Group of seven students wearing UPSaclay hoodies and tote bags

Université Paris-Saclay

Campus Life

Contact Information

Introduction

Université Paris-Saclay is a premier public research university situated in the south of Paris, France. Renowned both in Europe and globally, it spans diverse fields including Science and Engineering, Life Sciences and Health, as well as Humanities and Social Sciences. With a community of 50,000 students, 8,100 researchers and academic staff, and 8,500 technical and administrative staff, Université Paris-Saclay stands as a pillar of educational excellence and regional development.

Paris, located just 30 km from Université Paris-Saclay, is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Abundant in history, stunning architecture, world-class art, and unique charm, Paris attracts visitors from around the globe.

History

Founded in January 2021, Université Paris-Saclay emerged from the union of various universities, grandes écoles, and research organizations, succeeding Université Paris-XI-SUD. It encompasses component institutions such as CentraleSupélec, AgroParisTech, ENS Paris-Saclay, and the Institut d'Optique Graduate School, along with associate institutions Université de Versailles Saint-Quentin-en-Yvelines (UVSQ) and Université d’Évry Val d'Essonne (UEVE).

Highlights

  • Université Paris-Saclay has consistently ranked in the top 20 of the Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) since its inception in 2020, and 1st in continental Europe.

  • In 2024, it was ranked 5th in the Young University Rankings.

  • The university holds the 2nd position worldwide for Mathematics and 3rd for Physics.

  • Université Paris-Saclay represents 13% of French research.

Services and Facilities

Transport

A general map of Université Paris-Saclay can be found here.

 

Coming from Outside Ile-de-France

  • By Train: The nearest station is Massy TGV. Take the RER B to Orsay-Ville or Le Guichet.

  • From Paris: Direct access to the RER B from Gare du Nord. Other stations require a metro or RER transfer to the RER B line.

  • By Plane: The closest airport is Orly.

Coming from Ile-de-France

  • By Public Transport: RER B to Massy-Palaiseau, Le Guichet, or Orsay-Ville.

  • By Bus: Routes 91.06 from Massy-Palaiseau, 91.08 from Le Guichet, line 7 from Orsay-Ville, and line 9 from Jouy-en-Josas.

  • By Car: Via the N118, exit N°9.

  • By Bike: Utilise the campus cycle paths.

Libraries

Discover the extensive libraries, media libraries, and documentation centres across the university's member establishments. Université Paris-Saclay welcomes you in its four libraries (Châtenay-Malabry, Kremlin-Bicêtre, Orsay and Sceaux), and in its research libraries. More information here.

Accomodation

Find accommodation through the CASA Housing Platform, designed to cater to your profile and needs. This platform provides a comprehensive view of available public and private housing options across all university campuses. Get to Casa.

Culture, Arts, Sciences, and Society

Université Paris-Saclay offers students a wide range of cultural activities to engage with creativity and develop skills and wellbeing. Theatre, dance, music, writing, photography, etc. Access the cultural offer here

Useful cultural websites

Top 10 cultural places to visit in Paris

This partner association of Université Paris-Saclay also offers several cultural visits. There is a nominal charge for these visits. For more information, you can visit the official website of culture and leisure at our university here.

 

Sports

Thanks to the SUAPS – the University's Sports Activities organisation - and various student sports clubs, there are over 80 different sports activities on offer at the Sports portal.

Student Life and Associations

Access here essential information related to student life and associations at Université Paris-Saclay.

 

Health and Well-being

The Student Health Service (Service de Santé Étudiante - SSE) offers preventive consultations funded by the university, ensuring easy access to healthcare across multiple campuses.

Services available:

  • Compulsory medical check-ups for first-time students and for students following a training course presenting professional risks.

  • Medical consultations

  • Specific accommodation for students with a significant health problem or disability, whether temporary or permanent (see study accommodation page).

  • Issuance of medical certificates of aptitude (admission to university residence, temporary work, internships, ...).

  • Advice and referral to external care services.

More information here.

Disability Support

Université Paris-Saclay is committed to inclusivity, providing support and resources for individuals with disabilities. The Disability and Studies Department is aimed at students with all disabilities, whether motor, sensory or psychological.

The University’s disability advisors coordinate all efforts in order to identify your research projects, analyse your needs and prepare a personalised assistance and adaptation plan. More information here.

 

Catering

The CROUS offers two options when it comes to lunch:

  • University restaurants

  • Cafeterias

To find out more, head to the Versailles CROUS website.

To discover the open catering services here

Your student card allows you to top up your Izly account and pay for CROUS services such as restaurants or cafeterias.

Special Initiatives

  • €1 Meal: Available since September 2020 for students with a grant and since January 2021 for all students in need.

  • Vegetarian Meals: Offered daily, with a special vegetarian menu on Green Mondays.

 

Cost of Living in France

The cost of living in the Paris region is high. We advise you to calculate your budget in advance for a smoother arrival in France. 

Please read carefully this guide to know the budget you will need for your stay. More information here.