Erasmus Experience in Nantes, France

Why did you choose to go to Nantes, France?

In reality, it wasn't my first choice, at first I was looking to go to an English-speaking country, but my home university (Granda) didn't have an agreement with them, so I considered France to be a good option as I could go there in any case. Nantes is a similar-sized city to Granada, and I read on the internet that it had a good university with a good student atmosphere, which is ultimately what made my decision. And I don't regret it at all. In the end, it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life, especially due to the people that I met as it was due to how much I integrated that I finally felt at home with everything that was around me.

How long was the grant for? How much money did you receive as help?

We received help from the board of Andalucia and the European Union. It also depends if you receive a grant from the ECF or not. However, it is not enough to live off of, so you should count on some back-up funds or whether your family can help you out each month during your stay.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nantes?

It's really good. It's not a very big city, but it is full of students, interns, PHD students, écoles (a type of private university), young workers... If you are even the tiniest bit social, you will find your place in this city.

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

Without a doubt!

Nantes is a very green city, full of parks (they call it the city of 100 parks, and it was the green capital of Europe in 2013), with a young population, and people who do sports. It's common to see people running, going for a walk next to the Loire, or having a beer or red wine in Bouffay, the street where basically all the bars are. It is a city which continuously reinvents itself, you can always see weird things everywhere, from a giant robot elephant that shoots out water in winter and summer to the Mario brothers emojis above the street signs. Really detailed street art, strange architecture so you can see buildings that have fallen and instead of being destroyed they have been converted in patrimony of the city, etc... It stimulates the creative side of the people that let them do this.

Do you like the food?

Nantes is located next to Britanny, thus resulting in the best crepes and waffles (and no, they are not the same thing) in the world. The wine and cheese, well we're in France, so they're also going to be the best you've ever had·

All of the bakeries are worth going to, and this is to do with what I said before, in Brittany they show they have 100 per cent pure butter which they are very proud of, it's not something to avoid when you see the food label.

However, the fruit that is worth having is 80 per cent from Spain. Also, it is so much more expensive than in Spain. However, there are also a lot of supermarkets that you can go to, to find cheaper food.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Nantes?

Not at all, I had accommodation in a Cite Universitaire (private university housing) which is assigned to you by the University if you want it. The CAF is support from the French government to afford accommodation, that you should request as soon as possible. It is a good option if you want to get to know new people. I have gotten brilliant memories from my time there!

I recommend that you bring a translated version of your birth certificate so that you can apply for the CAF. You can get it from the council in your home city.

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How much does it cost to live in Nantes?

• Accommodation: from 265 to 400 euros. If you live in a flat it wont be less than 350-400 euros.
• Sports/ the gym: 50 euros per year and you can also do 3 activites. This is completely amazing compared to Spain.
• Food: more expensive than Spain (about 30 to 40 per cent more), so it is around 150 euros if you want to cook and over 200 if you eat a lot of meat and things like that.
• Transport: if you get the TAN, around 30 euros a month. There are discounts for students and if you get an annual pass.
• Opening a bank account is free.
• It would also be worth getting a French phone/ sim card (10€)
• Around 50-100 euros extra for going out and shopping

Altogether, from 500 and a bit (pushing it) to 800 euros if you get a bit carried away.

Was it easy to get to grips with the language? Did you do a language course with the University?

They don't know any English. This is a good and a bad thing. It's bad because if you were thinking of associating with local businesses, using English, you'll find it difficult. It's good because at the same time it makes you learn a lot more quickly and communicate with people, who are generally happy to help you with the language.

The university offers free French courses to University Students who would like them with the IRRFLE, an intensive course at the start of Erasmus, and classes during your Erasmus stay.

What is the cheapest way to get to Nantes from your city?

Via plane from Malaga with Volotea

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What places do you recommend to go on a night out in Nantes?

To go out: Hangar à bananes, Marlow, Prohibition...

To eat: There are lots of restaurants. You'll find the best crepes at Au Vieux Camper. La Mie Câline for deserts, although there are lots of bakeries which are great, especially in the city centre.

Nearby tourist attractions: Mont Saint Michel, Saint Malo, Chateaux de la Loire, Brittany, Tours, Angers, Paris.

Shopping: Lecrec, Aldi or Leader Price (cheap), Super U (average), Monoprix (expensive). Carrefour and Auchan (Alcapo) are a lot more expensive than in Spain.

PS. Some advice, get your hair cut before coming to France, as a male haircut is 20 euros.

Do you have any final advice?

That when you come, you make the most of every second possible, that the city is the perfect place to have fun, travel and learn. And above all make the most of the opportunity to get to know other cultures, form relationships with other people that are not just Spanish. And have a good time, the Erasmus experience is one of a kind!