How do I open a bank account?
Important: international students must prove that they have sufficient means of support (at least €650/month) for the duration of their stay in France. (This is one of the requirements to get your visa.) How do I open a bank account? Every student who spends more than three months in France will need to open a bank account. We advise you to contact your bank in your home country to ask whether it has any agreement with the French banking network, as this will make your banking operations easier. Opening a bank account will allow you to:
- access methods of payment: chequebook, credit card and bank account details such as an IBAN
- pay for your day-to-day purchases
- receive bank statements to keep track of your expenses
- receive payments (e.g. scholarships, national insurance refunds, housing benefit…)
The usual documents required to open a bank account are:
- a valid ID card or passport (with proof of your visa for non-Europeans citizens)
- an original proof of residence in France (e.g. tenancy agreement, electricity or gas bill, notification of accommodation issued by CROUS…) less than three months old
- a copy of your letter of admission to Mines Nancy
What monthly budget should l plan?
Planning your budget before you arrive is essential. Please find below a breakdown of the essential living costs for a student in Nancy:
- accommodation: €150 – €450 (depending on type and location)
- food: about €200/month
- a monthly bus ticket €26 (a single bus ticket: €1.60)
- a cinema ticket (student rate): €10
- housing insurance (for one year): about €50
- a full meal in one of the CROUS university restaurants: €4
- additional healthcare cover (optional but highly recommended): about €10 to €40/month
The above figures are given as a rough guide, as the amount you actually spend will depend on your personal lifestyle.
