Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Benji

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Great culture, rich history, Metropolis

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

one year
~£3,600

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Easy going from a personal point of view: the students are eager to make new friends and are generally very welcoming. One must be outgoing however, as the University provides little in the way of student encounters. This is particularly relevant in the case of the ENS, where Erasmus students are not lodged in student quarters.

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

Definitely. It's a unique experience and it's very easy to feel at home here.

What is the food like?

Fantastic, even if you decide to cook for yourself. The produce is great and depending on where you go, you can find good takeaway deals. I recommend finding out from others where they go to eat. Restaurants can be expensive though.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

I searched on some websites offering student accommodation listings. The service was free but laborious.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

It's expensive. Expect to pay between 600-800 a month, depending on the type of accommodation, which will be basic.

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

The ENS does offer language courses and the professors are surprisingly willing to help with the language barrier.

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

Get the ImagineR card. It's a student travel card, which lasts a year and costs ~€350

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

That's a big question. Depending on your group of friends, different places will be better. Look up bars like "Le Crocodile", which has a great selection of cocktails. In terms of nightclubs, it's a matter of personal taste. For the sheer novelty factor, I'd recommend the "Batofar" in the 13th. It's a boat on the Seine which has been refurbished into a night club. The music is house/minimal which, if you enjoy that kind of music, is really good.

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

Have a look around in the 5th. There are some great takeaway snack bars and it's not all French food either. you can find lots of Greek and Asian joints too; the latter being focused in the 13th, which is definitely worth exploring.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Here, I'd recommend getting on a bus and taking it straight through Paris. If you have an ImagineR card, the journeys won't cost you any extra and you can hop on/off as much as you like.

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

Don't stick to your district. Go out with your friends and get lost somewhere. You'll find the most amazing bars and restaurants in roads you've never been in before. The markets are great too. Look up "brocantes Paris" and spend a Saturday/Sunday rummaging through the stalls.