De Vinci Welcome Desk: Checklist to Prepare Your Arrival in France

Moving to another country to study is an exciting milestone, but it also comes with countless questions. From securing accommodation to validating a visa, opening a French bank account, and understanding public transport, preparing for life in France requires careful planning.

For international students joining one of EMLV Business School’s English-taught programmes, the process becomes much simpler thanks to the De Vinci Welcome Desk. Located on the Paris La Défense campus, this dedicated support service accompanies students from admission until graduation, ensuring they can focus on what truly matters: beginning an international business education with confidence.

The Welcome Desk provides personalised guidance for accommodation, visa procedures, banking, health insurance, transport, and campus integration, while also organising Welcome Week activities that help newcomers settle into life in France.

Before leaving home, prepare the essentials

If yoy are enrolling in the Master in Management, an MSc, or the MBA, preparing ahead can make the transition considerably smoother. EMLV provides a practical checklist to help future students arrive ready for their new academic journey.

Successful international mobility starts several weeks before departure. Having the right documents ready helps avoid unnecessary stress upon arrival.

Students should prepare:

• A valid passport and student visa (if required)
• Admission letter from EMLV
• Accommodation confirmation
• Birth certificate and certified translations if necessary
• Health insurance documentation
• Copies of important documents stored digitally
• Passport photographs for administrative procedures

The Welcome Desk remains available throughout this preparation period to answer questions regarding visa validation, arrival procedures, and administrative requirements before students even board their flight.

Find accommodation before arriving

Housing is often one of the biggest concerns for international students moving to Paris.

Because demand can be high throughout the academic year, securing accommodation early is strongly recommended. The Welcome Desk assists students in navigating housing options and provides guidance on finding accommodation suited to different budgets and preferences. It can also advise on French rental procedures and documentation required by landlords.

Living close to the Paris La Défense campus allows students to reduce commuting time while remaining connected to one of Europe’s largest business districts.

Complete your visa and residence formalities

After arriving in France, many international students must validate their long-stay visa or complete residence permit procedures.

French administrative processes can appear complex for newcomers, particularly for students unfamiliar with the language or local regulations. The Welcome Desk provides guidance throughout these procedures, helping students understand deadlines, required documentation, and renewal processes where applicable.

Having expert support during these first administrative steps allows students to begin their studies with greater peace of mind.

Set up your daily life in France

The first days after arrival involve several practical tasks that make everyday life easier.

The Welcome Desk supports students with:

• Opening a French bank account
• Obtaining a French phone plan
• Applying for French Social Security
• Requesting housing assistance (CAF)
• Getting a Navigo public transport pass
• Understanding local administrative procedures

Rather than navigating each process independently, students benefit from personalised guidance tailored to international arrivals.

Attend Welcome Week

Moving abroad is about much more than completing paperwork. At the beginning of each academic year, the De Vinci Welcome Desk organises Welcome Week, introducing international students to both campus life and French culture before classes begin.

Activities include:

• Administrative workshops
• Campus tours
• Practical information sessions
• Social events
• Cultural activities organised alongside the De Vinci Erasmus Student Network (ESN)

These events help students meet classmates from around the world while becoming familiar with the campus, digital tools, academic expectations, and everyday life in Paris.

Download the International Student Guide

Preparing for life abroad is easier with reliable information in one place.

The International Student Guide developed by De Vinci Higher Education brings together practical advice covering:

• Visa and residence procedures
• Accommodation
• Banking
• Healthcare
• Public transport
• Student discounts
• Campus life
• French language support
• Safety information
• Emergency contacts

It serves as a practical companion before departure and throughout the first months in France.

International Student guide to download

Why this matters for future business students

Studying business means developing global perspectives, cross-cultural communication skills, and international networks. Those experiences begin long before the first lecture.

By reducing administrative barriers and supporting students throughout their transition, the De Vinci Welcome Desk allows newcomers to integrate more quickly into campus life and concentrate on academic success, professional development, and building an international network from day one. This support complements EMLV’s multicultural learning environment, where students from around the world study together in programmes designed to prepare responsible, globally minded business professionals.

Start your business journey at EMLV

From finance and international business to digital transformation, sustainability, marketing, entrepreneurship, and management, EMLV Business School offers a portfolio of internationally oriented programmes taught in English and designed to prepare graduates for careers in a rapidly evolving global economy.

Combined with the personalised support of the De Vinci Welcome Desk, international students can arrive in France knowing they will be guided every step of the way—from their first administrative procedures to their first day on campus and beyond.

Whether beginning a Master in Management, an MSc, or an MBA, students joining EMLV become part of an international community where academic excellence is matched by practical support, helping them make the most of their study experience in Paris.

More information about studying EMLV programmes