Experience in Paris, France by Dimitrianna (Δημητριάννα)

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

Paris is a lovely, quite big, city with an organized network of public transport that makes it easy to go from one neighbourhood to another. However, the best way to explore Paris is, of course, on foot. In this way you may admire the architecture and discover authentic places, such as little bistrots, open markets etc.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

I used to pay 400 euros per month for accommodation, 70 euros for transport and 10 euros in order to have an operating mobile phone (unlimited calls, messages etc). So 500 euros are the basic expenses, not including super markets, where you can find both expensive and cheap products.

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

For me it was quite difficult to find accommodation in Paris, because there is a lot of demand and Erasmus students are not a priority, unfortunatelly. So most of university residences were already full even 2 months before I arrived there. What is more, there are a lot of fake adds online, therefore you have to be very careful and always check if the appartment that you have found on the internet really exists. Thankfully, I joined a facebook team on which renting opportunities were posted and I was lucky to find a house in central Paris with 2 roommates, where I had my own bedroom.

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

Pizza with a fried egg above
Croque Madame
Vegetable soup

What places would you recommend visiting in Paris?

Le Marais (3rd arrondisement)
Monmartre
Gardens of Luxembourg
Louvre Museum
Pique Nique with a view to Eiffel Tower
Place de Bastille
Centre Pompidou
Saint Germain en Laye (tres jolie banlieu a l' ouest de Paris)

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

First of all there are options for every budget. I remember one nice restaurant near Saint Michel avenue where you could enjoy a complete menu of good quality (first course, main course and dessert) with 15 euros. There are also many street food options, especially in Mouffetard street which is always full of students hanging out. Finally, there is pretty decent food in university canteens where I was paying only 3,15 euros for a full menu back in 2013. However, you have to be a registered student in any of the city's universities in order to have the right to eat there.

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

I come from Greece where bars are open till the first morning hours and I didn't find anything similar in Paris. In any case, you can always enjoy a bottle of wine with good company by the river. It is one of the local students' favorite habit.

What advice would you give future students heading to Paris?

Search for accommodation 3 or 4 months in advance!
Avoid the northern suburbs since it feels like a ghetto.
Don't stick with erasmus students from the same country just to feel at ease in terms of language and communication. Instead, try to meet French students in order to get mixed with the locals and practice the language of course.
Get lost in the city and take advantage of everything it has to offer!