Erasmus Experience at Poitiers, France by Francesca

Why did you decide to go to Poitiers, France?

I decided to choose this location because I wanted to learn French, and for my faculty of Law it was the only available location.

How long was the scholarship? How much money do you get to help you out?

My bursary was for 10 months, and I received 2, 800 euros in total from the European Union, whilst my university and the region where I stayed offered me an additional contribution of around 2, 800 euros.

How was the student environment at Poitiers?

Poitiers isn't too big, with a population of only about 90, 000 most of which are students. For this reason, the atmosphere there was perfect for me. It was easy to meet people, given that it's a university city, students are everywhere. In Portiers it's easy feel the student atmosphere, as there are many events and bars for young people, which are perfect for meeting people like us.

Would you recommend the city and university of Poitiers to other students?

I would recommend Poitiers in every sense to those looking to escape the big cities, who aren't only going on Erasmus for the parties and big clubs, but who want to find an environment which can offer whatever kind of entertainment you're looking for, from bars to clubs, as well as tranquillity and calmness. Additionally, since it is not a big city, the prices are affordable, and the location of the city itself is quite practical - it's only one hour and a half away from Paris and there are other interesting cities located close by. As far as the university of Poitiers is concerned, I personally thought it was very good, organised and efficient, especially in terms of international relations. The faculty of Law was well organised, and I was completely satisfied with its academic level.

How was the food there?

Even though I know that you cannot compare Italian cuisine with other countries' cuisine, France disappointed me slightly in this sense. The pastries of course were supreme (just like the prices) and the traditional desserts were tasty, for example the macarons from Poitiers, but I wasn't particularly impressed with the rest. The national dishes are fairly simple, except certain recipes that only those with the most refined palates could actually appreciate.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Poitiers?

No, it was fairly easy. Before leaving, the international relations office proposed different accommodation types, in particular university residences, but also private accommodation. Otherwise, it's possible to find lots of adverts online to rent rooms throughout the city. There are studios at various prices, ranging from 200 to 400 euros, depending on the type of accommodation.

How expensive is life in Poitiers?

As I've already said, Poitiers is not a very big city so the prices are fairly affordable. However, generally speaking, I can say that on average I would spend around 700 euros a month, between rent for a private house (which always costs a bit more), food or canteen, and various hobbies.

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It can cost up to 5 euros to order a coffee and water in a cafe, but in student bars beer costs much less.

How is it going with the language? Did you attend any courses at university?

I went with a basic knowledge of French as I studied it at high school. Therefore, I followed a 30-hour course offered by my university before leaving, and upon arriving in Poitiers I decided to follow a course which lasted for a whole semester at CLFE (centre of French as a foreign language) at the university. Unfortunately, in Poitiers the language courses are only free for language students, while for the others the courses can cost from 100 euros for two hours a week.

What is the most economical way to get to Poitiers from your city?

Arriving in Poitiers can be problematic if, like me, you come from Sardinia. Personally, I managed to saved a little by flying with low-cost airlines. However, these were never direct flights and I had to change in Paris then take shuttles, metro and various trains.

I imagine that from a city like Rome it could be a bit simpler, but you need to really search a lot before finding the right and the cheapest way.

What places do you recommend for going out at night in Poitiers?

It depends on the type of atmosphere that you prefer and the type of the night.

If you want a chilled night with a beer, I would recommend "Caribu", a nice very particular Canadian pub or Clauricome, a really friendly Irish rock pub. Petit Cabaret is just as nice with less frequent but quite unique evenings. If you like electronic music, I would recommend Minima, but if you prefer more commercial one with a student vibe, you should go to Est-Ouest. For the intellectuals there's "bibliocaffe". Also, Connemara if you want to easily meet foreign students and if you want to spend the evening playing pool or drinking a beer among Erasmus people. All of the bars that aren't clubs close before 2 in the morning.

If instead you want to dance and stay up till 6 in the morning, I would recommend Grand Geule, a student club in the heart of the historic centre. I have never been to other clubs myself, but I know that there are also several gay bars and other night bars that, however, only let you in, if you're over 25.

Otherwise, in Poitiers house parties are very popular, so it's also best to have a friend in a private house who doesn't mind to have it destroyed.

And food in Poitiers? Can you tell us about your favourites places?

Leaving a French restaurant with a full stomach is a rare thing, if you don't have very deep pockets. Personally, I rediscovered kebab, and after having tried all of the kebabs in the whole city, I would recommend O'Regal in front of the Gare (train station). In Poitiers, there are also several fast food places, such as Quick, and obviously many restaurants and brasseries. One that's very particular but a bit expensive for students is Brasserie Serrurerie, great quality but unaffordable prices. Restaurant Magenta is good, if you want to try a "real Italian pizza", which actually isn't that bad.

And what cultural places would you recommend visiting?

The entire city is an enormous museum. The architecture is unique, from the cathedral to Notre Dame you can feel the medieval aspects that characterise the city. There are many different museums, and if you have the possibility of going a little further than the city itself, the castles of the Loire are just a few kilometres away.

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Are there any words of advice you would like to give to the future students of Poitiers?

Enjoy the city in its small ways, don't expect the typical Erasmus life, but make the most of the magical atmosphere that Poitiers offers. Take advantage of the activities offered by the university: sports, culture, leisure. I would advise, if possible, choosing a private shared house in the centre to make the most of the possibility of throwing house parties or gatherings, since being in a university residence in the outskirts of the city makes it impossible!

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