Experience in Paris, France by Emilia

How did you find living in the city of Paris? Do you recommend it? How is the city?

Paris sparkles... Paris is romantic... Paris is crazy... That's Paris. It's a mixture of plenty of things: of culture, parties, history...

Lose yourself in the Parisian streets, discover the Latin Quarter, go for a drink at the Châtelet and don't forget to enjoy the art exhibitions, which take up a space in the museums for several months.

So fasten your seatbelt because life is lived at a thousand miles an hour in Paris and the Parisiens are very speedy!

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How is student life in Paris?

It's very rich provided that you know where to go! There are a range of associations and events which allow students to meet people, branch out outside of class and sometimes even to go on an adventure, via different weekends organised.

How are living costs in Paris?

Expensive and in my opinion, it's the biggest negative. The rents are too high for student budgets and it's sometimes necessary to envisage living in the banlieue, in order to benefit from a bigger space to live in.

Annual transport is also quite expensive. The Navigo pass offers the possibility of getting around the entire l'île de France for 70 euros a month. It's an essential service that takes up a big part of your monthly budget.

Naturally, there are also discounts for those under 26 and students regarding the museums, the cinema and the theatre.

The bars and restaurants also represent a certain amount in general but there are good deals in the city so don't worry about it!

Is it hard to find accommodation in Paris? Have you got any advice to give?

There are plenty of accommodation offers. What's difficult, is finding something that isn't too expensive, with enough space and that is well located.

Avoid the centre of Paris which is very lively (too lively) and where rent is high. The 15th, 14th and 13th arrondissements are very pleasant and are well served by the metro.

If you're planning on living in the banlieue, make sure it is well connected with the capital with public transport. It's very important for your future activities. The metro and tramway are safe bets. The bus takes longer but it's practical and be wary of the RER, which although may be fast and go a long way, often encounters disruptions throughout the year (works, cancellations etc. ).

How is the city's food? What are your favourite dishes?

The food in Paris is very cosmopolitan. There is a vast choice of French cuisine but also of food from other countries.

I'm not a very fussy eater and I like everything. All the same, I have a weakness for Asian cuisine, seafood, spicy chicken wings and rump steaks.

Which places do you recommend to see in Paris?

The Latin Quarter! It's definitely my favourite place in Paris.

The Notre-Dame cathedral is also majestic on the Île de la Cité. Not to be missed!

And to eat in Paris? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Always in the Latin Quarter which is full of little bistros and different creperies...

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Which places do you recommend to go out in Paris?

Le Jardin du Luxembourg, le Jardin de Palais Royal, Hôtel de Ville in the 1st arrondissement, Bastille.

What advise do you want to give to future students in Paris?

Go and meet people! Try to find at least one association that meets your interests. It's the best way of integrating into a community and of experiencing things whilst studying.