MEC Instructions

Updated – July 2014

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Summary

1. Message from the director 5

2. Cité internationale, houses and mixing 5

3. MEC Instructions and Supplementary Regulations 5

4. The MEC Team 6

4.1. The director

4.2. The executive assistant

4.3. The bursar

4.4. The steward

4.5. The receptionists and security guards

4.6. The Housekeeping

5. Your room: payment, services et maintenance 8

5.1. Payment of fees

5.2. Arrival, access cards and keys

5.3. Departure, access cards, keys and inventory

5.4. Mail, messages, telephone and other services

5.5. Property amenities

5.6. Proper maintenance and respect for self and others

5.7. Safety information

6. Day and overnight guests 14

6.1. Day guests

6.2. Overnight guests

7. The common areas 16

7.1. The kitchens

7.2. The terraces

7.3. The Ostiguy Area

7.4. The Wilson Living room

7.5. The Panet-Raymond Living room

7.6. Laundry room, luggage storage, bicycle storage and music rooms

8. Other rules of communal life 18

9. The Residents Committee 19

10. Life in the CIUP 19

11. Life in Paris 21

- Map and useful numbers 24

Note: the masculine form is used solely for the purpose of brevity.

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1. Message from the Director

The House staff and I welcome you to the House of Canadian Students in France. Located in the

heart of the Cite Internationale Universitaire de Paris, the House offers modern accommodation units in

a secure location, in a green housing complex. The dedicated staff, attentive to your needs and respectful

of your study projects, is entirely at your service to ensure you have a comfortable stay in a calm and

friendly atmosphere.

As Director of the House of Canadian Students, it is with great enthusiasm that I welcome you. I assure

you of my support in helping you integrate and my unwavering commitment to the realization of your

projects. Together, we will work to create and maintain an environment enabling your studies and

research. Therefore, you are welcome in the multicultural community of the Cite and enjoy your stay in

our House.

A pleasure to know you and to having met you,

Louis Jolin, LL.D

Director

2. Cité internationale, houses and mixing

The Cité internationale universitaire de Paris (CIUP) was created in the peaceful context of the

1920s. Its goal, then just as now, is to enable academics around the world to share their differences in a

permanent dialogue between cultures. Founded in 1926 at the initiative of Canadian Senator Marcellin

Wilson, the House of Canadian students (MEC) was the second hall of residence to be built on the

CIUP site. Supported by a Canadian private foundation, the House receives no government funding for

its operation. In 2010, it was officially recognized as a non-profit foundation (FRUP) through decree of

the Minister of the Interior. It annually hosts nearly 150 graduate students, researchers, interns and

artists.

Staying at the MEC is much more than just staying in a hall of residence. It is about accepting and

searching for openness to other students residing in the Cite. In order to promote and stimulate this

dialogue of cultures, each house welcomes about 30% foreign students admitted in the national House.

All those seeking admission at the MEC agree to be subjected to a mixing. Refusing this assignment

is similar to refusing the admission or readmission to the MEC. Through mixing, men and women of

different nationalities come together every day at the MEC and other Houses, where they are in

exchange, exchanging, discussing and build connection for a life time.

3. MEC Instructions and Supplementary Regulations

A human society like ours cannot function without a minimum of rules ensuring mutual respect for each

other. It is important that every resident always cares for each other’s wellbeing and for the common

good. The MEC Supplementary Regulations (available on www.etudiantscanadiens.org) have been

prepared in accordance with the General Rules of CIUP. Their aim is to give all of the MEC residents

(long, medium or short stay), its management and its staff, collective rules designed to ensure a

harmonious community life. These regulations, which each resident has received or has been invited to

consult on the MEC website, have a contractual nature, each resident agreeing to respect them during his

stay at MEC. The resident signs a statement to that effect before or upon arrival.

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These MEC Instructions don’t replace the Supplemental Regulations, but specify certain aspects of

these MEC regulations (attached). The resident accepting admission to the MEC is committed to

comply with the general regulations CIUP, the supplementary regulations of the MEC (or the

residential facility) and the MEC Instructions. The natural supplement of the MEC Instructions is the

“Residents Guide,” published annually by the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris.

4. The MEC Team

4.1. The director

The director of the MEC, Professor Louis Jolin, LL.D., is responsible for the smooth running of the

house. He is particularly responsible for the administrative, cultural and financial direction of the MEC.

He is generally available Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to

6:00 p.m., with or without appointment. His email: louis.jolin@etudiantscanadiens.org

4.2. The executive assistant

The executive assistant, Ms. Maryse Ghoneim, is in charge of handling the admission and readmission

records, summer extension, mixing and monitoring the residents during their stay, including breaches of

regulations. She takes care of bookings for short stays. She usually receives residents Monday through

Friday from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Upon arrival, you must report to the office

of Ms. Ghoneim to finalize your admission, complete your file and submit missing documents, if any.

That's when you can get your resident card and validate your documents for CAF (Housing assistance

available for residents). Her email: maryse.ghoneim@etudiantscanadiens.org

4.3. The bursar

The bursar, Mr. Hervé Denizard, receives residents Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

and from 1:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monthly fees are payable (Euro only) no later than the 5th of each

month, preferably by credit card, bank check, bank transfer, or cash. A receipt will be issued for all

payments made. When unable to meet Mr. Denizard to pay the fees, the resident may leave a check (in

Euros) at the Executive Assistant or at the reception, indicating the number of his room on the back of

the check. His email is: herve.denizard@etudiantscanadiens.org

4.4. The steward

Mr. Frédéric Rohart is responsible for the House maintenance. He is responsible for troubleshooting

and technical interventions (leaks, defective lamps, clogged sinks, faulty taps, internet, etc.). Any

request must be reported to the reception and recorded in writing on the form provided for this

purpose. Interventions, except for serious emergencies, are made within 48 hours (working days, i.e.

excluding weekends), but may be extended when ordering spare parts or if the intervention requires the

use of contractors external to MEC. It should be noted that no compensation shall be paid to the resident

inconvenienced by these breakdowns or work.

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4.5. The receptionists and security guards

Miss Ilham Ismaili and a team of part time receptionists will be happy to provide you information about

the House and the Cite. For reasons of safety and quality of the accommodations, the front desk staff is

responsible for supervising the visitors and guests’ access to the House. Residents are urged to cooperate

with the reception for this purpose. The receptionists are also responsible for arrivals and departures,

access to the Wilson Lounge, the mail, fax and copier/ printer services. They are authorized to get

involved on the terraces, kitchens and elsewhere in the MEC to enforce the Supplementary Regulations.

In addition, the security agents are responsible with closing the terraces at scheduled times in the

evening and closing kitchens at midnight. If you want to talk to the receptionist, please report to the

reception desk in the “airlock”. It is forbidden to enter the reception booth; the door must remain

closed at all times.

One must ask at reception regarding a lost or forgotten card, a guest statement and a request for an extra

bed, buying phone credit, buying a prepaid card for the copier/ printer, borrowing equipment such as the

first aid kit, vacuum, etc.., as well as requesting troubleshooting and technical interventions (in the

prescribed form). Note that fans are reserved for rooms with Velux skylights. Residents of other rooms

who want fans must purchase one themselves. Residents with personal mailboxes must get their mail

themselves, with the exception of the parcels.

The reception opening hours are from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., except for a daily lunch break from 12:30

p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (non stop program during the weekends). At night, from 10:00 p.m.

to 8:00 a.m., a night guard provides security at the reception and makes several rounds of the MEC. The

emergency numbers are: 9 (day), 20 (night) or 6848. We are asking residents to kindly cooperate both

with the MEC receptionists and the security guards.

4.6. Housekeeping

Each resident is responsible for the cleanliness of the room throughout their stay. The cleaning staff of

the House is responsible for cleaning the rooms once a week according to a prearranged schedule.

Residents are asked to facilitate their work by clearing the floor and bathrooms of any bulky equipment

or clothing, while allowing easy access without delay to the room.

5. Your room : payment, services and maintenance

5.1. Payment of fees

The amount of the monthly fee must be paid to the MEC bursar on the 1st day of each month,

without a reminder. Any delay beyond the 5th of each month results in a warning from the bursar.

Several repeated delays can lead to removal of the resident. For the medium and long stay resident,

any started fortnight is due (0-15; 16-30/31 of each month), irrespective of the date of arrival and

departure. For security reasons, it is better to pay electronically (via credit card or bank transfer), or

check (in Euros) made to the order of the House for Canadian Students, endorsable in a French bank, or

cash (Euros), in the absence of other means of payment. The list of fees and prices is posted at the

entrance and is also available on the MEC website.

5.2. The arrival, access card and keys

The bank card (mandatory imprint) will be used only if the guarantee deposit will not be sufficient to

cover any damage for which the resident would be responsible or for unpaid fees. Upon arriving at the

reception, the resident will sign a declaration of acknowledgement and respect of the Supplemental

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Regulations of the House and receive a magnetic access card, a key for the mail box and a padlock for

his kitchen locker. In case of loss or non-return upon depart, the replacement cost is 5 € per card or key.

A second access card can be obtained for a visitor against the payment of a 5 € deposit. This key must be

returned upon the guest’s departure and the deposit is refunded. The guest key is only for personal use.

Furthermore, for any room change requested by the resident, if possible at all (which is rather unusual

during the year, since all rooms are occupied), the resident will be charged 50 €.

5.3. Departure, access card, keys and inventory

On departure day we would appreciate it if you will vacate your room by 10 a.m. After this time,

the next night will be invoiced. The security deposit (often called guarantee) equal to the monthly

fee is refunded after the final departure of the resident, by credit card within a month from departure,

according to the bank imprint provided by the bursar and upon verification of the amounts payable by

each resident (verification, among other, that the card and the keys were returned to the reception upon

depart). The deposit also serves as partial or total guarantee for any amount deducted in case of

expected departure or any material damages in the room or elsewhere, without prejudice to an

additional payment by debit card in case of insufficient guarantee.

It is important to remember that the resident must pay the last month of accommodations and that

the security deposit may not substitute this last payment. The security deposit is refunded in full to

the resident upon his depart, if there is no damage or failure to make a payment.

As an exception, the student-resident may benefit of an extension of the stay during the summer months

for academic reasons and subject to MEC availabilities, at an intermediary rate applicable between July

1st and August 31

st. The extension application, duly certified by an official document issued by an

authorized person (research director, head of a laboratory, etc.), must be submitted to the MEC

management as soon as possible, preferably before May 1st.

The resident at the end of his stay (having completed his regulatory stay) cannot benefit from any

extensions and it is imperative that he will vacate his room on June 30th

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Any early departure of a resident before the end of his planned stay may result in three situations,

each involving an additional expense:

First, the resident must inform the management, in writing and with supporting proof,

regarding his early departure one month prior to his departure. Failure to do so, a one or two

week’s compensation payment, upon case, must be paid to MEC. In the case of a short stay, the

original dates of the reservation must be paid, even in the situation of an early departure.

Secondly, if the early departure causes the resident to change the résident change de rate

category (for example by moving from a 6 month stay to a 3 months stay), the difference in rates

will be due prior to the resident’s departure.

Third, the resident must pay as compensation for his early departure (breach of contract) a

month’s fee in case of long and average stays. As noted upon settlement, this payment is set at

one month’s rent and corresponds to the security deposit.

For example, in an extreme situation, but assuming there is no damage to the room, a long stay resident

(so having reserved for at least 6 months) didn’t give a one month notice and is leaving MEC

immediately at the end of 4 months of stay, must pay the difference between the short and long term

stays and a damage fee equivalent to two months of rent (absence of notice and early departure).

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Only serious health or family reasons can justify changing these charges by the management.

5.4. Mail, messages, telephone and other services

Mail is distributed in the mail boxes in the morning, Monday to Saturday included. To have his mail

redirected after his departure, the resident must submit a mail forward order at the Postal Office of

the Cité and present a proof of residence (e.g., resident card). It is not the duty of MEC to forward the

mail or keep it at the reception. The resident can receive only mail that is personally addressed to him.

For those wishing to write to you, the MEC address is:

Mr. Or Mrs. First Last Name, room x

Maison des Étudiants Canadiens

31, boul. Jourdan,

75014 Paris, France

Each room has a telephone and voice mail. A person outside the House can reach a resident by dialing

01 40 78 67 00 during the reception work hours and the call will be transferred to his room. To access

the voice mail of the room it is enough to dial 27. Please keep in mind that the PVC (collect calls) are

not accepted at MEC. Please empty regularly your voice mail. And please inform the reception

regarding any problems connected to the operation of the device.

Considering the low costs of the phone packages offered by the mobile phone operators, it is advised that

the resident will ask for details upon his arrival at MEC.

The volume of the phone can be adjusted by sliding the button on the side of the device. It is highly

suggested to set the level to a minimum as a courtesy to the other residents. When calling another

resident, please do not ring more than five times.

Calls made within MEC

- Calls to the reception only for emergencies: dial 9 (day), 20 (night). For any other request that you

may have, please come down to reception.

- Call made to another room: use 4 digits starting with 6 + the room number: for example, room 1 =

6001, room 12 = 6012, room 355 = 6355.

Calls outside MEC

From his room, the resident can make free calls to mainland France to a landline by dialing 0 and then

the 10 digit number. It is not possible to make calls outside France (international) from the room phone.

A public phone with cards is located outside the East side of the House. It is possible to obtain prepaid

phone cards from the post office or a drugstore. Given the low costs of the phone plans of the mobile

operators, the resident is advised to ask for information upon his arrival.

The House is wired for internet and is fully WiFi. Upon his arrival, the resident will receive the

internet access codes for his computer or tablet. In his room it is advisable to connect directly to an

internet socket (not telephone!) with a standard RJ45 cable for a better and more stable speed than the

WiFi. The RJ45 cables are available for sale at the reception. The WiFi is also available in the Ostiguy

Area or the Panet-Raymond Living Room. The MEC is connected to the optical cable provided by the

Cité internationale universitaire de Paris;

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The users of Skype, FaceTime and other communication software must understand that using the video

requires a lot of bandwidth on the network and, consequently, reduces the quality of communication

when a large number of residents use it in the same time, which is often the case in the evening.

Consequently, we recommend that residents use preferably the audio communication with Skype.

Similarly, it is not recommended to perform high speed downloads (video, games, P2P, etc.) that can

affect the quality of the network.

Another important point is that the time difference with Canada often forces the residents to

communicate with their parents and friends from their rooms late at night. Without realizing, the resident

may end speaking loudly and setting the computer speaker on high, creating an unpleasant noise for the

neighbors who try to study or sleep. Therefore, we suggest using a headset with a microphone, which

allows an excellent communication without disturbing the neighbors.

Computers are also made available to the residents in the Ostiguy Area on the first floor.

Solemn commitment: the resident agrees not to install any routers or any other equipment on the MEC

network. He solemnly undertakes to comply with the French law as well as the internal CIUP regulations

contained in the “Terms of use for the IT means and resources at CIUP”, available on

http://www.ciup.fr/devenir_resident/conditions_admissions/admission

The resident should note that the MEC may have to suspend access to the internet for technical reasons.

It cannot be held responsible for the consequences of such interruptions.

The resident undertakes to fully comply with the French law, in particular the following provisions,

detailed in the aforementioned Terms of use:

Prohibition to download works without authorization and infringe copyright,

Respect the privacy of individuals,

Prohibition of incitement to racial hatred,

Prohibition of condoning crimes and misdemeanors and crimes against humanity,

Prohibition to access or remain fraudulently in all or part of an automated data processing system, to

delete or modify the data contained in the system, or change its operation; prohibition to falsify

computer records.

The resident agrees to use the computer resources while making sure he is not disturbing the operation of

the network and computer systems, not circumventing the security procedures, not introducing malware

(viruses, worms, etc.), having always an updated antivirus installed on his computer. He commits to

respect the rules of courtesy and good manners in his internet correspondence, not to saturate the

network with unreasonable use, disruptive to other users, and not to use the computer resources made

available to him for commercial purposes.

The resident is informed that the MEC and CIUP reserve the right to conduct inspections to ensure

compliance with these rules and the proper functioning of the system. MEC and CIUP assume no

responsibility for the wrongful or criminal actions of the users. Finally, the resident notes that any

violation of these rules, in addition to the civil and criminal penalties provided by law, subject him to

disciplinary sanctions. Thus, CIUP and MEC reserve the right, if necessary, to terminate his access to

this service. The sanctions, taking into account the gravity of the reported infringement, can lead to his

exclusion from the Cité.

A copier/printer is available in the Ostiguy Area (1st floor), using standard A4 paper (80 g/m2). It

is connected to the computers. Cards in the amount of € 5 are for sale at the reception. Each card allows

photocopying or printing 50 pages in black and a dozen colors. From this unit, it is also possible to scan

documents.

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MEC has a fax machine whose number is 01 40 78 68 50. The received messages are charged 20 cents

per page. Messages can be sent from the reception and the service is charged according to the number of

pages and the destination.

5.5. Property amenities

Each room is equipped with at least a mini-bar for drinks and fruits. This is not an actual refrigerator

and the shelf life of the food is significantly lower. Avoid overfilling, as this reduces its effectiveness. In

case of prolonged absence, disconnect it, empty it completely and leave the door open. When leaving the

House, it should be emptied and thoroughly cleaned. However, do not move the mini-bar because of its

fragility. Some rooms have small refrigerators which should be defrosted regularly by the resident and,

in case of prolonged absence or departure, the same instructions as for the mini-bar will apply here, too.

The resident ensures the proper maintenance of his room and the equipment made available. Each room

is fully furnished and the furniture cannot be moved and no equipment (e.g., sofa, mattress or

additional heater) can be added.

In the rooms are allowed: a computer, an electric shaver, hair dryer and a radio/alarm clock.

It is forbidden to cook or iron clothes in the room. For obvious safety reasons, items such an

electric stove, radiator, gas appliance, iron, microwave oven, coffee maker, candles, hookah or

other combustion device, etc. are totally forbidden. Their use may cause power failures and fires.

If such an object is found, it will be confiscated by the management without warning and returned

to the resident upon his departure.

The following precautions should be taken with regard to hair dryers and electric shavers: they only

work on 220 volts. If his devices operate on 110 volts, the resident must be equipped with a suitable

adapter converter. In addition, it is dangerous to use electrical extension cords and multiple sockets that

are not equipped with a grounded plug.

The resident must close his windows and French doors during his absences, especially the Velux

skylights, in order to prevent water damage in the rooms. In the event of water damage due to a Velux or

a window that remained open, the resident will be liable for the incurred damages.

5.6. Proper maintenance and respect for self and others

Residents are responsible for the cleanliness of their room throughout their stay (mini-bar, closet and

furniture), including the sanitary facilities. Purchasing toilet paper, soap, sponge, mop and cleaning

products is the responsibility of the resident. A vacuum cleaner is available at the reception (to be

borrowed for an hour maximum: please empty the vacuum in your trash can after use). One must use

plastic bags for garbage and put them in the trash cans storage located in the basement (not in the

kitchen), according to the following sorting: glass containers in white trash can, recyclables in yellow

trash can and other waste in green trash cans. Any discrepancy of technical incident in his room or

otherwise must be reported at the reception as soon as possible.

MEC is located in a wooded area without window screens. Therefore, to avoid the proliferation of

insects by moisture, it is forbidden to wash clothes in the room and, even more so, to suspend the wet

clothes in the room in any way whatsoever, for example wall lamps and cords (reminder: the dryer for

laundry in the basement is free). Drying clothes in the rooms attracts harmful insects, which are sure to

come and visit you. It will then be necessary to apply chemical treatments in your room, and we believe

that you are not interested.

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Similarly, no food should be kept in the open air: all food must be packaged well and placed in sealed

containers to prevent the proliferation of insects. Dirty dishes do not belong either in the room or in the

kitchen locker: dishes are to be cleaned in the kitchen and not in the room (except for studios with

kitchenette).

No pictures, posters, or any other objects are to be hanged, pinned up, or pasted (e.g., with scotch tape)

on the room walls. It is better to use sticky gum to avoid degrading the plaster. No display or personal

messages are allowed on the doors.

The residents are asked not to:

- throw anything out the windows;

- to deposit objects or luggage in the hallways;

- to store bicycles in the rooms;

- to keep pets (dogs, cats, birds, etc.) in the room or elsewhere in the MEC;

- place anything on windowsills (clothing, shoes, plants, bottles, etc.), the Prefecture of Paris forbidding

to place any objects on ledges or suspended between windows. Of course, it is forbidden to sit on the

window sill or go on the roof of Wilson Living room.

- park in the Cité park. Two hour permits are available for loading and unloading the car; they should be

requested from the reception (24 hours in advance if possible, since the security post at 27 blvd. Jourdan

must be informed). This permit is not available for visitors or guests.

The costs incurred for work, where appropriate, made necessary by the non-compliance with the MEC

rules will be the resident’s responsibility.

Any noise disturbing your neighbors’ work or rest is forbidden in the MEC. The noise must be

reduced by avoiding loud voice conversations on the terraces, hallways, kitchens and rooms,

especially after 10:30 p.m. The MEC having a very strong echo (concrete construction), it is better to

use the headphones for music in your room.

The housing cleaning is mandatory done each week by the service staff. The staff should not be

disturbed in its work and should be treated with courtesy. The resident must organize his things and

clean the floor and bathroom of any bulky items or clothing in order to facilitate the task of the cleaning

staff. Sheets are changed every two weeks, usually on Friday, according to a schedule provided for

this purpose. To be changed, the dirty sheets must be put by 9 a.m. at the room’s door. The resident must

change himself the sheets on his own bed, for health reasons it is forbidden to sleep directly on the

mattress or the mattress pad.

Please note that, for health, maintenance or safety reasons, the authorized MEC staff may enter at any

time the resident’s room, by announcing themselves, to respect the resident’s privacy. Under no

circumstances may the resident prohibit the access to his accommodation.

The MEC staff is authorized to give written warnings on behalf of the management during the

room visits. Once two reminders had no effect on the cleanliness, additional cleaning services may be

charged to the resident. Any damage caused by improper use of the above will be charged to the resident

immediately or will be deducted from his security deposit.

5.7. Safety information

For the safety of all the House residents, it is important to comply with the following steps:

The room use is personal and not transferable: no other person has the right to live there. A

resident may not host a parent or friend in his room, not even for one night, unless it is with the

management’s approval. Similarly, any transfer of the room, free or not, during his absence is

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strictly forbidden. It is forbidden to lend to anyone the access card, which has a code attached to

your name. The use of this card is personal. Any violation of these provisions may result in the

exclusion of the non-resident occupant without any rights or title and the implementation

against the room resident of a financial penalty (see price list) and may lead to his expulsion

from MEC.

When entering the MEC, do not allow any strangers to enter the House. Instead, let the front

desk take care of a person without a magnetic card, Report at the reception any suspect visitors:

outsiders not accompanied by a resident are not authorized to enter in the House, walk around

and, it goes without saying, stay there. Do not open your room door without being sure of the

identity of the visitor.

Lock the door of your room when you leave even for just a few moments and don’t leave your

money in a visible place. It is recommended that residents don’t leave valuables in their room,

and, if that happens, take out a personal insurance. This recommendation is especially important

for residents who own computer equipment.

The MEC cannot be held responsible for thefts in the rooms, kitchens, luggage room or any

other place in the House.

Do not obstruct the emergency exits and do not leave their doors open. Read the fire safety plan

that is in the hallway and make sure you know the procedure to follow in case of fire. Access to

emergency exits is prohibited except in case of an emergency.

The MEC is entirely non-smoking area: it is forbidden to smoke in the rooms, kitchens,

hallways and into any interior area, including windows. No tolerance shall be permitted.

Any emergency calls are addressed to the MEC reception staff (by dialing 9 during the day and

20 or 6848 at night). In cases of extreme emergency, residents may call the SAMU directly by

dialing 15 or the security officers from the booth on 27 boulevard Jourdan (tel: 01.44.16.66.00).

6. Day and overnight guests

6.1. Day guests

The MEC rooms, public areas such as the kitchens, terraces and lounges are for the House

residents. A resident may occasionally receive a guest, but any abuse can only affect the quality of

life of other residents who live here and who also have a right to calm, privacy and security. Any

resident, since he is responsible for his guest at any time, must ensure that he knows him well and he is

responsible.

Thus any guest must report to reception to announce his visit. The resident must come and meet the

guest at the reception. In case of absence or refusal of the resident, access to the MEC is not allowed.

No visits are allowed between midnight and 8:00 a.m. The guest does not have access to the

computer room or the Ostiguy Area, even when accompanied.

The rule applied in the MEC is one guest per resident. But all understand that if each one of the 150

residents would have one guest each, the situation would be untenable. While it is accepted to have a

guest now and then, it is not desirable to have many guests in the MEC shared areas. Thus, the

kitchens, terraces, the Panet-Raymond Living room are primarily for the MEC residents. If

residents want to party with guests, the MEC is not the place for it; one has to go elsewhere to celebrate

and guests must wait for the residents outside the MEC, not in kitchens and other common areas

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reserved for residents. Together with the Residents Committee, exceptions may be granted by

management for special events. Any abuse by some residents may only lead to a deterioration of the

quality of life at the MEC, to the detriment of other residents who also use the common areas where

they have the right to get together and relax without being bothered by outsiders.

After 10:00 p.m. all guests who have not been registered as staying overnight will have to leave an ID at

the reception, to take it back upon their departure before midnight. If the guest doesn’t leave by

midnight, a 20 € penalty will be paid by him guest upon departure or by the resident the following day.

A guest who can’t or doesn’t want to provide an ID after 10 p.m. may not enter or remain in the

MEC.

6.2. The overnight guests

We repeat, the MEC is not designed to accommodate regularly additional occupants. The hot

water tanks, the number of showers and toilets, kitchen space on the floors, etc.., are planned based on

150 people occupancy. A significantly higher occupancy becomes a source of discomfort for everyone

and the quality of communal life will be greatly affected. The resulting increase in general expenses

would have repercussions on the room rate for all residents. Finally, the safety of the premises could be

affected.

For these reasons, a compensation fee of € 6 per night is required for each guest. In addition, a

medium or long stay resident can host a guest at most 20 days per semester, non cumulative from one

semester to the other (September to January inclusive; from February to June inclusive) and 8

days for the period July and August. The essence of this rule is to give the resident the opportunity to

receive a passing friend or family member during his long stay. This rule is not a license for rooms’

double occupancy on a regular basis. If such a situation repeats beyond 20 days per semester it would

likely lead to the MEC resident’s expulsion.

The procedure to host a guest is as follows: each resident must declare to the reception the guest he

wants to host for one or more nights there and apply for an additional folding bed two working days (i.e.

excluding weekends) in advance. The MEC beds do not support the weight of two people for extended

periods. Therefore, each resident must seek an extra bed for his guest. Damage to a bed by misuse will

be deducted from the damage guarantee deposit. Furthermore, it is prohibited to use an inflatable

mattress or any other mattress that does not belong to the MEC. Even if there are no additional

beds because none are available or the request was made too late, hosting a guest costs the resident 6 €

from the first night, payable in advance, same evening, if necessary.

As a safety requirement, every person on the MEC after 10 p.m. must present an ID first. Upon arrival

of the guest, a passport or identity card must be presented and photocopied by the reception. If,

exceptionally, a resident arrives after midnight with a guest not declared in advance, he must inform the

guard at the reception on the spot (photocopy of ID) and pay € 6 for the guest.

For a resident of a studio or an apartment, a guest is a person who has not been declared when

booking. Accommodating only one guest is therefore permitted however, in respecting the following

rules: declare the guest to the reception and pay the fee according to the number of nights (maximum

20 nights per semester and a total of 8 nights over the summer).

The short-stay resident (passenger) is not allowed to host a guest in his room. If two passengers

wish to reside in the same room, they must apply for a double room at the time of booking (if available)

and pay the double room rate. A guest is never allowed in a double room.

Note that if a person is present in the house without his identity being registered at the reception, it is

likely that will be excluded from the MEC by the security service. The resident who hosts him in

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his room will have to pay a 20 € penalty and is subject to exclusion by the Director. The MEC is a

student residence where security must be ensured 24/7. If a resident or his guest use other ways of

access than the reception to enter or leave the MEC, the guest will be expelled and the resident is

liable to be expelled. MEC does not tolerate an undeclared guest or the resident who lets him in

or hosts.

It is important to remember that the holder of the room assumes responsibility for the behavior of his

guest for the indicated period, including the payment of € 20 if the guest was not first declared to the

reception. A resident who does not wish to comply with this rule will be asked to leave the

residence.

7. The common areas

The common areas are available to all residents; the latter are responsible for cleaning and putting

everything away in these rooms after use.

7.1. The kitchens

Each resident is assigned a personal locker with key corresponding to his room number, for storing his

dishes and food. MEC provides no kitchen equipment (pots, plates, glasses ...). Furniture, particularly

that of the kitchen in the basement and first floor, should not end up on the adjoining outdoor terraces.

Everyone is responsible for the cleanliness of the premises: each resident must use their own dishes,

pot and stove, clean and store in his locker after use, if not in his room. Food must also be placed in

the individual locker in closed containers, to prevent the proliferation of harmful insects.

Condiments should be put away in closed containers. The tables must be cleaned and the floor swept, if

needed. For hygiene and health reasons, vessels, containers and open and dirty dishes left in the kitchen

will be thrown away.

Food scraps and bottles should be placed in the appropriate bins and trays. To avoid clogged sinks and

spills, food scraps are dumped into the trash and not in the sink.

Any noise or loud conversation must stop in the kitchen after 10:30 p.m., out of respect for all residents,

especially those who have rooms nearby. The kitchens are closed from midnight until six o'clock the

next morning.

The kitchen is not a party place. No music is allowed in the kitchen. To ensure the respect and peace

of other residents, please keep the kitchen door closed: there are residents staying next door! Residents’

celebrations actually monopolizing kitchen floors for several hours, are prohibited unless there is a

special permission from the management. The kitchens are a friendly meeting place for residents, where

exchanges and discussions during the meals are favored. For the sake of this goal, everyone needs to

make a difference in terms of cleanliness and civic-mindedness.

7.2. The terraces

The terraces are used as a friendly place to promote exchanges between the MEC residents. These

terraces, like the kitchens, are not places for entertaining guests, apart from exceptional cases, according

to the “one guest per resident” rule. No party can be made without the prior authorization of the

management. To respect other residents whose rooms overlook the terrace, the access to the terraces is

not permitted between 10:30 pm (11 pm on Friday and Saturday) until 7 am the next morning. It is

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important that the last residents to leave the terrace dispose of all waste and bottles, which will be

placed in the bins and trash cans provided for this purpose.

The Ostiguy Area terrace is accessible from the first floor kitchen. There one can find outdoor tables

and chairs. The residents are asked not to bring out the kitchen furniture to put it on the terrace; it is not

made for outdoor use.

The BBQ terrace adjacent to the Wilson Living room, near the entrance of the MEC, is equipped

with picnic tables and two fixed BBQs. No one is to cook on this terrace after 10 pm. The kitchen in the

basement, often used during BBQ-ing, must be cleaned as well at the end of the evening, out of respect

for the residents not necessarily participating in the BBQ, but also having a right to their own kitchen in

the basement.

In deference to the other residents of the MEC or neighboring houses not participating in these

activities, music is not allowed on the two terraces. Avoid loud voices and yelling. Think of the

residents staying just next door and who are studying or looking for peace.

7.3. The Ostiguy Area

Computers available in the study room are intended for research, academic work and emails. Any other

use is prohibited. A copier/printer is available. The study room is used primarily for reading and

intellectual work. The reading and computer areas are strictly reserved for MEC residents, not their

guests. Silence is obligatory at any time of day or night. No food or drinks are permitted.

7.4. The Wilson Living room

Any person using the Wilson Living room is responsible for the desired layout (placement of chairs or

tables, if applicable) and reorganizing and cleaning up after the activity. The concert piano from the

Wilson Living room is used only for recitals and concerts and is reserved for professional pianists.

When the Living room is reserved for activities, under no circumstances will the decorations or other

temporary interventions lead, when installed, to a degradation of the wall or ceiling finishing. Finally,

in case of an acoustic dispute, the authorized Wilson Living room activities have priority over the

activities on the BBQ terrace.

7.5. The Panet-Raymond Living room

The Panet-Raymond Living room, located near the administrative offices, is a multipurpose room used

primarily as a TV room. At any time and at all times, the rule is “first come, first served” in what

concerns the choice of TV channels.

The Panet-Raymond Living room also serves residents of the MEC who wish to meet and talk when the

rest of the MEC and rooms must remain quiet. The Panet-Raymond Living room is available after

midnight, but exclusively for MEC residents and their registered over-night guests. Although the Panet-

Raymond Living room is better insulated against noise than the rooms, it is necessary, while having fun,

to still be reasonable and avoid loud voices and yelling, given the proximity on the floor of the studios

and rooms on the floor above, especially after 10:30 p.m.

The Panet-Raymond Living room is equipped with a microwave and a kettle for coffee and tea and

possibly to satisfy a hunger at night, when the kitchens are closed. But this room is neither a kitchen,

nor a dining room. It is not a place to take your breakfast, lunch or dinner by bringing plates

from the kitchen or elsewhere. It is important that those who use the living room are responsible for

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its cleanliness and put empty bottles and cans for recycling, waste in the trash and clean the floor. A

broom and dustpan are available to the residents. It is not the cleaning team’s job to do this work.

No party can be made without the prior permission of the management. The resident in charge of

such a party must organize it while keeping in mind the conditions listed in the Living room and

declare, if necessary, all the guests at the reception, according to the rule “one guest per resident.” The

guests must leave the Living room before midnight. At the end of the party, he must ensure that the

cleaning will be done and that all appliances are turned off. It is understood that organizing a private

party in the Panet-Raymond Living room will deprive other residents of access to the living room

during this time; therefore, it should occur rarely and after confirming with the management. The

Panet-Raymond Living room, like the kitchens, may not be used for the activities of a group outside the

MEC (friends or colleagues), even if a resident or more residents are part of this group.

7.6. Laundry facilities, luggage storage, bike storage and music rooms

Two washers and two dryers are located in the basement. The laundry is open 24/7. An external

company is responsible for these machines and, in case of a problem we need to address it by following

the instructions provided in the laundry room. The money meter does not return money; also the

resident must purchase his soap. For priority use from 6:30 am to 11 pm, the resident must register the

day before his name and room number on a reservations sheet at the House reception. The list is

available for reservations starting at 5 pm, the day before. Drying is free to encourage the residents to

dry their clothes here rather than in their rooms, where it is forbidden. An iron and an ironing board

are available to residents in the laundry room for the same reason.

A luggage storage, with limited capacity is available to the residents, who can deposit a maximum of

three bags each. To gain access, the resident goes to the reception to receive the necessary labels and

affix them to each bag specifying his name, the date of the deposit and withdrawal of the luggage and

other information. He also leaves at reception a signed statement that releases the MEC of any

responsibility and collects the deposit key. MEC is not responsible for theft or damage.

Given the small size of the luggage storage, it is not allowed to leave personal belongings here at the

end of the academic year, even for a very short period, unless the resident returns to the MEC next

fall, with supporting evidence.

A storage room for bicycles is available to the residents. It is, in fact, forbidden to introduce cycles in

the MEC. The room is accessible with the access card of the resident. No motor vehicle may be stored.

Every bicycle must be equipped with an anti-theft lock and identified with the resident’s name. MEC is

not responsible in case of theft or damage.

Any resident permanently leaving the MEC must remove his luggage from the luggage storage and the

bicycle from the bike storage. After the final departure of a resident, a year and a day after his departure

the House will claim property over any unclaimed items, with no further notice.

Two rehearsal studios with piano located in the basement of the West wing are available to the

musician residents. Guests do not have access. The rooms are open every day from 9 am to 10 pm and

Sunday from noon only. Any malfunction should be brought to the attention of the reception.

8. Other rules of communal life

The MEC is entirely a non-smoking environment. To ensure an optimal quality of life for all

residents, it is forbidden to smoke in the rooms, kitchens, hallways and any interior space of the MEC,

including on the window sill of his room or mini-balconies at the ends of the hallways.

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No exceptions will be permitted: the resident who will smoke in the MEC will be asked to leave,

while paying to clean and possibly repainting his room to remove the smell.

To save energy, please turn off lights and appliances that are not used in your room and the shared

areas. Avoid unnecessarily running the hot water in the shower.

Rest and relaxation: All residents must respect their neighbors and avoid making noise in their rooms

and the hallways, especially in the evening and at night. This obligation to maintain a quiet environment

is justified by the respect that everyone has for the work and for the rest of other residents who study,

write, and relax. With your help, the House can guarantee to provide a period of rest and relaxation

between 10:30 pm and 8 am. The collaboration of each resident is important.

9. The Residents’ Committee

A residents' committee is elected in October of each year. The Committee's mandate ends on the

following June 30, at the end of the academic year. Premises are made available and a budget is

allocated annually by the MEC.

The mandate of the Committee of residents, normally consisting of nine members, is to:

Facilitate the cultural, artistic, social and sporting life of the MEC;

Represent the interests of residents to the Director of the MEC, or any other authority;

Ensure the good relationship and tranquility needed to pursue the studies;

Ensure the preservation and maintenance of equipment and shared areas of the MEC

Maintain good relations with the Committees of the other houses in the Cité;

The Committee traditionally organizes four events a year: Halloween in late October, Christmas in the

beginning of December, Valentine's Day in February and the Residents’ Ball in early May. It is

recommended that any resident who wants to organize and be responsible for a cultural, social or athletic

activity in the MEC to speak first with the Residents Committee, who may be able to help and assume

coordination of the activity.

10. Life in the CIUP

The House of Canadian students, inaugurated in 1926, was the first National House to open its doors in

the Cité Internationale Universitaire de Paris. Today the Cité has 40 houses and hosts at the same time

about 6,000 people. For more information: www.ciup.fr.

The CIUP offers its residents a range of services described in the “Guide for Residents” published

annually and provided to each resident. Without repeating this Guide, otherwise very well written, the

following is a brief reminder of the services offered in the CIUP, most often at the International House,

and described in this guide and on the website of the Cité: www.ciup.fr

One should know first that the Greeting Service for Foreign Students (SAEE) organizes a Special new

academic year for a variety of services at the International House. Dates are not displayed. Students’

applications will be processed onsite by:

The French Office for Immigration and Integration (OFII)

The Prefecture de Police de Paris

The Departmental Directorate of Labor, Employment and Vocational Training

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The National Office for Family Allocations

The student mutual insurances LMDE and SMEREP¸

The RATP

In addition, based on whether you are a student, artist or post-doctoral researcher, international mobility

accompanying services at the International House will be offered to you throughout the academic year:

Greeting Office for Students in Mobility (BAEM): baem@ciup.fr

Greeting Office for Artists and Culture Professionals (BAAPE): baape@ciup.fr

Greeting Office for Foreign Researchers (BACE): bace@ciup.fr

If you experience any difficulties (academic, physical or psychological), the International Social Relay is

at your disposal (Residence Honnorat): relais.social@ciup.fr. The services available are: social support,

educational support, psychological support, psychiatric care and health care.

Services offered at CIUP are:

The Central Library is located on the 2nd floor of International House (offering a WIFI network

22 computer workstations and printing service, printing and copying): bibilotheque@ciup.fr

Resource centers also exist in the following Houses: Brazil, Spain, Heinrich Heine, Japan and

Mexico.

The Langues center is a foreign languages self teaching center: espacelangues@ciup.fr

The dining offers at the International House are the Universitaire Restaurant (menus on

www.ciup.fr, with very affordable rates) and the Cafétéria (on the premises or take away).

The Collège d’Espagne Restaurant (breakfast and lunch) and the Heinrich Heine House Cafétéria

(breakfast and lunch) are open to residents of other Houses and offer catering options.

BNP Paribas Bank and ATMs are available at the International House.

The Post Office, at the main entrance of the CIUP, offers various postal and financial services. It

is open on weekdays from 2 pm to 7 pm.

Cultural life on the CIUP:

The Théâtre de la Cité internationale offers an annual program at www.theatredelacite.com and

rehearsal studios for musicians.

The CIUP orchestra, with student performers and renowned musicians, presents several concerts

during the year.

The CIUP choir is open to all residents and brings together about a hundred singers.

The sport offers at the CIUP consist of two choice programs, one with free activities (“Actisport”:

swimming, tennis, fitness, etc.) and the other training activities to choose from (“Inter U”: yoga, diving,

dance, fencing, martial arts, etc.).

The sports department (at the International House) also organizes multi-sport inter-foundations (TIF)

tournaments among the residents.

Other sports are also offered by the Paris Université Club (PUC). For more information see

www.puc.asso.fr.

The central security station of the Cité (Tel: 01 44 16 66 00) is located close to the MEC, at 27

boulevard Jourdan and is accessible 24/7. For emergencies, here are the main telephone numbers (toll-

free and accessible from all phones). By landline:

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SAMU (medical emergency): dial 15

Fire fighters: dial 18

Police: dial 17

By mobile phone: dial 112

112 is the European emergency call number (medical, police, fire). For use especially if you are not

familiar enough with the French language.

11. Life in Paris

For all the practical information concerning your stay in Paris, beyond what is offered by CIUP and

MEC, it is advisable to consult the internet site and specialized publications. They are constantly

updated, which is important for the transportation and location timetables, whether it is about grocery

stores, markets or museums. Moreover, there are several free applications now available on PC, iPad or

iPhone and other mobile devices to guide you in your choices of activities or life in Paris.

Upon his arrival in the Cité, the resident is advised to go to the Greeting Service for Foreign Students

(SAEE) to receive the most up-to-date information on the validation of his residence visa, the

appointment to the compulsory medical examination, the renewal of his residence permit or change of

status, housing assistance (also available to Canadian students), health insurance, etc. In addition, each

year there is a large Residents Forum at the International House to address all your questions about all

the services of the Cité.

For transport in Ile-de-France (subway, RER, bus, tramway), RATP (www.ratp.fr) offers information

services in some stations, including that of the Cité Universitaire (RER-B), across the MEC. Diagrams of

public transport are available here free of charge. In addition to the metro, RER, tramways and buses,

there are commuter trains. They leave the SNCF train stations and serve the suburbs of Paris. Finally, for

your stays outside Paris, the French and European rail network is highly developed. Again, the booking

online often offers deals and other benefits for travelers. More information at: www.sncf.fr. Remember

also Velib bike rental (www.velib.paris.fr) and Autolib for car rental (http://www.paris.fr/autolib)

available near the Cité.

The Cité universitaire offers numerous and interesting cultural activities during the academic year:

classical music, contemporary or jazz concerts, theater, exhibitions of art, guided tours, etc. Citéscope is

published every month free of charge by CIUP and is also present on the Internet in an interactive

version updated daily. In addition, the catalog of all the libraries in France can be found at

www.sudoc.abes.fr

And Paris offers even more. The best way to become acquainted with its activities is, again, through the

Internet (a site for the beginning: www.paris.fr), or through weekly (and inexpensive) guides such as

Pariscope and l'Officiel des Spectacles, published on Wednesdays. Over the Internet, we not only check

the opening times of museums and libraries, but also the conditions of admission and pricing for

students, as well as the free days (for museums).

The Paris Michelin Guide, a must-have, and many other guides specialized on Paris and France, are sold

at newsstands, but at a better price at Gibert at 26 and 30, boulevard St-Michel, or at the FNAC (several

locations in Paris.

Grocery Stores, bakeries, pharmacies, bazaars, etc.

Several grocery stores and supermarkets are available in the Cité universitaire neighborhood:

Lidl, 88 boulevard Jourdan

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Carrefour Market, 104 avenue du Général Leclerc

G20, between the 119 and 121 avenue du Général Leclerc (Open on Sundays from 8 am to 1

pm)

Franprix, rue De la Voie verte

Franprix, 94 rue de l’Amiral Mouchez

Bio de la nature, 109 avenue du Général Leclerc

Bakeries and patisseries:

L’Épée d’Orléans, corner boulevard Jourdan and rue La Brix et Mesmin

Pascal et Sylvie Robin, 107 boulevard Jourdan

Patisserie at 82 rue de l’Amiral Mouchez

Thevenin, 119 avenue du Général Leclerc

Pharmacies:

109 boulevard Jourdan

122 avenue du Général Leclerc

4 place du 25 août 1944

70 rue de l’Amiral Mouchez

For inexpensive kitchenware and other small items:

Pier Import, 55, avenue du Général Leclerc

Pas Cher, 119, avenue du Général Leclerc

Bazar de la Porte d'Orléans, 113, boulevard Jourdan

The MEC bulletin boards are also a source of bargain. The residents who leave often sell their

casseroles, dishes and utensils at great prices

Dr Diane Beaulieu d’Ivernois and two other doctors accept the Québec health insurance card. Dr.

Beaulieu’s office is located at 20, rue Croix des Petits Champs, 750001, in the 1st arrondissement

(subway Louvre-Rivoli), telephone: 01 53 45 86 00.

The Embassy of Canada

The Embassy of Canada in France is located at 35, avenue Montaigne, in the VIIIth arrondissement of

Paris. The opening hours are from 9 am to 12 pm and from 2 pm to 5 pm. Information services are open

during lunch hours. Tel.: 01 44 43 29 00 (subway Franklin Roosevelt or Alma Marceau). For more

information go to: www.amb-Canada.fr.

The Canadian Cultural Center is located at 5, rue de Constantine (RER and subway Invalides). The

opening hours are Tuesday to Friday, from 10 am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 2 pm to 6 pm.

Telephone: 01 44 43 21 90; The University Relations Department organizes sessions of information for

students wishing to study in Canada. Tel: 01 44 43 21 90; fax: 01 44 43 21 99. For more information:

www.canada-culture.org.

The General Delegation of Québec

The General Delegation of Québec is open Monday to Friday, from 9 am to 5 pm. It is located at 66, rue

Pergolèse, in the XVIth arrondissement (subway Argentine or Porte Dauphine), telephone is 01 40 67 85

00. To become familiar with the role of the different services of the Delegation and the Québec cultural

activities in France, visit the site www.delegationquebec.fr. The documentary fund has been recently

transferred to the Gaston Miron Library (13, rue Santeuil, Centre Censier; 75005 Paris: 01 45 87 78 29).

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Last word

This MEC information is a basic tool and, thus, not exhaustive. For any suggestions for improvement,

please contact the MEC manager.

Please, consult regularly the website: www.etudiantscanadiens.org

The entire MEC team is wishing you a good stay!

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Useful Numbers:

Day Emergencies (interior) (reception): 9

Night Emergencies (interior) (10 pm to 8 am): 20

CIUP Security (27 Jourdan booth) 01 44 16 66 00

Police 17

Firefighters 18

SAMU (Service d’Aide Médicale d’Urgence) 15

European Emergency (mobile, english) 112

S.O.S. Médecins 01 47 07 77 77

01 43 37 04 04

Anti-poisoning Center 01 40 05 48 48

S.O.S. Psychiatry 01 47 07 24 24

Emergencies St-Joseph Hospital 01 44 12 37 86

Dr. Diane Beaulieu d’Ivernois (RAMQ) 01 53 45 86 00

Dental Health Center 01 53 90 10 51

Pharmacy on 109 boul. Jourdan 01 45 40 78 53

Pharmacy on 70 rue de l’Amiral Mouchez 01 45 88 78 44