2015-2016 INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS HANDBOOK
Money matters
An international student applying for a visa must provide proof of sufficient solvency to the French Embassy. It is not advisable to bring large sums of cash with you when you arrive in France .
As most of the accommodation is self-catering, you will need to buy food on arrival. There are numerous shops, food outlets and supermarkets close by.
In addition, we have a University restaurant (RU) situated near the School (around €3.20 per meal) and an on-campus cafeteria with prices for hot and cold meals averaging from €4.00 to €7.00 per meal.
Obviously you will want to plan your finances as far ahead as possible. The total amount you will need will depend on your own personal lifestyle. However, based on the experience of previous international students, the approximate monthly budget for a student in La Rochelle including rent in a private apartment, food, clothes, books and spending money is given below:
Accommodation and bills: 550 €
Housing benefit (CAF)*: 120 €
Food (campus cafeteria): 200 €
Personal spending/extras :150 €
Bus Pass (under 26 years old): 23 €
ESTIMATED MONTHLY TOTAL: 803 €
Health Insurance for European Students
· If you have state health insurance in your home country, you must apply for a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your national health service at least two weeks before leaving your home country. Thanks to this card, any medical costs at the doctor`s, chemist`s or in hospitals will be refunded in the same conditions as French citizens.
· If you don’t have health insurance in your home country you must subscribe to student health insurance when you arrive in La Rochelle. The fee for an academic year is around € 205.
Health Insurance for non-European Students
· If you are under 28, you must subscribe to the student health insurance (social security) when you arrive in La Rochelle. After subscription, you will receive a Social Security number and a "Carte Vitale" (health insurance card) that you will use during your visits to the doctor or when purchasing medication at the drugstore. This card allows you to be refunded in the same way as French citizens for most medical expenses.
· If you are over 28, you cannot subscribe to the student health insurance. You can take out a health insurance in your home country. You will therefore be able to provide health insurance certificate translated into French proving that all medical expenses will be covered in France.