Erasmus Experience in Bordeaux, France by Rose

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Why did you choose to go to Bordeaux, France?

Bordeaux seemed like the perfect French city to live in for a year, as it wasn't too big or too small and from what I've heard it was a beautiful city (which it is! ). Oh, and also I'm a big fan of red wine!

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

I'm in Bordeaux for the academic year but will probably stay for the summer after I finish university too. I receive a student loan from the UK and also a very generous Erasmus grant of about €370 a month which I wouldn't be able to live without. I also get CAF money from France which works out at about €175 a month which is a considerable chunk of my rent!

What is the student lifestyle like in Bordeaux?

Due to the size of Bordeaux it is perfect for meeting up and finding out quickly where all the student hangouts are. There is a big online group which organize Erasmus parties regularly which are always fun and also loads of other good nights out either at clubs or bars/pubs. Drink prices are quite a bit more expensive than the UK but if you can find a place with a happy hour it's fine and stick to the cheapest drink-wine!

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

I study at Bordeaux 3 and the university is not amazing but I was not expecting much. The campus is quite ugly and the students in class can be quite unwelcoming depending on the subject. Saying all this, I am still having a good time and enjoy most of my courses but just wish the french students were a bit more friendly! As for the city, sometimes it can seem quite snobby and unfriendly but overall I love it here and the people seem nice. I have met young french people in the city who are lovely so it's just the odd few who don't seem too nice!

What is the food like?

Amazing! I live right next to Marché de Capucins which is open 6 days a week and amazing to buy cheap. The supermarkets can be expensive but if you can be bothered to do the trip the Auchan in Meriadeck shopping centre is definitely worth it and the prices are amazing! As for restaurants, there are endless and I haven't had a bad meal yet!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Bordeaux?

I had quite a bit of trouble finding accommodation and I stupidly paid a company €190, called Directe Location, to help me find a place as I was starting to panic. They were very unhelpful and in the end I found my studio through a website called Lokaviz. I pay €450 a month plus bills.

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How much does it cost to live in Bordeaux?

It's quite expensive but mainly because I live on my own so have no one to share bills prices with. I am quite good at budgeting though and will be looking for a job in the new year.

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

Yes in a way, it's quite easy to just slip into always talking your native language with the other Erasmus but a lot of us have set up tandems with french students on a Facebook page. Bordeaux 3 offers free french lessons once a week which is quite helpful and there is a department called DELF which is specialized in french as a foreign language.

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

By plane. I live in Southern England so I can fly from either Gatwick or Bristol. It can sometimes be cheaper to fly to Bergerac and then get the train to Bordeaux.

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

For just drinks any bars around Victoire, my favorite ( due to the cheap prices) are La Grange and HMS Victory. For a club, Iboat is really good for DJs as quite a few famous one's play there. Anywhere near the river is good. La Plage seems to be a favorite for people here.

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

L'entrecote is an amazing steak restaurant chain in France and the one in Bordeaux is great. Any restaurants in Place de Parlement, Chez Edouard is a particular favorite as it's cheap at about €15 for a 3 course meal! and for a quick bite, definitely Funky Burger which is €8 for a burger chips and drink, the same price as McDonald but much better!

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The whole city centre is a UNESCO site so anywhere really and Place de la Bourse is obviously beautiful. I also visited St. Emillion for the day by train which was really nice.

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

Sort out accommodation early! Don't expect much from the universities, they almost find Erasmus students a nuisance. Find a French friend to help you with important contracts and stuff in case you get anything wrong. Socialize as much as you can and travel around France as well!

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