Accomodation
1. University halls of residence
In France the university halls of residence are run by an independent organisation, the Centre Régional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires (CROUS). Each year, the International Relations Office enters into an agreement with 2 halls of residence run by the CROUS. Our office can reserve a certain amount of rooms in these halls of residence for international students on an exchange programme (ERASMUS, CREPUQ, bilateral agreements…) who applied for it.
Accommodation request in halls of residence are to be made only via filling in the appropriate form and sending it to the International Relations Office.
Deadline for application to a student room is June 15th for autumn semester and December 1st for spring semester.
2. Housing on private market
On the following website, you’ll find offers (in French) for accommodation in Valenciennes and area:
http://www.valenciennes.fr/fr/minisites/vie-active/espace-info-jeunes/point-information-jeunesse.html
(Click on « Logement » and « Consultez et interrogez le fichier logement »)
3. Hotels
You’ll find information about hotels in Valenciennes on http://www.tourismevalenciennois.fr/fr/annuaire/ou-dormir.html
4. FAQ
What is a T1, T1 bis ?
In France apartments are described by the number of rooms they’re composed of, excluding kitchen and toilets. For example: a T1 type apartment (T1, or studio) has a living room, a bathroom, toilets and a kitchenette (electric rings, fridge and cupboards). In a T1 bis the living room is bigger than in a T1.
Applying for a place in a university halls of residence
International exchange students who have reserved a room through the International Relations Office have to deliver a couple of documents on arrival at the hall of residence. The following documents will be required :
- A copy of the guarantee form ("l’acte de caution solidaire") duly completed and signed by the guarantor (who keeps the second copy). This form is provided by the International Office (sent by surface mail before the student’s arrival).
- a photocopy of the passport or identity card of the guarantor
- a copy of the proof of address of the guarantor (electricity or telephone bill)
- a copy of the guarantor’ last payslip
- 2 copies of the rules and regulation of the halls of residence signed by the student and guarantor. (1 copy for the student, 1 for the guarantor). This form is provided by the International Office.
- A copy of the student’s passport or identity card
- A copy student card (institution of origin’s student card)
- 2 passport-sized photos of the student
IMPORTANT: the CROUS does not accept non-European guarantors. Non-Europeans students who do not benefit from the guarantee of an European guarantor, will have to pay several months- rent in advance (3 to 4 months in advance).
What is a "bail" (contract)? How can it be terminated?
The residence "Les Tertiales" works on a 12 month contract ("bail") which means that students must pay 12 months of rent even if they leave before. Nevertheless, students can give their notice ("déposer un préavis de depart") three months before leaving so that the halls of residence, or the student himself/herself, can try to find another student to take the room.
What is an "acte of caution solidaire" ? (social guarantee) ?
The halls of residence ask students to complete an “acte de caution solidaire” to guarantee that the rent will be paid. This document is filled in and signed by a guarantor along with a copy of his/her identity card, a bill (copy) with proof of domicile and the guarantor’s last payslip. The guarantor must be an EEC citizen who promises to pay the rent if it is not paid by the student (something to be avoided at all costs!). If students are unable to find a guarantor they must pay several months rent in advance. For the residence “Les Tertiales”, non-European students will have to pay in advance the rent for the whole academic year.
What is a "caution" (deposit) ?
In each halls of residence a deposit (this is different from the "caution solidaire") will be requested in order to obtain keys to accommodation. This deposit will be returned at the end of the stay if no damage has been done. To avoid any problems students must fill in an " inventaire d’entrée" on arrival and an "inventaire de sortie" on departure with the property owner or a representative. The deposit is used to pay for any repairs in case of damage.
Is accommodation insurance necessary ?
For the two university Hall of Residence «Jules Mousseron» and «Les Tertiales», accommodation insurance for water and fire damage is included in the price of the rent. Indeed, the CROUS has taken out a general policy to cover tenants. It is however advisable for each tenant to take out personal insurance for civil responsibility and be covered in the event of theft of belongings from the room.
The application form can be obtained at the “service de la scolarité” (« Maison des Services à l’Etudiant ») on registration.
How can I pay my rent ?
Rent can be paid at the reception of the Hall of Residence by cheque, credit card or in cash before the 10 th of each month.
!!!CAUTION !!!
Regardless of your departure date, each month begun has to be paid. For example, if you leave on June 3 or June 29 you will have to pay for the whole of the month of June.
You have to inform in writing (mathilde [dot] modaine [at] univ-valenciennes [dot] fr (email)) the International Relations Office that you’re leaving at least one month before the date of departure.
How can I request for "allocations logement" (financial help with rent) ?
To apply for an “aide au logement (APL) », go to https://www.caf.fr/wps/portal/ and click on « Etudiants », then « Aide au logement », then « Faire une demande »). You’ll have print it and give it to the residence together with an attestation of residence (the residence will give it to you on your request), a copy of passport or ID, a proof of registration at UVHC (you’ll get one when you’ll register at UVHC), copy of European card of social insurance (or if you’re not an European citizen, a copy of affiliation to French social insurance), a letter stating on honour that you have enough money for your stay (equal or superior to 450 €/ month) and bank details if you opened an account in France. Non-European students will also have to produce copies of their visa and residence permit (or copy of their attestation of application to a residence permit, or « récépissé »).
Do I have internet access at the Halls of Residence ?
There is a computing room with 10 computers under the responsibility of a computer monitor at the «Jules Mousseron» Hall of Residence. These computers have internet access.
Although all rooms have a telephone socket, the connection may not be possible in all rooms. Students must contact France Telecom on arrival to see if a private internet access is possible in the room at the student’s expense.
At «Les Tertiales» each room has a telephone socket. Students can contact France Telecom for private paying internet access.
And what about WI-FI ?
Students who arrive with their lap-top computers can use the wireless network on campus as well as a WI-FI terminal at the Jules Mousseron café. For further information about WI-FI at the UVHC use the following address : http://portail.univ-valenciennes.fr, Click on the link « Réseau sans fil».