What should an Indian student do in the first two weeks after moving to Paris for a bachelor's, including part-time job hunting?
In week one, validate your VLS-TS visa online, get your housing certificate, buy a transport pass, a French SIM, and open a bank account. In week two, finalise university enrolment, register for healthcare, apply for housing aid, and start job hunting with a one page French CV.
Your first two weeks in Paris go smoothly if you tackle administration in order. Trying to do everything on day one only slows down every task that follows.
Week By Week Checklist
| Week | Key Tasks |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Validate VLS-TS, housing certificate, Navigo pass, SIM card, bank account |
| Week 2 | Finalise enrolment, Ameli healthcare, CAF application |
Starting Your Part Time Job Search
- You can legally work up to 964 hours a year, about 20 hours weekly, with a valid visa and enrolment certificate
- Rebuild your CV into a single page French format with your language skills listed clearly at the top
- Target English tutoring, babysitting, retail, or hospitality roles that value bilingual skills
- Search L'Etudiant Jobs and JobTeaser, and register with agencies like Momji or Babylangues
- Walk into cafes and shops in student heavy areas like the Latin Quarter and ask for the manager directly
My Advice
Open your bank account before your second week ends, since almost every other task, from your Navigo card to your first paycheck, depends on having a French account number ready. Apply to at least five part time roles by the end of week two rather than waiting until money gets tight.
Will you actually get a job after your master's?
Talk to a counsellor about real outcomes, salaries and which courses employers hire from.
More Post-study work questions
- By when should my HEP point be completed, should it be this month to avoid delay in UK?
- Is Germany the best first priority country for my course and career scope for a Master's?
- Can I pursue an MBA abroad after completing a Bachelor of Science degree?
- Is it better to spend 12 lakhs in India or go abroad for higher studies in Germany for a Master's?
- Does the agency provide end-to-end services including visa, loan guidance, and accommodation?
- How do US universities evaluate Indian LLM applicants differently from UK or European law schools?
- What is the fee range for a one-year MBA course compared to a two-year course in UK?
- Do I need to show living expenses in my bank account for visa purposes, and can I withdraw it after reaching Ireland?
