Erasmus Experience in Lyon, France by Giulia

Why did you choose to go to Lyon, France?

Because I've been studying French for years but I was never able to improve it significantly since I've never spoken it so much, so I figured it could be nice to practice it

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

6 months, 280 euros/month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lyon?

Very entertaining, there were lots of student and Erasmus parties every week

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

The city is wonderful but the University is not very organised, the students are pretty much left on their own to figure things out and solve problems.

What is the food like?

Lyon is the gastronomic capital of France but I honestly found nothing special or particular. I should have probably looked more.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lyon?

It was pretty expensive, but I had to find an accomodation both for me and my friend, so looking for two rooms in a same apartament was trickier. If I had to look only for a room I would've more options and probably spent less. In general, a room goes from 350 to 500 euros/month.

How much does it cost to live in Lyon?

Average.

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

Yes, but I've been studying french for some years. I think it would be difficult for someone who's never studied french. Yes there are language courses for every level, from beginner to expert.

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

Train (faster but more expensive) or Flixbus (cheaper and more fit for spontaneous trips) (Milan-Lyon).

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

Presqu'ile (Bellecour, Hotel de Ville, etc) and Vieux Lyon.

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

A bouchon. Anyway, restaurants are expensive.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Notre Dame de Fouvrière, Cathedrale Saint-Jean, Hotel de Ville, Place Bellecour

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

Don't go live in the 5th and the 9th arrondissements unless you have a car, they're so far away from everything and there's basically nothing there. If you're italian, don't try any pizzeria there unless you're really REALLY sure the owners are italian because you'll be disappointed.