Erasmus Experience in Montpellier, France by Justyna

Why did you choose to go to Montpellier, France?

My university offered me a few universities around France. My first idea was to go to Paris. Although after thinking properly and doing my research I have realised how hard it is to find accommodation and also how expensive it is. I live in the UK and I am already kind of used to the bad weather and then I thought about the south of France. Montpellier was one of the options and it is in the south, not far from the seaside and when I looked at the photos I was astonished!

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

I went for a one year abroad to the university in Montpellier. There is an option to choose only 6 months programme or choose internship instead of studying. I am happy I chose studying at the French university because I can feel how incredibly my French has improved since my adventure in Montpellier.

The money situation varies depending on your income and many other aspects. As far as I am concerned the main thing is how much money university actually gets to give out to students wanting to take part in the Erasmus programme. It may be around € 3,000 or more for the whole duration of your stay.

What is the student lifestyle like in Montpellier?

Montpellier is a student city. People go there from all around the world. It is easy to meet new people not only at the university but also during nights our organised by universities and communities. There are plenty restaurants, bars, pubs, cafes and parks where students hang out and not only study but also relax, and have a good time.

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

I would definitely recommend the city, it is beautiful, with incredible architecture, landscapes, beautiful seaside nearby.

University I attended on the other hand, has been a little bit complicated. Paul Valery II was quite unorganised at the very beginning what stressed me and others out quite a lot, although in the end I feel I benefited a lot from being a part of it.

What is the food like?

Food is incredible, I managed to try frog’s legs which basically taste like a mix of chicken and fish in my opinion, I ate a lot of Italian food (yes, I love my pizza), there are so many incredible bakeries with beignets filled with chocolate, or pain au chocolate and croissants which can’t be even compared to pastry anywhere else in the world.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Montpellier?

I spent some time looking for a nice place to live. I wanted some privacy hence I decided to rent a studio flat and I think it was a wonderful idea, I honestly miss my flat incredibly and if I went there again I would definitely choose the same place. Even sorting out things for the flat I had to use my French hence the improvement in my ability to speak this language now.

There are obviously other options, some of my friends stayed in student halls which are definitely cheaper, or some rented a whole house and stayed there in a group, others rented a room in somebody’s house what is another option and help to improve language skills.

I am honestly the happiest about living in a private studio flat, in south of Montpellier, having my lovely little bakery around the corner, shop/market with fresh fruit, veg and fish or meat. The area was very modern and I felt safe there.

How much does it cost to live in Montpellier?

Let’s face the fact that France is not cheap at all. For students from for example Poland it could be quite a lot money to pay (I am Polish and had some of my friends from Polish university in Montpellier, what was a nice surprise). For students from England or especially from London living (groceries etc) is more expensive, although the quality is better than in England (in my opinion). Renting a flat is definitely cheaper than in London. You can be on budget and go to Montpellier, so it is not too bad.

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

Université Paul Valéry offered us a paid language course which was probably the best idea ever.

This university is quite unorganised, and does not have many courses made specifically for students who are trying to learn the language, the course are mainly for native speakers or for people who can speak quite good, although I must say that the pressure which was put on me, motivated me to study really hard. The paid course which I mentioned at the beginning is taught in French (as most courses there, unless you choose English language as a part of your course - which I recommend doing if you are interested in translation because it is a part of the module) and was focused on everything - speaking, writing, grammar etc...

So yes it is easy to get to grips with.

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

From London to Montpellier there is a direct flight from Gatwick, also another - cheaper option could be a flight to Marseille. Marseille airport is nicely connected with Montpellier (very cheap bus).

From Montpellier airport it could be a struggle to get to your accommodation because the easiest way in my opinion is taxi which is quite expensive and which can charge you more because you are not from France and you may not be aware of the actual prices.

You can also take a tram which is the best way to travel around Montpellier.

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

There are some clubs for party lovers, such as Heat Club, Le Milk, Cargo, L’entrepot and others, I prefer quiet nights with some wine and to just chill and chat with my friends, probably my favourite place was Le Mustang.

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

Casa di Giorgio! Amazing Italian food. Also any French restaurant which looks decent for you. They always serve nice and fresh food, one of them: Le Bouchon

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is a museum (Musee Fabre) which is worth seeing, Place de la Comédie is as place which you will definitely see because it is like a main town square where everyone meets up. There is also a beautiful Opera (at Place de la Comédie), Jardin des Plantes is popular but I did not find it amusing.

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

Go to the beach when you get a chance!

Do not stress even if everything seems stressful and unorganised, it is what it is and eventually you will be fine! Trust me I am probably one of the most stressed people and it is not worth it. Montpellier is amazing, do not waste your time sitting in your room, explore, go to the cinema, opera, talk to French people, do not be afraid! Explore the south of France, take the bus or train to Cote d’Azur (I’ve just came back from Nice and it’s probably one of the most amazing places in the world). Montpellier is amazing and so sunny and I am writing it from London where currently is too cold and will probably start raining soon. In Montpellier is sunny and around 17 degrees. France is incredible.

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