8.30 pm
Spar
14, Place Sebastopol, 59000 Lille - Mon to Sat 8 am – 9 pm / Sun 9 am –1 pm
Leclerc
94, Rue de Lannoy, 59800 Lille - Mon to Sat 8.30 am – 8 pm / Sun 9 am – 12.30 pm
Monoprix
Rue de Paris, 59000 Lille
If you have a tight budget, the best thing is to go to the discount stores:
> Lidl: 106, Boulevard Victor Hugo, 59000 Lille
> Lidl: Rue Léon Gambetta, 59000 Lille
> Ed: 36, Rue Roger Salengro, 59260 Lille
Electronic adapters
Adapters for electrical equipment from the UK can be bought at Carrefour.
This is only necessary for those arriving from outside Europe, who use a voltage rate of 120 volts. In
France and most European countries, the voltage is 220 volts, with a different plug configuration. It is
advised that you purchase the appropriate conversion device in your home country, as they are generally
not sold in France. The French plug has two parallel round pins, with an outlet that is circular.
You will need a conversion device to power your shaver, hair dryer and other personal appliances. Always
read the instructions of your devices carefully to ensure they are suitable to be used in Europe.
67
Lille Campus
Intermarché
18, Rue des Marquillies, Lille sud, 59000 Lille - Mon to Sat 8.30 am – 7.30 pm / Sun 8 .30 am – 12 .30 pm
Laundromats
You’ll find laundries in Lille (Non-exhaustive list):
> CLEAN PRESSING - 97, Rue Saint Sébastien - 59800 Lille
> LADYLAV - 73, Rue Bois - 59800 Lille
> LAVOTEC - 49, Rue Jean Jaures - 59700 Lille
> LAVERIE MIELE - 416, Rue Charles Saint Venan - 59700 Lille
Cost of living
> The cost of living in France
The average monthly student budget is €1000
> What is the average for?
All prices are given for information only and may be subject to changes.
> A meal at SKEMA Business School Lille Campus
dining hall: €2/ €5
> A meal at the CROUS dinning hall: €2.85
> A meal at a fast-food restaurant: €6
> A meal at a local restaurant: from €15 to €30
> Entrance to a museum: €6
> A monthly public transportation pass: €22 and
€12 for students under 26.
> A sandwich: €3.50
> A coffee: €1.50
> A baguette: €0.85
> A croissant: €1
> A camembert: €1.90
> Six eggs: €1.20
> A litre of milk: €0.90
> A kilo of potatoes: €1.20
> A kilo of rice: €1.90
> A newspaper: €1.20
> A postage stamp: €0.58
> Identity photos from a booth: four photos for €4
> A telephone card for public telephone booths:
50 or 120 units for €7.50 to €15
> A round-trip train ticket between Paris and Lille:
€30 to €70
> One night in a hotel: €30 to €60
> A microwave oven: €120 - €215
> A television: €110 - €200
> A CD player: €55 - €190
> A music CD: €20
> Accommodation : €300 - €500 per month
National Holidays
Please note that the following days are National holidays. The School remains open and certain shops, too.
But be aware that administrative offices (even at school) are closed on these days.
1st January, The Monday after Easter Sunday, 1st May, 8th May, Ascension, the first Monday after Pentecost,
14th July, 15th August, 1st November, 11th November, 25th December
For more details about the French calendar, you can use your Google apps.
National Embassies
If you need to contact you country’s embassy in France for any reason, you will find the address and the
phone number at the following link:
www.mfe.org/default.aspx?SID=12292
68
Get the French Touch
Culture & Entertainment
The following information is given as a non-exhaustive list of places and activities.
Shopping
L’Usine (Eurl Outlet Espace Roubaix)
228, Avenue Alfred Motte, 59100 Roubaix - Tel:
+33 (0)9 75 81 24 46
Vieux Lille
The old Lille is a nice place to shop.
Centre commercial Les tanneurs
80, Rue de Paris, 59800 Lille
Rue de Béthune
A very famous street in Lille where you will find a
lot of stores.
Wazemmes market
The Wazemmes market is a typical market to
shop in Lille.
Outlets
You will find some outlets near Lille where you
will be able to get some good bargains.
Sport activities
You want to have fun and do sport at the same time?
Why not climb the trees and have fun for a few hours!
> Accrobranche Les Arbronomades
81, Rue de Jemmapes - 59800 Lille
www.arbronomades.com
Tel: +33 (0)3 28 52 66 19
> Metro Bowling Lille
17, Boulevard Victor Hugo
59000 Lille
www.metrobowlinglille.fr
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 52 70 80
69
> Golf de Lille
Contournement Sud-Est de Lezennes
Rond Point des Acacias
59790 Ronchin
www.golfdelille.fr
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 47 42 42
Lille Campus
Euralille
One of the biggest shopping centres: “Centre
Commercial Euralille”. You’ll find over there many
shops for all budgets.
> Ski
ICE MOUNTAIN:
www.ice-mountain.com
Comines in Belgium
> Swimming
Several public swimming pools are accessible.
Check the one that is near your place at:
http://fr.nomao.com/lille/bouger/piscine.html
Other activities
> INQUEST
31, rue Alfred de Musset
Site Décathlon Campus
59650 Villeneuve s’Ascq
www.inquest.fr
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 05 20 00
Cinemas
www.allocine.fr
> UGC Ciné Cité
40, Rue Ratisbonne
59000 Lille
Metro République
> Le Majestic
54, Rue de Béthune
59000 Lille
Metro République-Beaux Arts
> Kinépolis
1, Rue d’Isenghein
59160 Lomme
Metro St Philibert
> Le métropole
26, Rue des ponts des Comines
59000 Lille
Metro Lille Flandres
Museums (Non-exhaustive list)
Arts
> Palais des beaux arts
Place de la République
59000 Lille
Metro 1, stop République Beaux-Arts
www.pba-lille.fr
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 06 78 00
Regular: €5.50
> Maison de l’Architecture et de la ville du NordPas de Calais
Place François Mitterrand
59000 Lille
Metro 1 or 2- stop train station Lille Flandres
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 87 79 47
www.mav-npdc.com
Regular: Free entrance
Science
> Musée d’Histoire Naturelle et de Géologie
19, Rue de Bruxelles
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 28 55 30 80
70
www.mairielille.fr/fr/Culture/Musees/Musee_d_Hist
oire_Naturelle_et_de_Geologie
Student: €1.50 / Regular: €3
> Musée des Sciences
Villeneuve d’Ascq
> Musée Pasteur, Calmette et Guérin
24, Boulevard Louis XIV
59000 Lille
Metro 2 – stop Lille Grand Palais
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 87 79 47
www.pasteur-lille.fr/fr/accueil/un_clic/musee.html
Regular: €2
History
> Maison Natale de Charles de Gaulle
9, Rue Princesse
59000 Lille
Bus 3 or 6 – stop Magasin
Tel: +33 (0)3 28 38 12 05
www.maison-natale-de-gaulle.org
Student: €4 / Regular: €6
Concerts
Check out if one of your favourite artists will be on stage soon!
www.fra.webcity.fr/concert_nice or www.fnacspectacles.com
Restaurants
> Flam’s
8, Rue du Pas
59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 54 18 38
> Pizza Paï
57, Rue Béthune
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 54 54 11
> Le grizzly grill
24 bis, Rue Esquermoise
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 31 21 47
> TROPIC 97
10, Rue Royale
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 13 05 20
> Au bout des doigts
5, Rue Saint Joseph
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 74 55 95
> L’Estaminet
29, Avenue Charles St Venant
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 28 36 30 40
Pubs & bars
www.lille.sortir.eu
> Le GINO
21, Rue Masséna - 59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 54 45 55
> Scotland fire
168, Rue Solférino - 59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 57 90 67
> Drugstore Café
21, Rue Royale - 59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 12 00 53
> Tam Tam
29, Rue Paix - 62300 Lens
Tel: +33 (0)3 21 42 60 44
> Palace Café (ex Snooker palace)
3, Rue Ernest Deconynck - 59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 57 04 16
> La mangrove
36, Rue d’Angleterre - 59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 51 88 89
Night Clubs
> Network Café
15, Rue Faisan - 59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 40 04 91
> Seven Heaven
8, Rue Ratisbonne - 59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 31 03 12
To find more clubs:
www.lille.maville.com/sortir/bars-boites-de-nuit
71
>Le Platinium – Le club
29, Boulevard Jean Baptiste Lebas
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 32 04 12
Lille Campus
www.eng.cityvox.fr/restaurants_lille/Restaurants
Wandering Around & Further
Let’s discover Lille and its region
Northern France, the Nord-Pas de Calais region is the youngest region in France and the most populated.
Lille is the biggest and the most thriving student city outside of Paris.
Northern France offers a dynamic business environment and hosts the largest number of headquarters of
leading companies after Paris.
The Nord-Pas de Calais is also the biggest mail-order industry centre in Europe, the first region attracting
foreign investments, the second biggest area for insurance companies, and the third financial market in
France. It is the second region for the textile industry, the third for exportation and for the car-making
industry. Finally, Lille is the cradle of the mass retailing industry and hosts many world known companies.
To get a better knowledge of the Nord-Pas-de-Calais Region, please visit the following websites:
www.nordpasdecalais.fr/english/accueil.htm
www.northernfrance-tourism.com/en/default.asp
> City of Lille: history, people and economy
LILLE, northern France's largest city by far, surprises with its impressive architecture, the winding streets of
its tastefully restored old quarter (Vieux Lille), and a plethora of restaurants where quality and quantity go
hand in hand. It boasts some vibrant and obviously prosperous commercial areas, modern residential
squares, a modern underground (metro) system, and a very serious attitude to culture, reflected in a busy
music and arts scene and some great museums. (source: http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-3679033lille_lille-i)
Practical information: One of the Université Lille Nord de France missions is to welcome future international
students to higher education institutions. They also organise some meetings and their website is full of
information and it is well worth a visit. SKEMA Business School is a member of the Université Lille Nord de
France.
www.poleuniv-lille-npdc.fr/en/n_etudiant/index.html
www.lilletourism.com/index_gb.php
> Roubaix
> La Piscine - Museum of Art and Industry: In the exceptional surroundings of what used to be Albert
Baert's 1932 Art Deco swimming pool, the Museum of Art and Industry offers its visitors an original setting
for its collections of applied arts (drawings, textiles and ceramics) and fine arts (19th and 20th Century
paintings and sculptures)
> Manufacture des Flandres - Musée du Jacquard: Come and see a working place of history, 1400 sqm of
discoveries: the evolution of the jacquard loom over two centuries thanks to 15 machines which are all in
full operation during guided tours.
www.roubaixtourisme.com
> Villeneuve d'Ascq
Villeneuve d'Ascq is one of Lille's inhabitants' favourite spots for walking and sporting activities due to its
Parc du Héron: 110 hectares of parkland surrounding a series of lakes. It is the largest park area in the
surroundings of Lille.
www.villeneuvedascq-tourisme.eu
> Tourcoing
www.tourcoing-tourisme.com
> Espace Naturel Lille Métropole
www.enm-lille.fr
72
> Douai
www.ville-douai.fr
> Arras
www.ot-arras.fr
> The Opal Coast
From Berck sur Mer to Calais, the Opal Coast offers 120 kilometres of sandy beaches, dunes with
beachgrass, cliffs and wild coasts dotted with seaside resorts, such as Le Touquet-Paris-Plage, Wimereux,
Wissant, and Hardelot-Plage. The Opal Coast is great for recreational sports like golf, sand-yachting,
cycling and hiking. The green meadows and sweet smelling pine forests along the coasts are ideal for
peaceful walks.
www.uk.pas-de-calais.com
Getting about in Lille
By train
TER (Regional Express Trains) provides the best fast connections between the towns of the north of
France. At certain times of the day, there is a train every 30 minutes.
Information:
Tel: 08 91 67 10 59
www.voyages-sncf.fr (to order a ticket)
www.ter-sncf.com/Regions/nord_pas_de_calais/Fr/ (for timetables, services)
Going further in France
You want to go to Paris, or somewhere else? For many destinations, flying is cheaper from Paris than from
Lille. To go to Paris will take you one hour by high speed train. Once there, you have the best access to all
the French destinations.
The train is the right transportation mode if you’re not going far and of course, if you have a specific
reduction: usually, young people have a 12-25 reduction card (you must be aged between 12 and 25 years
to get this card) which enables them to have really good discount. However, the price of this card is 50
euros, so you have to travel a lot to cover that investment. Besides, even if it is cheaper thanks to the
discount, some destinations are far from Paris (4 to 6 hours). So, before booking a train (www.sncf.fr),
check out the website of Easyjet (www.easyjet.com), a low-cost airline. If you book 2 months in advance,
you’ll surely find great prices. Otherwise, if you want to book at the last minute, AirFance
(www.airfrance.fr) has probably better prices than the train for long-distance destinations.
For further information regarding France: www.edufrance.fr
73
Lille Campus
By car
You usually have to pay for parking from Monday to Saturday from 8 am to 7 pm. Traffic conditions may
prove to be difficult inside cities during the working hours.
Going outside France
One hour from SKEMA Business School Lille Campus is the biggest airport in France:
Paris Roissy Charles De Gaulle
www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/fr-FR/Passagers/Accueil/
With a capacity of almost 60 million passengers and more than 170 airline companies, the airport welcomes
about 140 000 passengers every day flying all over the world.
Thanks to low cost airlines and the Schengen Treaty which facilitates movements within 15 countries of the
European Union, students have the possibility to pack their luggage for a cheap week-end in Europe!
www.easyjet.com
www.ryanair.com
> London, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Geneva, Budapest, Vienna, Oslo, Amsterdam… Many capital cities are
on the daily timetables of low cost airlines at Paris Roissy Charles de Gaulle Airport. Check out how cheap it
is! You could find Paris to London for only 13.99 euros.
Just add the airport taxes and you’ll get your ticket online for less than 70 euros for the round trip!
As you may know, Lille is located close to the Belgian and British borders. You will be able to access
Brussels, Bruges and London easily and sometimes cheaply by train.
To book your tickets:
www.voyages-scnf.com
> Bruges
Bruges is the historic capital of West Flanders, Flanders being one of the three regions of Belgium. Bruges is
one of Belgium's chief tourist attractions.
You will find more information on the following website:
www.visit-bruges.com
> Brussels
The European capital will give you a lot of opportunities to discover its history and its culture but also to
visit all the European Union facilities.
You will find more information on the following website:
www.brusselsinternational.be
> London
The proximity of the English capital will allow you to plan some nice weekends to do some shopping, to visit
the city or to watch a nice football game.
(Don’t forget that London is not in the Shengen area and that you might need a visa depending on your
nationality.)
You will find more information on the following website:
www.visitlondon.com
Please check with the authorities of the country
where you want to go that you are allowed to travel there.
74
Useful contacts
Emergency Numbers
> Contacts from a home-phone
> Commissariat
Centre Euralille
Open from 8.30 am to 12.30 am and from 1.30 pm to 6.30 pm
> Fire brigade: 18
> SAMU (medical emergencies): 15
> From a mobile phone
> European emergency call: 112
> Police emergency: 17
To call abroad: 00 + country code + number
To call France from abroad: 00 + 33 + number
Health
> Pharmacy
In a pharmacy, most medicines are only available by prescription so you will need to give the pharmacist
a doctor’s prescription (“ordonnance”). Pharmacies are usually open from around 9 am until 7 pm and
closed on Sundays.
> Doctor
In France, medical treatment is deregulated. You can choose the doctor you want.
The fee for a visit to a general practitioner is around 23 euros (31 euros for a specialist). Home calls,
night calls, Sundays and public holidays are charged at a higher price. Doctors’ names are listed in the
telephone directory.
www.pagesjaunes.fr
75
Lille Campus
> Police emergency: 17
Rue de Marquillies - 59000 Lille
Tel: + 33 (0)3 62 59 80 00
Example of local English speaking Doctors:
Dr Alexandre MOERMAN
47, Rue St André
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 55 19 64
Dr Agnés DEROME
25, Avenue Emile Zola
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 51 22 55
Dr Fabrice CUVELIER
276, Boulevard Victor Hugo
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 54 92 03
Ears, Nose and Throat Specialist:
Dr Dominique DECROIX
19, Boulevard de la Liberté
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 54 65 07
Gynecologist:
Dr Christine DEHEM
35, Rue de Béthune
59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 57 20 11
76
Ophthalmologist:
Dr Marie-Hélène DURET
79, Rue de la Barre
59800 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 28 36 16 46
Dentist:
Dr Claude CAYTAN
8, Rue des Postes
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 54 82 70
Dermatologist:
Offices of Doctors Annie BONNEVALLE,
Michèle SIMON and Bénédicte REVILLION
130, Boulevard Vauban
59000 Lille
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 92 98 51
Lille Campus
Lille at the crossroads of Europe
77
Paris
Campus
Table of contents
Get ready for your international experience
80
> Your First Steps: Checklist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
> Getting here by yourself . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
> About the Paris Campuses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
La Défense campus and facilities
La Villette campus and facilities
> Residence Permit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85
Who & when?
How to apply?
FAQ
> French Social Security System. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 88
> Accommodation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .91
How to find it?
FAQ
The rent allowance
> Financial Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Bank Account
Banks in La Défense
Banks in La Villette
Useful information
Start living your french life
97
> Daily Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97
Communication
Transportation
Mail
Shops for food
Electronic adapters
Cost of living
Get the French Touch
100
> Culture & Entertainment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100
Shopping
Cinemas
Museums
Concerts
Snack bars & restaurants
Pubs & bars & night clubs
> Wandering Around & Further. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Useful contacts
102
Paris Campus
> Emergency Numbers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
> Health. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102
Get ready for your
international
experience
Your First Steps: Checklist
Before your arrival:
VISA
Do not forget
If you come from one of the following countries, (Algeria, Argentina, Benin, Brazil, Cameroon, Canada, Chile,
China, Colombia, Congo Brazzaville, Czech Republic, Gabon, Guinea, India, Ivory Coast, Korea, Lebanon,
Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Mexico, Morocco, Russia, Senegal, Syria, Taiwan, Tunisia, Turkey, USA and
Vietnam) you have to contact Campus France to obtain your visa: www.campusfrance.org
For other countries, you should contact the French embassy of your country directly.
Plane ticket
If you need to apply for a Residence Permit, all the documents are listed on page 85
For EU citizens: get a European health insurance card
Look for a flat – www.skema.edu/en/PARIS/Housing%20services
80
Getting here by yourself
> La Défense Campus:
From Paris Airports www.aeroportsdeparis.fr
Public transportation: www.ratp.fr
> By Metro: line 1, station: LA DEFENSE GRANDE ARCHE (zone 2)
> By RER (regional train): line A, station LA DEFENSE (zone 3)
> By Tramway: line T2, station LA DEFENSE GRANDE ARCHE
> By Bus: Many routes go to LA DEFENSE (check on the website)
By Train: station: LA DEFENSE www.voyages-sncf.com
By cab: ask to go to “LA DEFENSE GRANDE ARCHE” tel: +33 (0)1 45 30 30 30
By car: we don’t advise you to come by car due to high traffic in this area. www.mappy.com
As soon as you get on the “Esplanade de la Défense”, face the Grand Arche and go to your right
towards the taxi rank. Follow the signs “Pole Universitaire Léonard de Vinci” (PULV).
Take the footbridge crossing the Circular Boulevard (close to the “Pouce de César”).
In the PULV entrance hall, use your badge to get in. Take the escalator, go through “la Rue Haute”
and take the elevator to the 7th floor, EST.
The assistant’s office is E765.
> La Villette Campus:
From Paris Airports www.aeroportsdeparis.fr
By cab: ask to go to “PORTE DE LA VILLETTE” - Tel: +33 (0)1 45 30 30 30
By car: we don’t advise you to come by car due to high traffic in this area. www.mappy.com
81
Paris Campus
Public transportation: www.ratp.fr
> By metro: line 7, station: Aubervilliers - 4 Chemins or Porte de la Villette.
> By RER (regional train): line E, station: PANTIN (zone 2) (10 minutes walking from school)
> By bus: many routes go to LA VILLETTE (check on the website)
About the Paris Campuses
La Défense Campus
> The campus and its facilities
SKEMA Business School Campus Paris-La Défense opened in September 2008.
In 2010 - 2011, 306 students were hosted.
> Access to SKEMA Business School Campus Paris-La Défense:
SKEMA Business School – Campus Paris-La Défense
Pôle Universitaire Léonard de Vinci
Esplanade Mona Lisa – Courbevoie
92916 Paris La Défense Cedex – France
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 11 74 61
SKEMA Business School Campus Paris-La Défense is hosted by the “Pole Universitaire Léonard de Vinci”.
You can see more information on: www.devinci.fr and www.leocampus.fr
For information about La Défense: www.ladefense.fr
SKEMA LA DEFENSE campus buildings can only be accessed with a magnetic student ID card. Before
your arrival in Paris, you need to send an identity photograph (JPEG format) to Erika RYCINA:
erika.rycina@skema.edu
SKEMA LA DEFENSE buildings in the “Pole Universitaire Léonard de Vinci” can be accessed with your magnetic
student card: Monday to Friday from 7.30 am to 8 pm and Saturday from 7.30 am to 1 pm
The coordinator’s office is open Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm and closed on Saturdays.
82
Internet Access
All SKEMA LA DEFENSE campus classrooms on the 7th floor have WIFI.
Moreover, you can be connected to WIFI all over the Pole Léonard de Vinci.
Several computer rooms are available for students:
4th floor EST (E456, E457, E458 and E459)
> Cafeteria
There are 3 cafeterias:
- 2 cafeteria-grill : Monday to Friday from 11.30 am to 2.00 pm
- 1 express: Monday to Friday from 8.00 am to 3.00 pm
- Different meals are available from €2.80 to €7.
> Library
The "Infothèque"
Monday to Friday from 9 am to 7 pm (closed every Thursday morning, open from noon to 7 pm)
Saturday from 9 am to noon
There are more than 80,000 books.
You can consult the electronic library on: http://mediatheque.skema.edu
> Health department
On the campus: 3 doctors and 2 nurses
Monday to Thursday from 8.30 am to 6.00 pm and Friday from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm
> Associations & Services
> Alumni Association Office
> Careers Service Office
> “Le Foyer”, student meeting point
> Sport
There is a sports department with full activities at “the Pôle Universitaire Léonard de Vinci”.
Monday to Friday from noon to 2 pm and from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm
Sport activities are free and mandatory for GE2 students, ESC program (every Thursday afternoon).
Other students interested in sport activities need to pay a membership fee.
> Press
Every day, a lot of different French newspapers are given freely to the students (Le Figaro, Le Monde,
IT O1, Nouvel Observateur, La Croix, etc).
Paris Campus
> Services
Printing service, photocopy service, ATM (cash dispenser), infirmary, etc.
83
La Villette Campus
> Access to SKEMA Business School Campus Paris-La Villette:
SKEMA Business School Campus Paris-La Villette
6, Rue Emile Reynaud
75 916 Paris Cedex 19
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 56 36 60
SKEMA LA VILLETTE
campus buildings
can only be
accessed with a magnetic
student ID card that will be
given to you during your
registration.
Contact: Nathalie GODARD,
Office Manager,
nathalie.godard@skema.edu
SKEMA LA VILLETTE
buildings can be accessed with your magnetic student card: Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 7.45 pm and
Saturday from 8.30 am to 1.15 pm
The assistant’s office is opened Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 6 pm and closed on Saturdays. It is located
on the second floor.
Internet Access
All SKEMA LA VILLETTE campus classrooms have WIFI.
All your logins and passwords will be given to you by your program secretary.
> Cafeteria
There is a cafeteria located on floor Minus 1.
Different meals are available for around €5.
> Library
The Library is open from Monday to Friday from 8.30 am to 7.45 pm and some Saturdays, depending on
floor occupation, from 8.30 am to 1.15 pm.
You can consult the electronic library on: http://mediatheque.skema.edu
> Student associations
www.skema.edu/en/PARIS/Associations
> BDE SO WAT association (student board)www.assoesc.fr/assos/bdeparis/bdeparis.htm
> Junior entreprise SKEMA Conseil (the junior company run exclusively by students)
> Vertik Alpes (the school’s mountain sports association)
> Spectaculat’Art (The Students Art Board)
> Services
Printing service, photocopy service available on campus
84
Residence Permit
Who & when ?
If it is mentioned on your visa: “dispensé temporaire de carte de séjour”:
> You don’t need to apply for a Residence Permit
For European citizens, Residence Permits are not required.
If you are not concerned by this section, go directly to page 88
If you are a non-European student
> You have to apply for a Residence Permit
Upon your arrival in France, it is strongly recommended to apply for your Residence Permit as soon as
you are in France, because it could take more than 3 months to obtain it!
How to apply?
First Application
After your visa instruction given by the consular authority, the consulate gives you a long stay visa. The visa
is a small sticker (“vignette”) which is stuck on your passport.
With your visa, the consulate gives you 2 documents called “demande d’attestation OFII” (appendice 1) and
a “notice explicative” (appendice 2). Keep these documents carefully! (see the appendices on page 51)
Within three months after your application, the OFII will send you an appointment notice to have a medical
examination.
> You will need to bring these documents with you for the medical examination:
Your passport with the long stay visa,
A full face photo without a hat (French passport size photo), sized 3.5 x 4.5 cm
Proof of domicile in France – receipt of rent, electricity, gas, water or telephone bill, in your name or the
contract you signed with the landlord (“bail de location”),
The taxes to be paid to the OFII, i.e. an OFII stamp for €55.
You can buy the OFII stamp for €55 at the “Hôtel des Impôts” (find the location on
www.taxe.com/index-annuaire-nord~59-services.fiscaux~299.html ) or at some tobacco stores.
After remittance of these documents to the OFII, a sticker will be stuck on your passport by the OFII, to
prove that the procedure has been completed. You will be authorized to remain on French territory (for the
duration of your visa) only if your passport contains this sticker from the OFII, certifying that you have
carried out these formalities within 3 months of your arrival in France.
The appointment for your medical examination cannot be changed (about 6 months waiting list!!)
85
Paris Campus
> As soon as you arrive in France (beginning of September or January)
When you arrive in France (during the first 3 months), you will have to send by registered post (registered
letter with acknowledgement of receipt: “courrier recommandé avec accusé de réception”):
the OFII certificate (appendice 1) filled in,
a clear copy of your passport (pages containing information about your identity, your visa and the stamp
testifying your entry to France or to the Schengen space).
Application for a renewal
You have to go to the “Préfecture” to know exactly which documents you have to provide for your
application.
> If you live in Paris (“département” 75), you have to go to the Police “Préfecture”:
http://www.prefecture-police-paris.interieur.gouv.fr/demarches/etrangers/paris/sejour/sejour.htm
> If you don’t live in Paris, you have to go to the respective “Préfecture” of your area:
Préfecture des Yvelines (Versailles 78)
Tel : +33 (0)1 39 49 78 00
www.yvelines.pref.gouv.fr
Préfecture de l'Essonne (Evry 91)
Tel : +33 (0)1 69 91 91 91
www.essonne.pref.gouv.fr
Préfecture de la Seine-Saint-Denis
(Bobigny 93)
Tel : +33 (0)1 41 60 60 60
www.seine-saint-denis.pref.gouv.fr
Préfecture du Val de Marne (Créteil 94)
Tel : +33 (0)1 49 56 60 00
www.val-de-marne.pref.gouv.fr
Préfecture des Hauts-de-Seine (Nanterre 92)
Tel : +33 (0)1 40 97 20 00
www.hauts-de-seine.pref.gouv.fr
Note: To find your way on the
website: Residence Permit =
“Titre de séjour”
Departement number 92 “Hauts-de-Seine”
> If you live in Asnières, Bois-Colombes, Clichy, Colombes, Courbevoie, Garches, Gennevilliers, La
Garenne-Colombes, Levallois-Perret, Nanterre, Neuilly-sur-Seine, Puteaux, Rueil-Malmaison, Suresnes, or
Villeneuve-La-Garenne :
Préfecture des Hauts-de-Seine
166-177, Avenue Frédéric et Irène Joliot-Curie
92013 Nanterre cedex
Tel: +33 (0)8 21 80 30 92 (€0,12/min) - Fax: +33 (0)1 47 25 21 21
Opening: Monday to Thursday from 9.30 am to 4.30 pm / Friday from 8.30 am to 4 pm
> If you live in Boulogne-Billancourt, Chaville, Issy-Les-Moulineaux, Marnes-La-Coquette, Meudon, SaintCloud, Sèvres, Vaucresson or Ville d'Avray :
Sous-Préfecture de Boulogne-Billancourt
82, Rue de Sèvres
92100 Boulogne -Billancourt
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 86 37 00 - Fax: +33 (0)1 46 03 12 08
Opening: Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 4.30 pm / Friday from 9 am to 4 pm
> If you live in Antony, Bagneux, Bourg-la-Reine, Châtenay-Malabry, Châtillon, Clamart, Fontenay-auxRoses, Le Plessis Robinson, Malakoff, Montrouge, Sceaux or Vanves:
Sous-Préfecture d’Antony
99, Avenue du Général de Gaulle BP 87 - 92161 Antony Cedex
Tel: +33 (0)1 56 45 38 00 - Fax : +33 (0)1 43 50 57 90
Opening: Monday to Friday from 8:45 am to 4 pm
86
Frequently Asked Questions
> What about travelling?
I am in France and my visa is still valid - can I travel outside of France?
> First Application: You can travel as soon as you get your yellow sticker or your passport, ie after you
have had the medical check-up.
> Renewal: You can travel only if you have your old residence permit plus the valid ”recepissé”
> And what about working?
> Internship
If I am an exchange student (European or non European)
> If you want to do an internship in France, you need an “internship agreement” provided by your home
university.
If I am an MS, MSc or SAI student (European or non European)
> If you have to do an internship during your academic year, you can do it without any Work Permit; you
just need an “internship agreement” signed between yourself, the company and SKEMA Business School
(further information at the Careers Office of SKEMA Business School Sophia Antipolis Campus).
> Working
If I am a European citizen
> You can work wherever you want without any Residence or Work Permit.
If I am a non European citizen and it is written on my visa « dispensé de carte de séjour »
> You cannot apply for a job.
If I am a non European citizen applying for a Residence Permit
> You need to have applied for a Residence Permit and have found a job, which means having received a
contract.
Students cannot work more than 964 hours/year.
The company will take care of the whole administrative process.
For more information, please see:
www.campusfrance.org
87
Paris Campus
Then, there are 2 possibilities of work conditions:
- 12 months working part-time (maximum 17.5 hours per week)
- 9 months working part-time and 3 months full-time (35 hours/week)
The French Social Security System
IF,
If you are under 28 years old (born on or after 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for more than 3 months
YOU MUST REGISTER
FOR THE FRENCH SOCIAL SECURITY HEALTH CARE INSURANCE, IT IS COMPULSORY
How much does it cost?
Approximately 200 euros payable by French cheque, credit card or cash.
When must you register?
You must subscribe to the Social Security health care insurance on the first day of your arrival at SKEMA
Business School.
What do you absolutely need for your subscription?
- A copy of your ID or Passport
- Your Birth Certificate translated into French
- Payment (bank cheque, international credit card or cash)
- Address in France
Special situations:
> Students from European Union Countries are exempt from these Social Security requirements if they
have on them the European Health Insurance card or a private insurance certificate with valid dates written
on it (private insurance accepted only if the minimum validation date of 30/09/2010 is clearly indicated – if
not, you must subscribe to the French student Social Security).
> Students from Quebec are exempt if they have an SE401Q form.
VERY IMPORTANT:
FOR ALL STUDENTS ARRIVING IN SEPTEMBER UNDER 28 YEARS OLD :
FRENCH SOCIAL SECURITY DOES NOT TAKE EFFECT UNTIL 1st OCTOBER, SO YOUR OWN
MEDICAL INSURANCE MUST COVER YOU IN FRANCE UNTIL 30 SEPTEMBER.
IF,
You are over 28 years old (born before 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for 1 year
YOU MUST ENROLL IN THE CMU (Universal Health Cover)
88
The CMU form (Universal Health Cover) will be obtained from the Social Security office (CPAM) of your
residence. The rate is variable.
You need to bring to the CPAM (please note that some of the documents have to be prepared in your
country):
> A birth certificate translated into French
> Copy of Student ID or passport
> Copy of Residence Permit or “récépissé”.
> Proof of money earned in the last year (income 2010) worldwide: salary or letter from parents, financial
sponsor, etc. with the amount of money you received from them to live on.
> Proof of address in France : rent contract or proof of payment
> Your French bank account details “RIB”*
> A proof of study at SKEMA Business School Paris Campus
Incomplete files will not be accepted!
VERY IMPORTANT:
FOR ALL STUDENTS ARRIVING IN SEPTEMBER OVER 28 YEARS OLD
YOU MUST COME WITH YOUR OWN MEDICAL INSURANCE VALID IN FRANCE
WHICH COVERS YOU UNTIL THE END OF DECEMBER, BECAUSE THE
REGISTRATION PROCEDURE FOR CMU TAKES TIME.
YOUR INSURANCE MUST BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH OR FRENCH
(STATING IN DETAIL WHAT YOU ARE COVERED FOR, WITH DATES OF VALIDITY).
A COPY OF THIS MUST BE GIVEN TO US UPON ARRIVAL.
IF
If you are over 28 years old (born before 1st Oct. 1983)
You are registered in a higher education institution
You are in France to study for 1 semester only
Paris Campus
YOU MUST COME WITH YOUR OWN MEDICAL INSURANCE VALID IN FRANCE COVERING
YOU UNTIL THE END OF YOUR STAY.
*As soon as you have an address in France, you need to open a French bank account. Ask for a check book and a ”RIB” (which is the “Relevé
d’Identité Bancaire” = IBAN).
89
> What is the French Social Security?
The French Social Security is the national French system of Social Security cover.
Employees and students pay a contribution to be able to have access to health care, with the
reimbursement of health care expenses that they may have incurred.
> “Médecin traitant”
When you register for the French Social Security, you will be asked to choose a "médecin traitant"
(designated doctor).
If you are ill, this is the doctor you should go to: he will transfer you to a specialist if necessary. On your first
visit, ask for a "déclaration de choix du médecin traitant” which you will both sign.
We recommend you choose a doctor of "Secteur 1", whose fees are the cheapest.
If you do not follow this procedure, you will be reimbursed less for medical expenses. Please note that in
any case the “Sécurité Sociale” does not reimburse 100% of all expenses (see below).
Form to fill in:
www.lmde.com/fileadmin/img/secu/Declaration_de_choix_du_medecin_traitant.pdf
> Which treatments are reimbursable?
> Doctors (between 50% and 70%),
> Emergency services and hospitals (hospital charges vary according to the treatment),
> Medicines must be prescribed by your doctor; certain drugs, sometimes called comfort drugs, are not
reimbursable.
To avoid having to pay a large outstanding amount for treatment, it is preferable to take out an additional
health insurance policy, which, once your subscription fee is paid, will guarantee a reimbursement for health
costs in addition to the one received from your “Sécurité Sociale” office.
90
Accommodation
How to find it?
SKEMA Business School tries to help everyone to find a place
to stay. Our school has a special website which is an efficient tool
to find accommodation either for French or foreign students.
What if the rent is too expensive for you? Don’t worry, before getting
here, thanks to the ‘roommate’ section, you’ll be able to find someone
to share accommodation with.
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From this website, you can:
Look for accommodation
There are two ways to look for accommodation: once on the website,
> Click on “SKEMA Offers Access” to see small ads from owners. This website requires a password and is
primarily dedicated to new students. For the upcoming academic year 2010/2011, the password will be
sent to you in your arrival package.
Some information:
A “studio” is a one-room flat; this is the right place if you want to live alone.
F2, F3, F4 are bigger flats: the number indicates how many rooms the flat has, excluding kitchen and bathroom.
F2: one bedroom + a living room
F3: two bedrooms + a living room
F4: three bedrooms + a living room
Look for a roommate
> If you have already found a place to stay but are looking for someone to share that accommodation:
use the school tools (ads, website).
Students’ accomodation:
- www.crous-paris.fr
- www.location-etudiant.fr
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Paris Campus
> You didn’t find accommodation but are looking for a flatmate: you should look for information at
school.
Frequently Asked Questions
> What is the difference between a Residence and a Hotel ?
A residence offers a kitchen with cooking facilities for each apartment*.
Rent is calculated per week or per month.
A hotel has no cooking facilities. Rent is calculated per day.
You will find the list of residences / hotels on our website.
*There are different sizes of apartment available in residences, e.g. “studio”, (one-room),
“2 pièces” (1 bedroom + living area), “3 pièces” (2 bedrooms + living area), etc.
> If I find accommodation through an agency, is there any cost?
Yes, normally you have to pay one month’s rent as the agency fee. This fee may vary depending on the
agency and the type of accommodation. You can find a list of agencies on our website.
> Is it possible to find accommodation without paying an agency?
Yes. A list of private landlords is also available on our website. (To access this list, you need your password:
this password will be available in May; you will need to send an e-mail to your coordinator at SKEMA
Business School to get it). Private landlords are owners of accommodation who rent specifically to students
of SKEMA Business School. You should contact them directly and no agency fees are payable. You will be
entitled to apply for the C.A.F. housing allowance.
> Why do I have to confirm my accommodation before my arrival?
- If you arrive in September, you will arrive in a highly popular tourist region where the season is
not yet over
- An accommodation contract is very important for students of certain nationalities. You may need
this certificate to apply for a visa.
- After your arrival, you may need a personal address to apply for your bank account, insurance,
residence permit, etc.
- If you do not book accommodation in advance, you may end up paying more and having less
choice.
- If you prefer to visit prospective apartments in person and/or if you want to find someone to
share an apartement with after meeting him/her at SKEMA, we suggest you to book a residence
or a hotel room for the first week. You will then be able to decide which type of accommodation
suits your expectations.
However, by waiting, you also risk having less choice with regard to price and convenience.
> Who can give me advice?
If you encounter any difficulties to find a place to live, you can contact:
corinne.bonnin@skema.edu
92
The Rent Allowance (Housing aid)
www.paris.caf.fr
The CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales) can provide you with housing aid.
If you are eligible, the amount of this aid depends on your financial situation.
This is not a scholarship but a French government system which is aimed to help students.
The request for housing aid from the CAF can only be done in the department where the student is living.
> To obtain this aid you must fulfil the following conditions:
> Be a European citizen or have a valid Residence Permit for Non-European citizens
> Live in a city of more than 100 000 inhabitants (which is the case for Paris)
> The surface of your flat must not be less than 9 square meters for a single person and not less than 16
square meters for two persons (+ 7 m for any additional person) and meet certain standards of comfort: a
heater, etc.
The Housing Aid is not paid during the summer months except if you need your flat during that
period. In that case, inform the CAF and they will send you a form. You will have to explain and
justify the reasons why you have to pay the rent during the summer. The lack of a timely response
on your part may result in a suspension of your aid.
> How to get the application form?
You can download it and complete it directly by connecting to their website: http://www.caf.fr/pdfj/al0.pdf
> Then, return your complete application to the CAF, with the following required documents:
A bank account number (“RIB”)
A photocopy first side - reverse of the Residence Permit and the original to show (if you are a
non-European citizen)
For European citizens: a copy of your European Health Insurance card and a formal declaration* stating
that your financial resources are sufficient for the payment of your rent (without indication of the amount of
your resources)
A photocopy of the student card
If you live in a residence or hall, a certificate attesting the management of your flat
A receipt of rent supplied by the owner. If he shows reluctance do not hesitate to explain to him that by
renting a flat to a student he can benefit from tax cuts. He should be satisfied then... And you too!
A lease of rent (original and certified copy)
A statement (declaration) of resources (original and certified copy)
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Paris Campus
> How to fill in the application form for the rent allowance?
> You have to complete an application form. In this application form, you will find many parts.
Part 1: “Vous” (You). It is general information about your address, age, nationality, etc.
Part 2: “Votre situation professionnelle” (your professional situation).
Normally, you would simply put a cross in the box “étudiant” (student).
Part 3: “Votre logement” (your accommodation) is about your flat. You fill in this section by indicating your
date of entrance “Vous habitez le logement depuis le…”. If you stay in a residence, give this paper to the
reception office of your residence. They are accustomed to filling in this kind of document.
Do not forget to sign the last page.
Incomplete application forms will not be accepted!
After the deposit of your complete application form at the CAF, it takes between one and three months to
receive the money.
For any further enquiries, please have a look on our website and do not hesitate to contact Corinne
BONNIN: corinne.bonnin@skema.edu
*Example of a formal declaration of your financial resources (“déclaration sur l’honneur”):
LAST NAME First Name
Address
Caisse d’Allocations Familiales
Address of the nearest CAF Office
Je soussigné, Mme/Mlle/Mr LAST NAME First Name, demeurant au ADDRESS,
atteste sur l'honneur disposer de ressources suffisantes
pour le paiement de mon loyer.
Fait le DD/MM/YYYY à CITY
Signature
94
Financial Matters
Bank account
> You have the possibility to keep your home bank account.
> If you do not have an account from which you can write cheques in Euros, you will need to open a French
bank account as soon as you have an address in France.
Ask for a cheque book and a “RIB” (which is the “Relevé d’Identite Bancaire” = IBAN).
> To open a bank account, you will need:
> Your identity card, your passport and your Residence Permit for non European citizens (valid time period)
> A proof of domicile (originals, less than 3 months):
- Your lease
or
- Electricity bill
or
- France TELECOM bill (French phone invoice)
or
- Water bill
Banks in La Défense
> BNP PARIBAS
Service Action et Animation commerciale
Groupe La Défense Esplanade
3, Place de La Défense
92800 Puteaux
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 26 53 05
> SOCIETE GENERALE
Agence Courbevoie Danton
41, Avenue Léonard de Vinci
92400 Courbevoie
Tel: +33 (0)1 46 67 01 43
Banks in La Villette
> LCL
Agence d’Aubervilliers Pariferic
Rue Emile Reynaud
93300 Abervilliers
Tel: +33 (0)1 48 11 13 36
95
> SOCIETE GENERALE
Agence Paris la Villette
198, Avenue Jean Jaurès
75019 Paris
Tel: 0899 23 01 68
Paris Campus
> BNP PARIBAS
Agence Paris la Villette
105, Avenue de Flandres
75019 Paris
Tel: 0899 23 08 36
Useful information
> Non-resident bank account
You have the possibility of opening a bank account even before you have a Residence Permit ("residence
card"). These accounts are called ‘Non-resident’ Bank Accounts. To do this, you will need a passport and a
school certificate provided by SKEMA Business School.
> What is a “RIB” (IBAN)?
A “Relevé d’Identité Bancaire” is a series of codes that include the code of your bank in France, its location
and also your personal account number. You will need this number in order to receive electronic money
transfers from your bank in your home country and to receive other automated electronic deposits to your
account, for example, remuneration for a “stage” or other employment. This should be provided by your
bank several days after opening your account or can be obtained directly at the branch, simply by asking for
your “RIB”.
> Credit card
Credit cards given by your bank (“Carte Bleue”, Visa or Mastercard) are debit cards. The money is directly
debited from your bank account (you may choose immediate debit or debit at the end of the month). You
can also use it in any Automated Cash Machine (ACM) around France.
If you are coming from North America, you will notice that in Europe credit cards almost always feature a
microchip. This has important implications for those coming from North America, as machines or other
automated devices will only accept your card with this chip AND/OR with your personal pin number. In
North America, it is not common to either know or use a PIN number with your credit card. Before leaving
your home country, contact your card issuer for your PIN number and particulars about using your card in
Europe. In restaurants and stores, you can pay with your card (magnetic strip), and you will be asked for
your signature as usual. Conversely, European credit card holders do not sign, as their PIN number
substitutes this verification. In addition, you may be asked for a supplementary piece of identification when
paying by credit card. The minimum payment amounts for using your credit card ranges from 10 euros to 20
euros.
NEVER GIVE YOUR PIN NUMBER TO ANYONE.
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Start living your
French Life
Daily Life
Communication
Cell Phone
The main operators are Orange, SFR and Bouygues Telecom.
There are many different plans available depending upon your need. If you stay a short time in France (less
than one year), it would be best to bring your own mobile phone and use a prepaid card. You can ask in the
“tabac” places for a card which will give you a certain amount of credit (for instance 1 hour that you can use
for 2 months).
You can find all the offers here:
www.orange.com
www.sfr.fr
www.bouygues.fr
Landline
> If you want to get a home phone, you should go to a France Telecom office:
www.agence.francetelecom.com
You will have to pay a connection fee and a monthly rental charge.
> Telephone booths: If you want to make a national call, all telephone booths operate using France
Telecom cards that can be bought in any shop with a “tabac” sign. If you want to make an international call,
you should buy either a card specified to the destination of your call or an international phone card. Both
can be found in “tabac” shops.
> The national Phone Book: Yellow and White pages: www.pagesjaunes.fr
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Paris Campus
> International telephone cards: these can be bought at any “tabac” for 8 and 15 euros. They are called
“Carte pour des appels internationaux”.
They are operational in telephone booths.
Transportation
Paris’ public transportation system is really well developed: metro, bus, RER (regional train), tramway, etc.
For all information: www.ratp.fr
If you are under 26 years old and staying in Paris for a year, you should buy “la carte imaginaire” to get a
reduction on your transportation card.
You just need a School certificate or the copy of your student card and a photo.
For further information: www.imagine-r.com
> Velib’: A brand new service offering 20,000 bikes in the streets of Paris, to visit Paris in its most narrow
streets.
www.velib.paris.fr
Rent a car
There are many companies. Prices vary according to the companies, and the kind of car, so don’t hesitate to
check all the prices first and look for the closest sales point.
Avis: www.avis.fr
Budget: www.budget.fr
Europcar: www.europcar.fr
Hertz: www.hertz.fr
Easyrentacar: www.easyrentacar.com
Mail
La Poste is the national post office, in charge of collecting, routing and delivering mail.
Regular stamps (for Europe) can be bought at tobacconists (“tabac”) and cigarette counters in cafés. If you
want to send a letter outside Europe, you usually have to buy a stamp at the Post Office directly.
More information can be found at www.laposte.fr
It is possible to send an urgent document by Chronopost with guaranteed 24-hours delivery in France and
express international deliveries.
Shops for food
You’ll find every sort of international food in “AUCHAN Les quatre temps LA DEFENSE”, the biggest
shopping mall of Europe.
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Electronic adapters
This is only necessary for those arriving from outside Europe, who use a voltage rate of 120 volts. In
France and most European countries, the voltage is 220 volts, with a different plug configuration. It is
advised that you purchase the appropriate conversion device in your home country, as they are
generally not sold in France. The French plug has two parallel round pins, with an outlet that is circular.
You will need a conversion device to power your shaver, hair dryer and other personal appliances.
Always read the instructions of your devices carefully to ensure they are suitable to be used in Europe.
Cost of living
> The cost of living in France
The average monthly student budget is €1,000
> What is the average for?
At a fast-food restaurant: €6
At a local restaurant: €15– €30
Entrance to a museum: €6
A monthly public transport pass:
it depends on your accomodation area -it will
cost you from €32,30 to €79,50 with “carte
Imagin’R”, a bit more with the “Navigo pass
system”, depending on your age.
A sandwich: €3.50
A coffee: €1.50
A baguette: €0.85
A croissant: €1
A camembert: €1.90
Six eggs: €1.20
A litre of milk: €0.90
A kilo of potatoes: €1.20
A kilo of rice: €1.90
A newspaper: €1.20
A postage stamp: €0.58
Identity photos from a booth:
four photos for €4
A telephone card for public telephone booths:
50 – 120 units for €7.50 – €15
A round-trip train ticket between
Paris and Nice: €135
One night in a hotel: €30 – €60
A microwave oven: €120 – €215
A television: €110 – €200
A CD player: €55 – €190
A music CD: €20
Petrol: €1 – €1.25 a liter
Accommodation: €400 – €800
Paris Campus
All prices are given for information only and may be subject to changes.
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Get the French Touch
Culture & Entertainment
www.eng.cityvox.fr: a really good website with a lot of information about culture, restaurants, bars, etc.
http://en.parisinfo.com: a lot of tourist information
www.paris-city.fr
There is a small magazine that you can find in all “tabacs” called: “Pariscope” you will find all concerts,
shows, movies, museums in Paris.
Shopping
“La Rue de Rivoli” and the Montparnasse area are famous for shopping.
Boulevard Haussman is also renowned for “Les Galleries Lafayette” & “Le Printemps”.
Nevertheless, you can shop practically everywhere in Paris. It’s a paradise for shopping addicts.
www.shoppingbyparis.com
www.magasins-paris.com
Cinemas
You will find all the movies and all the theaters on: www.allocine.fr
Museums
Museums and monuments in Paris are among its highest-esteemed attractions
www.parisinfo.com/musees-monuments-paris
www.museums-in-paris.com
Museo Libre - First European museum card: www.centrepompidou.fr
Paris Museum Pass: www.parismuseumpass.com/eu
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Concerts
Paris hosts a lot of concerts.
More information:
www.infoconcert.com
www.fra.cityvox.fr/concert_paris/CityGuide
http://spectacles.premiere.fr
www.concertaparis.com
For good tips:
www.cityzens.fr
www.billetreduc.com
Snacks bars and restaurants
www.fra.cityvox.fr/restaurants_paris/Restaurants
www.selectionrestaurant.com
www.restoparis.com
www.routard.com/guide/code_dest/paris.htm
www.lonelyplanet.com/france/paris
Pubs & bars & night clubs
www.fra.cityvox.fr/bars-et-boites_paris/Bar
www.fra.cityvox.fr/discotheques_paris/Discotheques
www.parisbouge.com
www.declicbar.com
Wandering Around & Further
- Château de Versailles: www.chateauversailles.fr
- Fontainebleau: www.uk.fontainebleau-tourisme.com
- The Château de Vincennes: www.chateau-vincennes.fr
- Disneyland Paris: www.disneylandparis.com
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Paris Campus
You want to get off the beaten track and out of Paris?
Make the most of your stay by visiting the surrounding regions. There are many monuments, museums,
attraction parks, the largest aquarium in Europe (Le Val d’Europe), etc., and all this right in the centre of
the Ile de France region.
Useful contacts
Emergency Numbers
> Contacts from a home-phone
> Police emergency: 17
> Fire brigade: 18
> SAMU (medical emergencies): 15
> From a mobile phone
> European emergency call: 112
To call abroad: 00 + country code + number
To call France from abroad: 00 + 33 + number
Health
> Pharmacy
In a pharmacy, most medicines are only available by prescription so you will need to give the pharmacist a
doctor’s prescription (“ordonnance”). Pharmacies are usually open from around 9 am until 7 pm and closed
on Sundays.
> Doctor
In France, medical treatment is deregulated. You can choose the doctor you want.
The fee for a visit to a general practitioner is around 22 euros (31 euros for a specialist). Home calls, night
calls, Sundays and public holidays are charged at a higher price. Doctors’ names are listed in the telephone
directory.
www.pagesjaunes.fr
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SKEMA Business School
Sophia Antipolis Campus
60 rue Dostoïevski - BP 085
06902 Sophia Antipolis Cedex - France
Tel: +33 (0)4 93 95 44 44
Fax: +33 (0)4 93 65 45 24
Lille Campus
Avenue Willy Brandt
59777 Euralille
Lille - France
Tel: +33 (0)3 20 21 59 62
Fax: +33 (0)3 20 21 59 59
Paris-La Défense Campus
Pôle Universitaire Léonard de Vinci
Esplanade Mona Lisa - Courbevoie
92916 Paris La Défense Cedex - France
Tel: +33 (0)1 41 11 74 61
Paris-La Villette Campus
6, Rue Emile Reynaud
75916 Paris Cedex 19
Tel: +33 (0)1 53 56 36 60
www.skema.edu