Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Milena

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

Because I was very curious about French culture, I went there already for a trip and I fell in love in Paris for the first sight! I also wanted to improve my French language skills and to meet new people :)

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

6 months, 450 euros/month

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Erasmus students had lots of opportunities to socialize with each other, Paris is a big social city :) I remember lots of parties and trips to other French cities. French students organize a lot of cultural events.

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

I would strongly recommend Paris to other Erasmus students, but the main disadvantage in choosing this city is the cost of everyday life.

What is the food like?

I think that French cuisine is one of the best in the world :) French people are amazing when it comes to food :)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

It was very difficult for me to find any accommodation in Paris for reasonable price, but the people I know helped me a lot - they found for me a foyer for young Polish catholic community. If you plan to go for Erasmus exchange, choose Warsaw - Warsaw University has excellent organization in accommodating students :) At least you don't have any chance to end up under the bridge in cartons ...

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

About 750 euros/month, accommodation included. That means I paid 300 euros extra from my pocket.

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

When I went to France, I already new French, but on a very basic level. Before the beginning of my studies, I took language courses directed by University Paris Descartes (Paris V), and they were excellent! The course was intensive, but it helped me a lot to get familiar with the new French environment and to improve my language skills. I would recommend it to any Erasmus student choosing Paris. For the spring semester, it starts in January and it lasts two weeks.

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

From my city, the most economical way to travel to Paris is choosing a low-cost airline (for example Wizzair or Ryanair).

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

I suggest to go on a night out to 3rd, 4th or Oberkampf districts. These arrondissements have vibrant social atmospheres.

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

For eating I suggest Latin district. There are plenty little restaurants to choose from.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Paris has lot of cultural sites to offer and it doesn't need any advertisement - simply everybody can find something, starting from theaters, art galleries, museums, concerts, historical monuments ... cultural richness of Paris is endless. The best thing about this city is that young European citizens under 26 can enter to almost every museum there!

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

Yes! If you plan to stay in Paris, you have to find your accomodation in advance. The best month to do that is June, because in June students leave their apartments empty and you have lots of options to choose from. Either way, it is very difficult to find anything! Be prepared that public transport in Paris is one of the most expensive in Europe, but free museums passes can be somehow rewarding. If you are still not convinced about choosing Paris for your future Eramsus studies, choose Warsaw :)