You could open an account with an online bank, such as N26 or Revolut. We are not affiliated with them, so check carefully. The CIUP may be able to help.
If you want a bank in France, have a look at HSBC, Caisse d’Epargne, La Poste, Ma French Bank… and many more. However, we cannot guarantee that you will be able to find English speaking employees.
You will need to present: your passport (and visa if applicable), your certificat de scolarité (given to you by the university after your administrative registration), a document proving your French address (a bill, for example), a birth certificate translated into French (if your place of birth does not appear on your passport). It may be a simpler process with an online bank.
We do not endorse any of these banks, we are simply offering some leads. You are the one responsible for your choice.
If you come from the US, you will need a tax statement.
Written in September 2020