The determination of Alain JUPPE, Mayor of Bordeaux, to pursue an efficient and pro-active policy for the student and university population has, over the last 4 years, been materialised in the setting-up of several key services and events for new arrivals.

From September to October, new students benefit from an open welcome upon their arrival in Bordeaux to register for the new university year at the Student Reception Centre in the university restaurant, Le Central, rue Sauteyron, near the Place de la Victoire in the centre of the city.

This year, over 20,000 students used the Centre, the purpose of which is to offer, in one and the same place, all the essential services to help students settle in : Family Allowances Fund, France Telecom, the Regional Accommodation Service, the Gas and Electricity Boards, the Town Hall, Sport at the University, the Bordeaux European University Centre, the bus company, student associations, Internet, etc.

This first contact is particularly important for foreign students arriving in an unknown town, more often than not on their own, and subjected to the administrative requirements and formalities that go with each new university year.

Once they have registered for a course, settled in, and forgotten the stress, the City is theirs for the special “Bordeaux Welcomes its Students” day.

This major annual event is designed for all students, and especially for those from abroad, who want to familiarise themselves better with their host City. The day is given over to visiting the cultural facilities of Bordeaux. No charge is made, and student guides ensure a convivial spirit as they accompany their groups throughout the day from museums to cinemas and theatres, with a specific welcome at each stop.

A vast picnic is organised at lunchtime on the waterfront, and all the participants are invited to the Town Hall at the end of the afternoon for a festive cocktail reception.

Thanks to this event, a thousand students, including many foreigners, were able to meet this year, share the fun of getting to know each other and, who knows, plan future cultural projects.

To ensure an even better integration and facilitate the discovery of culture, students benefit throughout the year from free access to all Bordeaux’s museums, and from a flat rate of 50 Frs for all ballets, concerts, operas and theatre at the Bordeaux Opera House.

The Bordeaux Town Hall also acts as a facilitator for students, who are now used to turning to the student service in the Town Hall to propose their projects and explore with the service how best to implement them.

Finally, the City of Bordeaux is developing a new drive for the integration of the universities in the urban environment. The siting policy, launched by Alain Juppé, will enable students to benefit from a special environment.

Thanks to the Erasmus Club created by Bordeaux students, foreign students can find accommodation in Bordeaux families and share in their daily life.

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