Erasmus Experience in Nice, France by Marianna

Why did you choose to go to Nice, France?

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France was my main destination and I had 5 options of cities to go to. I was selceted to go to Nice and I remember that I was both surprised and excited at the same time.

The problem was to find some courses that could match with my Italian university ones, with no much help from the university of Nice.

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

The scholarship lasted 6 months from January to the end of June. My University gave me only 100 euros per month (given at the end of the exchange) and I was lucky to find out about the CAF (caisse allocation familiale) which is a public aid for the student's flat rent.

What is the student lifestyle like in Nice?

Nice is an expensive town, so you have to find alternative ways to have fun but believe me it's possible.

During the day you can find chilled people, the beach, gardens, museums. And you can easily take a train or a bus to make trips around the French Riviera (amazing place.. ).

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If it's about going out, the atmosphere is more like a "disco pub" one, with a street full of pubs in the city center. There is an active Erasmus association in Nice that organises an event every week.

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

Of course I would! First of all it doesn't really matter where you go for your exchange but what's important are people that you meet. Moreover, Nice is a great place both chilled and chic at the same time. There's the beach and the mountains. It's big enough to have a lot to do but not so big that you could get lost!

Nights on the beach, cheap cultural events, music festivals... no need to say more!

What is the food like?

The food is great. There are markets around the town and the restaurants offering French cuisine but be careful with the prices..

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Nice?

It was sooooo easy to find a flat.

Maybe I was lucku but I found a flat in the city center as soon as I arrived.

You also have solutions offered by the university, however, you need to get them on time (impossible if you, like me, have always organization problems! )

How much does it cost to live in Nice?

It depends.. I would say at least 700/1000 euros per month (rent included).

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

University gives you free French courses.

The teacher I had took seriously his job pracitsing with us every day situations (in order to survive! ), doing excercises, helping us with university projects and giving us some advice how to get in touch with people and make good travelling experiences.

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

Train.

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

At the beach with wine, music and good friends.

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

Chez Rene Socca

1 rue Pairoliere, 06000 Nizza, France (Old Town / Vieux Nice)

Here you can find traditional food, probably the best "socca".

In the old town there are many nice and cheap places toeat, it's nice and charming over there!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There is the Museum of Modern Art in front of the theater (both worth a visit! ). Matisse Museum, Chagall Museum..

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Don't forget that there are many cultural sites not far from the town. Saint Paul de Vence avec the Fondation Maeght if you love art and also all the little peculiar villages around Nice.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Nice?

Travel around the region as much as you can!

Nice is just one of the beautiful places that you can visit in the south of France.