Erasmus Experience in Toulouse, France by Lucia

Why did you choose to go to Toulouse, France?

I wanted to go to France, but not to a big city like Paris, so I saw Toulouse and it looked like a good idea to go there.

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

My grant is 5 months long, and I receive 300 euros a month from the EU, and another 100 euros a month from the government, although I don't receive the money each month, but you wont get your first payment until the second or third month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Toulouse?

In general, there are lots of students in Toulouse, which makes it a really young and dynamic city.

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

The city is generally great. In terms of the University (I was in UT2-JJ) I generally had a very positive experience, although there's honestly a lot of work and exams, let's not talk about the previous paper that I had to do... Although I assume that in the rest of the universities it's the same.

Do you like the food?

In general, the food in Toulouse is quite good, as there is a mix of French and Mediterranean cuisine.

Did it cost you to find accommodation in Toulouse?

A little bit yes, you have to get searching early if you want an apartment or a flatshare. However, it's also true that the university offers the possibility of applying for University halls.

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How much does it cost to live in Toulouse?

In the university halls CROUS, it was around 300 euros. And in a room or apartment share, it can range between 250 and 400 euros. Independent studio flats are a lot more expensive.

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

I haven't had any problem with the language, although it's true that I have been studying for quite a long time in Spain.

The university offers French courses for free for Erasmus students, and sometimes you can even use it as part of your degree.

What is the cheapest way to get to Toulouse from your city?

From Madrid, the cheapest way is to fly with Ryanair, as you can find flights from 10 euros.

Is it good to eat out in Toulouse? Can you tell us your favourite places?

More than a restaurant to eat, I would recommend the waffle shop La Belle Liegoise to grab a snack.

What good cultural sights are there to visit?

There are lots of places to visit in Toulouse, like museums, gardens, the historic centre of the city... Also, there are also cities like Albi and Carcassonne nearby that you can visit for the day.