Experiencia Erasmus en Dijon, Francia de Darja

Why did you choose to go to Dijon, France?

I decided to go to Dijon for my second Erasmus exchange because I study the French language and it was an excellent opportunity for me to practice the language and get familiar with the French culture even more. Dijon seemed like a good choice as I did not want to go living to a more populated French city. Besides that I haven't heard much about Dijon before, so it was a place where I have never been before and therefore I felt more excited.

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

I have received the Erasmus scholarship for four months, more precisely 480 euros per month. I haven't received all the money during my exchange, only after successful completing the exchange and submitting all the paper work I have received another 500 euros. At the beginning of my stay I was given 1350 euros.

What is the student lifestyle like in Dijon?

3. The atmosphere is very friendly in Dijon especially for the students. The foreign students are warmly welcomed and given many benefits. There are quite a number of parties organized as well as trips to other French cities. In my opinion, foreign students are taken care of very well in Dijon.

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

I would highly recommend Dijon to all the students, however it almost necessary to be fluent in French as the citizens do not really speak any other languages. Life in Dijon is a lot easier if you can communicate in French especially when it comes to doing all the complicated and time- consuming paper work. I would recommend this city to those who like living in organized smaller non-chaotic cities with cultural heritage. The night life might be a bit less lively that in the capital, but that does not mean that it is any less amusing. There are events organized for every taste.

What is the food like?

Personally, I am not the biggest fan of the French cuisine. If you are someone who likes tasting dishes that a bit more special that the region of Burgundy would be the perfect place to do that. I could not really taste any of the regional specialties since I am a vegetarian and the French cuisine is mostly based on meat. However, French wines are of course exquisite.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Dijon?

It was really easy to find the accommodation in Dijon, as the University offered the rooms in dorms when I was applying online. They asked me if I want to make a reservation of a room in a dorm and I just had to tick my answer.

How much does it cost to live in Dijon?

It costs around 550 euros per month to live in Dijon without being deprived for anything. This amount of money includes cultural events, parties and travelling. The monthly rent was 211 euros and the epenses for food cost around 150 euros.

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

It is strongly recommended that you speak French. For those who are not fluent in this language, there are classes organized at the University (Les cours du FLE- français langue étrangère) for different proficiency levels even for those who would like to improve their French.

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

I had many options how to come to Dijon. Each time I chose some other means of transport. I would say that the least tiring and the cheapest is the night train by French private company Thello that departs from Venice Santa Lucia, stops in Milan and in Dijon before reaching its final destination Paris. If you book tickets online in advance the lowest price can be 35 euros. I would say that Dijon is quite well connected to the important cities in its proximity.

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

My favourite clubs in were Le Chat Noir which is situated near the square La place de la République, then the most unusual would be the club on a boat called Péniche Cancale that is at anchor in Port du canal where they organize parties for all music tastes. The last club I would recommend is La Centrale where they organize Erasmus parties and mostly play Spanish music.

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

As a student you can eat in Crous (Le Centre régional des œuvres universitaires et scolaires ) college cafeterias where they offer meals at low prices. There are plenty of cafeterias in the campus. If you go out in the town I would recommend the restaurant Salon de Thé (16 rue Vauban) where they also offer sweets, teas and hot chocolate.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The main sights include the Arts museum (Le musée de beaux-arts de Dijon) and The Palace of the Dukes and Estates of Burgundy (Le palais des ducs et des états de Bourgogne). My favourite among the sights was the Terrace tower (la tour Philippe-le-Bon) from which you can see the whole city.

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

I would like to say that you are going to feel really good in Dijon and you will sense a pleasant atmosphere. Another thing that I would suggest is that you to apply for a room in a dorm located in campus so that you will be able to hang out with fellow Erasmus students. Last but not least, I would like to warn you that you need to be quite well-organized and persistent in order to do as well as submit all the paper work required in connection to accommodation and studies.