Experience in Paris, France by Audrey

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

Living is Paris as a student is just amazing. You can have everything you need next to you. Besides, a lot of associations or institutions are in charge to help students being as independent as possible.

At any hour of the day or of the night you can find a shop, or a doctor. And this point is very important.

Concerning the city itself, it is a big city, as you may know it. There are buildings everywhere, some of them are design and modern while others are vintage, but the contrast is absolutely handsome and not chocking at all. Paris is said to be one of the most beautiful city in the world, and honestly, not just because I lived there, I totally share this point of view.

The good point is that there is not only buildings : if you want to relax and you are looking for natural sites, there are a lot of parks (Bois de Vincennes for example).

I've been living in Paris for more than 12 years and I was never bored, and this is why I really recommend this city. If you like culture, food, and Entertainment, you have to go in Paris with all its museums, cinemas, restaurants, night clubs and so more!

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What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

As a student in Paris, I think I had the ideal lifestyle.

I had a lot of free time in my university during the whole first semester so I made a lot of activities that I've never done before.

It is very cool since you don't feel too alone. Social assistants and associations are present to help you.

But I must mention that it is a very competitive city. You must show people what you can do. We are a huge quantity of students right there, so you have to keep in mind that you are not alone! So fight!

This competition can stimulate your mind, and pushes you to give your best of yourself.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

Living in Paris is expensive concerning the accommodation. For a little studio in Paris, the minimum rent is around 750 euros per month.

But concerning the food, it is not a problem at all. To give an example, I remember when I lived there, I had the possibility to eat for 2 euros. And some good food!

To conclude, life in Paris is not as expensive as people think. Of course, it depends on your needs, but I lived with Something like 750-800 euros/months (accommodation + food + Entertainment + transport).

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

I can not really answer this question because I didn't have to find an accommodation by myself : I lived in a flat owned by my family, so I was Lucky.

But if I can give an advice, I would say : look for a flatmate!

It is a way to save money and to avoid any feeling of loneliness.

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

Huum... The food! What I appreciate the most in terms of food is the diversity. You can find Indian food, Chinese food, African food...

Actually the list is very long! The quantity of choice is incredible.

I am a big food lover, so giving my favourite dish is impossible. But I can give you a few ones.

As a vegetarian, I totally felt in love with a healthy fast food next to the University Paris-Diderot that proposed vegetarian burgers. Yummy!

I also love Indian food. I used to eat in an Indian restaurant in the 12eme arrondissement, next to a park and a swimming pool. My favorite dish there was the Vegetarian biryani.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Paris?

If I had to recommend some places, it would be :

• Place de la République, because there are a lot of shops, restaurants, and places to chill.
• Place de la Bastille, for the same reasons that the Place de la République.
• Châtelet, because of its underground commercial center with more than 250 shops.
• Bercy Village : it is a place where you find restaurants, shops and a big cinema (and its delicious pop-corn).
• Les Champs Elysées, of course! The most beautiful avenue of the world as people say! It is just wouaouw. There are a lot of well-known brands such as Abercrombie or M. A. C Cosmetics.

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

Of course it is! As I said earlier, the food in Paris is very diverse.

So whatever your tastes, you will find a place that you will definetely love.

My favorite spots are "In and Out", the "healthy fast food" that I mentioned before.

I also appreciate the restaurant "Au métro", in the 12eme arrondissement where you can eat typical Parisian food such as onion soup, croque-monsieur, moules-frites.

Delicious!

And to give a last spot, all the restaurants Bercy-Village. If you want to eat Italian food, go there! If you want to eat French food, go there! If you want to drink some cocktails, go there!

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

And once again, my answer will be positive.

The nightlife is just extra!

This is actually a point that I appreciate the most.

I have no words to describe how good is the nightlife. Even if in some nightclubs, the selection at the entrance can be very hard.

Anyway, it won't avoid you having fun, trust me!

I would recommend you to go in few nightclubs like :

• "The Queen",
• "The Mix",
• "The Zig Zag",
• "The VIP Room".

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What advice would you give future students heading to Paris?

Dear future students in Paris, don't hesitate to have fun and visit all places you want.

But don't be trapped by all the possibilities of Entertainment and keep in mind that you have to succeed.

Enjoy.