01
Orient yourself
Housing, catering, social support and cultural activities for students.
France Student Hub
Campus
CROUS & Student Life
Discover the comprehensive services offered by CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires) and explore other essential aspects of student life that facilitate settling into France.
General information only — not official guidance. Rules change, so confirm with the official source before you act.
Guides
Key topics in crous & student life
Each topic gives you the essentials, what to prepare and an official source to check before you act.
Overview
What CROUS does
Housing, catering, social support and cultural activities for students.
Last verified 18 May 2024Official source: etudiant.gouv.fr
Food
Restaurants and cafétérias U
Access to low-cost campus meals ('Restos U') at €1 or €3.30, and how to pay using your student card or the Izly app. These are a key part of student budgeting.
Support
Social support and emergency aid
How to book an appointment with a CROUS social worker ('assistante sociale') and apply for one-time emergency financial aid ('aide ponctuelle') if you face unforeseen difficulties.
Student associations
Guidance on finding and joining student clubs, 'buddy' programmes for international students, and professional networks related to your field of study.
Sport and culture
Information on campus sports facilities, discounted access to cinemas, theatres, and museums, and cultural events organized specifically for students.
Wellbeing
Mental health and wellbeing
Campus psychological support and national student helplines.
Use this guide
How to work through crous & student life
Start with the decisions that affect your route, get your documents in order, then confirm the latest rule with the official source before submitting or paying for anything.
02
Prepare deliberately
Use the checklist to organise documents, dates and decisions before you start a time-sensitive step.
03
Verify before acting
Use the dated official links on this page to confirm the process for your nationality, institution and situation.
Your checklist
- Get your student card and campus account activated
- Locate the nearest restaurant U
- Join at least one association in your first month
- Save the campus health service contact
Frequently asked
Latest updates
What changed recently in crous & student life
These short updates highlight recent rule, deadline or process changes that are worth checking before you apply or renew.
CROUS
Medium impact
Sample: CROUS housing application window extended in some regions
Extra time to complete an accommodation request in selected académies.
Affects: Applicants for student residences
Official source: etudiant.gouv.frCROUS
Medium impact
Sample: returning students get a clearer CROUS file renewal reminder
A reminder to update the student social file before the new cycle opens.
Affects: Students applying for campus housing again
Official source: etudiant.gouv.frCAF
Medium impact
Sample: housing aid simulation tool updated for the new academic year
A refreshed simulator and updated declaration flow.
Affects: Students claiming housing aid
Official source: caf.frKeep going
Related guides
Sources & disclaimer
France Student Hub publishes general information only. It is not legal advice and does not replace an official decision from an administration, consulate or institution. Every page shows when it was last checked and links to the official source so you can verify before you act.
If a rule affects your status, confirm it with the relevant official body or a qualified professional before you act on it.