Complete Guide to a Successful Back-to-School Season
Is the start of the academic year fast approaching? Don't panic! From financial aid to accommodation, budgeting and social life, discover our practical tips to help you start the year off on the right foot.
1. Mental Preparation
Back-to-school marks the beginning of a new student journey. For many young people, it’s a first experience away from home, with new routines to build. You’ll discover your curriculum, your campus, but also a new way of working and living day to day. It can sometimes be a challenge, but also a great opportunity to grow and become more independent.
👉 Remember: everyone goes through this. You don’t need to have everything under control on the very first day. Take it step by step, and you’ll see that you’ll find your rhythm.
To feel ready, take the time to do some research:
- discover your future neighborhood,
- spot the essential places on campus,
- and explore useful resources (library, student dining hall, student organizations).
Taking part in orientation days and meeting student associations is also a good way to integrate quickly.
2. Organizing Classes and Coursework
Your academic year will be structured by classes, projects, and sometimes internships. Getting organized right from the start saves time and avoids stress. If everything feels new and overwhelming, remember: it’s normal, and with small habits, you can keep your head above water.
- Write down all the key dates: exams, submissions, administrative deadlines.
- Sort your classes and materials into clear folders (paper or digital).
- Structure your curriculum: learn about the pathways, electives, and opportunities offered by your university.
💡 Example: use Google Calendar for your courses, Notion for your study notes, and a binder for your paper documents.
👉 Tip: make small progress each week instead of postponing everything to the last minute. You’ll see, it reduces stress a lot.
3. Managing Your Student Budget
Back-to-school brings many expenses: housing, transportation, food, supplies. Knowing them already brings relief! But don’t worry, there are student financial aid programs to make your life easier.
- CROUS scholarships via the Student Social File (DSE): mes-services.etudiant.gouv.fr.
- Student housing benefits (APL, ALS) via CAF: caf.fr.
- Regional and municipal support for mobility, culture, or sports (e.g. Pass Culture, local transport subsidies).
- Student discounts for transportation, outings, and subscriptions.
👉 Example: some cities like Lille or Bordeaux offer financial support for young people (discounted subscriptions, local grants, culture passes). Ask your city hall for information.
💡 Tip: create your monthly budget from the start, distinguishing fixed expenses (rent, subscriptions) and variable ones (outings, leisure). Apps like Bankin’ or Tricount can help you.
And remember: setting aside a small “safety” budget for unexpected expenses will save you many times.
5. Practical Tips for a Successful Start
Beyond classes and budget, some practical details make a real difference:
- Student housing: explore options such as university residences, shared flats, and private studios. Student residences like UXCO Student often provide support and adapted services.
- Mobility: take advantage of student transport passes and programs that make getting around easier.
- Administrative tasks: confirm your university registration, take out housing insurance, get your student card.
- Health and support: learn about medical and social services available to students.
Any questions?
Special Back-to-School FAQ
CROUS scholarships, housing benefits (APL, ALS), regional or municipal aid, student discounts for transportation and activities.
Start your search early: university residences, shared flats, specialized platforms. Private residences like UXCO are also a practical option.
Set up a simple budget with your income and fixed expenses. Use management apps to track your spending.
Attend campus events, join an association, or take part in a community project. It’s a great way to enhance your student journey and meet other young people.
Registration, student card, housing insurance, and health coverage. These are the basics to start your year with peace of mind.
In Summary
Back-to-school is an essential step in the student journey. Between organizing your classes, managing your budget, getting involved in associations, and discovering your curriculum, you’ll find your rhythm. By taking advantage of available support and investing in student life, you’ll be able to enjoy a year full of experiences and success. 🎓
👉 Remember: you’re not alone. Many services exist to support students. Never hesitate to ask for help if you need it!
4. Social Life and Leisure
Student life isn’t limited to classes. Making friends, integrating, and discovering your city is just as important. Even if you’re shy, know that many young people feel the same way at the start of the year.
👉 Example: joining an association means meeting new people while also boosting your CV with valuable experience.