Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Carola

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Because I've always loved this city and I'd like to Experience the real and everyday life of Paris. I also wanted to improve my French.

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

It is five months long. I have not received money yet, but in theory i would have received 280 € per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

It's not the typical Erasmus life. You have to study a lot and you have to know how to organize your time. The night life is very chaotic, even too much. At night Paris is very dangeorus, with all the clochards and drunk People. It's a big and multi-ethnic town, so you have to be careful like in every other big town.

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

Sincerly, no, I wouldn't. Paris is really beautiful, but not for students. It's better to work here or to do a stage. The inhabitants of Paris are really close mind, they don't trust on the foreign People and most of them don't consider you at all. There are some exceptions obviously. The rest of French People is more friendly and kind.

What is the food like?

It's good. You hve to try the typical products: Galettes, crepes, foie fras, croque madame and monsieur, the cheeses. The best things are the desserts: Your breakfast and your breaks will be very sweet, with Pan au chocolat and éclaires.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

Yes!!! It's really difficult, you havr to start your researches months before your leaving. You can make applications to different residences of Crous or to the cité université. If you want to save money, look for an accomodation near Paris but not in Paris! Look At charenton le Pont, ivry sur seine and other small cities! They are safer than Paris!

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

A lot, more than in the test of Europe. Like in London.

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

Yes, but you have to have already studied French. And yes, there are some languages courses in the university, for almost every level.

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

From Milan, both Train and airplane are good and cheap if you book in advance. By Train, it takes 7 hours, with the airplane, only the Flight is 1.30 h.

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

I recommend rue Mouffetard, the Erasmus nights organised by Erasmus associations, the duplex and the showcase
then, there are lots of beautiful rooftop! Nuba, the perchoir, nights on the bateau mouche.

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

Every bistrot and brasserie are good. And try the apero!!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are too many! Paris is the city of the culture!