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Student Life

Life at Paris College of Art

More than forty countries are represented in the Paris College of Art student population, bringing to this small community a cultural diversity rare among art education institutions. This, combined with a location at the crossroads of Europe, makes studying at Paris College of Art a uniquely rich experience for young artists and designers.

An elected student council brings issues before the school administration, and organizes social events that consolidate this closely knit community that serves as home base to so many of disparate origin.

The Student Life Office

Simba Kamuriwo

Simba Kamuriwo

Student Life Counselor

I have spent most of my adult life in Higher Education in varying capacities and enjoy working with students. A trained musician and self-proclaimed lover of words, I am happiest when I am reading works by so called “African writers’’, learning different ways to appreciate the world we live in, and watching or playing tennis. I am most looking forward to finding out more about what inspires our students.

simba.kamuriwo2@paris.edu

Verena-Thomson_

Verena Thomson

Student Life Counselor

I grew up between the USA, the UK and Colombia. After graduating in International Studies, I moved to Paris to pursue an internship in an art gallery and made Paris my home! In my spare time you’ll find me taking photos, making collages, sipping on endless iced coffees and exploring the city. With Paris as an epicentre for cultural expression and visual arts, I am keen to share opportunites with students and see how their creative self-expression flourishes.

verena.thomson2@paris.edu

Kaamna Patel

Kaamna Patel

Alumni and Career Services Coordinator

An ex-student of PCA, I lived and studied in Paris for 5 years where I learned to love all cheese without bias, how to assemble a desk from Conforama, the many ways to say ‘ça va’ and that Claude François has the best music videos. Currently based in Mumbai & constantly on the move, I work as a freelance photographer and as the Alumni Ambassador for India & surrounding regions. As a Career Services Coordinator, I’ll be the point of contact for all recent graduates and graduating students who are looking for internships, as well as for PCA alumni around the world !

kaamna.patel2@paris.edu

We’re here to guide you through
your transition to life in Paris.

A resource for students from acceptance to graduation and beyond, the Student Life office is both the center of student activities and a support network that helps students navigate the many practical aspects of life in Paris. In addition to hosting a wide range of activities on-campus and off-campus, including cultural outings, art benefits, museum tours and other social activities, Student Life staff helps students obtain residence permits and advises on practical matters such as banking, phones, transportation, insurance and medical referrals. Student Life also provides organizational support for the Student Council & Student Engagement Representatives, as well as the College Assistance Program (CAP), and provides students with information on free, confidential, multilingual counseling services.

Orientation

Held in the beginning of the fall and spring semesters, orientation is a comprehensive, week-long introduction to life as a student at PCA. Through a series of lectures, museum visits, lunches, walking tours, and other activities, new students have the opportunity to discover the French capital and establish themselves as temporary residents. During orientation, students register for classes, open bank accounts and phone contracts, sign up for health insurance, and most importantly, meet the staff, faculty and fellow students who form the school community.

Housing

For students who are new to Paris, finding a place to live in France’s capital city can be both exciting and challenging. The Student Life Office provides information on the different housing options, designed to accommodate students of different needs, preferences and budgets. Whether students wish to live in dormitory housing, in homestays or in independent apartments, Student Life provides individualized advice to both incoming and current students in securing housing and settling in Paris.

One option for students is to contract housing through PCA at the Residence Estudines Davout. Located in the 20th arrondissement – a hip multicultural neighborhood which is home to artist ateliers and workspaces. The studio apartments come fully equipped with a kitchenette, linens, and a cleaning service twice a month. At Davout, students have access to a breakfast rooms, co-working space, fitness room, and a laundry center. Furthermore, biking enthusiasts will have the option for bike storage.

Another option is to contract housing through PCA in single rooms at the Foundation des Etats-Unis (FEU). Located at the Cité Internationale Universitaire (Cité U) in the 14th arrondissement, overlooking the Parc Montsouris, the Fondation des Etats-Unis is comprised of student rooms and communal spaces including four living rooms, kitchens, a computer room, a library and a laundry room. You will have the opportunity to mingle with international students attending different schools across Paris. Please note that due to the exceptional nature of this offer, housing will be on a first come, first served basis, we, therefore, recommend you book your room as soon as you have made your decision to accept our admission offer.

 

Meals

Paris is renowned for its food, and most PCA students take advantage of the city’s vast culinary offerings by preparing meals at home, eating in local restaurants or from take-away shops in the neighborhood of the school. Additionally, through the CROUS, a public establishment of the French Ministry of Education, students have access to four restaurants and twenty university cafeterias where they can have a three-course meal for lunch or dinner for as little as 3.10 euros. For more information about university cafeterias see the CROUS website.

Support Services

We aim to provide a quality learning environment for all of our students, and we offer access initiatives to address the demands of students with specific needs.

Student Activities

At Paris College of Art, the Student Life office works closely with the Student Council to organize a range of activities both on campus and off campus.

Residence Permits

The Student Life office guides students through each step of the visa and residency permit application, streamlining the process and responding to questions. Students from outside of the European Community must apply for and receive a student visa before entering France. Students must apply for a visa in their country of origin and are encouraged to do so as early as possible, as the process can take up to several months. Upon expiration of their initial visa, students staying in Paris for more than one semester are required to apply for a pluriennal, renewable residency permit called a titre de séjour.

To begin, you should start with the Visa Wizard. The visa process can vary depending on your nationality, so this will help you get off to the right start.

You may come across a message about French tuition fees for international students. This refers to students enrollment in one of the French public universities and does not apply to you.

Healthcare

Students can register with French Social Security and choose from one of the many supplemental health insurance plans (called Mutuelle); the combination provides students with extensive health care coverage at a minimal cost. Students may waive this service by showing proof, in a timely manner, that they are: French citizens with French Social Security coverage, or EEC citizens with a European Health Insurance Card or an E-111 or E-109 form giving them reciprocity with the French Social Security, or are covered by an international insurance policy recognized as valid by the French Social Security.

PCA Students Talk About Housing in Paris