Erasmus experience in Perpignan, France

Why did you choose to go to Perpignan, France?

Because it was near the Spanish border, and it had warm temperatures.

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

3 months, £940 roughly.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Perpignan?

The students at the university are like a very big family, meeting most evenings of the week, going out together etc. They keep in touch via a Facebook group, "Perpignan Que Fas" posting plans for weekdays and weekends activities. There are a few pubs and clubs in walking distance, and some close to the beach (if you don't mind coming home on the bus at 5am).

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

Yes! The university is a little run down, especially the accommodation, but the city is amazing.

What is the food like?

The student halls dont have ovens or microwaves which seriously limits what you can cook. There is a "quick" very close to the uni where you can get burgers, etc. The food in the city is nice, but expensive. The students often take it in turns to cook meals for each other. The Colombians cook the best!

How did you find your accommodation?

Through the university.

What are the accommodation prices like? What are prices like for other things in general?

The basic accommodation is pretty cheap, but it is worth getting slightly more expensive rooms which are more comfortable. A weekly shop can be quite expensive.

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

The language courses within the university are very expensive. The language is fairly easy to pick up, except a lot of the students speak Spanish as a first language hence they often flick between Spanish and French.

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

Flying either with Ryanair or Flybe. If you fly with Flybe you can take two suitcases which is definitely worth it. Its worth paying more money and flying rather than going by train.

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

O'Shannons! It's an Irish bar in the city centre. Also Tio Pepe is good. Havana and boca boca are good for dancing, and boca boca doesn't close till around 5am.

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

Everywhere is good, it just depends how much you want to pay. The restaurants by the beach at canet are pretty nice.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Collioure is my favourite, it's so colourful and pretty. Canet is good for going to the beach or a night out. Mount Canigou is a must, but it takes about 10 hours to climb up and down. It's worth it for the view. Surrounding towns worth a visit are Carcassonne, and Montpellier. Barcelona is close and very easy to get to.

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

Bring an internet cable with you if you want to be able to go on Facebook! Join the Perpignan que fas Facebook group and you will have an amazing time!