Well, I just loved it.

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Why did you choose to go to Caen, France?

Because it's a city worth seeing at least once. Plus, I'm not in good terms with the sun and hot temparatures.

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

I'm French, I lived in Caen for two years, I was helped by the CROUS, I don't know about other helps you can have as a foreign student.

What is the student lifestyle like in Caen?

I would say great, or awesome. I really loved living here, people are great, friendly and very open-minded (for those I met). Plus, it's a tiny city, so it's very hard to get lost, drunk or sober.

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

Yes, yes, and yes. I don't know about the other universities, but I was at the Campus 1, in University Caen Basse-Normandie, and... I don't know. You heart will be broken when you'll have to leave.

What is the food like?

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I did not eat typical Normand food so I could not tell, but we have everything you need if you like junk food, or sushis, or vegetarian meals. I guess. Don't leave without eating at least once some of our delicious camembert.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Caen?

You can have a 9sqm room (or more) at the university campus for 250€. It seems expensive but it's 5 minutes far from the university, you can meet people (or not if you don't like to meet people, that's your choice) and it's the easiest way to find a place to live when you're a foreign student. Looking for a flat can be a nightmare sometimes.

How much does it cost to live in Caen?

Well, it depens. Compared to cities like Paris or Lyon, the living cost is quite cheap. A pint is like 5 or 6€, for example.

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

Language courses must be available as we learn foreign languages in our university among other things. But I have to say I have no idea how it works when you're an Erasmus student (I'm so sorry).

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

As I'm French, driving is the cheapest way, with carsharing. Trains are way too expensive. But if you come from too far, plane would be the easiest way to come to Caen.

Plus, one bus or tram ticket is 1. 40€.

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

God, everywhere!

Rue Ecuyère is the best street for a drink. Pubs on your right, pubs on your left. 'La Tour Solidor' is one of my favourite pubs. You also have 'La Garsouille', rue Arcisse de Caumont, just beside the Ecuyère street. The pub is atypical and they have good beers. And last but not least, my two favourite pubs EVER are 'Chez Paulette' on Saint-Sauveur Place, barmen are really cool and funny, and 'L'Ecume des Nuits', 1 minute by feet from Chez Paulette. You can drink and also dance, but it's often crowded, so be careful.

On the port, you have a pub, the 'Trappist' which is a bit expensive but with a huge choice of belgian beers. Which is great, don't you think?

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

Most of the time I prepare my own meals so I don't know lots of good restaurants. The Vaugueux (near the port and the Château) is a little place with restaurants everywhere, but probably not affordable for students. I don't know actually, I always asumed it was too expensive for me. But the 'Dolly's' is lovely, they serve fantastic tea and a lot of vegan food. Very british mood. And waiters are always very nice. Or the Fruity Café in the center of the city.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

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There are so much places to visit!

You have the Fine Arts Museum inside the Château, the two main abbeys, l'Abbaye aux Dames and l'Abbaye aux Hommes (the first one is my favourite. Plus there is a wonderful parc behind the Women's Abbey). You can just walk through the city center (when it does not rain) (yes, it happens sometimes, I promise). The city hall is gorgeous. But yes, just go out and walk, Caen is a very good place to live.

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

Buy an umbrella. I'm not kidding. If you can, go to Cabourg, Honfleur or Houlgate, you'll see the English Channel and those towns are beautiful.

If you don't speak French at all but you're fluent in English, please don't speak too fast. We are not idiots but it's not our mother tongue. Young people are more likely to speak English than the elderly. And have fun. Enjoy.