Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Anie

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I studied French Level 4, did not want to lose it and wanted to improve it, wanted to go somewhere with a big cultural difference and pride and wanted to eat Nutella crepes and look at the beautiful buildings every day.

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

I received the maximum Erasmus grant, my normal student loan and also I applied for CAF which is a pain in the backside and took a long time, even required print-outs of documents to be sent by post (the French systems are archaic) but I managed to get €112 a week - YOU NEED A FRENCH BANK ACCOUNT THOUGH! Société Génerale is what most people used - but also, SIGN UP FOR A MONZO CARD when you're in the UK - It's free withdrawals and payments in shops in foreign currency - worked an absolute treat for me and I didn't get charged anything extra - just keep topping it up from your phone! I even used it in Berlin, Amsterdam and Hungary!

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Student lifestyle is pretty good but there's no real clubbing scene or campus vibe - very different from York!
I advise that you attend all the first week's sessions about introductory courses - you'll see International students that look just as lost as you are and it's a great way to make friends - suggest a picnic with wine/booze/OJ and bread and cheese in one of the gardens (Tuilieries/Luxembourg) in September and loads will join! `
The lifestyle is not very clubby but there are tonnes of bars and cool events - keep up to date with FB - they advertise really well!
I would advise joining WhatsApp groups for ISAP students and keeping up to date with everything - being a regular member at the events helps to get a very stable group of friends who will consistently go out!
As for students - all museums are pretty much free if you're under 25 and from the EU (Have a passport or Drivers' License) and the food isn't cheap or anything but you learn to "pre-drink" properly, bottles of wine are cheap and the markets are good for fruit and veg! Entry to clubs and bars are expensive after 22.00 so get there before or just pay the price!
They have €5 tickets for the Comédie Francaise and Opéra Bastille, €10 tickets for Opéra Garnier (IT'S BEAUTIFUL), €10 for tickets to Odéon and totally worth it! There are lots of free events too!

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

I love Paris but the University is very disorganized and doesn't know what it's doing! You have to be on top of your documents and bear in mind that everything eventually gets sorted out - just laugh it off and make sure that there are some international students in the same boat!

What is the food like?

The food really is amazing, there are some deals for fancy French restaurants but also bear in mind that there are loads of rip-off tourist restaurants. I struggled because I am vegetarian and the supermarkets are not cheap for fruit and veg - go to Marché de Bastille and shop around!
Carrefour charged €1 for broccoli but Franprix charged €4.98 - IN TESCO THEY'RE 40p!!!
Crepes are amazing and fresh - Rue Mouffetard is the best place to go (Oroyana - €2 nutella crepe), good lunch deals for savoury and sweet!)
Boulangeries are incredible - there really is nothing like fresh, French bread and the sandwiches are equally incredible.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

YES - I paid €900 a month but I was in the best city and area ever. CAF helped a bit - FB groups are your best bet! Make sure you're in an arrondissement and not too far out! Make sure you're near a métro stop!

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

A LOT OF MONEY - I would be kidding if I said it was cheap - you just have to learn where you need to be cheap and how to save a bit. I volunteered a lot to give me stuff to do and make friends without spending. When the weather is nice, drinking and walking around along the Seine and going to the gardens and parks is always amazing.

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

The language is very difficult but super beautiful. They have FLE courses that are available but sometimes they do not fit in well with the courses.

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

GET A STUDENT NAVIGO CARD - It's €330 for the year but you can pretty much travel everywhere and it's unlimited.

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

I will attach a list

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

I will attach a list

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

I will attach a list

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

I will attach a list... BUT ENJOY EVERY MINUTE OF IT AND EVERY BEAUTIFUL BUILDING - IT'S INCREDIBLE