Erasmus Experience in Lille, France by Anna

Why did you choose to go to Lille, France?

I'd like to study in French.

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

It was for 5 months. My University gave me 500 euros/month and at the end of my stay I finally received some money from CAF.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lille?

For me it was strange that my courses started at 8 in the morning and usually I was at the University until 5-6 in the evening.

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

Yes, sure. I liked it. Sometimes it was hard, but the city is really great, and you can enjoy yourself.

What is the food like?

Well, I really like French cuisine. And you can buy food cheaper in Carrefour. I usually cook for myself.

Source

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lille?

Yes, I forgot the name of who helped me, but my University suggested it.

How much does it cost to live in Lille?

It's difficult to say, it depends what and where you eat, where you go, etc. for me the accommodation was 340 euros and the food was 100-150 euros and there are travelling expenses, maybe buy clothes, go out, etc. At parties the alcohol is very expensive, but I don't really remember the prices.

Source

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

For me everything was in French.

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

Airplane, but I've chosen the train, because I had a lot of baggage.

Where would you recommend going on a night out in Lille?

There is a street, oh! I forgot the name, maybe rue Solférino, and it's full of clubs, bars...

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

Not really, I really like cooking and when I bought some food it was on the street, for example the waffles.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I don’t know.

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

Have good shoes for the rain.