Living and studying in Grenoble | Master of Applied Mathematics - Grenoble

Foreign students

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For a good presentation of life as a student in Grenoble:

Moving to a new country

Arriving in a new country is an exciting but often challenging experience. On top of starting a demanding programme, you will have to deal with a new language, a new administrative system, opening a bank account, finding accommodation, and getting used to a new way of life. It is completely normal to feel a little lost at first.

The good news is that you will not have to do it alone. Université Grenoble Alpes (UGA) provides a wide range of support for international students, from the moment you apply until you arrive on campus and beyond. Dedicated offices help you with every step of the process, and the student community is there to welcome you and make you feel at home.

ISSO International Student Office

ISSO, the International Student Office, has current information for international students covering:

required administrative procedures,
health and social security,
lodging, etc.

ISSO’s office is located on campus, and incoming students are highly encouraged to visit upon arrival.

Quick access

Integre

Integre is the association that welcomes and integrates international students in Grenoble. It proposes a wide range of activities, mentoring, and meetings throughout the year, and is a great way to meet other students, find a local guide, and get practical help with everyday life in the city. Newcomers are especially encouraged to attend the welcome events organised at the start of the academic year. See their website for more information.

Summer time

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In summer, Grenoble and its surroundings turn into a huge outdoor playground. The city is ringed by mountains, and the weather is warm and bright, so most of the best activities are free and take you straight outside the city.

Hiking and the mountains

Water sports and lakes

Other outdoor activities

Tourism

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Grenoble is a compact, walkable city set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, so there is plenty to see even in a short visit. Here is a list of some of the most famous sightseeing attractions:

Place de Bastille – the historic heart of the old town, with its arcades and cafés.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame de l’Isle – the city’s main cathedral, right on the main square.
Musée de Grenoble – one of France’s largest art museums, from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, at musees-grenoble.fr.
La Bastille – the old town’s narrow streets, arcades and palaces.
Parc Paul Mistral – a large park in the centre with a lake, a playground and open spaces.
The “Téléphérique” and the Belvédère viewpoint – a cable car up to a panoramic viewpoint over the city and the Alps.
The Isère river and its bridges – the river that runs through the middle of the city.
Musée dauphinois – the history and culture of the Dauphiné region, at musees-grenoble.fr.
The surrounding mountains and ski slopes – Grenoble is the only city in the world with a ski slope on its very edge, and it sits at the foot of the Alps.

For maps, opening hours and tickets for these sights, the city tourist office is the best starting point.

What to do in Grenoble

Winter time

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Grenoble sits at the foot of the Alps, making it one of the best places in France to enjoy winter sports. In fact, Grenoble is the only city in the world with a ski slope on its very edge — you can literally ski out of the city. The surrounding ski areas are easily reached by car, public transport, or organised student trips, so you rarely need to stay away from home for more than a day to get on the slopes.

Skiing

The local student ski club U-Glisse regularly organises group trips to the nearby stations at reduced prices — a great way to try it out with fellow students.

Snow sports beyond skiing

Getting around in winter

Skiligne – day-trip coach + ski pass to nearby resorts, buy tickets