Paris - The City of Lights

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

The Pretty city with one of its kind architecture is an amazing place to live in. Sure it has its own flaws but the city just grows on you. A day or two is not enough. You need to live in this city to get to know it.

The winters are cold and black or any shade of dark seems to be the colour of this city with people moving around in monotones. You can find people running all around at any time in any weather. I personally love running next to the canals enjoying the beautiful view or sometimes just sitting by the canal watching the nature, the people going by while enjoying a bottle of wine. The quaint dimly life during the nights with only the street lights guiding you. And with the change in season how everything seems to come alive. Specially during the summer, when the weather is nice and the streets are bright and colourful with flowers blooming and leaves growing on the once dead trees.

A visit to the beautiful gardens can take your breath away with the mesmerizing view of Paris. You can hear music all around in metro stations, streets and anywhere public and it is really pleasant to the ears in a day filled with hustle bustle. A walk in the narrow streets leading to ancient architecture can make you fall for this charming city. And do not forget to keep an umbrella because you never know when it starts raining.

Do learn some French beforehand as it will be helpful to survive in this city.

What is the student lifestyle like in Paris?

The student life is not so happening when I compare with the one I had in India. But you have an independence here to study and it is good. Colleges usually have several clubs and bars and activities for students.

As a student of Management studies I have got the opportunity to work on several live projects which is a good exposure. The teaching methodology is very different and students are not running after grades (Grades still matter though).

How much does it cost to live in Paris?

Living in Paris is a costly affair. It could range from 800-1000 Euros per month for housing and food in a very basic lifestyle. For those willing to party and to live lavishly, the expenses could go up very high.

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

Thankfully for me it wasn't but I have seen people facing many difficulties in getting an apartment in Paris. And yes, beware of frauds as there have been several such cases. Do inspect thoroughly before paying anything for an apartment.

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

Ah! That's one question I don't really like. Being a vegetarian I do not have many options here. Plus it is difficult to distinguish between vegetarian and non-vegetarian at restaurants and super-markets as everything is written in French and there are no labels to differentiate. But yes, I love the sweets here. There are so many options to choose from and all are very nice.

What places would you recommend visiting in Paris?

• Eiffel Tower

• Notre-Dame
• Louvre
• Montmartre

• Catacombs

• Arc de Triomphe
• Champs Elysees

• Sacre Coeur
• Jardin de Luxembourg
• St. Martin Canal

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

Haven't tried eating out much but plan to try these:

• Monsieur Bleu
• Cinq Mars

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

Partying in Paris in a cruise next to Seine is one of its kind of experience. Had an amazing Salsa experience at L'Appart. Apart from that you can try clubs in Bastille, or near St. Martin Canal. Opera has some good clubs and bars too.

What advice would you give future students heading to Paris?

Travel as much as you can. Paris has direct connections to a lot of major European cities. Blend in the culture and visit a lot of places and specially try the off-beat places as they are less popular but really amazing.