First Erasmus Experience in Paris, France by Viktorija

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

I actually didn't choose it, the city chose me. I got really lucky to be offered an internship in one of the most famous Paris institutes and I couldn't say no. I'm really happy with it now.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

The internship is three months, so I get 700 €/month from the Erasmus program. I also get a salary from my institute, with which would cover my accommodation expenses.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

It depends on what kind of people you're with. There are a lot of parties every week, art exhibitions, all kind of events. You just need enough time to do it all.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Paris to other students?

Yes! The city is amazing, full of things to do and places to visit.

What is the food like?

I didn't try a lot of French food, but I completely fell in love with their deserts and their cheese.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Paris?

I was provided accommodation in Cite Internationale Universitaire de Paris by my institute. It costs me 554 € a month, which is considerably cheap in Paris. If you're a student, you should first try to apply for accommodation in CIUP, CROUS or in other student accommodation organizations, since it's cheaper and easier than finding a room by yourself. Airbnb is also good, but it's usually more expensive to rent a room from there.

Picture of the dormitory I'm staying in, in Cite Internationale Universitaire de Paris.

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

It's very expensive. If you want to eat outside, you'll usually pay from 10€ (if you're lucky) to 30€, drinks in bars and pubs are also expensive, usually 5€ a pint of beer, or 4-6€ for a glass of wine. You can get a good deal on drinks on the Happy Hour.

Public transport is 73€ a month, which is also very expensive in my opinion.

Though the expenses depends on what you're doing on your free time and how much money you're comfortable spending on particular things.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I'm staying in Paris only for three months, so I decided that it's not enough time to learn the language and gave up before even starting.

I think the pronunciation of French words is really difficult but, if you're motivated enough, I think it's really possible to be able to learn it fast.

Most of the universities provide free French classes, as far as I've heard of.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Paris from your city?

A flight to Beauvais airport.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Paris?

Karaoke bars (Le Fleurus near Cite Universitaire is one of them).

Pubs like Café Oz and Shannon pub are the ones that work really long hours (usually most of the bars close at 2am in Paris, but these ones work at least till 4am).

Most of the places in Oberkampf or in the Latin Quarter are great. It's best to just explore the city and find places that you really like.

Also the Erasmus student organization organizes Erasmus parties almost every week. It's a nice way to get to know to other students.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Paris?

Bouillon Chartier is very popular for it's low prices. It's in the 2nd arrondissement and usually there's a huge queue in front of it. But if you don't want to have that expensive middle class dinner - it's a great place.

Also I love chinese food, so I was really glad to know there is a Chinatown in Paris. Most of the places there are really affordable.

Actually eating out in Paris is very expensive, so I prefer having a meal at home.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

All the museums are worth seeing (and most of them are free if you're under 26 years old! ). I particularly enjoyed Pompidou Museum, Palace Tokyo, and Parisian parks. There are many of them.

Also, spend a lot of time just wandering the streets. It's truly amazing how many galleries, monuments and other amazing things I was able to discover just by walking anywhere.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Paris in the future?

Don't be afraid!

That's the main advice I have. I myself was really scared that no one in Paris spoke English (though it's mostly true, you'll realize that it's still easy enough to live in the city without speaking French).

Paris is going to be one of the best experiences of your life, so go for it without any doubts.