Erasmus Experience in Lyon, France by Sylvia

Why did you choose to go to Lyon, France?

Research placement - supervisor with most similar interests from field was there.

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

Received $1500 from Canadian government and 450€ each month from lab as stipend for 3 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lyon?

It was lovely, the lab was very friendly, willing to teach, relaxed and accommodating. I would say there were a little bit of clique within the lab and it was hard to join it as I entered later and am pretty quiet in group settings, especially in a foreign language. The lab mates minded their own business (where as smaller towns were curious where I was from and was extremely welcoming, I feel Lyon was a bigger city hence people not as curious).

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

Yes, the university is good with a great library. The admin of everything in France I felt was very slow. It took me two months to make my bank account after countless, tiresome visits, and about a month to make my badge at the school.

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What is the food like?

The local Lyonnaise food is incredible, I can still remember the taste. It takes really long once you enter a restaurant however and the plates are really hot temperature so be aware!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lyon?

Yes, but cost of living was so cheap, my housing was about 350€ and it was 5 min to the hospital I worked at. It was perfect.

How much does it cost to live in Lyon?

I would say €500 per month.

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

I never really had access to it but the lab mates and my supervisor were really willing to help me with French.

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

Definitely the metro, as a student it only costs about 23€ for monthly pass. Adults pay about 60€. Other than that I'd highly recommend downloading Blabla car which is a ridesharing app.

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

Bellcour, Place de Carnot, Place de Confluence, Bellona, Boston.

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

Tonton patate.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Musee des beaux arts, Jardin de Tete d'Or, Theatre de Guignol, Musee des Confluences.

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

Lyon is a lovely city. take advantage of the water and go on a lot of jobs while you can! Meet locals and really embrace the culture - go to local markets and do groceries, it is so much fresher and cheaper, and definitely eat a lot of boursin (1. 75€) and baguettes while you're there because you can't find same in Canada!