Settling in Normandy

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In addition to the services offered by the EURAXESS Centre, researchers have access to numerous services offered by the University of Caen Normandy.

The Espace AAPI

Located in the Maison des langues et de l’international, at the heart of Campus 1 of the University of Caen Normandy, the Espace AAPI (Accueil et accompagnement des publics internationaux) welcomes international students and researchers throughout the year, assisting them with administrative formalities and encouraging their immersion in French culture. Work tables, computers and relaxation areas are freelyu available, making the Espace AAPI a welcoming place to meet others, exchange ideas and socialize.

French courses

Do you want to learn French or improve your skills? The Carré international at UNICAEN offers French language training through its French language support programme (SFL). This is a semester-long evening class programme designed to support French language learning and provide academic French language support.
For more information, please visit the Language Training and Certification section of our website.

Sport

UNICAEN’s Physical and Sports Activities Service (SUAPS – Service universitaire des activités physiques et sportives) offers a wide range of sports activities to students and staff throughout the year. To take part in a sports activity, you must register online and pay an annual fee. You will find the programme of activities as well as all relevant information on the SUAPS website.

Doing sport off campus

All UNICAEN campuses and sites are located in cities that offer numerous sports activities and events and provide facilities accessible to all.

Integration activities

The UNICAEN Euraxess Centre offers, throughout the year, social events, visits, and excursions for international researchers and their families. These activities provide an opportunity to discover the richness of Normandy’s heritage while also encouraging exchanges between researchers from around the world.

The programme includes, depending on the time of year, an excursion to Mont-Saint-Michel, a visit to a Norman cider house, a tour of the Museum of Fine Arts, and many other events. The schedule of events for 2026–2027 will be published soon. We invite you to check this page regularly for upcoming dates and to stay in contact with the Euraxess Centre coordinator.

Culture

The University of Caen Normandy benefits from a vibrant cultural life, open to its entire community—its students, of course, but also its staff. It offers a rich and diverse programme of lectures, exhibitions, film screenings, concerts and more, with something to suit every interest.

Feel free to check the UNICAEN events calendar and follow the University of Caen Normandy on social media to stay informed!

On-campus dining

University restaurants (RU – restaurant universitaire) and cafeterias

The CROUS has several university restaurants and cafeterias for students on the different UNICAEN campuses. You will find complete, varied, and balanced meals, as well as quick options (sandwiches, pasta boxes, etc.), drinks, pastries, and much more to satisfy your appetite.

Specific diets

  • Vegetarian: Every day, the CROUS offers at least one vegetarian meal in each university restaurant.
  • Pork-free: There is a wide choice of pork-free dishes.
  • Halal: At present, CROUS catering facilities do not offer halal dishes. If you follow this diet, we advise you to choose vegetarian options.
  • Food allergies/intolerances: If you suffer from food allergies or intolerances, you can consult the specific information board at the entrance of the Resto’U. If in doubt, do not hesitate to ask the staff.

Prices and payment

The price of a meal at a CROUS restaurant depends on your university status. A full meal costs €1 for students. This “student meal tray” price is the same across all CROUS centres in France, where you can also eat by presenting your Léocarte.

It is not possible to pay in cash at the Resto’U or in the Crous cafeterias.

To pay for your meals or snacks, you can use:

  • your IZLY account (leocarte or smartphone application)
  • your bank card (French or international)

Locations and opening hours