Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Eden

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Because my hometown and university town are both quite small so I felt it was time to experience living in a big city before my university life was over.

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

One semester, September to December and back in January for exams. 300 euros a month grant from Erasmus+.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

I can't say I know because I lived by myself but generally students will live at home while attending university so the sense of student community is much less. However there are loads of universities and higher education institutes in the city so there are students everywhere.

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

The city I would recommend without hesitation. The university I attended (Université Paris Diderot-Paris 7) not so much. Despite its reputation as one of the best universities in Paris I found the classes to be mixed, some very boring others quite interesting. But the campus buildings are not very pleasant, full of graffiti and badly maintained. Also difficult to make friends going into classes where people already know one another

What is the food like?

The food is French- that should tell you everything you need to know (it's really good)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

Finding accommodation was a nightmare and must have cost me around 150 euros in total including transport fares going to view places

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

I'd plan for a monthly budget of around 1000 euros but it depends how much your accommodation is. I pay 900 euros a month for accomodation and probably spend around 100 euros a week on food, transport, entertainment etc.

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

It is if you already know it, most universities have a language course but I didn't take advantage of it

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

Plane

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

Depends what you like but everywhere is expensive. Bars on every street corner and bigger clubs along the river e. g. Faust, Showcase, Wanderlust, Nuba, Concrete

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

Most of them are quite good

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre Dame, Chateau de Versailles, Champs Elysees, the catacombs, cimitère de Montmartre, Sacré Coeur, Le Louvre, Centre Pompidou, Palais de Tokyo, Palais/jardins de Luxembourg, Musée d'Orsay etc.

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

Start looking for accommodation ASAP and try not to be too picky. Also watch out for pickpockets like in every big city