Erasmus Experience in Angers, France by Nora

Why did you choose to go to Angers, France?

If you are looking for a place where to study french - it is the best! On the street, in the banks, in many offices, - it will be hard to find someone who speaks English or other language; so, if your goal is to practice french - definitely choose Angers! As to the University(Catholique de L'Ouest) - pretty strict, but professors are nice, although they will treat everyone the same - so if your french knowledge is beginner - it will be pretty hard to start, but still - it is worth it!

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

The scholarship goes for all four/five months. Every month I received around 700 Euros which was really enough to pay for apartment, eating, traveling and parties. [definitely it is worth to check CAF system, which offers foreign students discounts for your rent. I got 100 euros every month]

What is the student lifestyle like in Angers?

Angers is pretty small, but full with students! Nightlife is pretty bad because most of the bars and clubs close early, but if you have a great company of friends - parties happen everywhere and french love to have parties at their homes! You can always find something if you know where to look for!

As to everyday activities - RIRE students support was great, organizing many events in terms of your culture, country, etc.

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

It depends on your aim - if you want to get known with french culture, people, and actually learn the language in a very, very, very fast way, it is for you! If you are looking for crazy parties - not exactly.

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What is the food like?

GREAT! French cuisine is everywhere! I loved it, although be careful with baguettes and croissants, and wines - too tasty to say no and voile - going home with couple more kilos as before.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Angers?

No!

How much does it cost to live in Angers?

I was renting a room in apartment (3 separate rooms with small kitchen corner in every room, common bathroom). My rent was 250 euros/month, but with CAF it was 150, so - pretty cheap for the center of the city!

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

If you have average knowledge then it is the best - with beginners it could be pretty hard, I was struggling a lot at the beginning, but somehow, found and did everything what I needed! Nothing is impossible! There are courses. Basically most of the subjects are in french.

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

Plane and train.

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

All bars and clubs are pretty close to each other, so just go to the old town and check where are the most people!

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

I love cooking, so I made a lot of food at home. As to students - kebabs are crazy good there!

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

If for traveling around, check covoiturage! easy, cheap and fast way how to get around.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Angers?

If they offer a free bike (they do) definitely take it! It is easy way how to get around. Check the lake, its beautiful! Walk around the river! And get around, close to the chateau there is this street and in spring the tree flowers are crazy pink, so it is amazing place where to go and enjoy the nature beauty! Umm, go to the small market every (i don't remember the exact day but i think it was saturday or sunday). Fresh, cheap and tasty fruits, vegetables, meat, fishes, ready french cuisine, even old and used stuff if you need some things for the new place.

And definitely don't go around only with Erasmus bodies.. if you will get together more with french people around - you will find crazy good possibilities what to do around and have fun!

Good luck!