Summer can be a challenging time for some students. Classes stop, student organizations slow down their activities, and expenses continue.
Good news: several types of support remain accessible during the summer holidays. Here's what you need to know to find food assistance, financial support, or guidance near you.
The CROUS needs-based scholarship is normally paid over 10 months.
If you finished your studies by July 1st, payments will stop.
However, if you continue your studies into the next academic year, you can continue to receive your scholarship during the summer thanks to the 4th term. This allows you to receive 12 monthly payments over the academic year¹.,².
If in doubt:
Some university restaurants remain open during the summer holidays.
However:
The 1-euro meal remains available in open CROUS facilities. Since May 2026, it has been accessible to all students, whether they receive financial aid or not³.
Before you go, check the opening hours on your CROUS website³.
Summer can be a lonely time for many students.
Some individuals stay in their university town because they work, lack financial resources, or live far from their families.
During this period, it's important to know about open facilities near you:
📖 To learn more: How to find free activities near you?
The AGORAé network, supported by FAGE, offers solidarity grocery stores in many university towns.
You can buy there:
Prices are heavily reduced, often less than 20% of regular prices.
These grocery stores are accessible to many students, including international students⁴.
Several associations organize free distributions during the summer.
For example:
These organizations often distribute:
Opening hours may change during holidays. Please check before visiting⁴.
Food aid organizations are present in most cities.
They can assist students facing financial or food insecurity.
To learn more: How to find food assistance near you?
I can find free or low-cost food on Soliguide.
The One-off Emergency Aid can be requested in cases of significant financial difficulty.
It can be granted particularly in cases of:
Applications are made to your CROUS social services via messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr².
The University Solidarity Fund (FSU) helps students who are experiencing temporary or long-term financial difficulties.
This assistance can be between 200 and 800 euros².
It can be paid once or twice a year depending on your situation.
The FSU is often one of the first resources to turn to when you are short on funds².
Some local authorities offer additional assistance.
Depending on your region, you may find:
Inquire with:
To learn more: Understand the financial aid available depending on your region.
Soliguide freely lists support organizations available throughout France.
You can search for:
Simply enter your city or postal code.
Soliguide is:
With just a few clicks, you can find services open near you.
Don't wait until you're struggling to seek help.
Yes, if you continue your studies in the next academic year and meet the conditions for the 4th term¹².
Yes. It remains available in CROUS university restaurants that stay open during the summer³.
You can contact solidarity grocery stores, student associations, or search for an organization on Soliguide⁴.
Yes. Some organizations, such as AGORAé, also welcome international students⁴.
You must contact your CROUS social services department and submit an application on messervices.etudiant.gouv.fr².
The FSU is financial aid for students experiencing temporary or long-term financial difficulties².
The programs vary by city, department, and region. It is necessary to inquire locally.
Hours may change. Consult the official websites of the organizations or use Soliguide to check for updated information.
Yes. Soliguide is free, anonymous, and accessible without registration.
You can reach out to associations, social organizations, or consult Soliguide to find activities and welcome centers near you.
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