Living in Clermont-Ferrand
Choosing a school also means choosing a living environment. Clermont-Ferrand offers an ideal setting, combining a vibrant student life, a high quality of life and proximity to nature.
An attractive student city with over 42,000 students, 10% of whom are international, it appeals for its low cost of living, friendly atmosphere and vibrant cultural scene. Its economic landscape, driven by companies such as Michelin and Limagrain, offers numerous career opportunities.
The city offers a rich cultural life, with major events such as the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and Europavox, as well as many concerts and activities throughout the year.
In terms of its surroundings, the city is located beneath the Puy de Dôme and close to the Auvergne Volcanoes Regional Nature Park, offering excellent access to hiking, lakes and outdoor sports. It is also renowned for its vibrant sporting scene, with iconic clubs such as ASM Clermont Auvergne.
With excellent transport links (train, motorways, airport), Clermont-Ferrand offers easy access to major cities such as Lyon and Paris.
With its blend of academic life, natural surroundings, culture and a vibrant student scene, Clermont-Ferrand offers the perfect balance for success and personal fulfilment.
Student life and the Students’ Union (BDE)
Student life at ISIMA is organised by the Student Union (BDE), the main student association, which organises numerous events throughout the year and helps new students settle in.
The school has around twenty associations and clubs, allowing everyone to get involved according to their interests. The activities on offer are very varied: board games, Japanese culture, the Artists’ Association (BDA), the student newspaper, cheerleading, sport, music and many more.
These societies play an active role in campus life and offer students the chance to develop projects, meet new people and enrich their student experience.
Student accommodation and catering
ISIMA has a limited number of rooms reserved through the CROUS exclusively for new students, for a period of 12 months, which cannot be renewed. Bookings must be made via the MesServices platform, and the booking form must be submitted to the school’s administration office.
In addition, there are numerous private accommodation options and student halls of residence available in Clermont-Ferrand (Stud’City, Estudines, Rabelais, Artémisia, Les Belles Années), as well as hostels for young workers and the HI youth hostel. Specialised platforms and flat-sharing websites (Moversia, LoKaviZ, Erasmusu, Appartager, Immojeune, etc.) can also help you find accommodation.
For catering, students can check out the CROUS restaurants and cafeterias: https://www.crous-clermont.fr/se-restaurer/