Arriving on the French Riviera

The International Incoming Support is available to help international students with any administrative formalities related to their arrival.

Your arrival in Nice

By plane

By plane: When you arrive in Nice, you need to quickly get change to take public transport since buses do not accept card payments. To buy a ticket with a bank card, you will have to go to one of the terminals.

By tramway: Tram line No. 2 (L2) has a stop in each terminal of Nice Airport. You can get to the city center (Avenue Jean Médecin) in 25 minutes.

The tramway transportation is free of fee between the 3 stops; Terminal 2 <> Terminal 1 <> and Grand Arenas. Last departure at 11:55 pm.

By bus: From Nice Saint Augustin train station (15 minutes walk from the airport) and then another 5 minutes by train to Nice Ville (€2,50); 12 minutes to go to Riquier (€3,20).

To get to Sophia-Antipolis: the buses from Nice to Sophia Antipolis are buses n° 630 and n° 631. Different pricing are applied to the Lignes d'Azur zones (ZOU fee: €2.50).

By train: Bus 12 – Palais des Expositions (€2 ticket + €2 rechargeable card) leaves every 10 to 12 minutes approximately on weekdays. By taxi: You will find taxis at the exit of the Terminals.

By train

The Côte d'Azur is well served by public transportation. From the 4 SNCF train stations in Nice (Saint Augustin - Nice Ville - Riquier - Pont Michel), you can go almost anywhere.

https://www.lignesdazur.com/

Your arrival on Campus

Every year in the city of Nice, a Students Welcoming Day, is organised by FACE 06 (Federations of Student Associations and Corporations of the Alpes-Maritimes) and the Erasmus Student Network (ESN) organises a Welcome Week. These welcome events, fun and informative, allow students to better integrate and thrive on campus.

The Department of International Development and Europe (DDIE) also organises a Welcome Party at the beginning of each semester to welcome its international students. More than just a celebration, this evening is designed as a window into the multiple resources available to students, covering international mobility, housing, scholarships, health and leisure. The ambiance is always fun; quizzes with prizes to be won, a buffet dinner full of culinary discoveries, and a karaoke session and dance to end the evening on a joyful note.

FAQ

Who should I contact if I have any doubts?

The International Incoming Support of Université Côte d'Azur welcomes and assists international students. This service is there to provide useful information and support students in their administrative procedures and daily practices.

Address: Office 012 Petit Valrose, Avenue Joseph Vallot, 06100 Nice

E-mail: ddie.dispositifsdivers@univ-cotedazur.fr

Is it possible to benefit from special support due to a disability?

Yes, the Disability Reception and Support Office (CAAH) will make the necessary adjustments after an analysis of needs and an appointment at the University Health Center( sumpps@univ-cotedazur.fr).

For more information on the matter: https://univ-cotedazur.fr/universite/responsabilite-ethique-et-universitaire/handicap/je-suis-etudiant-ou-souhaite-le-devenir/mes-accompagnements-1

Is it possible to work as an international student? ​​​​​​​

Yes, an international student has the right to work during their studies. However, French law allows you to work on an ancillary basis, 964 hours a year, the equivalent of 60% of the legal duration of working time.

Please note: a provisional work permit (APT) will only be required for Algerian students who wish to work during their studies. They can work up to 50% of the legal working time.
Check out this website for further information: https://www.service-public.fr/particuliers/vosdroits/F2713?lang=&quest0=0&quest1=0&quest

Is there a student transport pass? ​​​​​​​

There is no student rate as such, but there is a reduced price for young people that is valid until the age of 26. As a student who is over 26 years old, there is the option to purchase a youth season ticket if the student presents their valid student card (original) or valid school certificate.

The youth card is available for purchase in all Lignes d'Azur agencies or points of sale, at ticket machines or on the website: site internet des Lignes d’Azur.

Is my driving licence valid in France ? ​​​​​​​

Yes, you can drive legally with your foreign driver's license. No action is required.

However, for long-term stays, it is preferable to register your driving licence with the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture in order to obtain a duplicate in case of a problem (theft, loss, etc.). Also, in the event of a violation of the French Highway Code, it will be requested to exchange your driving license with a French driving license at the Alpes-Maritimes prefecture so that the penalties can be applied.

For a licence exchange application : Formulaire à remplir

What services can students benefit from? ​​​​​​​

UniCA offers a wide range of services to all its students. These include cultural activities, associative activities, university health centers...

For more information: https://univ-cotedazur.fr/vie-des-campus

How to meet other international students? ​​​​​​​

The Meeters club, led by UniCA's International Ambassadors, is the perfect place to create interaction between local and international students. Through meetings, cultural and social activities, the Ambassadors, acting as mediators, create an environment conducive to the exchange of cultures and experiences. This facilitates the integration of international students into the life of the local community.

To join the group: https://forms.office.com/e/EeMRBNwa1k?origin=lprLink