Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Lyndré

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I am visiting an international lab at a University in Paris to complete my Master's degree.

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

The exchange is about 4 months long.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

It's quite nice. There are a lot of great cultural events for students to keep busy with. This lifestyle is a bit more basic, and it would do you well if you kept on top of specials and discounts available in the city.

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

Yes. The teaching I've experienced is very professional, specialized and of an international caliber, and Paris is a great city to live in. It's very different to every other place I've lived in. There's so much interconnection of every part of life and culture here, you really can't describe it.

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What is the food like?

A lot of the food is rich and creamy so you don't eat a lot of it. Portions are smaller than what I'm used to but it definitely fills you up. Take-away food is not so great but the gourmet food and meals at restaurants are really really great. Breakfast is not really a big meal here, but lunches and dinner are quite substantial.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

Not to find no, but I have rented an apartment through an agency and they ask a service fee.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

You can live quite comfortably (as a student) in the city on 1000 Euro a month, given you find affordable accommodation (less than 600 Euro ) and buy bulk groceries from supermarkets (Carrefour, G20, Dia). Accommodation, transport and food is going to cost you the most, and you can find good deals if you search around online.

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

French has many similarities with English so it isn't too difficult. The thing is, you have to get over the "language barrier" by being ready to speak French, however badly it may be at the beginning. The more you speak and practice it, the better you will sound and the easier it becomes (I promise). I'm sure the University and other organisations offer some courses, but I learnt online with Duolingo (free), attended some language-swapping evenings where you get to practice talking with other people and just general conversation everyday.

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

Well, I come from Stellenbosch in South Africa. I flew here with Air France from Johannesburg. It wasn't economical. However, if you book flights 4 months in advance you can get pretty good deals.

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

If you get a group of friends together it's always nice to go hog a spot at a local bar. Otherwise, to find some clubs head to the Marais district, and the Latin Quarter for a bit more laid back vibe. It's always nice to walk along the river Seine at night past the Royal Palace and look at the lights of all the buildings around. If you check online you can find many poetry events and movie screenings, there's a lot to do.

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

Actually, most restaurants are really great in Paris but expensive. I don't have a particular favourite. Watch out for too touristy, over priced restaurants that don't offer good food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

All of them. Seriously, there's so much history in this city it's difficult to find a place that isn't special and culturally rich. Obviously places like the Louvre and d'Orsay Museums are special, others would probably include Versailles Chateaux, Notre Dame Cathedral, War History museum and the National Opera.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Paris?

Get a good guide book, read it through and highlight ten things you find most interesting. While you are here, focus on these ten things explicitly. Your experience will be more focused and saturated with enjoyment. People who travel sometimes forget that we all have different tastes and interests. Lead your own way, I do and I get way more satisfaction out of it. Paris is expensive, so save up and decide before hand what you are willing to spend money on and what not. Also, speak French to the French. Most people here are self-conscience about speaking english because it's not their first language. Speaking French, even really badly, gets you better and quicker service and despite what you may have heard, the French are wonderfully kind and helpful but you've got to meet them half way.