My experience with Erasmus in Paris, France by Anasthassia

What do you feel about the city of Paris as a place for living? Do you recommend it?

The most beautiful city in the world.

What is the student atmosphere like in Paris?

There are a couple of nice things - quite a lot of young people to party with, the drinks are rather expensive, and it is not always practical to return (more subway at night).

What is the cost of living in Paris?

It's rather expensive... one of the most expensive capitals of Europe? About 6-10€ a cocktail depending on the place, expensive accommodation but a possibility of inexpensive apartments for students (limited places), transport at a good price for young people with a "Navigo Imagine R" pass.

Is it hard to find accommodation in Paris? Do you have any advice to give?

Try to get something in student housing, if not, to find a roommate go to the Internet site http://www.lacartedescolocs.com.

How is the food in the city? What are your favorite meals?

A multicultural city: a possibility of eating meals from cuisines of the whole world (not counting the French specials).

My favorites: House burgers, a good French cheese paired with a baguette, tacos, all-you-can-eat Japanese...

What places in Paris do you recommend visiting?

The quays of the Seine (especially towards Île Saint Louis), Montmartre, Parc Monceau, the little garden of Trocadéro and Parc Montsouris are all pretty.

To discover Paris by night I recommend sightseeing by bike or rollerskates on a Wednesday evening.

And for eating in Paris? Can you tell us your favorite places, restaurants?

I like very much the food chains Baggelstein and O'Tacos, and the burgers of Barklays (Paris 18) and of Tomato Resto (Paris 19), the street of unlimited Japanese Truffaut (Paris 17), if not, I recommend the food trucks in front of François Mittérand Library!

Which places do you recommend for going out in Paris?

• Oberkampf Street offers a lot of nice bars (a pirate bar, a rock bar "Cantada II", "Espit Chupito" bar),
• In Latin Quarter ("Piano-Vache", "Les Caractères"),
• In Quarter Pigalle ("Le Kremlin", "Pigalle Country Club", "French Flair", "L'escale"),
• Cheap bars in Ménilmontant ("Oberkafé", "Le Bouillon"),
• Original bars ("Pop In", "Urgence Bar", "Dernier bar avant la fin du monde"),

And for nightclubbing I advise "La Machine" and "Wanderlust".

What advice do you want to give to future Erasmus students of Paris?

Have fun, take long walks, spot cool corners that will not ruin you and to eat a real three course meal for 3€ keep your eye on CROUS student restaurants.