Experience in Paris, France by Shaonli

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

First things first, you need to have a relatively bigger budget since Paris can be really expensive! Even more so if you are not a student. Paris (roughly a circle) is divided into 20 districts and the districts go out from the centre, spiralling outwards. Therefore, districts 1,2,3,4,5 are distinctly smaller in size than the outermost ones.

Money aside, transportation is heavenly. So, commute is simple, easy and fast. Only thing, is that it can get really very crowded and busy during the peak hours. Download the RATP App for live updates on the public transportation. Also, you need the Internet connection to check anything except for the maps on this app.

Food: can be expensive. If you are cooking your own food,it can be cheaper. Again, that depends on your lifestyle. Grocery shopping can be really affordable at supermarkets like Lidl, Carrefour,Monoprix and the likes.

Social Life: there are numerous happening spots in Paris. But be careful of the different districts as some tend to get a little shady during the late hours. Hurrah for night buses!

Must see: Eiffel.. Duh. If possible, take the 10 euros staircase ticket to the top for people over 24 years and 5 euros for 24 and under.

The Museums!! Its free for every student under 25 years!

Père Lachaise Cemetery (free again)

Galleries laffayet(the interior is beautiful)

The city is fast paced and always busy. You can say it almost never sleeps. The general weather is cloudy and gloomy but it does have pretty sunny days.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

Make the most of the perks a student can get in Paris. Starting from student discounts at cafes or even travelling tickets to student housing aid from the government and to cheap full meal student restaurants (for 3.25 euros you have a healthy complete meal at the Crous restaurants).

Crous housing also makes life easy. But that one needs to check through ones own university partnerships with Crous.

There are lot of erasmus meet ups too... With cultural exchange parties and gatherings or even dance workshops along the river Seine.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

For a student, if lucky enough, housing can be 500 - 600 euros a month or can go down to 450 in a 9m² maid apartment. Food can be from 200 to 400 euros.
Student housing aid ranges from 90 to 250 euros(caf) and it depends on the location, distance from the university, size of the abode and price according to the size.

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

Start looking for a place really early if your university is not assigning you a spot and you have a tight budget.

Be wary of frauds. NEVER pay before you sign the contract or even for a visit. Google any email you get,there are lots websites that give you a heads up about the authenticity.

Accomodation right outside Paris can be cheaper while you can still get to school in under half an hour. However, try to find one within the city if you like a little late nights outside because the outskirts being strictly residential areas tend to get quite and uncomfortably desolate during those hours.

If your budget is 700 to a 1200,you will surely get a lot more options as well as better apartments with prime location.


There are various sites and also for homestay with families can be a good option if you don't come home late or receive people.

Also keep in mind that your landlord can ask you for a Guarantor (Visale for 25 and under and Guarantme for the rest or even french Guarantors-individuals.. Could be your professors, just saying.. Dont push them if the other two options are acceptable) and Insurance. And also, you will have to open up a French Bank account if you are a non EU citizen.

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

I have not had any special french delicacy since most of them are better home made. However, definitely have the freshly baked bakery products!

What places would you recommend visiting in Paris?

So many.

Montmartre, Moulin Rouge, disneyland, Etretat, Normandy, Saint Michel, Bordeaux, Parc Asterix, Gardens of Monet, Museums, the quite bookshops..

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

For Indian, Gare du Nord, for Vietnamese, district 13 (there they have a huge settlement, for Korean and Japanese, near Galleries Lafayette, for drinks Pigalle, chatelet, even district 17 (also for sheesha)

There also numerous all you can eateries.

What advice would you give future students heading to Paris?

Plan ahead. If you are 25 or 26 and under, make the maximum of the benefits you stand to receive.

Make your Imagine'R card for commute. Its really handy.

And get your Ofii and Ameli sorted of you are a non EU citizen. You will be guided well by your university for these so don't worry. Just do not forget to get them done.

And have fun.. You will be in Paris after all!! Good luck! :)