Arrivals, accommodation and general tips for Erasmus in Lyon

The months leading up to my departure for Lyon were daunting. I was badly prepared having left everything to the last minute, and the idea of leaving my family and friends for a strange country was terrifying, especially as my French skills weren't up to scratch. However with the benefit of hindsight, I can offer you some tips that may help you to start your year in a more organised fashion than mine...

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Arrival

After having deliberated my departure date for weeks, I finally booked my flights to Lyon for the beginning of September. Although this gave myself time to say goodbye to everyone before I left, I did not realise how much I had to organise upon my arrival, and how this would have been much easier had I been prepared before my university starting date. Lyon has its own airport, but it is situated 25km from the city centre, so plan your connection transport in advance. Don't panic if flights are too expensive, you can always fly into Geneva and take the train into Lyon, as this may be a cheaper option (also that way you can say that you’ve been in three countries in one day, not a bad way to start your Erasmus year! )

I would advise you to arrive at least a week before you are due to start your placement or university semester. If you have already made friends before your first day, the whole experience can seem less intimidating and you'll have someone to laugh with in the evening when remembering the utter chaos that is the enrollment process. Your university may offer an orientation program from as much as two weeks before the start of your course, and although I did not do this, I did hear that it was a good way to meet people and integrate yourself into the Erasmus community if you can afford it.

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Accommodation

Lyon is renowned for its difficulties associated with student accommodation. As I had heard this from previous students, I was careful to book in advance in order to avoid weeks of insecurity upon my arrival. I eventually opted to live in a residence which is something that I would change could I re-do my Erasmus year. Residences are expensive for what they provide, students can often find themselves paying up to €700 for a tiny studio apartment with temperamental Internet and little personality. Residences in France are also not as sociable as what I had experienced in England, as many students go home for the weekend and it doesn’t have the same atmosphere as what I had expected. If I could change where I lived, I would much prefer to live in a ‘colocation’ with French students. It is the perfect way to practise the language and meet French people, don’t fall into the easy trap of only socialising with Anglophones.

Many people turn up in Lyon with no housing plans, using sites such as "appartager" and "le bon coin" to find apartments. This method can sometimes work, but people had to put in a lot of time, money and effort, some were victims of fraud and others resorted to paying for residences when they eventually gave up. Alternatively you could try "esublet", which helps with finding apartments, or "My French Lifeguard", a service that welcomes international students and helps them with everything from accommodation to their bank account, in both English and French. Happy house searching!

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Other tips

Despite all that I have said so far, it is not all doom and gloom. Once you have settled in, I can assure you that you will have an unforgettable time. Although it goes without saying, this is your year to be outgoing and adventurous, so make sure you accept every invitation and don’t spend too much time alone at home (wherever you may live). Make the most of Lyon’s food (and wine, oh and beer) and its central location in Europe; travel as much as possible! Don’t forget to visit the many markets that the city has to offer, it is a great way to find cheap food and clothes deals, and also to observe the more eccentric aspects of French culture.

Remember that organisation is key, it is better to sort yourself out as much as possible before you leave, because once you’re there you’ll be surprised at how awkward the language barrier can be. Otherwise, have a great year and beware of how quickly it passes!

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