Experience in Paris, France by Alia

What is it like to live in Paris? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

It's incredible to be so immersed in beauty - it's not a perfect city, but it is filled with beauty. It is very easy to be alone in Paris without feeling lonely, to take pleasure in even the most banal activities, like the walk to work or school. People are not as openly friendly on the street, and this can be good or bad, depending on the person - I find it nice that people aren't intrusive or over-eager to make small talk, and mostly keep to themselves instead. I would certainly recommend Paris, but it is a much friendlier city if you are self-aware and do your best to respect the customs of the people there, otherwise it can seem pretty hostile. Additionally, though the public transportation system is excellent, if you don't like walking it's not quite as much fun to get around Paris and enjoy it to its fullest.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

There are lots of young people there, and it's not difficult to find spots to hang out in the company of other students. Most of the arts offer significant student discounts - plays, ballets, operas, museums, cinemas, etc. - which is really nice and makes attending things like that on a tight budget easier.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

It can be very expensive if you choose to make it that way - eating out frequently at expensive restaurants, taking ubers/taxis instead of using the metro or walking, choosing housing that is "prime real estate" - but it can also be very reasonable if you are conscious and set a good budget. Really good food can be found, if you take the time to look, for very cheap. Most flats are in interesting and beautiful locations - you don't need to spend thousands on a studio that faces the tour eiffel. It helps to really explore the city a little before you spend money, and find places that have the things you want but don't require you to pay extravagant amounts.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Paris? Is there any advice you can give?

Housing can be difficult, but it's important to remember that there are lots of places out there, it's just a matter of finding them. Exploring as many options as you can is a really good idea, because if you inquire after 20 flats and only 20% of them respond to you, you still have 4 flats to look at. Also, don't be afraid to room with people you don't know - of course there's the chance you won't like living with them, but there's also the chance that you'll really enjoy living with them, and it costs less to live with roommates.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is excellent. There are a lot of great north African restaurants around, and I first tried tajine in Paris, which I've since made myself several times. Everything is very fresh, and it's great to know that everything you're cooking with is good quality - the eggs, the produce, the meat, all of it. I love visiting the fromagerie and buying whatever the clerk says his favourite cheese that day is, or visiting my boulangerie for a pain chocolat aux amandes every morning and a baguette every afternoon.

What places would you recommend visiting in Paris?

Bercy village is out of the way, but it's a great spot to get drinks or have a picnic - very quiet, no tourists. I love the Montmartre quartier, and when I lived within walking distance of the basilica, I frequently visited Sacre Coeur, especially at night. I also love le Bon Marche, and the nearby Saint Sulpice, where Perec wrote his short novel Tentative d'Epuisement d'un Lieu Parisien.

Is it good to eat out in Paris? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

It can be tres cher, but if you find the right places it's delicious and inexpensive. There's an excellent Russian restaurant called Svetlana that's on the higher end of the price range, and a Moroccan place right near Sacre Coeur that's on the less pricey side, as well as a very authentic Italian place called Casa Bellucci. If you're looking for "French" cuisine, it's difficult to go wrong with most of the cafes - except for those in the 7th, which are touristy, over-priced, and often not very good quality.

Is the nightlife good in Paris? Where is good to go?

There's a good night scene at Oberkampf, among other places. Most bars have inexpensive happy hours, too, which is nice, and of course there's always theatre or music somewhere in the city.

What advice would you give future students heading to Paris?

Take lots of risks - don't be stupid about it, but take risks. Don't be afraid to ask for help, but be prepared to get an unhelpful or even rude response as often as you get a helpful one. And try to find the places that the locals go, instead of staying safely in the touristy areas - it really pays off.