Experience in Amiens, France. By Arthur

What is it like to live in Amiens? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

The city center of Amiens is quite charming actually, with its river and bridge with a beautiful view to one of the biggest cathedrals in Europe. If you are a student you would enjoy living there but if you leave a bit the city center it will be less attractive (my advice is to look for an accommodation near St Leu or near the cathedral).

What is the student lifestyle like in Amiens?

The student lifestyle in Amiens is quite appreciable, it depends on which faculty you belong to, but usually it's dynamic. There is a little community of Erasmus students which organizes different activities. Moreover, I strongly recommend to learn basics of French before coming here unless you want to learn it here.

How much does it cost to live in Amiens?

The life here in Amiens is quite cheap. For example you can find beers between 2, 50€ and 4€, if you look for an accommodation in the city center you can find a 18m² for less than 380€/month easily and if you want to eat in the university restaurant you will just pay 3, 40€.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Amiens? Is there any advice you can give?

It's quite easy to find an accommodation actually, I'll advise to search on Leboncoin.fr you'll have different choice (new adds are written every day) and you can find different kind of apartments at different prices (don't forget to check out where the apartment is located, to avoid surprises).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

You can find all the traditional French dishes here but also Japanese, Indian, Maroccan, Turkish, fish and chips, fast food etc...

My favorite one is Welsh, you should try it, it's made locally.

What places would you recommend visiting in Amiens?

The cathedral, the parc St pierre, the "hortillonnages".

Is it good to eat out in Amiens? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

My favorites restaurants in Amiens are:

• Tante Jeanne
• Adhoc
• mimo (especially during nightlife because it won't close until 3 am)
• Buzz cafe
• Steak easy

Is the nightlife good in Amiens? Where is good to go?

• Baobar (african bar where you'll see every student from 6pm to 8 pm because the beer is really cheap during happy hour)
• The Network
• The English Pub
• The Goodness

What advice would you give future students heading to Amiens?

My advise would be to ask other students about their own experience, they will enjoy sharing a beer with you and helping you discover the city and country.

PS: in 2018 a New bar will open in Amiens and it will focus on the Harry Potter universe, it could be nice to try it !