Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Pulkita

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I went to Paris for a two month internship in a french animation studio called Machine Molle.

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

I don't have a scholarship. But my friends who do have scholarships get a good amount, which helps them through the year.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

It's very different compared to Lille. The students are more 'mature' and if you are in a university where there are 100 students per class, it's likely that you'll end up hanging out with just three four people, and may not even know everyone.
There's always something to do in Paris, there are usually concerts happening near the Eiffel Tower, or parties in clubs around the 3rd arrondisement.

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

Well, if it's not too expensive for you and the course is something you really want to do keeping in mind that the culture will add on to your knowledge of the subject, go for it !
Studying fashion at Paris maybe a cliché, but it does help with all the culture that is taught during the course. Plus there are always exhibitions on fashion where they display extremely creative designs.

What is the food like?

The food is the same as it is everywhere else in France. But since Paris is kind of a little melting pot too, there are many indian, mexican, italian restaurants. And many others so if you feel homesick you can always grab some home food from there.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

Getting an appartement through an agency almost always costs you. It's the deposit fees that you pay, but it's hardly ever debited. But the rent itself is pretty steep, so you really really should get your CAF done.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

erm. depends if you're living IN Paris or on the outside, the 'banlieu'. It's cheaper living outside, and you find the same commodities even in the outskirts. The only problem is that you take an hour to travel to and fro from work/inside Paris. And the last RER is at 9 pm, so later than that and you'll have to crash at someone's place.
I was living in the 20th arrondissement which is pretty chill. I was with three roomates, we were sharing the appartment but we all had our own rooms. The size of the room was 14m2, with a view of the Eiffel Tower which is decent.I paid 680 euros for that though. Including water and electricity charges.

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

Yeah, if you force yourself to speak only french, in about three months you'll be speaking fluently. I forced myself to hang out with the people in my class everyday, and slowly the language barrier was overcome. Plus my friends were amazing, they always corrected me and taught me new words and expressions !

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

There's car sharing which is really great, but just be careful with your stuff. Don't fall asleep during the drive !
There are also buses, but the most common way to travel is by train. With the youngster's card, you pay 20 euros which is okay unless you need to go to Paris everyday, in which case, you might as well just go and live in Paris.

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

Any arrondissement around the Eiffel Tower, so basically the 2nd, 3rd, 5th arrondissements are chill places.
South of Paris is where stuff takes place, but it's expensive of course. That's where all the old, rich people have settles in, especially towards the south-west part of Paris.

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

At République, you have some pretty good restaurants and cafés. In the 5th arrondissement too. There's Chinatown in the 13th arrondissement.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Everywhere ! You're in Paris ! There's always an exhibition happening somewhere, concerts, opéras, plays in théâtres, book reading sessions
Get online and get your itinarary !

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

Get your CAF done(you need that money), try and get a government scholarship if you can, force yourself to speak the language 24/7 otherwise you'll end up sticking with the other foreign students and that's no fun. Pick up some good woolens during the winter sales !