Erasmus Experience in Bordeaux, France by Catherine

Why did you choose to go to Burdeos, Francia?

They had a wine program that I really liked. Although I'd always wanted to live in France, and I found Bordeaux to be very approachable. It is incredibly student friendly, and very cosmopolitan.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Burdeos?

I live off-campus, near Victoire. There are happy hours and parties going on all the time. Beers are expensive, though, unless you can find a few good pubs. People are friendly, and once you figure out how to go from restaurant to bar/pub to nightclub, you can party all night long if you want.

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

Absolutely! This city loves its students and student culture. There's a big welcome and free tour of the downtown at the beginning of the school year. So much to see and do, no matter what your interests are.

What is the food like?

I love shopping for food at the markets - good quality produce is inexpensive, and the Auchan works for everything else, so you can eat well if you know how to cook. Food and wine is amazing, of course, but expensive in the restaurants. The markets have nice little sit-down places too for some light weekend dining, and the culture of people watching over apps and aperos in the little squares is not to be missed.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Burdeos?

Only a few website membership fees. I looked on "appartager", "leboncoin", "lacartedescolocs", etc. I ended up finding mine on "leboncoin", but for foreign students, look out for scam artists.

It is tough to establish a lease though - landlords need a guarantor, or may ask you to put a year's rent on hold with your bank. Also a lot of specific information required. Be ready to move fast if you find something you like.

How much does it cost to live in Burdeos?

I spend at least €800 a month. Half of that for rent, €100-200 for food (I mostly cook at home with my roommates) and the rest in entertainment, household needs, etc. I spend a lot in travel, but it fluctuates quite a bit by month.

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

English is more common than you may expect, and people are quite forgiving if your French is not perfect.

Yes, language courses are available. If not included in your program, they can be quite expensive. But there are many conversation-exchange programs that are free and easy to find, look up social (Facebook) groups like English Speakers in Bordeaux, International Club of Bordeaux, or Expats in Bordeaux and you'll be able to find these kinds of events easily.

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

Plane. Book well in advance and be prepared for a stopover. Blablacar is a good way to get around anywhere else in France though.

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

I'm a wine student, so I like the wine bars: Bar A Vin at Quinconces, Le Millesima.

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

Bistrot du Sommelier, Le Petit Commerce.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Musées, Cathedrals, there are a few of both. Just walk around the quais - Chartrons, the Pont St Pierre. Jardin Publique.

Definitely check out one of the expositions at the Base Sous Marine - incredible site.

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