Welcome to Besançon! Preparing for student life in a new city involves several steps, from finding accommodation to setting up health insurance. Below is essential information to help you settle in smoothly.

Discovering Besançon

Want to learn more about your future home city? Explore the official Besançon Tourism Office website.

For general practical information regarding student life in the region, visit the CROUS Bourgogne-Franche-Comté International Student Portal.

Housing & Accommodation

Numerous accommodation options near the campus are available through CROUS:

You can also explore private or student residence options on these platforms:

Visa Information

Depending on your nationality, situation, and length of stay, visa requirements vary:

  • Stays under 3 months: A short-stay visa is required.
  • Stays over 3 months: A long-stay visa (VLS-TS) is issued, which acts as a residence permit subject to formalities upon arrival.

Find detailed requirements on Campus France Visa Guide.

Health & Civil Liability Insurance

1. French Health Insurance (Social Security)

French Social Security is free and compulsory for all students. It reimburses around 60% to 70% of standard medical expenses.

  • Non-European Students: You must register online upon arrival and completion of university enrollment at etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr. Upload your school certificate, passport, visa, birth certificate, VLS-TS validation, and bank details (RIB). Once verified, open an account on ameli.fr.
  • European Students: Bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) valid for the entire academic year. If you do not have one, follow the online registration procedure for non-European students.
Important: Declare an attending physician (médecin traitant) during your first doctor’s appointment to receive full reimbursement rates.

2. Complementary Health Insurance (Mutuelle)

Because basic Social Security reimburses 60–70% of expenses, taking a complementary health insurance policy (mutuelle) is strongly recommended to cover the remaining costs. Popular student options include:

3. Civil Liability Insurance (Responsabilité Civile)

Civil Liability Insurance is mandatory for administrative university enrollment. It covers accidental damage caused to third parties or property. You can obtain this insurance through student insurers like SMERRA or LMDE, or via your bank.