University orientation
In order to make you feel at home as quickly and smoothly as possible, Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University has many services available to assist you in settling in and diving into your studies and life in Paris: Welcome Days, French classes, sports and cultural activities, etc.
Welcome Days 2024-2025
Every year leading up to the start of semester one in September and the start of the second semester in January, Welcome Days are held for incoming students. These events are a chance for students to become better acquainted with the university. For the next semester, Welcome Days will be held from 20th to 24th January 2025.
Participants in the Welcome Days have the opportunity to improve their skills in French as a foreign language (FLE) thanks to the Department of Languages. Students are grouped based on a language placement test they take at the beginning of this week. Students may also attend university methodology classes for each discipline as well as research method classes offered by the library in order to support students with using the online resources.
At the start of the Welcome Days, there is an introductory meeting at which representatives give information about various university services, such as the International Relations Department, the Sports Service and the Student Life Office. The International Students Association of Paris 1 / ISAP1 is also invited to participate in running activities during the week, helping international students to become better integrated into the university and life in Paris.
The Welcome Days finish with a cocktail reception which is a chance for exchange students to meet and get to know each other better. If you would like to participate in Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University’s orientation week then you must fill out an application form online that will be sent to you prior to your arrival as places are limited. Your offer to study at Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne does not guarantee a place on the Welcome Days. Participating in all sessions during this event does not lead to the obtention of credits (ECTS).
French classes
The university's Department of Languages provides specific language courses to help you improve your French throughout the year. You can take a French as a Foreign Language (FLE) course during one or two semesters. To do so, you must first complete your administrative and academic enrolments. If you have not participated in the Welcome Days, you must take a test which will allow you, once you have the results, to choose a course adapted to your language level on Reservalang.
Clubs, societies and culture
With its great diversity of clubs and societies - including cultural, sports and academic societies as well as students' unions - Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University gives students many opportunities to get involved in its student life. For those who are interested in theatre, music, writing or the radio industry, the cultural service of the university offers various workshops for students and also promotes events organised by the university's associations.
Sports
As an international student, there are also many sporting activities at the university that you can participate in for free as part of your studies or independently in your own time, either through the UEFAPS or the AS Paris 1. You can enrol at the beginning of each semester, exclusively online through the Reservasport platform.
Health and disability
Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne University has its own health service called the service de Santé étudiante (SSE), composed of health practitioners available to inform and advise you on health, contraception and nutrition. Some psychologists are also available for students free of charge and by appointment. Disabled students can be assisted by the Relais handicap, which provides them with information and support on how to engage with the university's various departments.
International buddying scheme
The Buddy System platform
The Buddy System is a peer-to-peer online platform which connects new international students with local students to facilitate their arrival in France and help them settling into Parisian and university life. Local students can guide you through administrative procedures, introduce you to Parisian cultural life and help you practise one or more languages.