Pablo's Erasmus Experience in Bordeaux

Why did you choose to go to Bordeaux, France?

I decided to go because of an interesting investigation organised by the Ausonius Institute, a joint research unit set up by the National Centre of Scientific Research (CNRS) and Bordeaux Montaigne University.

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

My grant was not strictly speaking an Erasmus one, I received money as part of the personal investigator training organised by the Alcalá University funded by the ministry of education. The amount of financial help depended upon the length of your stay.

What's student life like in Bordeaux?

Very friendly and lively. For all those with a limited understanding of French, in Bordeaux you will find a sizeable Spanish speaking community who no doubt will help you out if necessary.

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

Of course.

What's the food like?

I have no idea as I always cooked my own food. However, the vast variety of cheeses and wines is something to be admired.

Was it hard to find accommodation in Bordeaux?

Very. If you are on an Erasmus programme and you move into accommodation owned by your host university then it's relatively simple (as long as you fit into the reserved number of places which are decided at the start of the previous academic year prior to your enrolment). However, if like in my case, you receive an investigation grant, then access to a roof over your head is practically impossible as every rental contract requires a guarantee from a French bank account. Also, aside from the deposit, the renting agency (who manage 90% of accommodation to rent) tend to commit you to contracts which force you to pay an extra cost equivalent to a month's worth of rent if you continue in your flat until the 1st of January. This seems to be a charge that all landlords have to pay to the state as a form of tax, thus agencies attempt to give out longer contracts so that the renter can cover the cost. As an example, my grant covered my stay between the 19th of September until the 19th of December. However, my agency forced me to rent the flat until the 5th of January in order to not lose out on anything. This was in spite of the fact that my agency had the flat paid for until the 30th of December as one tenant had broken their contract by leaving halfway through September.

How much does it cost to live in Bordeaux?

For me, it cost €400 as well as electricity bills. I should say that I ended up living in a bungalow on a campsite as renting a room proved impossible (not for the price).

How's the language? Did you go to any language classes?

I went to Bordeaux without really knowing the language and I returned with a strong understanding of French. The university offers language classes. Definitely when you are a student join up to the Erasmus programme.

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What's the cheapest way to get to Bordeaux from your city?

Compare all the low cost airlines, for me it was EasyJet.

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

No idea. I never managed to go out and party because the bus which dropped me off at my house was operational only until 8pm from Monday to Saturday. Losing that bus would have meant walking 3 miles to the Bordeaux Lac area.

Is it good to eat out in Bordeaux? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

I always brought food with me or ate in the university canteen.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Magnificent. Bordeaux is one of those cities which you would never visit unless you knew someone from there. Having said that, as soon as you walk through its streets you are captivated. Although it seems gloomy, I recommend Chartreuse Cemetery which has been awarded a world heritage site status by UNESCO.

What advice would you give future students heading to Bordeaux?

Don't trust rent offers where the owner asks for a payment in advance; in some cases they claim that they live in another country and so to show you the flat, they need to travel to your city. In those cases they tend to ask for an advance to "cover costs in case you don't like the room". Don't believe it, these are all scams. Never get money up front, not even with companies like Western Union.