F.A.Q.

What is the geographic location of the House of Canadian students (MEC) ? The MEC is located in the 14th district (Paris) on the site of the CIUP (36 hectares of gardens and wooded areas). One of the largest Parisian parks, the Park Montsouris, is situated opposite the Cité Universitaire on the Boulevard Jourdan.

How is MEC located in comparison with Parisian public transportations ? The train station “Cité Universitaire” (RER B) services the MEC. From this station, one is a mere 10 minutes from St.-Michel station, at the centre of the Latin Quarter, 40 minutes from Charles-de-Gaulle airport and 25 minutes from Orly airport. Besides the subway, several bus lines pass in front of the Cité Universitaire.

Who has the right to reside in the MEC ? To be able to live in the MEC during the academic year, It is necessary to either be in the Third cycle of studies or to be welcomed by a recognized Parisian organism (research laboratory, hospital centre, etc…) The short stays : Persons that reside in the MEC for a period of less than three months are considered short-stay residents. Short stay status is given, in order of priority to Canadian citizens and, depending on availability, to persons not of Canadian origin.

What is an exchange (mixing) ? In order to favour intercultural dialogue, and in accordance with the regulation of the Cité Universitaire, every residence must reserve at least 30% of its housing space for foreign students that come from other residences or nationalities. All those who request an admission to the MEC accept to be subject to an exchange. Thus, if an Argentinean student comes to the MEC, a Canadian student will reside in the Argentinean House.

If the MEC, for lack of place or any other reason, rejects my application, can I be re-housed elsewhere ? No because it is necessary to have an application validated by the direction of the House matching the nationality of the candidate, in this case the MEC.

What can I do to improve my dossier so as to increase my odds of being admitted as a resident to the MEC ? The minimal conditions of admission must be met; it is necessary to provide all the required information in the application form. In other words, it is essential to submit a complete dossier with all the doubles (copies) required; all incomplete files will be put aside.

What are the required deadlines to send my application? Starting in March 2003, the direction of the MEC receives the files for the 2003-2004 academic year. The deadline for reception of the dossiers is set on May 15th for the first admissions commission and June 15 for the second commission. The first responses will be given in June and thereafter in July.

Is it worth it to send my application and wait for a response from the MEC or can I take the risk of simply showing up without having previously received my confirmation of admission? All candidates who present themselves without having been previously informed of their admissions will have very few chances of being accommodated in the MEC.

What are the security rules, and how are they applied in the MEC ? The entry doors of the MEC are locked and secured with a digital code. As well, an interphone located at the entrance allows visitors to call those they wish to see in the house. Visitors are under the responsibility of the concerned resident. All guests must be declared to the Reception; the receptionists and the night watchman ensure the application of these regulations.

What does a typical student room at the MEC look like ? In every simple room one may find a closet, a space for suitcases, a sink, a small fridge, a simple bed, an office table with lamp and bookshelves. The resident also has access to a telephone, which can be activated following the purchase of telephone units.

Does the MEC furnish bed sheets and covers? The MEC furnishes bed sheets and covers to the residents.

When are the bed sheet changed? The sheets are changed every 15 days.

Is there any collective equipment ? On every floor, one can find equipped bathrooms (toilets and showers), There are also community kitchen where the residents can prepare and cook their food. What about community rooms? On ground floor level There is a small room (Ostiguy room) designed for relaxation and reading. There is also a bigger room (Wilson room) which serves as a conference room, party room, etc…a room in the basement for laundry and ironing is also at the disposal of the residents.

What about Internet access or computer rooms? The rooms are not equipped with an Internet connection but the MEC has a computer room that every resident can use provided they abide by certain rules (no downloading, objectionable sites, etc.).

Is it possible as a student to obtain a housing subsidy? The majority of the students that reside at the MEC can register with the CAISSE D’ALLOCATION FAMILIALE (CAF) and obtain housing assistance that is equivalent to about 90 Euros a month.