Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Diarmuid

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I chose Paris as it was one of very few cities that was offering an international Masters course in my area of interest.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Student life can be very rewarding once you plug yourself into the right social scene, or get involved with some organisations.

What is the food like?

In my opinion the food in France cannot be bettered!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

Finding accomodation isn't easy, so the earlier you do it the better. Student accommodation is probably the best bet, but rents are not cheap in Paris, and if you are renting privately you will usually need to provide a guarantor living in France. This is a major stumbling block for many international students coming to Paris.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

Cost of living here, along with London, is probably the highest in Europe. Shared accomodation will cost anywhere from 500-800euro, while a studio can cost that or more. In addition, there are travelling costs, and going out for food or drink is extremely expensive. Like everything, it depends on how you want to live.

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

There are language courses available in most universities with international courses.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Paris is full of culture! You can find cultural sites almost everywhere in the city!