Erasmus Experience in Lille: France by Giulia

How long does the Erasmus loan last? How much money do you receive as help?

For me it lasted approximately four months, €280 per month.

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What is the student life like in Lille?

The student life in Lille is very lively: There are many international students and there are agencies and universities that orgsanise different trips at reasonable prices in countries, such as Holland, Belgium, France and Germany. The French students are really friendly and happy to help with any language problems.

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

Yes, looking back at everything it has been a beautiful experience: a lot of trips, a lot of new people, a lot of amazing food. But they have to be perapred with a lot of patience, to deal with the paperwork. There will be a lot of moments, which make them want to pack their bags back up and come back to Italy. Mainly, they are not expecting such a big city. Lille is tiny, if you come from Rome, Milan or Florence etc. you could find it a bit boring.

Ps: It is dirty, when you're walking, pay attention to where you're putting your feet.

What's the food like there?

Very good! French cuisine deserves all of its fame. I strongly recommend the Carbonnade Flamande.

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Was it difficult to find accommodation in Lille?

Yes. For residencies and various colleges they will ask you everything, including your bank transactions in the last three months. Sometimes they will respond, but more often not.

Advice:

1. You should use telephone numbers and E-mail addresses that are not often used. In fact, as you will understand soon, many things take place through post.
2. Start looking far in advance.
3. Ask on Facebook in all possible groups.
4. Arm yourself with patience: Welcome to France, Patience will be your number one ally!

How is the language there? Did you attend some courses at the university?

I spoke French prior to starting the experience there, but it is undeniable that you will improve a lot. The courses that I followed at the university were held in French and additionally it was mandatory to attend a French language course once a week. Do not worry, your Frech will improve.

What is the cheapest way to reach Lille from your city?

By plane. To Bruxelles Charleroi from Milan with Ryanair, there are sometimes flights for €18. Then from Charleroi to Lille, there is a direct shuttle to the station "Lille Europe".

What places do you recommend for going out in Lille for the evening?

Rue Solferino, which is full of bars and Vieux Lille, which is full of restaurants. There are also evenings organised by ESN: They are very fun and you can meet a lot of new people.

Note: Aperitif (or after dinner or however you prefer to call it) doesn't exist. In Lille, you go out to drink beer, meet new people outside bars and play darts and dice. It is very beautiful in the first month, mainly because you really meet a lot of new people, then become a litte bored. Seeing people drunk in the street is normal. its not a scandalous thing and it isn't considered anti-social.

And what's it like eating in Lille? Can you tell us about your favourite places?

I personally like eating a lot at the restaurant La Chicorée, in Place Rihour. For those who are more melancholy and can't live without pizza, I recommend the pizzeria La Bottega, that does really good pizza and it is managed by Italians (it is better to order before going, but nothing to worry about, as they answer in Italian on the phone! ) Then, there is the creperie Beaurepaire: It's Excellent, they offer both sweet and savoury dishes.

Are there some cultural places to see?

Palais des Beaux Arts de Lille is a beautiful art museum. Small but very pretty. Musée la Piscine a Roubaix canoe reached with the metro and it is a special museum that has a swimming pool inside of it.

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What advice would you like to give to future students of Lille?

Only three:

1. Be patient. Whoever thinks that there is no worse bureaucracy than that of Italy and that there can't be a place more disorganised than Italy, has never been to France. at the CAF they will ask you more than once for the same documents, everything is more complicated at the university and opening a bank account could also take three weeks.
2. Travel a lot; Lille is in a really strategic position to go on some beautiful journeys. Make the most of it.
3. Enjoy yourself as much as you can!