Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Sorcha

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I choose to go to Paris because I've always considered it one of the culture capitals of the world. I knew that there was so much to see and do in Paris and that most of it was free for under 25s. As well as all that, I wanted to improve my French and knew that being able to say I lived in Paris would be a life experience that I'd never forget.

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

I'm here for two semesters - September to June. Rent here averages at €650 per month, but that includes bills too. Shopping is quite dear given that all the big supermarkets are outside the city and people have to shop in small local stores instead.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

The student lifestyle is amazing - there's always something to see or do! Paris recently got voted as the top city in the world for their student life and I can't disagree. There are loads of bars and clubs, events, concerts, festivals... It's an amazing place.

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

Definitely.

What is the food like?

The food is the same as most places, although bread, wine and cheese are particularly well priced and so most of us ended up having them as staples in our diet! Since Paris is a capital city with a very diverse community, it caters to most tastes and so shops selling most goods can be found if you look hard enough!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

It didn't cost me a thing - my university had several connections and were able to help me with options before coming over here.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

€650 for rent and bills, food and socialising on top of that.

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

I find understanding some lecturers hard because their French isn't what I am used to, but it generally depends on the person. There are language classes available for foreign students and they're worth credits too which are great for boosting our grades.

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

From my hometown I have to get a plane.

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

There are several small bars and clubs around the centre - my advice is to just head in along the Seine and find a nice place along there!

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

Again, the standard of food and restaurants is so high that you can't go too far wrong. There's a good few streets of restaurants near the Pantheon, but the Jewish quarter is unbelievable for falafel.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

All the museums, the art galleries and Versailles.

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

Try and get a summer job in Paris before starting university here. It helps bring your French up to scratch and you'll end up making loads of Parisian friends who'll then help you throughout your year here. Also pay attention to learning grammar and verbs - you'll need a good base of French before you come over!