Erasmus Experience in Rouen, France by Ramón

Why did you choose to go to Rouen, France?

I chose to go to Rouen because I wanted to improve my French and it is a really nice city to live in. I come from a big metropolis like Madrid and I loved the idea of living in a smaller city.

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

My exchange was for a period of 9 months. The grant was around 220€ per month. However, the Spanish government is cutting down our Erasmus grants, therefore I do not know if you guys are going to get the same amount of money... Living in France is quite expensive, if you compare it to Spain. Nonetheless, you can easily save money buying in Carrefour, E. Leclerc, etc. If you predrink before going out and you avoid a couple of clubs which are expensive you should have no problem.

What is the student lifestyle like in Rouen?

I can only speak for Rouen Business School... but it was awesome. They have got many associations for every activity you can imagine! You can take cooking courses, do sports, go on trips around France and practise languages. French people tend to be nice once you get to know them, even if you think you do not have much in common, try to make an effort to hang out with them. It is absolutely worth it, I made some really good friends over there.

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

My Rouen Business School (now called NEOMA) is a prestigious university in France, one of its best business schools. I did not find the courses hard and I had no trouble passing any subject. Although it is true that taking English courses is not the same as taking French ones. For non French-speaking people courses are easier, but French ones are not too hard as long as your French is B2-C1 level. If you get a certificate saying you studied at NEOMA it is well recognised in the whole country!

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What is the food like?

Food is lovely. It is similar to Mediterranean food but they use more spices so the flavour is different, but good. It is not hard for Spanish people to get used to it!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Rouen?

NEOMA did that for me. I never worried about it. Thank God!

How much does it cost to live in Rouen?

I spent about 600€ a month for acommodation (150€/month in CROUS residenses) and the rest of my expenses (including some trips too! ). You could live there with 450€ if you do not travel abroad and get a Crous residence.

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

At NEOMA they offer French courses for free at almost all levels. It is useful to take it and it is a good way to meet foreign students willing to speak French to you too (normally, if you hang out with foreign people you tend to speak English so you don't practise French! ).

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

By plane to Beauvais Airport (check train connections available first, it can be a real problem if you have to stay in Beauvais, as it is not in the same region of France! ).

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

The people will make your Erasmus, the city itself hasn't got that many nice places to go out at night. The most popular are Chesters, La Luna, Highlands and pubs/bars.

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

There are some good Italian restaurants in the city centre and also Creperies. Try them!

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Cathedral, Gros Horloge, Beaux Arts, Place Jeanne D'Arc, L'Abbaye, etc.

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Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Rouen?

If you choose this city you will not be disappointed for sure. It is a medium-size French city, but close to Paris, the coast, WWII Landing in Normandy, Monet landscapes and you have 2 airports close enough so it is well connected. I had an amazing year! :)

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