Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Adrián

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Thinking about the immediate future this is a big city, with a lot of opportunities of finding a job. Also if you chose this city (or any other cities where the main erasmus language is not english) you can improve your third language, what is really interesting.

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

It depends of the University you come from. In my case, I will be here for 9 months.
The money I receive is about 400€, what is not enough, of course. I explain:

- To rent a flat in Paris center is suicide, that's all i have to say. To rent a flat in Paris outskirts is not that expensive and difficult, but it's not cheap neither. If you want to live decently (sharing a flat or in a private studio) the amount goes from 400 - 600€; if you find something for less, you are a really lucky person.

-The price of transport is not so expensive: 1,7€ one ticket (for metro), and you can also buy 10 tickets-pack (13'30€); an unlimited card called Navigo Découverte (65€ month), or if you are less than 25yold, you can order an unlimited special card that's called Navigo ImagineR (323€ year = Areas 1 and 2 = Paris and closed outskirts).

-Drinking outside... normal price of a pint: 4 - 6€. Drinking at home: a more or less good Rhum is about 14 or 15€, the 70cl bottle.

-Basic food: normal, like every european country. The fruits are more expensive than in the south of europe, but not much.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Not typical erasmus. This is a big city and meet with friends can be difficult.

You have good discos with free entrance, free museums and many things to do.

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

Tell me what you want to do, and I'll recomend or not.

What is the food like?

All products with milk and bread are the best in the world. After that, you will eat at home, and you will cook your own national food, so dont worry about that. At least you are rich, you are not going to go into a restaurant.

Crepes, I forgot crepes :D, good option when you are having a walk by the side of the Seine.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

Terrible. Really, it's terrible for everybody. Start from now, and realize that you are going to sleep in a hostal the first two weeks.

Everything is expensive, and there's not a lot of options. It's unbelievably hard to find something, but everybody get it, so dont worry, but you'll ahve to work hard.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

It depends, for me:

430 for a flat
150 - 200 food.
50 transport.
100 free time
100 others.

But it is easier to find a job here, so dont worry so much about the money.

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

There are courses availables, very usefull.

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

Iberia Erasmus, I recommend to everybody.

155 - 200€ go and come back with two 23kg lugages.

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

Bastille has good places.
Mix club is a good option (center), Palais Maillot, duplex (in the north).

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

jajajaja im from the lower class, sorry.

Buy a Panini and eat it walking in the street.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

This is Paris, just search in Wikipedia.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Paris in the future?

Ask for the CAF, this is a help programme for young people that gives you a part of the amount of your rent payment: about 100€ per month.

Maybe something that i wrote could sound hopeless. It depends of the point of view; it depends of what do you want to do in your erasmus. Of course you can live an endless party in Paris, but is difficult when every place is fucking expensive and your friends live far away. However, if you go out your house, you will always find people in the street and something new to visit or to do.

If you are like me, and you are looking for an opportunity of working out, this is your city.

Bienvenue.