Erasmus Experience in Lille, France by marta

Why did you choose to go to Lille, France?

Because I really wanted to learn French. I have been lot of times in France and I love everything about that country, but wanted to live more of it. Lille was one of the options in France.

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

I got 5 months of scholarship, and I did 8 months of Erasmus. I got €230 per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lille?

Lille looks like it's made for students... In particular for international students. There are areas where you see just young people. There are a lot of pubs and clubs, all next to the other, and the downtown is small so you can go everywhere.

There are a lot of activities all over the town: Vieux Lille, Euralille, Rue Solferino. There is something to do for any type of person: art, culture, nature and lots of trips.

The French students are used to international people and schools so they have a lot of organisations that organise trips, parties, events, etc.

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

Yes, yes and yes.

What is the food like?

There is a lot of fat food, like typical steak haché (hamburger), moules frites (mussels and fries), French fries... But obviously there are normal places where you can eat salads, panini, pasta, good meat... It's a bit expensive though.

The supermarket sells everything, but it's also really expensive... ALDI is the cheapest supermarket.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lille?

It didn't cost, but it was hard to find something in a good area not far from the center. I suggest the area inside the town because in the night the metro is closed.

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How much does it cost to live in Lille?

A lot. The flat costs between €250 and €400... And life in France is expensive.

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

In my university there was a good course, but nothing for basic French... It was free.

French is really easy to learn for Italians, Spaniards, Portuguese... and it's not that difficult for the others, American can learn it and Hungarians too.

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

It's the Eurolines bus. Also covoiturage (car sharing), which it's amazing, and the airport Charleroi in Bruxelles, which is well connected with Lille and low cost flights leave from there.

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

The area of Vieux Lille (chic and more relaxed pubs) and Solferino (100 types of crazy clubs and pubs! ).

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

In Grand Place and Vieux Lille there are the best restaurants. Also around Rue Solferino there are typical French restaurants.

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Les compagnons de la grappe is my favorite restaurant. In Place aux ognions there is a lovely magic bistrot, and Rue de Gand in Vieux Lille is full of nice restaurants.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are many things: Gare Saint Sauveur, Palais des Beaux Arts, the chathedral, the museum of modern art, the Cittadelle... Lille is full of art.

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

Don't change for another town. Lille is small and it's in the nord of France, but it's magic and you can't feel bad there!