Erasmus Experience in Toulouse, France by Alexis

Why did you choose to go to Toulouse, France?

Toulouse has beautiful architecture and some great university options. The school that I go to, Toulouse Business School (TBS), is what caught my attention first, and then the more I researched about the city the more excited I became.

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

I did not receive a scholarship, but there are many financial aids for students, including government help with rent. The process takes time, but is not too difficult and is worth it!

What is the student lifestyle like in Toulouse?

Many places offer student discounts, and public transport is reliable, making it really easy to get wherever you need to go. As for nightlife, Toulouse has many places to visit, from clubs to bars of all styles.

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

I go to TBS, and the program of my school was very appealing to me, and Toulouse has many other universities to suit different people's preferences. The city itself is not only beautiful but full of things to do! I haven't even seen all of it but there are so many shops and cafes and little places to discover. There is a beautiful river as well, for those who like to watch sunsets and such, it's the perfect place. There is a nice mix of parks and urban settings.

What is the food like?

There is food from all around. There are many nice, fancy, french restaurants, and there are also delicious restaurants that offer good food for a very decent price, perfect for students! Cafe's are also in abundance, providing a perfect place for drinks and food with a friend or for studying.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Toulouse?

I was able to find accommodation with a student residence without even being in Toulouse. Student residences are very good at making the process simple and possible even if you are not in town yet. There are also options from roommates, house shares, and student accommodations that are designed as little studios for those who prefer to have their own place.

How much does it cost to live in Toulouse?

I spend roughly 1000 euros a month. 500 goes to rent and the other 500 goes to life. Eating out or ordering food will cost you more, and groceries can too but it is possible to spend as little as 20 euros a week on food, depending on what you eat and how much. If you know where to look and which brands, it is not too expensive. Clothes and etc are not usually cheap, but they are nice. Health care is also very decently priced, and with social security and health insurance, you get a refund.

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

The best way to learn french is to really place yourself in situations where you have to practice. Lacking confidence will put you far behind. It can be a complicated language, but it opens a lot of doors into other languages and is a valuable skill to have. The university does offer language classes, and if you have frenchspeaking/bilingual friends they should be happy to help!

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

I came from the US, so there wasn't much option other than looking for the cheapest plane ticket... it is not usually cheap, but it is possible to find reasonable prices. If you are already in Europe, it is super easy. Travel around Europe is normally simple and not too expensive, depending on the place and time of year, as well as means of travel.

Toulouse has a bus station, train station, and airport so there are many means of arriving.

Where would you recommend going on a night out in Toulouse?

It all depends on your style! Toulouse has many to offer. There are chill bars of all kinds, as well as clubs. There are places with music from electro to pop to rock to salsa! There are truly places for everyone.

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

Toulouse has tons of good food, of all styles! My favorites are the ones that are more economically friendly, as I'm sure many students would prefer. There is a pizza place called L'Atelia that offers great pizza and is inexpensive. There is also a cafe named Allegory that has amazing coffee and pastries for much less than Starbucks or something else like that.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

There are tons of museums and art galleries here, covering many different subjects/styles. I have yet to visit these, but I need to, I've heard they are good!

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

I think Toulouse is a wonderful place to live. It is not too small, but not giant. It is beautiful and friendly and full of places and things to discover. It takes an adjustment, especially if you are coming from a culture that is very different from France, as all places do. But people are welcoming and helpful, I have found. I definitely think it is a good experience.

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