Student Life

The cultural diversity of Paris College of Art combined with our location at the crossroads of Europe makes studying here a uniquely rich experience for young artists and designers. Student life is a blend of structured classes, studio time and extracurricular events including guest speakers, gallery openings, social gatherings and the discovery of the world beyond the walls of the school.

Drawing upon the infinite resources the city has to offer, the Student Life Office and the Student Council organize special events, including: evening outings to the theatre; museum, gallery, and professional atelier visits; and cultural immersion activities and events.

Student Life Office

An important resource for students, the Student Life Office is both the center of student activities and a support network that helps students navigate the many practical aspects of life in Paris. The orientation program provides a week-long introduction to the French capital as well as an opportunity to meet fellow classmates, faculty and staff who form the school community.

Student Life Counselors help students obtain residence permits (titres de séjour) and advise on such practical matters as banking, telephone and transportation systems, and also insurance and medical referrals.

PCA students subscribe to French Social Security, which is free and provides healthcare coverage to which they can add a supplemental health insurance for a very reasonable cost. The Student Life Office helps students find English-speaking doctors and manage the administrative aspects of health care coverage.

Housing

Finding a place to live in Paris can be both exciting and challenging. The Student Life Office provides information about several different housing options, designed to accommodate students’ needs, preferences, and budgets. Whether students wish to live in student residences, in homestays, or in independent apartments, Student Life provides individualized support in securing housing and settling in Paris.

For students who wish to live in dormitory style housing, PCA books a limited number of single rooms at the Fondation des Etats-Unis (FEU) – a private student residence – located at the Cité Internationale Universitaire (Cité U). Housing at FEU is usually only available to graduate students who are US citizens. However, through our partnership PCA undergraduates and masters students from all countries have the possibility of booking a room. Space is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Meals

PCA students take advantage of the city’s vast culinary offerings by preparing meals at home, eating in local restaurants or from take-away shops in the neighborhood. Additionally, through the CROUS, a branch of the French Ministry of Education, students have access to four restaurants and twenty university cafeterias where they can have a three-course meal for lunch or dinner for as little as four euros.