Life @ ESIGELEC
ESIGELEC has been awarded the Bienvenue en France label, recognising its excellent support professional services for incoming international students.
The welcome desk, in charge of welcoming international students, is here to guide and assist you preparing for your arrival in France and in Rouen under the best possible conditions.
Education must not be limited to the confines of a classroom! We encourage you to make the best of your time at ESIGELEC!
Familiarise yourself with our campus, interact with the academic and administrative staff… we intend to make your experience one that you will always cherish.
Another way to meet with your peers outside of academics is to get involved in a range of extracurricular activities in the form of student clubs. Can’t find one you like? Create your own!
OUR SUPPORT BEFORE
YOU LEAVE YOUR HOME COUNTRY
Don’t be overwhelmed with the procedures you need to finish, as you prepare to leave behind what is familiar to you: we will be with you every step of the way!
BUDGETING
Irrespective of the duration of your studies at ESIGELEC, it is essential to plan your budget* before you leave for France. You must factor in accommodation, transport, food, etc.
*International bank card: Most payments in France are made by bank card, and cash is rarely used. Make sure you have an international payment card for the first few days in France, as it will take a few days to open a French bank account and get a French bank card.
APPLYING FOR A VISA
If you come from a non-European Union country, you will need a visa to enter and study in France. This is the first step after you receive your Final Offer Letter (Admission Letter for Exchange students). Get in touch with the nearest Campus France office / Consulate General of France / Embassy of France for information. The timelines vary from country to country and the time of year, but it typically takes several weeks. Start early!
Go to https://france-visas.gouv.fr/en/ for country specific information and the list of documents you will need.
ACCOMMODATION
In France, international students live off campus, in student residences. Students have access to a wide variety of student-accommodation options in Rouen (CROUS, Private residences, etc.), which are more affordable than in the bigger cities. We strongly recommend you start looking for accommodation as soon as possible. You must have a confirmed address BEFORE you leave your home country.
Our accommodation partner
We recommend this hassle free option!
In partnership with Studapart*, our online platform gives you access to hundreds of listings close to our campus (shared apartments, studios, etc.). In fact, you can look for accommodation on the same platform later, if you find an internship in another city in France. Know more at https://esigelec.studapart.com/.
Private student residences
Private student residences in Rouen occasionally make a limited number of rooms available to ESIGELEC*. In this case, the information will be shared with you as soon as it is available. If you opt for this, you must complete all necessary procedures and payments within the specified deadlines.
*We do not recommend this option, as this list is available close to the intake, which could negatively impact your visa application process
Other options
You may also choose to look for accommodation on your own, in which case ESIGELEC will provide a list of contacts of various service providers. You will have to follow up on your own and send the accommodation details to ESIGELEC, once confirmed. The options listed here are not verified by ESIGELEC.
https://www.seloger.com/ https://www.leboncoin.fr/ https://www.bienici.com/ https://www.cohebergement.com/
https://fr-fr.roomlala.com/ https://www.lokaviz.fr/ https://erasmus-houses.com/
Mondopal is our partner!
Settling into a new life in a new city won’t be a challenge anymore!
About MondoPal
MondoPal offers students all the basics to set up home quickly, thereby, to transition into their new life seamlessly.
Home packs for students
From bedroom to kitchen, the essentials are delivered right at their doorstep. Starter to Comfort, the range is wide and whatever the budget, there is something for everyone.
How it works
It’s simple! Create an account on www.mondopal.com, (it’s free and takes just 2 minutes!). MondoPal verifies the student status and you’re set! MondoPal will take care of the rest!
Housing and Personal Liability Insurances
Housing Insurance
You must pay the housing insurance before arriving in France, in order for the housing to be handed over on the day you arrive. A housing insurance certificate will be required upon your arrival at your new accommodation, whether it is a privately rented apartment or a student residence.
Tip: You should know that personal liability insurance is generally included in housing insurance, so make sure to check that you can get both housing and personal liability insurance at once. Different insurances exist, such as SMENO or ADH, often chosen by students:
https://www.assurances-etudiants.com/en/5349-student-accommodation-insurance-prices-warranties.html
https://www.smeno.com/welcome/#c474
Health Insurance
France has one of the best healthcare systems in the world, provided by the State! Subscribing to French health insurance is mandatory and free for all students in France, irrespective of their nationality. Once you arrive, you will receive information on the process, however, you must subscribe to a private health insurance policy for a minimum period of 3 months, while waiting for the former to be finalized.
To complete registration, make sure you have the following documents prepared in digital format, before you arrive in France:
– Proof of identity (passport)
– Proof of civil status: birth certificate with an official translation in French
– Valid student visa
– And as soon as you arrive in France: A certificate of enrolment from ESIGELEC
If you are a student from the European Union, obtain the European Medical Insurance Card, which is valid in France.
VISALE
Visale Is a no-cost solution to the problem of student security deposits. Having a security deposit is compulsory in France for public and private residences. With VISALE, students find housing more quickly and property owners are assured that rent will be paid. This service is provided for students between the ages of 18 and 30. You don’t have to know your address in France before applying for VISALE. The entire process is online, on www.visale.fr/
Once you submit your file you will receive a response in two days. This request must be made before signing any rental agreements or contracts. In addition, while creating your Visale file, make sure to check your eligibility for other assistance or benefits, offered by the Action Logement. Loca-Pass and Mobili-Jeune are the two main services provided by this organisation that are cumulative and free.
For more information, visit https://www.actionlogement.fr/
CVEC: A MANDATORY STEP
Unless you come through an exchange program, you will need a CVEC attestation before you’re able to complete your enrolment. The Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) finances student services such as health, sports, culture and student initiatives. This contribution is mandatory for all students living in France, no matter their nationality.
Please note: the CVEC payment must be renewed each academic year, regardless of your year of study.
For the CVEC payment process, go to: www.cvec.etudiant.gouv.fr
Plan your trip from Paris to Rouen & Airport Pick-Up Service
A single complimentary pick-up service* from Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is organized by ESIGELEC for each intake. Details will be emailed to you in advance. If you need this service, you must inform the welcome desk at international@esigelec.fr. Your e-ticket must be uploaded to the Travel Document section of ESIGELEC ONESTOP.
*If you plan to arrive before or after the prescribed date, you must make your own arrangements to reach Rouen.
ATTEND OUR PRE-DEPARTURE WEBINAR!
Before you leave for France, attend our pre-departure webinar, designed to help you get ready and to provide you with the necessary information for your arrival in Rouen (airport pick-up service, welcome days, practical advice, etc.).
You will receive also a document with your ESIGELEC credentials to access the student digital workspace, log in to your ESIGELEC email account, and install the app before your arrival.
OUR SUPPORT DURING YOUR STUDIES AT ESIGELEC
The first few days in a new country can be quite overwhelming. To help you tide over this phase, ESIGELEC organizes fun-filled orientation days that will give you a sneak peek into what to expect during your stay in France
At the start of each academic year, the Ready, Set, Go! forum brings together ESIGELEC’s partners — banks, health insurance, housing assistance (CAF), public transportation network – in a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. You will receive information on this mandatory event well in time.
You will also meet our Welcome desk team and other incoming students over lunch. You can also sign up for our Buddy Program.
Students with disabilities
At ESIGELEC, disability is not seen as a limitation but as a source of enrichment and shared experiences. We are committed to supporting students with disabilities from the very start of the admission process and throughout their time with us.
Here’s how we ensure inclusive support:
Our campus facilities are fully accessible, meeting all standards to accommodate students with disabilities. A dedicated advisor within the school provides academic support, while a family liaison advisor assists with non-academic matters, such engaging in campus life. Student disability representatives are available to offer peer-to-peer support and help with integration whenever needed. If you are in this situation, please email us at: international@esigelec.fr
Find out more: https://www.campusfrance.org/en/disabled-student-France
Residence Permit | Advice & Assistance
Our dedicated department will advise you on the processes that involve your residence permit, making sure you do not miss deadlines, and provide explanations related to your residence permit and visa status.
THE ESIGELEC BUDDY PROGRAM
We pair new international students with a current ESIGELEC student to help them feel at home and adapt to life in France. This is a part of our broader efforts to support our international student community.
Student Clubs at ESIGELEC
One of the most rewarding and enjoyable facets of university life is to explore your new social and cultural environment through student clubs. At ESIGELEC, there are student clubs for any and every interest, passion or hobby.
There are more than 30 student associations at ESIGELEC — covering sports, culture, gaming, music, and much more. All students are welcome to join!
Festive events are also organized throughout the year by the student clubs as well as by the school itself. A gala is also held every March to celebrate the new graduates.
Join a student club to:
Meet
new people
Find or build a
new community
Develop
new skills
Build a
network
Boost
your resume
Work with diverse
groups of people
Have a
lot of fun!
To know more about the various student clubs at ESIGELEC, click here.
All Your Essentials
Food at the University
Anyone associated with ESIGELEC, has access to the CROUS Cafeteria within the school. Card Payments are accepted and you can even pay using the credit on your student card LéoCarte.
With a few exceptions, the cafeteria’s opening hours are as follows:
From Monday to Friday: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm
You can have breakfast for 2.20€ and lunch for around 3.50 €.
You can also have your meals at the university restaurants for around 3.30€.
CROUS University Restaurants
Restaurant du Madrillet, avenue de l’université, Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray
Medical Facilities
Maison de l’Université
1st Floor, Rue Lavoisier
76821 MONT-SAINT-AIGNAN
Phone Number: 02.32.76.92.92, Fax : 02.32.76.92.91
Opening Hours:
8:45 – 5:30 from Monday to Friday
A Medico-psycho-social team comprises doctors, nurses, psychologists, social
service assistants and administrative staff.
Services offered:
Without appointment:
Consultation, information, advice, guidance, nursing – Emergency Care, Vaccinations, Psycho-Social Aid Services: Social Assistant – Psychological Support, Health Education – STDs – AIDS – Smoking – Alcohol – Drugs – Contraception – Dermatology – Stress – Sleep, etc) Receiving students with disability
With appointment:
Preventive medical visits, with prior appointment (first-time students and newcomers to ESIGELEC and students with specific health issues). Specialised consultations, on the students’ request: phone number: 02.32 76.92.92, Contraception – Acupuncture (Anti-stress and anti-smoking consultation) – Dermatology, Doctor-Psychiatric-Psychologist – Follow-up of students with disabilities, Nutritional Advice, Sexology (sexual difficulties – care and follow-up) – Sophrology.
MADRILLET University Site
Infirmary of the UFR des SCIENCES Phone Number: 02 32 95 51 18 – First Aid Care – Preventative Medical Visits – vaccinations
Timings : 8:30 am to 4:00 pm
Getting around
Four wheeler
ESIGELEC is located at the southern entrance of Rouen (close to Zenith), in the Technopôle du Madrillet, in the commune of Saint Etienne du Rouvray. Access is quick through the A13 (5 minutes).
Train
Rouen can be reached in 1 hour and 15 minutes from Paris. Stop at Rouen Rive Droite. Take the Metro or Bus to reach ESIGELEC.
Metro
The metro has two lines:
Georges Braque > Grand-Quevilly > Boulingrin > Rouen
Boulingrin > Rouen > Technopôle du Madrillet > Saint-Etienne-du-Rouvray
For ESIGELEC, stop at Technopôle du Madrillet (35 minutes from the Rive Droite Station, and then 5 minutes on foot).
ted at the southern entrance of Rouen (close to Zenith), in the Technopôle du Madrillet, in the commune of Saint Etienne du Rouvray. Access is quick through the A13 (5 minutes).
Bus
The bus has a network of lines that serve Rouen
and its region. For ESIGELEC, take line 7 and then
27, Stop: ESIGELEC (right in front of the school).
Website: http://www.reseau-astuce.fr/
Timings: http://www.reseau-astuce.fr/horaires/?rub_code=23