Paula's Erasmus Experience in Paris

Why did you choose to go to Paris, France?

A few years ago, I visited Paris with friends and fell in love with the city. I love the language, the French music, the art.... I also thought that spending a term of my degree there would be really interesting and open up new points of view to me.

How long did your grant last for? How much money did you receive?

It lasted 5 months (end of January to end of June) and I received the Erasmus grant of 400 euros a month.

Afterwards, once back here you can ask for the CAF which is a grant from the French government, who give a different amount to each student.

What's the student atmosphere like in Paris?

In my opinion it's amazing, but I must say I didn't want my Erasmus experience to be all about partying, and my stay wasn't like the Erasmus that people I know had elsewhere.

If you're looking for a cultural stay (museums, exhibitions, cafes, and interesting corners), the opportunity to get to know people from all over the world, to study interesting subjects, and to go out (some clubs are really worth it), then this is the city for you.

Would you recommend the University to other students?

Without a doubt.

What's the country's cuisine like?

Croissants, macaroons, cheese of all varieties, croquet monsieur, quiche Lorraine, beef bourgignon.....No, it's not a myth, they really do eat all of this, and more. If you're looking to lose weight you might have a problem because the food is incredible...

Was it difficult finding accommodation in Paris?

Yes, I didn't enlist the help of CROUS on time (I'd recommend doing it quickly because they have some great residences), so I had to find one myself, but in the end I was lucky.

What was the cost of living like?

It's very expensive. If you're well-organised and buy own-brand products, eat in cheap restaurants, excluding accommodation you can spend around 300 euros a month, but no less. The best thing is that the culture is free if you're aged 18-25 (museums, monuments etc. ). The prices for getting into clubs is also free in some places if you sign up to guest lists and get in before a certain time.

If you live a little way out from the centre you'd have to buy the monthly transport pass which costs 70 euros. I didn't end up buying one because I could walk to campus so it wasn't worth it.

Anyway, once you get there you'll be invited to lots of free events via Facebook.

How was the language? Did you attend any course at the university?

To be honest it wasn't bad. I had to be at B2 level to get in (because the university didn't adapt very much for foreign students). Once you were there, if the professors took an interest in you, they would always try to help.

I took nine subjects and had to work very hard, I'd recommend building up your fluency as much as possible before going.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Paris from your city?

The best way is by plane, or maybe bus if you're willing to spend an uncomfortable night. It's more or less the same price.

Where would you recommend for going out in Paris?

It depends what you're looking for. I've been to Mix Club (full of Erasmus! ) on Tuesdays, to Palais Maillot on Saturdays (commercial and hip-hop music, in a beautiful setting and ambience) and also Badaboum (electronic music, and depending on which DJ is playing, you may have to pay entrance).

There's also places like Nuba, an outfoor venue, and bars where DJs play.

And how about places to eat, where are your favourite places?

I made friends with a group of people from different countries (Germans, Italians, Belgians.. ) and every Thursday we tried a new restaurant.

The cheapest area to eat in is near la Rue Mouffetard (the crepes at 'Au Petit Grec' are cheap and incredible) and in the area between the Notre Dame and the Boulevard St Michel (10 euro menus of typical French food).

We also tried Italian restaurants (East Mamma is great) and a Greek one called Filakia, also several Japanese restaurants. You'll find loads of offers online.

Water is free and so is bread. In the restaurants, when you order, make sure you ask for 'une carafe d'eau' and when you finish it they'll bring another. The food is more expensive but at least you can save on drink.

What about cultural sights?

There's culture everywhere. My favourite area is Montmartre, particularly the Place de Tertre where the artists gather, and the Sacre Coeur.

My favourite museums are the Musee d'Orsay (impressionism, post-impressionism... you can see Monet, Manet, Degas, Van Gogh, Renoir.. ) and the Musee de l'Orangerie (where the Monets 'Nymphs' are hung)

During your Erasmus stay there's time to visit everything you want to see and more, Paris won't let you rest!

Any advice you'd like to give future Erasmus students in Paris?

1. I have no doubts that Paris won't disappoint anyone!
2. Sign up to the CROUS, early on. It's worth it. It's a regional organisation, and once you're there, you'll get heavily discounted menus (for 3. 25 euros you'll get a good meal) and they have restaurants on many campuses. Make the most of it because it's the cheapest you'll see there.
3. Don't limit yourself to socialising only with students from your home country, not that it's a bad thing, but these are precious months which you can use to speak constantly in French.

If you have any other questions I'd be happy to help, I know it's difficult to organise things from a different country.

All the best!