Practical Life

Are you an exchange student, individual mobility student, doctoral student or teacher-researcher from all over the world? Discover in this section useful and practical information to prepare your arrival in Nanterre.

• If you're under 26, you can take out the ImagineR student pass for €375 a year (one-year commitment required, but cheaper than the Navigo Mois pass for stays of 5 months or more). The ImagineR pass allows you to travel anywhere in Paris and the Paris region.
  Once you have an address in France, you can apply online or at a RATP ticket office. More information

 

• If you are over 26 (or if your stay is less than or equal to 4 months), you can take out the Navigo Mois pass for €86.4 per month. This pass allows you to travel anywhere in Paris and the Paris region.You can also order a Navigo card on which you can charge daily, weekly or monthly passes. More information

RER A

One of the first things to do for international students in France is to open a bank account, which you will need for several procedures (compulsory for social security registration and application for a residence permit). Having a bank account is a right for everyone.

Here is a list of documents generally required to open a bank account:

►identity document: valid passport + for non-Europeans a valid visa or residence permit,
►proof of residence in France dated less than 3 months ago:
• rental contract or electricity invoice in your name, rent receipt, CROUS certificate;
• if hosted by a third party: accommodation certificate + proof of address in the name of the host + copy of the host's identity document;
►school certificate (or student card). If you are a researcher or doctoral student, you will be asked to provide proof of activity (letter of welcome from the university or hosting agreement).

When you open your bank account, you will directly receive an IBAN/RIB (bank details). This is an identification number for your account which allows you to receive bank transfers and set up direct debits. This means of payment is widely used in France. The bank statement is free of charge. Also remember to ask for your ID to consult and manage your bank account on the internet.

 

How to choose your bank?

The best way to make sure you choose the right bank is to compare the offers available on the market and compare them with your needs and expectations. The costs of a withdrawal card, international transfers and money withdrawals abroad can vary significantly from one institution to another.

 

Traditional banks vs online banks

First of all, it should be noted that most traditional banks have offers adapted to students. In fact, they offer banking packages: these are adapted and less expensive formulas, which can vary according to your age group and which cover the whole period of your studies. These packages include several adapted services, which you pay for through a periodic fee (monthly, quarterly or annual).

Online banks are the cheapest, as most online banks are conditionally free of charge. The main criteria to be taken into account will therefore be :

• the welcome offer of online banks. This is a bonus that will be paid to you as soon as you open your account. Certain amounts can make all the difference;
• the opening conditions. Pay attention to the minimum income requirements, or even the opening fees such as the issuing of your bank card, the fees for managing your file. These services are most often offered by online banks.

If you need any further information, please do not hesitate to contact our Welcome Desk.