Erasmus Experience in Toulouse, France by Paul

Why did you choose to go to Toulouse, France?

I thought the weather would be nice. It's not too cold for me.

What is the student lifestyle like in Toulouse?

The student life here is very good. Once you have the student card you could enjoy most of the attractions in France for free or paying less than the normal price.

There is not much to do in Toulouse but it is a good base to travel around the south of France and Spain.

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

The program I have enrolled is very inspiring and up-to-date for professional practice as in Marketing and Innovation management.

What is the food like?

I am from Thailand, the land of spicy food. I find French food too plain for me but there are so many nice Asian supermarket in the city centre. And of course, good wine here is affordable and you can find many of them in local supermarket.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Toulouse?

My school helped me looking for and finding a fairly reasonable one at Chapou University Residence. The room is recently renovated with ensuite bathroom at a space of 9sqm for 294 euros a month, including water and electric bills. There are laundry and common areas for cooking.

How much does it cost to live in Toulouse?

I would say 600 euros a month would be enough. No shopping. The sales here are quite irresistible. You will get help from CAF for some of the rent.

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

Honestly, I gave up on learning French. I was too busy learning other useful things to equip myself as skill set for the new career.

My course is taught in English but some of the case study are in French.

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

By plane. You could get the ISIC card, it might have some good deals.

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

I would recommend those who enjoy the cinema to apply for the monthly card that allow you to go to see any movie with unlimited access in a month. Cinema Gaumont Wilson

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

I mostly go to the Pizza place in Capitole, Roma Pizzati.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Keep an eye on the special event at the museum around Toulouse.

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

Rent room at Crous, please beware for the hidden cost that occur once you booked the room in advance. You might have to pay from the date you book and not from the date you arrive to Toulouse. I had to pay my rent for 1 week as my school booked the room 1 week too early.

Be prepared and get your document translated to French (birth certificate etc. ).

I had my French intensive course for a month before I arrived, I should have made it a year.

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