Erasmus Experience in Bordeaux, France by Paula

Why did you choose to go to Bordeaux, France?

To improve my level of French, as my level of English was already good.

Location of Bordeaux, France

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How long was the scholarship? How much money did you receive to help?

It was 9 months long, the whole length of the course. For me, it was 120 euros a month or similar.

Bordeaux

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How is student life in Bordeaux?

It's great. It's a student city.

Would you recommend the city and the Univesity of Bordeaux to other students?

Absolutely!

A building from the University of Bordeaux

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How's the country's food?

Amazing! Croissants, cheese, wine!

A croissant in Bordeaux

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Was it hard to find accommodation in Bordeaux?

No, there are loads of well-priced student homes. If not there are also flats to rent between 3 or 4 people but these are usually more expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Bordeaux?

More or less the same as Spain. The cheapest residences are 200 euros a month, food is another 200 and the rest depends on the individual. A travel pass for the tram and bus is 17 euros a month, it's worth getting. And once you add together impulse purchases and any other leisure activities... 500/600 a month.

A restaurant in the city

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How's the language? Did you do a language course with the university?

The university offers a free course for all Erasmus students which is worth 3 ECTS credits. The language in day-to-day life is fine, although if your French is not great and you speak 'Indian' they understand and help you.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Bordeaux from your home city?

I'm from Valencia, and from there it's actually a bit tricky to get to Bordeaux. In the past, there were direct flights from Seville with Ryanair and from Madrid and Barcelona with EasyJet, but now they only operate the flight from Barcelona, so as a result I go from Valencia to Barcelona by train and then Barcelona to Bordeaux by plane. I also went by car from Valencia a few times, which costs about 300 euros in fuel.

What places would you recommend for a night out in Bordeaux?

• LA PLAGE! It's great, with three great rooms.
• Fabrick on Wednesdays and Thursdays is also really good.
• In H36 they host loads of Erasmus parties and the terrace is really cool.
• Theatre has a more organised layout and is good too.
• Havanna and Bodegón have loads of themed nights, but they close early.
• I-Boat is more electronic music, it's a boat and it's very cool, just like from the film the Lady from Shangai.
• Houses of Parliament are good for watching football matches and enjoying a perfect beer, as is Comtesse.

La Plage nightclub

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I-Boat nightclub

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What about eating out in Bordeaux? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Without a shadow of a doubt, entrecôte!

Entrecôte; a dish of beef and fries

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What about for a cultural visit?

Saint Émilio and Arcachon!

Do you have any advice you'd like to give to students coming to Bordeaux?

ENJOY IT! The classes are not compulsory to attend, only the TD, which is 1h30 a week! So enjoy it!