The countdown is on. In just one week, you’ll be landing in France to kick off your student life, join a new campus, and start a whole new chapter within an international community. Between the fear of forgetting a key document, managing your travel, and discovering your new home, stress can build up fast. Take a deep breath: choosing a student coliving space for your move-in was the best decision you could make. Say goodbye to the hassle of setting up utility bills, assembling furniture yourself, or feeling lonely during your first nights in an impersonal studio.
To tackle this big step with complete peace of mind, a little preparation goes a long way. This guide covers everything you need to handle on the admin side from D-7 to D-4, offers smart packing tips from D-3 to D-1 without cluttering your room, and shows you how to settle in smoothly with your new housemates on Day 1. Finally, you’ll discover key habits to get into the right groove during your first few weeks.
D-7 to D-4: Get your paperwork done and plan your trip to France
Gathering essential documents and checking your health coverage
To avoid last-minute stress, get all your official documents ready. Keep them in your handbag or backpack. Never put them in your checked luggage, as you’ll need to pull out any document right away at airport customs or when arriving at your place.
Prepare an easily accessible folder with:
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Your valid passport or ID card.
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Your student visa or residence permit if you’re coming from a non-EU country.
When it comes to healthcare, the process is simple: if you’re coming from the EU, apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving. If you’re coming from a non-EU country, register for free on etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr as soon as your university enrollment is confirmed to join the French social security system.
Plan your journey to the apartment
No need to figure out your route on the spot once you land or step off the train with three suitcases. Plan your journey from your arrival point (airport, train station, or your parents’ house) to your coliving space to avoid unnecessary hassle.
If you prefer taking public transport to your new home, download the local transit app for your host city (such as Île-de-France Mobilités in Paris or TBM in Bordeaux). Buy your first ticket online to skip the long lines at the vending machines.
When you book with Colivys, you choose total peace of mind. At Colivys, we offer an all-inclusive deal with a transfer service waiting for you right at the airport or train station to drive you straight to your coliving apartment. This option saves you from hauling heavy luggage through metro corridors or trying to find your way around an unfamiliar city.
Don’t forget to save your contact’s phone number on your phone. If you run into any delays, you can let the team know with just one tap to reschedule your key handover.
D-3 to D-1: Pack light and keep your room clutter-free
With just three days to go before the big launch, the temptation to pack two giant suitcases is strong. Bad idea. You risk finding yourself weighed down as soon as you arrive, whereas coliving offers one huge advantage: you barely need to bring anything.
Packing smart with a fully furnished space
No need to rush to home furnishing stores. Forget about boxes of kitchenware, duvets, and small appliances—in coliving, your apartment is already fully furnished and equipped when you arrive. Your room is waiting for you with a bed ready to sleep in, smart storage solutions, and a desk to study. The shared kitchen already has everything you need to cook.
Focus on the essentials to pack in your bags:
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Your clothes and personal belongings.
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Your electronic devices (laptop, phone) and power adapters for French outlets if you come from a non-EU country.
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A few sentimental items (photos, small decor pieces) to make your room feel like home on night one.
By traveling light with just the essentials, you avoid overcrowding your parents’ car trunk and paying expensive baggage fees at the airport or train station. You’ll save your energy to make the most of your first day—and leave plenty of space in your suitcase to bring back even more memories from your stay!
Planning your first-week budget and initial grocery run
Coliving operates on a completely all-inclusive basis: water, electricity, heating, gas, home insurance, and high-speed Wi-Fi are all included directly in your monthly rent. This saves you from tedious paperwork, utility setup fees, and the endless extra costs for equipment that usually bloat a move-in budget.
Just make sure to set aside a small safety fund for your daily expenses during the first few days: a grocery run, transport, buying a French SIM card, and so on.
Move-in Day: Settle in and make connections
This is it—the big day! You’re finally stepping into your new home. Moving into a coliving space is totally seamless, with no stress or furniture building involved, so you can focus on what matters most: making the space your own and meeting your new flatmates.
Explore your room and make the common areas your own
As soon as you step inside, you’ll discover your private room—spotlessly clean, tastefully furnished, and fully ready to live in. Take your time to unpack without rushing, put your clothes away in the closets, and place your favorite belongings on your desk or nightstand. Settling in properly will make your travel fatigue melt away right away.
Once you’re unpacked, go explore the different shared spaces of the apartment: the spacious living room, the fully equipped kitchen, and the lounge areas.
Breaking the ice with your new flatmates
Your arrival is the perfect moment to make that first connection with your flatmates. Those first few evenings are key to laying the groundwork for a successful coliving experience. No need to throw a big party or give long speeches: simply invite them over for a casual chat to introduce yourself, share a bit about your background, and get to know the people you’ll be living with.
An impromptu shared meal, a coffee break, or a welcome drink is more than enough to break the ice, chat about your daily schedules, swap your first impressions of the city, and instantly turn your coliving space into a warm, welcoming home.
Key habits to thrive in your first few weeks
Exploring your area and finding top student discounts
Don’t stay cooped up in your room. Coliving is the best way to ease into your new routine stress-free. Head out to explore the neighborhood on foot with your flatmates. Scope out the most affordable supermarket, the late-night pharmacy, the local bakery, and the metro station that takes you straight to your university.
Take full advantage of the perks available to young people in France. Your student ID gives you access to discounted rates on exhibitions, movies, sports, and cultural events. For your daily commute, most French transit networks offer heavily discounted passes for anyone under 26. Apply online during your first few days so you don’t end up paying full price. Finally, ask your current flatmates for advice they’ve definitely already spotted the local gems, from the cheapest grocery store to the best budget-friendly dining spots.
Balancing shared living with your private space
Coliving relies on a perfect balance between community and independence. To keep the experience positive over time, it’s essential to quickly establish healthy boundaries with your flatmates. Direct, friendly communication avoids most day-to-day friction.
- Learn to enjoy shared moments while respecting each other’s need for quiet time or study. You are always free to close your room door to study in peace or unwind after a long day of classes. Your flatmates will do the same.
- Respect everyone’s routine and sleep schedule. Avoid making noise too early in the morning or late at night. By combining active listening, respect for personal space, and mindful use of the common areas, you and your flatmates will create a harmonious home where everyone feels right at home.
Preparing your move a week before the big day doesn’t have to be a hassle when you choose the right housing option. By planning the essentials ahead of time and traveling light, you ensure a smooth, stress-free arrival.
Coliving takes care of everything else: a fully equipped apartment, an all-inclusive rent, and a warm community ready to welcome you on your very first evening. All that’s left to do is zip up your suitcase, charge your phone, and bring your best smile. Your new adventure officially starts now!
