Erasmus in Nancy (France)

Why did you choose to go to Nancy, France?

Well the truth is, I didn't have much choice because my university didn't offer anywhere else in France.

How long was your scholarship? How much money did you receive?

My scholarship was 6 months and it was extended for 3 months more, so it was a full academic year.

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What was student life like in Nancy?

Nancy is 99. 9% a student city, as there are various big schools and universities in the same city. So, there are so many activities and discounts for students and there is a great atmosphere. The city offers you so much, so much culture, leisure, parties, etc...

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

Yes, 1000%! It's a quiet city with lots of parties going on, therefore adaptable to each person.

What is the food like there?

The food is good, very rich in cheese, and in general, well, typical things like crepes, raclette, fondant du fromage, etc...

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How hard was it to find accommodation in Nancy?

I was in the Saurupt Residence, provided by Crous, so if it isn't organised by the university, which is what happened in my case, you should look on the Crous webpage (http://www.crous-nancy-metz.fr/crous/sites/crous/accueil) and apply for a place, but do it as soon as you know you're going there and from there Crous will give you the instructions.

How much does it cost to live in Nancy?

More or less the same as in Spain. The only difference is in the supermarket, in which it's complicated and expensive to find vegetables and fresh fish, otherwise overall it's like Spain. The French government help you with the cost of living, through CAF, but you manage it yourself once you're in Nancy.

How was the language? Did you do some kind of course at the university?

I didn't have a problem with the language because the people are so nice and because it was such a student city, there are so many foreign people in the same situation as you. I did 2 French courses, one was given to us through the INPL and the other directly from my ENSAIA faculty.

What is the cheapest way to get to Nancy from your home city?

It depended on the time and what the flights were like. There were a few options:

1. Go by plane from Spain to Basil (Swiss-French airport) and there from the airport, take the bus to the train station in Basel and there is a train that goes to Nancy.
2. Go by plane from Spain to Paris and from there take a train to Nancy.
3. Go by plane from Spain to Germany (Frankfurt Hahn airport or Baden-Baden) and from there take a train to Strasbourg and from there to Nancy.

As you can see there are many ways of getting there!

Which places would you recommend going out to in Nancy?

There are many places you can go out to. We normally went to bars, "Le gare", "Les Artistes", etc...

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And eating out in Nancy? What were your favourite places?

We normally ate in the university eateries (Restos U) because there are much cheaper, but I suggest you visit "Le Bouche à Oreille" which is an interesting restaurant near La Place Stan and the food is great. Also it is pretty common for the bars in the city to have "happy hour" and to eat is also good and cheap.

Was there much to do culturally?

There is an aquarium, and various cool museums. Also there are instrumental concerts, the theatre, the opera, etc...

Any advice that you'd give to future students going to Nancy?

Enjoy the city as much as you can. Explore it, go through its parks, its streets. Its architecture is impressive and it is a city that you fall in love with. It'll steal your soul.