Succeed in your student integration: practical tips to get started
New life, new campus, new friends: successfully integrating into student life can seem like a challenge. Here are our tips for getting off to a smooth start.
Entering higher education is like opening a new chapter in your life. You’re stepping into a university, a school, a BTS program, or a business school, and everything changes: a new institution, sometimes a huge campus, new faces, and a freedom you’re not yet used to.
It’s both exciting and a little intimidating. You’re probably wondering how to succeed in your integration. Don’t worry: all students go through this stage and quickly find their footing. The key is to participate, dare to approach others, and take advantage of every event or activity offered to you.
1. Take part in orientation days and student activities
From the start of the year, your school or university often organizes an orientation day. It’s a special welcome moment, designed to create cohesion among newcomers. You’ll discover your institution, meet other participants, and get involved in your first student activities.
These events can take several forms:
- a discovery day of your study location, with guided tours of libraries, student association rooms, and shared spaces;
- sporting activities or team challenges to break the ice;
- a friendly evening organized by the student union (BDE);
- cultural outings in the city to encourage the discovery of your new environment.
Many students say it was during this weekend that they made their first real friends, between challenges and lively evenings.
💡 Example: in some schools, the famous “integration weekend” brings together hundreds of participants for team games, themed parties, and group activities. Even if you’re shy, dare to join in: you’ll quickly feel surrounded and included.
✨ Anecdote: Lucie, a first-year student, says her best memory was a simple scavenger hunt organized in the city streets. “I didn’t know anyone when I arrived, and by the end of the day, we had already formed a close-knit little group.”
2. Build connections and expand your social circle
A good integration means creating a group of friends to share your daily life with. You’ll see that a simple smile or a question in class can be the beginning of a great friendship.
💡 Concrete example: Paul, an international student who arrived in Lyon, explains that he made his first friends by asking for help to find the place of his lecture. A simple situation that led to a group lunch… and then to a friendship that still lasts.
Some tips:
- chat with classmates after class or a student activity,
- suggest an outing to continue exploring the city,
- join an association: sports, culture, music, or volunteering.
👉 If you’re an international student, many universities in Paris and beyond have welcome programs with a mentor. This helps a lot to understand local habits and quickly create a circle of friends. There are also specific welcome services:
- the international relations offices in universities (they organize meetups and practical workshops),
- associations like ESN (Erasmus Student Network), present in many French cities, that organize parties and cultural outings,
- the CROUS, which offers housing, university restaurants, and financial aid.
These resources are there to support your discovery of the country and make your integration easier.
3. Explore your campus and new environment
Your campus is not just a place of study: it’s a space where you’ll spend a lot of time. Use the first weeks to truly discover it. Explore the library, computer rooms, relaxation areas, and student association offices. The more you know each place, the more comfortable you’ll feel.
On campus, some collaborative workrooms are also really well equipped, perfect for group study and meeting new people.
But don’t stop there: discover your student city too. Student districts, affordable cafés, parks, and cultural spots are part of everyday life. In Lyon, for example, students like to meet on the Rhône banks. In Toulouse, the Prairie des Filtres is a must. In Paris, parks like La Villette or local terraces are perfect spots to meet other young people.
✨ Testimony: Karim, a second-year student, shares: “What helped me the most was when my classmates showed me their student tips: the bar with cheaper prices, the most affordable gym, and the perfect café for studying.”
4. Get involved in associations and clubs
To speed up your integration, nothing works better than joining an association. In every school, you’ll find a variety of student groups. They offer sports, cultural, social, or digital projects, and often form the heart of student life.
- sports: soccer, dance, climbing;
- cultural: theater, music, film club;
- social: volunteering, environment, mutual aid;
- digital: podcasts, social media, content creation.
By getting involved, you take part in campus life, develop useful skills (organization, event management, teamwork), and create unforgettable memories. Associations are also a welcome place where you’ll meet students from different years and classes, which really enriches the experience.
💡 Example: some students say their involvement in an association allowed them to travel through partnerships with a solidarity agency, while also strengthening cohesion between classes.
5. Anticipate challenges and find your balance
Your integration also depends on how you handle everyday student challenges:
- managing your budget with limited resources,
- organizing study sessions and avoiding procrastination,
- learning to cook or to be better equipped in your student housing,
- finding balance between classes, outings, and rest.
It’s important to remember that the first years are also for experimenting and finding your rhythm. Good organization will keep you from feeling overwhelmed. If you set small regular goals (study, go out, take time for yourself), you’ll find balance much more easily.
And if you face difficulties, don’t forget there are student aid options: psychological support, tutoring, scholarships, or financial help offered by your school or city.
Any question?
FAQ about student integration
The best way is to join activities from the start: orientation days, student union parties, or outings organized by associations. You can also start conversations in class or during group work. Everyone is in the same situation at the beginning of the year, so most students are happy to meet new people.
You’re not alone! Many students feel the same way. You can start with small group activities (clubs, workshops, volunteering) where exchanges are easier. You’ll see that connections naturally form when you share a passion or a common activity.
Start by joining your university’s international welcome services: they often offer practical workshops, outings, and administrative support. Associations like ESN (Erasmus Student Network) regularly organize events for international students. Finally, don’t hesitate to join student associations: it’s an excellent gateway to creating bonds with French students.
Every year, international students arrive and share their experiences: they often bring true multicultural richness to campuses.
There’s no universal rule, but team games, sports challenges, themed parties organized by the student union, or guided tours of the campus and city are among the most effective. What matters is participating with enthusiasm, even if you don’t know anyone yet.
The secret is consistency. Instead of cramming everything right before exams, try to study a little each week. Surround yourself with friends to stay motivated, take care of yourself, and remember that successful integration also depends on well-being. Your first year will be a success if you find balance between studies, social life, and rest.
It’s completely normal to feel a little down at the start of the year. Try to go out, even just a bit, attend a student event, or join an association. And if loneliness becomes too heavy, know that every university has free listening and support services. Talking about how you feel is already a first step.
In summary
Succeeding in your student integration means:
- joining orientation days and welcome events,
- enjoying activities and discovering your campus,
- building strong connections with other students,
- getting involved in an association to open yourself to new horizons,
- finding balance despite new challenges.
Every encounter, every discovery, and every activity contributes to building your experience. Be curious, dare to approach others, and make the most of your new student life.
