The iPSRS Student Agreement is a formal contract between each student and the consortium of universities running the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Intelligent Photonics for Security, Reliability and Safety. It sets out the student’s rights and responsibilities, along with the commitments of the consortium. The agreement covers academic rules, mobility pathways, thesis and internship requirements, financial arrangements, and ethical conduct. In short, it provides a clear and transparent framework to guide students throughout their two-year international programme. It must be signed before by the student before arrival

To help you prepare, we have compiled a set of prerequisites in mathematics, optics, and waves that you are expected to master before your arrival. This preparation is crucial: it will allow you to follow the courses effectively and to participate actively in discussions, labs, and lectures from day one.

During the Induction Week, a mandatory test will be held to assess your level in these prerequisites. The test will be supervised, without any documents or smartphones allowed. Its purpose is to:

- Give you a clear idea of your current level.

- Help us better support you in your learning process.

- Correlate your prerequisite knowledge with your performance in Semester 1.

We strongly encourage you to start working on these topics now, using the attached document, which provides:

- Key concepts you need to know.

- Recommended online resources for learning and practicing.

- Objectives for each topic to guide your study.

Arriving prepared will make a huge difference in your ability to succeed and to enjoy your studies from the very beginning. 

Peer-to-peer survival guide mixing administrative guidance, personal tips, and lived experiences, designed to make the students’ multi-country mobility smoother and less overwhelming

✅ Before Arrival in France

   📄 Visa: Apply early, keep copies of all documents.

   🏠 Accommodation: Options in Saint-Étienne (CROUS, private residences, shared flats).

   ✈️ Travel: Book flight/train, plan arrival.

   📑 Documents: Translate diplomas, birth certificate, insurance papers.

   💰 Budget: Plan ~1–2 months of expenses before first allowance.

✅ After Arrival in France

   🏦 Bank Account: Open quickly for allowance payments.

   📱 Phone: Buy SIM card, set up data plan.

   🏠 Housing Aid: Apply for CAF (with rental contract + bank account).

   🏥 Health: Register with Social Security, choose a GP, get student health insurance.

   🚍 Transport: Buy monthly bus/tram pass.

   💡 Utilities: Sign contract for electricity/water if in private housing.

✅ Mobility to Finland (UEF)

   📄 Mobility Notice: Complete all paperwork before leaving France.

   🏠 Housing: Apply through Joensuun Elli early.

   🆔 DVV Number: Register upon arrival.

   ❄️ Winter Prep: Bring/buy warm clothes & shoes.

   🏥 Health: Use Finnish Student Health Service (YTHS).

✅ General Advice

   📘 Read your Student Agreement carefully.

   🤝 Seek support: Ask older cohorts & staff for help.

   🎯 Be proactive: for internships, thesis topics, and research opportunities.

   💬 Stay connected: Join WhatsApp/Instagram groups.

👉 Keep this checklist handy — it’s your survival guide for a smooth start in iPSRS!