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Understanding the International Student Office at Université de Strasbourg
If you are planning to study at Université de Strasbourg (Unistra), you will quickly hear about the International Student Office. This office, officially called the Service des Relations Internationales (SRI), is the central hub for all matters related to international students, researchers, and academic mobility. Whether you are a degree-seeking student, an exchange participant, or a doctoral candidate, this office is your first point of contact for administrative support, cultural integration, and practical guidance.
In this guide, we break down exactly what the International Student Office does, how it helps you before and after arrival, and what you need to know to make the most of its services.
Key Services Provided by the International Student Office
Pre-Arrival Support and Application Assistance
Before you even set foot in France, the International Student Office can help with:
- Visa and residence permit guidance – Information on student visa types (VLS-TS), required documents, and application procedures.
- Housing assistance – Links to university residences (CROUS), private accommodation resources, and temporary housing options.
- Pre-departure webinars – Online sessions covering practical topics like health insurance, bank accounts, and French administrative formalities.
- Buddy program matching – Connection with a current Unistra student who can help you settle in.
On-Arrival Integration and Orientation
Once you arrive in Strasbourg, the office organizes mandatory and optional activities:
- Welcome Week – A multi-day orientation program with campus tours, administrative registration sessions, and social events.
- OFII validation – Assistance with the mandatory French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII) procedure for non-EU students.
- French language courses – Free or low-cost courses offered through the Service Universitaire des Langues (SUL), often coordinated with the International Office.
- Cultural activities – Excursions to the Alsatian wine route, Strasbourg Christmas market, and nearby European institutions.
Ongoing Support During Your Studies
The office doesn’t disappear after your first week. Throughout your time at Unistra, you can rely on them for:
- Residence permit renewals – Step-by-step help for extending your stay, including document checklists and appointment scheduling.
- Part-time work advice – Information on the legal limit of 964 hours per year for international students, tax obligations, and job search tips.
- Health insurance and social security – Guidance on registering with the French social security system (CPAM) and choosing a complementary health insurer (mutuelle).
- Emergency assistance – A dedicated contact for urgent issues such as lost documents, accidents, or serious illness.
How to Contact the International Student Office
The main office is located on the central campus of Esplanade, but there are also satellite offices at the Faculty of Medicine and the Institute of Technology. You can reach them through:
- Physical reception – Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:30 PM. No appointment needed for simple queries.
- Email – Use the general address: international@unistra.fr. Response time is usually 2-3 business days.
- Phone – +33 (0)3 68 85 65 00. Best called during off-peak hours (10:00 AM–12:00 PM).
- Online portal – The “International Student” section of the Unistra website contains downloadable guides, forms, and FAQs.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Dealing with the Office
Many international students run into unnecessary delays because of avoidable errors. Here are the top five:
- Waiting until the last minute – Visa renewals and OFII procedures take weeks. Start at least 2–3 months before your current document expires.
- Not bringing original documents – Always carry originals plus copies of your passport, visa, birth certificate (translated if needed), and enrollment certificate.
- Skipping the online pre-registration – Many services require you to book an appointment via the online platform. Walk-ins are often turned away.
- Ignoring emails from the office – They send important updates about deadlines, workshops, and changes in regulations. Check your university email daily.
- Assuming everyone speaks English – While staff are multilingual, basic French phrases like “Bonjour” and “Merci” go a long way. Consider taking a beginner French course before arrival.
Practical Checklist Before You Arrive
To ensure a smooth start, use this checklist:
- Apply for a student visa (VLS-TS) at the French consulate in your home country.
- Confirm your enrollment at Unistra and receive your student ID number.
- Book temporary housing (e.g., through CROUS or a hostel) for the first week.
- Register for the Welcome Week via the International Student Office portal.
- Sign up for the buddy program if you want a local mentor.
- Arrange health insurance: EU students bring EHIC; non-EU students will need to register with French social security.
- Notify your bank about international travel and get a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.
Related Services You Should Know About
The International Student Office works closely with other university departments. Here are three you’ll likely need:
| Service | What They Do | Contact |
|---|---|---|
| CROUS Strasbourg | Housing, meal plans, and social support for students. | crous-strasbourg.fr |
| Service Universitaire des Langues (SUL) | French language courses and language certificates. | sul.unistra.fr |
| Student Health Service (SUMPPS) | Free medical consultations, psychological support, and preventive care. | sumpps.unistra.fr |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to make an appointment to visit the International Student Office?
For simple questions (e.g., directions, brochure pickup), walk-ins are okay. For complex issues like visa renewals, you must book an appointment online through the office’s portal.
Can the office help me find a job after graduation?
They provide general guidance on post-study work visas (e.g., the Recherche d’emploi visa) but do not directly place students in jobs. For career services, contact the Service Universitaire d’Information et d’Orientation (SUIO).
Is there an English-speaking staff member available?
Yes, the office has English-speaking advisors, but availability varies. It’s best to email in English first; they will reply in English or arrange a call with an English speaker.
What should I do if I lose my residence permit?
Report the loss to the local police station (commissariat) immediately. Then contact the International Student Office for a replacement procedure. They will help you file a declaration and apply for a duplicate.
Can the office help with family member visas?
They can provide general information about family reunification visas (e.g., for a spouse or child), but the application is handled by the French consulate in your home country. The office can offer a letter of enrollment if needed.
Are there scholarships for international students at Unistra?
Yes, the International Student Office administers some scholarships (e.g., Eiffel, Erasmus+). They also maintain a list of external funding sources. Check their website for deadlines and eligibility.
Your Next Steps: Making the Most of the International Student Office
The International Student Office at Strasbourg University is designed to be your partner from application to graduation. To get the most out of it:
- Bookmark their website – Check it weekly for updates on workshops, deadlines, and social events.
- Attend at least one workshop – Topics like “French administrative procedures” or “Job search in France” are incredibly practical.
- Join the buddy program – It’s one of the best ways to build a local network and avoid feeling isolated.
- Keep copies of all correspondence – Save emails and forms in case of disputes or lost documents.
- Give feedback – The office values student input. If you have a suggestion or complaint, share it via their online feedback form.
Remember, the International Student Office is there to help you succeed. Don’t hesitate to reach out early and often. Your time in Strasbourg will be richer for it.
Photo by Efrem Efre on Pexels
How do I contact the International Student Office? Is there an email or phone number?
The main office is on the Esplanade campus. You can find contact details, including email and phone, on the Unistra international website. They also have satellite offices on other campuses.
I’m worried about renewing my residence permit. Does the office help with that even after the first year?
Absolutely. The office provides ongoing support for residence permit renewals, including step-by-step guidance, document checklists, and help with appointment scheduling. They are available throughout your studies.
Does the International Student Office help with finding accommodation before I arrive, or is that something I need to do on my own?
Yes, the office provides housing assistance, including links to CROUS university residences and private accommodation resources. They also offer temporary housing options and pre-departure webinars that cover this topic.
Is the buddy program available for all international students, or only for degree-seeking ones?
The buddy program is open to all international students, including exchange students and doctoral candidates. You can sign up during the pre-arrival phase, and a current Unistra student will help you settle in.
Great overview! I’m an exchange student coming for one semester. Do I still need to go through the OFII validation process?
If you are a non-EU exchange student staying more than 90 days, you will need to validate your VLS-TS visa with OFII. The International Student Office can assist you with this procedure during Welcome Week.
What about French language courses? Are they free?
The International Student Office coordinates with the Service Universitaire des Langues (SUL) to offer free or low-cost French language courses. Some are free for international students, so check the SUL website for details.
Is there any help for part-time jobs? I’d like to work a bit while studying.
Yes, the office offers advice on part-time work, including the legal limit of 964 hours per year for international students, tax obligations, and job search tips. They can point you to resources on and off campus.