My experience in Paris, France, by Laura

How did it feel to live in Paris? Do you recommend it? What is it like as a city?

It is a beautiful city, especially for people who have never before had the chance to go there. Each district is like a town in itself, and the different monuments show an incredible side of French culture.

What is the student vibe like in Paris?

Paris is the perfect city for students: in the district where the different Sorbonne universities are, you can easily find bars, parks and places to meet between classes. But there are also other neighbourhoods in Paris which are equally as nice to live in as a student.

How much does living in Paris cost?

Living in Paris is relatively expensive, but you can always find 'chambres de bonnes' (a room usually on the top floor of around 9-10 square metres), or student accommodation for a reasonable price. If the prices are still too expensive, the suburbs can sometimes offer more accessible housing (having a Navigo pass is practically an obligation in Paris anyway, and the ImaginR Navigo card, made for students and 18-25 year olds, provides immediate access to all 5 tariff zones in Paris, so living in a suburb as a student is not too difficult).

Is it difficult to find housing in Paris? Do you have any advice?

It's true that finding housing in Paris is rather difficult but it can often be found through websites like Airbnb or Facebook pages like #WantedBonsPlans.

How is the food in Paris? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is good, but can soon become expensive depending on what area you're in (A burger and fries in a café/restaurant in the 5th district can cost up to 20 euros), so as a student it's easier to eat in university cafés/restaurants or in Fast Food places. As for trying the French cuisine, there's nothing like some prime-rib with Bearnese sauce.

What places do you recommend seeing in Paris?

Without a doubt Notre Dame, even if only to see the outside of it. Lots of universities are only two or three metro stops away from there, and its normal for students to buy a sandwich and then go for lunch in front of the Cathedral. The Montmartre area is also an unmissable part of Paris. On the other hand I recommend the Eiffel Tower less, and would instead recommend the Arc de Triomphe (for one simple reason: on top of the Eiffel tower you cannot see the Eiffel Tower in the view. Whereas, on top of the Arc de Triomphe, not only can you admire the different avenues of the Place de l'Etoile, but you can also admire the Eiffel tower, the symbol of Paris).