Prepare your Arrival

Hello to all international students coming to study at Toulouse INP! You will find below all the information you need to best prepare your arrival in Toulouse. We wish you the best of stays.

Toulouse is a vibrant and inspirational metropolis

Submitting an online application for a residence permit

The different types of Visas

Students who reside in one of the 41 countries concerned by the "Studying in France" procedure must make a specific request for enrolment in an institute of higher education.

Procedure : studying in France

European citizens

Citizens from member countries of the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland do not need a visa to visit or study in France. A valid passport or identity card is required.

Nationals of non-European countries

A visa is required for foreigners who do not belong to the EEA. The request must be made to the French consulate or embassy in your country.

On arrival in France, foreign students who have a D student visa do not need to request a residence permit.
The following, however, are required to apply for a residence permit at the Préfecture:

Students who have the Visa C “Concours” and who have now passed the exam,
Those who have Visa D “mineur scolarisé” and who have just attained majority (18 years old) and those who have Visa D “stagiaire” and are of Algerian nationality.

On arrival, students in possession of the D student visa must however send the OFII (French Office for Immigration and Integration) the following documentation: their entry form to France (provided by the French consular service together with the visa) correctly filled in (the address is very important) as well as a photocopy of their passport, their visa and the stamp of entry into France or the Schengen area.

The OFII will send them an invitation to go to the office to have a sticker validating their visa affixed to their passport.

For any additional questions, please refer to our “Frequently Asked Questions” section.

List of consulates in Toulouse

Submitting an online application for a residence permit :

The Student Life and Campus Contribution (CVEC)

Have you been accepted in a higher education institution in France?

Students admitted to a French institution of higher education are subject to a fee known as the CVEC, which helps to finance on-campus programs that enhance the student experience. Here is everything you need to know about this annual fee.

Registration for Social Security

Registration to social security is free and mandatory for all students in France, whether French or international. Here’s everything you need to know to go through the process

Housing and residential life

Welcome to Toulouse ! We wish you an excellent preparation and a successful move-in ! This phase often involves searching for housing ; for this, you have several options :

The different types of housing

The CROUS

What is it about ? : Many universities offer furnished individual accommodations through CROUS. (CROUS is a public organization in France that supports students by offering affordable university housing, financial aid (scholarships), subsidized dining halls, and various social services). University housing includes 9 m² rooms in university residences, while student residences offer studios ranging from 16 to 20 m², with rental periods of 9 or 12 months, renewable.

Eligibility : These accommodations are primarily allocated to students (French or international) who receive scholarships from the French government or who are far from their families.

To qualify as an international student receiving a French government scholarship, specific criteria must be met, such as having obtained a high school diploma in France, being a citizen of an EU country and having lived or worked in France for at least two years, or having refugee or protected status in France. There are also specific scholarships delivered by Campus France.

Some students who receive scholarships from a foreign government or whose home university has a partnership with a French university may also have a higher chance of securing CROUS housing. However, all students, including those without scholarships, can apply—availability is determined by the number of places available.

If you have a disability and require adapted housing, you can find all relevant information on this page.

How to apply ? : To apply, you must submit a Student Social File (Dossier Social Etudiant - DSE), which allows you to request both a scholarship and/or university residence housing. You can download the DSE here.

Important: This application must be submitted online each year between January 15 and May 15 if you wish to renew your housing period.

These accommodations are mainly furnished T1 apartments with individual kitchens and bathrooms. Some offer internet access, and in most cases, water and electricity costs are covered by CROUS. However, we advise you to check with your residence for specific details. It is mandatory to subscribe to housing insurance, and proof of insurance must be provided upon signing the rental contract.

Advantages: Affordable rent, proximity to campuses.
Disadvantages: Limited availability, priority given to scholarship students.

Private student residences

Some private residences are specifically dedicated to students, so these are student private residences.

Here is a non-exhaustive list of student residences available in Toulouse :

Residence "Jean Griffon" (Square Habitat)
Residence located 300 meters from the Toulouse INP campus in Labège. T1, T1 bis, T2
Learn more about "Jean Griffon" residence

Residence "Le Colombier" (Altéal)
395 Rue du Colombier, 31670 Labège (2.5 km from the Labège campus)
Learn more about "Le Colombier" residence

Residence "Horizon 172" (Altéal)
172 Rue Charles Bourseul, 31670 Labège (800 meters from the Labège campus)
Learn more about "Horizon 172" residence

Residence "Orion" (Promologis)
60 Rue des Tours, 31670 Labège
Learn more about "Orion" residence

Residence "Le Campus des Sciences"
221 La Tolosane, 31670 Labège
Learn more about "Le Campus des Sciences" residence

Residence "Kley"
2 Rue René Cornement, 31400 Toulouse (2 km from the Labège campus)
Learn more about "Kley" residence

Residence "UXCO Student Thales"
6 Av. des Herbettes, 31400 Toulouse
Learn more about "UXCO Student Thales" residence

Residence "Hife"
1151 l'Occitane, 31670 Labège
Learn more about "Hife" residence

Residence "Cité internationale"
17 Rue Sainte-Catherine, 31400 Toulouse
Learn more about "Cité internationale" residence

Residence "Les Estudines Toulouse"
23 Avenue Edouard Belin, 31400 Toulouse
Learn more about "Les Estudines Toulouse" residence

Appart'City Diagora Labège
190 Rue Jean Rostand, 31670 Labège
Learn more about Appart'City

Advantages: More independence, the possibility to personalize the space, easy to get accepted, student neighborhood
Disadvantages: Higher rent, self-management of administrative procedures required

Individual Apartments

It is possible to rent a private apartment in Toulouse and its surroundings. For this type of accommodation, the lowest prices start at around €400 per month.

INP has a partnership with Studapart, a platform specializing in student housing, which gives INP students priority access to certain accommodations.

Advantages: More independence, possibility to personalize the space, easier acceptance, student-friendly environment.
Disadvantages: Higher rent, self-management of administrative procedures required.

Shared Housing (Colocations)

To reduce costs or avoid living alone, many people look for shared accommodations. You can register on this website.

You can also find listings on real estate agency websites, Studapart, or through private landlords.

Advantages: Lower rent, social and friendly environment.
Disadvantages: Shared living spaces.

Homestay Accommodation

Some residents rent out private rooms or outbuildings starting at €100 per month. If this option interests you, you can check out offers on the Roomlala website or Ac-tif.

Advantages: Affordable cost, opportunity to experience local life.
Disadvantages: Limited independence, shared living with the host.

Student Social Housing

Social housing can be another interesting option for students who meet certain financial and situational criteria. To apply, visit this website.

Advantages: Moderate rent, accessible conditions, student-friendly environment.
Disadvantages: Often long waiting lists, strict selection criteria.

Intergenerational Housing

Intergenerational housing allows you to live with an elderly person in exchange for very low or even no rent, providing services such as companionship or occasional assistance. You can book a room through Cohabilis.

Advantages: Very affordable cost, enriching intergenerational exchange.
Disadvantages: Less independence, managing the relationship with the host.

Habitat Jeunes Residences by the Regional Union for Youth Housing (URHAJ)

Habitat Jeunes residences offer student-friendly housing at affordable prices, along with dedicated services for residents. You can explore available offers in the Occitanie region on the URHAJ website.

Advantages: Reasonable rent, young and dynamic environment.
Disadvantages: Less independence than private housing, sometimes difficult to secure a spot.

Platforms and Websites for Renting Accommodation

Here are some useful platforms for finding rental housing:

Studapart:
Toulouse INP is a partner of Studapart, a housing platform exclusively for students. It offers a wide variety of accommodations, including student residences, shared apartments, studios, private apartments, and homestay rooms.
Advantages: Students have access to a housing selection reserved for the university community, a wide range of options, 100% verified listings, Studapart's guarantor service for students in need of a guarantor, a simplified rental application process, the ability to book an apartment online in advance and in multiple payments, and ongoing support after booking, such as assistance with water and electricity contracts.
Website: www.studapart.com/fr

Erasmus Play:
Erasmus Play is a platform that simplifies housing searches for exchange students. It also offers various types of accommodations, including shared apartments (private rooms), shared rooms, studios, entire apartments, residences, and coliving spaces. If you are a student on mobility, we highly recommend using this platform.
Website: www.erasmusplay.com/fr

Lokaviz:
Lokaviz is a housing search platform offered by CROUS Logement, making it a reliable option. It provides multiple accommodation types, including independent housing, rooms in private homes, shared apartments, solidarity co-living, and private residences.
Website: www.lokaviz.fr

Adele:
This is the most well-known platform for student housing, listing 30 residences and 4,402 student accommodations in Toulouse. It also offers a guarantor service.
Website: www.adele.org

Le Bon Coin:
This platform features peer-to-peer rental listings of all kinds, including housing rentals. It is an effective way to find rentals without agency fees, but be cautious of scams!
Website: www.leboncoin.fr/c/_immobilier_

Important things to know when looking for a place to liveAdvice and assistance

No matter which solution you choose, here are some key recommendations to ensure an optimal experience

Tips for Preparing a Rental Application

Here is a list of documents you will typically need to secure a rental property:

A valid form of identification (copy of your ID card, residence permit, or passport)
A school enrollment certificate or student card
Proof of residence
Your bank account details (called “Relevé d'Identité Bancaire”, shortly RIB in France)
Your employment contract or recent payslips (unless you have a guarantor)

If your guarantor is an organization, you must provide a guarantee certificate. If your guarantor is an individual, they will need to submit the following documents:

A valid form of identification
Proof of residence
Their most recent tax notice
Their last three payslips and an employer certificate

Additionally, the French government offers a useful service called Dossier Facile, designed to help you compile your rental application. You can access it here.

Visale Guarantee (Need a Guarantor ?)

If you need a guarantor, Visale can act as your guarantor for your future accommodation if you are between 18 and 30 years old or if you are an employee over 30 (subject to conditions). You can find all the details on the Visale Guarantee website.

Some platforms or real estate agencies also offer guarantee services, such as Studapart or Adele.

Toul’box (Support for International Students Arriving in Toulouse)

Toul’box is a tool created by the COMUE of Toulouse to assist students, PhD candidates, and international researchers with their relocation to Toulouse and its region. It offers support in preparing for arrival and settling in, including airport pickup, language courses, administrative assistance, and housing reservations. You can customize your own package with the services you need and order online at Toul’box.

Financial Assistance for Housing

There are several financial aid options to help you pay your rent, including these three:

CAF (Caisse d’Allocations Familiales):
The CAF provides housing assistance (Aide Personnalisée au Logement - APL), which almost everyone can benefit from to different degrees. You can simulate how much you may receive per month here.
Important: If you are under 21 years old and your parents receive family benefits, these will stop if you start receiving APL.
Don't forget to notify the CAF when you move out so they can stop or adjust your aid.
Instal’toit:
Instal’toit is a program by the Toulouse City Hall, allowing you to borrow between €100 and €500 to cover moving-in expenses. It’s a zero-interest loan available to:

- - Tenants aged 18 to 29,
  - Living in Toulouse for less than 3 months,
  - Enrolled in a higher education institution, vocational training, apprenticeships, or working as a young professional coming from "Habitat Jeunes" residences.
    You can apply for this aid here.

Avance Loca-Pass:
Avance Loca-Pass is another zero-interest loan, provided by Action Logement, covering the security deposit when moving into a rental. Most young people under 30 years old are eligible.
You can check your eligibility and apply here.

Transportation

We recommend checking the commute time between your accommodation and your place of study, especially if you rely on public transport like the metro or buses. It might be useful to compare different transportation options, including considering cycling. You can rent bicycles starting at €1.66 per month via Vélo Toulouse.

Furnished or Unfurnished Apartment ?

Furnished apartments are often slightly more expensive than unfurnished ones, but they can be a great option if you want to avoid a complicated move and the high cost of buying furniture. However, even in a furnished apartment, budget for essential items (towels, kitchenware, bedding…) when moving in.

Administrative Advice

Once you have found your accommodation, make sure you have completed all the necessary administrative steps. When moving into a new apartment, it is important to:

Subscribe to home insurance
Set up contracts with energy providers for water and electricity (if necessary)
Notify the CAF and public services about your change of address
Pay the security deposit and rent

For more housing-related advice or other topics, visit the Welcome Desk website (or in person at 41 All. Jules Guesde, All. Matilda, 31000 Toulouse): Welcome Desk