Experience in Paris, France by Nadine

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

Paris is the most beautiful city in the world. At least, it is for me. It has some special atmosphere, I cannot explain it, but it immediately caught me and never let it go. I would highly recommend Paris. It is a cultural city, with a lot of places and history to discover. The only not perfect thing about Paris is the many people, the hectic and often bad tempered inhabitants.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

I would not say that the student life style differs a lot from other cities. It is relaxed and joyful atmosphere. Students study, go to university, help each other, but also have fun, party and do other activities together.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

Paris is an expensive city. If you are lucky, you can find an apartment for 400 € per month, most likely with a lot of disadvantages. If you are not lucky, you might pay 1000 euro only for rent. The monthly Metroticket costs 70 euro, you need a phone contract and maybe want to have some hobbies. For food and other things; I paid about 250-300 euro per month.

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

Yes, it is difficult because there is a high demand. An advice? Expect high costs and start early to search. Look in every social media you know, Facebook is always helpful. If you know people, who live there, ask for advice. Never accept anything, where you have to pay more then one rent in advance, where the deposit is higher than the monthly rate or when they want to send the keys via post. These apartments will most likely be fake and don't exist.

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

The food is amazing. French cuisin is known to be one of the best. You can find everything, you would wish for. The best things are obviously the crepes, which you can find at every corner for few money. I also loved the fondue, the raclette, the macarons...

What places would you recommend visiting in Paris?

For European Union members under the age of 26 a lot of cultural sightseeing attractions are for free, so I would recommend to visit everything that is possible. Also on the first sunday of the month, many things will be for free and at the jour du patrimoine. The best views over the city you will have from the terrace of Galeries Lafayette, Notre Dame, Sacré Coeur, Arc de Triomphe, tour Montparnasse, the Eiffel tower or the institut du monde arabe. You can spend several days in the Louvre and discover new things. If you are interested in art or literature, there are the Orangerie, the Picasso museum, the house of Victor Hugo, the Rodin museum, the Grévin museum, the musée d'Orsay und the centre Pompidou. The catacombes are one of the most mystic and interesting places in Paris as well as the cimetière du Père-Lachaise. In the surroudings of Paris, you can find many castles worth to visit. I ensure you, you will never be bored, there is always something to visit.

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

That depends on the money you want to spend. Paris is defenitely expensive. If you want to have good food for a good price, try the restaurants in the rue Mouffetard. I tried several of them and they were all really good. You can get a complete menu from 15 euro. In this famous street is also the well known Au P'tit Grec, one of the best creperies in Paris. You have heaps of different variations, salty or sweet. The crepes are so big, that you will be full the whole day long and they cost between 3 and 5 euro.

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

There are countless bars and clubs in Paris, so many that I don't even remeber, where I have been. It is expensive, so we normally met for an apéro (pre-drink) to save money. You will find something for everyones taste. The region of Bastille and le Châtelet are known for many bars and we have been in some of them. Clubs are expensive, but for erasmus and especially for girls, they have many reductions or free entry. Mix Club is not the best, but cheap and ok. Palais Maillot was always good and Duplex has several floors, to choose the best music.

What advice would you give future students heading to Paris?

Prepare for an expenisve, but amazing time in the best city in the world and many new life long friendships! Don't miss the good experiences, just because of money. Don't forget to study, but also don't forget to party!

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