Preparing your stay

Accommodation, visas, etc. the university's various services can help you with all the formalities.

Housing

Exchange students can benefit from university housing. Once your application has been processed and accepted by UFR LLASIC, you will receive your login and password to access the university accommodation application platform (S1: in June, S2: in November).
The Student Housing department of the ISSO (International Students & Scholars Office) will provide you with all the information you need to apply for accommodation (procedure to follow, choice of accommodation, deadlines, etc.) and also offers information webinars during the application campaign.

You can also opt for a private residence but in this case, you won't benefit from the university's support services.
> download the list of private residences in the Grenoble area.

In all cases, choose accommodation close to streetcar lines B or C, or buses C5 and C7, which will take you directly to the heart of the campus.

> More information on housing in Grenoble on the UGA international website.

Visa

Depending on your nationality, you will need a visa to enter and stay in France, followed by a residence permit. ISSO (International Students and Scholars Office) has a team of specialized agents to help you deal with the prefecture.

> More information on visas and residence permits on the UGA international website.

Insurance, Health

You will need three compulsory insurances during your stay. Many organizations offer this type of insurance: student mutual insurance companies, banks and insurance companies. You are free to choose the organization that suits you best.
  • Civil liability insurance covers any damage you may unintentionally cause to others. It is strictly compulsory for all French citizens and foreigners residing in France.
  • All accommodation, whether furnished or unfurnished, must be insured by the tenant for the duration of the lease. You'll need to provide your landlord or agency with a certificate of home insurance when you hand over the keys.
  • Finally, in France, it is compulsory to take out health insurance. Health insurance ("la sécurité sociale") is free of charge for all international students, but the conditions and procedures may vary according to your country of origin and existing agreements: see the steps to take according to your country of origin.
Other optional insurances may exist (sports activities, vehicle, etc.) Some may be useful during a stay abroad, such as repatriation insurance or complementary health insurance for better reimbursement in the event of a health problem. 
 
Good to know
Some insurances can be grouped under the same contract (home insurance + civil liability) or included with your bank card (repatriation). Find out before you leave, and be sure to check which cover is included and which is not, to avoid duplication!

A health center is available on campus. Grenoble students can benefit from free consultations in a wide range of fields (general medicine, gynecology, psychologists, etc.), provided they have taken the necessary steps to join the health insurance scheme. 
 
International mobility can sometimes be a stressful experience, especially on arrival in France. It's important not to isolate yourself, and to take care of yourself and your limits. There are many resources at your disposal, so don't hesitate to ask for advice from the International Relations Office, your teachers or your peers(take advantage of the UGA sponsorship program or join the Grenoble international student association: IntEGre).

> manage stress and rest
> take care of your mental health

Students with special needs: Service Accueil Handicap (SAH) 

The disability welcome service welcomes, advises and provides individualized support for all students with disabilities, whether or not they are recognized by the French Departmental Disability Office (MDPH), or who have health problems. Located on the Saint-Martin-d'Hères campus, this service is open to all disabled students enrolled atUniversité Grenoble Alpes.
Students needing specific accommodations for their studies or daily life can benefit from SAH support. This request can be made at the time of application.
Students already benefiting from accommodations at their home university will be asked to submit their study accommodation plan in the application form, so that accommodations corresponding to what is practiced at the UGA can be put in place from the start of their studies, without having to go through the whole process again.

> Visit the Service Accueil Handicap website
> During your stay
Published March 8, 2021
Updated July 2, 2025