Erasmus Experience in Nantes, France by Thi Nguyet Anh

Why did you choose to go to Nantes, France?

I chose Nantes for my PhD because of three reasons. Firstly, University of Nantes has good conditions for research with very kind professors. Secondly, Nantes is a green city with parks, forets and rivers. Finally, life in Nantes is peaceful, friendly people, cost of living is not high.

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

My scholarship is 3 years with 888 euros per month for living.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nantes?

Nantes is a city of youth from different countries, so there are many activities for students here to exchange the culture and explore french tradition and modern life. Students always organise events at the uni like movies, music, museums, exhibitions,... And there are many big concert in Nantes which are taken place in Zenith (Nantes Atlantis complex). They also have many kind of sports, especially kayaking or rowling. For studying, there are a system of library (Bibiliotheque Universitaire - BU) help you find easily documents. At night, especially weekend young people can go to bars from 12pm to 5am.

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

Yes, for sure. The city is a suitable place for student life: green, peaceful, secured, not expensive, easy transportation.

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What is the food like?

Actually, it is easy to find popular food here like crepe, pizza, kebab for students with price from 5-15 euros. Besides, there are many restaurants with specific food from China, Japan, Korea, vietnam, Turky, Spain, Greece,... many choices for you. But with restaurants, make sure you should spend around 20-35 euros.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Nantes?

In Nantes, there is an organization CROUS Nantes to help you find accommodation without any cost, especially if you have scholarship. And the cost is not high if you stay in Residence or Cite Universitaire because you can have support from government up to 50% of renting price.

How much does it cost to live in Nantes?

• Accommodation: 250 - 400 euros/month depending on the area.
• Transportation: 35 - 58 euros/month by tram, bus.
• Food: 150 - 200 euros/month.
• Mobile: 10-20 euros/month.
• Shopping and social activities: 100-200 euros/month (it depends).

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

For sure you should know French for daily life. There are courses in Uni for you.

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

Nantes has airport so if you want to travel abroad, it's easy. There are cheap flights operated by Transavia or Easy Jet, there are direct flights to Berlin, Athens, Barcelona,... just 80-100 euros if you book early.

If you travel in France, just by train whith special offer for students.

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

There are some places:

• Hangar de Bananes (Ile de Nantes): there are a lot of small bars along the river,
• Commerce (Central Ville):there are cinema Gaumont, many bars with nice music (ex: Le Chat Noir, Labo,... )
• Zenith: A complex for concerts

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

• Shalimar: a Parkistan resto with spicy food,
• Pasta: very delicious pasta cooked by Italian cooks,
• and A Crepe resto in centre but I forgot the name, sorry.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

• Château des Ducs de Bretagne,
• Machines de l'île,
• Lieu Unique,
• Cathedral St. Nicolas,
• Musée des beaux art,
• "Tromelin, l’île des esclaves oubliés" exhibition in the Musée d'Histoire de Nantes.