Erasmus Experience in Chambery, France by Maya

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I got 360 EUR per month for 4 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Chambery?

Energetic! We were partying every weekend (in some dormitories even every day). There is a lot of sport activities at the Uni which you can do after classes (climbing, skiing, canoeing etc. ).

Would you recommend the city and the University of Chambery to other students?

Chambery is a little city with beautiful landscapes and a lot of culture, if you don't like being pushed in the Parisian metro, you love sports and an active live - you should totally choose Chambery.

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What is the food like?

Delicious! Raclette is my favourite dish since I was in Savoie! As France is a mother of cuisine, in Savoie you can try some new dish combinations. For example fromage and potatoes.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Chambery?

My accommodation was offered me by the University, I didn't need to look for it.

How much does it cost to live in Chambery?

If you are coming for Erasmus to Chambery, you need to think about costs of skiing (about 20 euro with Uni once per month) and travelling. Except for that, you can survive for 100 euro per month with parties included.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I was studying International Management at IAE so we could choose Spanish, English or German. But people studying at the University of Savoie had more choices.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Chambery from your city?

From Poland the cheapest way to get to Chambery is the plane from Poznan/Wrocław/Warsaw to Paris and then take a train. I live in Poznan, 2h by bus from Berlin, so for me the easiest way was a plane from Berlin to Lyon (I paid 30 euro), and the train from Lyon to Chambery costs (about 15 euro).

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Chambery?

Every night was looking pretty similar: till 2 o'clock at O'Pogues, and then for the dance party to CO2 or Mohito. I liked also Melody's and one Irish bar next to the Cathedral with Belgian beer Kriek (which you can buy only there).

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Chambery?

I love French baguettes, it's all you need to eat. There is one pancakes restaurant at the centre (I don't remember the name) and at Faubourg Montmelian there is a lot of kebabs! Next to O'Pogues there is also one Pizzeria with delicious pizzas.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Chambery in the future?

1. Behing the University there are magnificent waterfalls which I discovered unfortunately just at the end of my Erasmus.
2. Do shopping in Carrefour- Bassen or there is Lidl near to the Uni.
3. You definitely need to go to see Lac du Bourget - the deepest lake in France.
4. I recommend you to do a lot of mountaineering! The landscapes are magnificent and its so close to get to the top of any mountain!
5. Take part of Tour de monde au manege if there will be one organised- it doesn't cost, it gives a lot of good experiences to the inhabitants and it's fun!
6. Inscribe on Groupon for Chambery! I bought bowling card for 10 euro.
7. Don't buy transport card for buses. There is 'velobricolage' where you can construct your own bike for 15 euro! When you'll leave, you can give the bike to the others Erasmus students or sell for 20 euro.
8. Often when new students come to the dormitories, they have to buy everything new (pots, baskets, cutlery etc. )- maybe ask some French students if they have some to sell or if some ancient Erasmus student have left some.