Erasmus Experience in Toulouse, France by eva

Why did you choose to go to Toulouse, France?

To learn French and eat lots of crêpes!

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

I didn't go through an Erasmus exchange program. I started full studies there.

What is the student lifestyle like in Toulouse?

Toulouse is a student's city. There are lots of young people, so everything is more or less according to a students budget. We students have special prices at the cinema, at public transport, state's money for paying part of the rent of an apartment for example, museums, etc. There is a student's restaurant of 3. 50 euros each lunch at lunch time that opens from Monday to Friday in the city center. And usually from the moment you finish classes in the afternoon you have lots of bars to go have a beer with your friends. I think one of Toulouse most charming aspects is its bars, cafés and bistrots. They are very very warm.

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

Yes, for a year.

What is the food like?

VERY GOOD.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Toulouse?

A little bit. I came to Toulouse a 15th of September hoping to find something quick for the beginning of October. But that is the most complicate date of the year to find a home in Toulouse, because there are loooots of students doing the same as you! I started looking for accommodation the 15th September and I found one the 7th october and could finally move in the 15th october. So I recommend to go before september to search for an apartment in Toulouse for September or October.

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How much does it cost to live in Toulouse?

With 600euros a month you can live but not very well (I mean you can go have a beer or a cafe or a dinner with friends each time you want), with 800 euros you're more than ok.

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

You must know some French before going there, if not you can't enjoy the city and the experience as much as you could. That's my advice. Once you show some interest in talking in French to French people they're very kind and generous.

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

Airplane : Easyjet, Covoiturage.

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

First to la Maison to have a nice cocktail in a warm environment. To continue with the Breughel, Pére Penard, Chez ta Mère to have some beers and talk with friends. Then la Dynamo, Cafe Pop and finally le Crie de la Muette (it's a boat with funky music, very cool).

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

I think the best thing about Toulouse is go walking through the streets and search for a place to eat. Looking through all that beautiful menus and letting yourself into the restaurant your eyes and stomach choose and let yourself be surprised. Eating in Toulouse it's actually an experience. (that's why I won't say one place!)

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