Erasmus Experience in Montpellier, France by Korina

Why did you choose to go to Montpellier, France?

I wanted live in France as I always admired the french culture. My plan was to make in the futur a master degree in a french University, so I liked to practice the language and observe the french university system. I reject the idea of Paris as it is a big city, not easy to adapting and exploring in five months. So I was searching for a pretty small town with reputed university, student life and good weather (not too cold).

What is the student lifestyle like in Montpellier?

Multicultural environment, a real student town

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

Concerning the city, I absolutely recommend Montpellier but the Faculty of Law of the University of Montpellier is a bit disorganized, despite its reputation.

What is the food like?

You can find all kind of restaurants in Montpellier. A local specialty is the fried mussels.

How much does it cost to live in Montpellier?

I was renting an appartment for 600 euro (all included) and I was spenting about 400 euro per month for the rest, but I was travelling a lot. With a room in the campus and few short trips, a bugdet of 600 euro per month is enough.

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

The french language is difficult. Despite my C2 diploma in french, I had difficulties because of legal terminology.

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

By plane to Marseille or Barcelona and after 2 hours by train. An option is also a flight to Paris and after 3,5 hours by train, but the TVG costs much more expensive than the regional trains.

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

L'Australian Bar in Antigone, the bars around the square of Saint Roch.