Erasmus in Lyon
The official links people use most when they arrive in Lyon. We opened each one on its website, and each shows the date we checked it.
To start with
Universities
International offices for exchange students.
- Exchange students at Lyon 2Université Lumière Lyon 2
No French certificate is required, but B1 or B2 is recommended because most teaching is in French.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Exchange students at Lyon 3Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3
Steps after nomination and compulsory information sessions at the start of term, with tutors to help you choose courses.
Checked on 24 October 2026
- Erasmus+ application at Lyon 1Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1
Application file and procedure for Erasmus+ students at the science and health university.
Checked on 24 October 2026
When you arrive
Student associations and welcome services.
- ESN CosmoLyon: Erasmus welcome associationESN CosmoLyon
Local ESN section with the ESNcard, a buddy programme and activities throughout the year.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- Lyon Students Welcome DeskComUE Université de Lyon
One-stop desk for international students at the start of the year. In 2026 it opens from 24 August to 18 December, Monday to Friday.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- Crous Lyon: university restaurants and student servicesCrous Lyon
Public body for student life: university restaurants, residences and social support.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Erasmus associations
ESN sections, AEGEE and international student associations: activities, buddies and help when you arrive.
- ESN CosmoLyon: Buddy programmeESN CosmoLyon
A young local welcomes you, shows you around Lyon, helps with paperwork and introduces you to other people.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- emlyon BDI: the international students' associationBureau des internationaux (BDI) emlyon
emlyon business school's international student association: welcome week, international dinner and buddy system. Aimed at its own students.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Parties and events
Welcome parties, language exchanges and events for international students. Buy tickets only on the organiser's own website.
- ESN CosmoLyon: activity calendarESN CosmoLyon
Calendar of ESN's association in Lyon, with international dinners, outings and parties. Some activities are for members.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- Erasmus Place: Erasmus parties in LyonErasmus Place
«Kiss My Erasmus» themed parties for international students, with tickets on its own website.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Trips and excursions
Trips and excursions for Erasmus students. Before paying, check who organises the trip and pay only on their official website.
- Erasmus Place: trips from LyonErasmus Place
Weekends from Lyon (French Riviera, Amsterdam, Strasbourg and Geneva Christmas markets). Run by THE CONNECT, which publishes operator number IM059220006.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Paperwork
What an EU student staying for a semester has to do.
- CAF housing benefit for studentsCaf du Rhône
Simulator, steps to apply and guides in English depending on whether you live in Crous or private housing.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- CVEC: exchange students do not pay itMinistère de l'Enseignement supérieur (etudiant.gouv.fr)
If you come with Erasmus+ and pay no tuition fees in France, you do not need to do anything.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- Right to open a bank accountService-Public.fr
If a bank refuses you, the Banque de France can assign one. You only need to live in France, whatever your nationality.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Transport
Public transport, passes and bikes.
- TCL monthly pass for ages 18 to 25TCL
Unlimited metro, tram and bus for one month. TCL also offers passes for students aged 26 and 27.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- Vélo'v: Lyon public bike schemeVélo'v (Métropole de Lyon)
Cheap yearly subscriptions and a free three-month trial for residents of the Metropole.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Health and emergencies
European Health Insurance Card, emergencies and doctors.
- Healthcare for EU students: European Health Insurance CardMinistère de l'Enseignement supérieur (etudiant.gouv.fr)
With a European Health Insurance Card valid for the whole year you do not need to register with Ameli. Without it, register at etudiant-etranger.ameli.fr.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- Emergency numbers: 112 and othersService-Public.fr
112 works across the EU. France also has 15 (medical emergencies), 17 (police), 18 (fire brigade) and 114 by text or app for deaf people.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Student discounts
Cards and reduced prices for young people and students.
- Culture Campus: shows at student pricesMétropole de Lyon (Lyon Campus)
Students-only booklet with show tickets and one cinema ticket in venues across the Metropole. Buy it online or at the Maison des étudiants.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Culture and city life
Official tourism, events and libraries.
- Lyon tourist officeONLYLYON Tourisme (Office du tourisme de Lyon)
Official tourism website with ideas for visits, activities and events.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
- Lyon public libraryBibliothèque municipale de Lyon
City public library network with lending, study spaces and cultural events.
Checked on 24 October 2026 · Page in French
Offers for students in your city
Every two weeks, an email with discounts and useful things for Erasmus students in Lyon: transport, trips, activities and services. Only while you are there.
Almost done: we have sent you an email. Open the link and press "Confirm" to start receiving it. If you can't see it, check your spam folder.
Other cities in France
These are links to official websites. If one no longer works or has changed, write to us at hello@erasmuskit.com.