Experience in Paris, France by Ronald

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

As an American, from New York City, I find Paris exotic by contrast, but still familiar enough culturally to be a very comfortable and friendly city. Volumes have been written about living in Paris, but the best advice I have is "go native." Try to avoid the usual tourist sites and eat in neighborhoods to enjoy various types of food.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Paris holds many distractions. If you are a serious student, not just a tourist posing as a student, enjoy the libraries as well as the landmarks. There is a tremendous nightlife, but you may have to curb your clubbing while you study, then save the weekends for fun!

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

I must compare the costs of Paris with that of New York City. The studio apartment I rented in the 20th, Belleville was about the same as my apartment in Manhattan. However food and clothes are overall of better quality and less expensive than Manhattan. If you can avoid the Metro except for long rides across Paris you will have a lot of money. At first I was not familiar with how much in Paris is within walking distance, so I took the Metro. But once I got used to the distances, again similar to Manhattan, I stopped using the Metro and walked.

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

I used Craigslist to find my apartment. But that is risky and often over priced. If possible rent a room for a month or two. Then when you arrive in Paris, with the help of locals you can find housing. But it is expensive and hard to find, so expect to do a lot of looking and networking. There are listings for rooms on announcement boards around universities. That advantage of those boards, but know that a good and cheap room will go fast!

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

French food, particularly in Paris is fabulous. But, like anywhere, there is a price too pay for an upscale restaurant meal. My advice, get to know the local open markets for produce and learn about cheaper cuts of meat and varieties of the wonderful cheeses and become your own French chef!

What places would you recommend visiting in Paris?

For the view and atmosphere my most favorite neighborhood is Montmartre. However, it is swarming with tourists. Avoid those areas and enjoy the edges of Montmartre where you will find delightful little restaurants and many little theaters.

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

Eating out, enjoying the cafe society, is one of the wonders of Paris life. It is best to avoid well trafficked areas on the boulevards. Again, do some walking and discover your own special restaurants off the beaten path. Being most familiar with Belleville, where you will find lots of young people enjoying the clubs and restaurants, I recommend you stay on main boulevard of Belleville which is safe, even at night and has a wide variety of restaurants run by immigrants from around the world.

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

I'm not an expert on Paris night life, and popular clubs change on a regular basis. The best advice is to talk to other students to find the places with the lowest cover charges and cheapest drinks if you are on a budget.

What advice would you give future students heading to Paris?

My advice is to simply enjoy yourself. Learn as much as you can as a student, but of course enjoy the cultural experience. Unless Paris enchants you into spending the rest of your life there, as it has done for generations of foreign students, then know that this is an experience of a lifetime! Paris is an ever changing and a most vibrant and exciting city.