My Erasmus Experience in Toulouse, France

Why did you choose to go to Toulouse, France?

Mainly because a family member had also done an Erasmus exchange there and got me excited about it. I also partially chose Toulouse because it was the only city in southern France which interested me due to the fact that the classes you take are internationally recognised.

How long did your scholarship last? How much were you paid?

My exchange lasted for nine months. I received more or less 3, 000 euros, paid in three installments, one at the end of September, one in December and finally one at the end of June.

What´s the student life like in Toulouse?

There are thousands of Erasmus students here, and so the student life is very good. There are lots of parties every day, and overall there are people from northern countries who are used to starting to drink at five in the afternoon. It´s not unusual, then, to see people already stumbling about blind drunk at eleven at night, when you´ve only been drinking for an hour.

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

I would definitely recommend it as you get to know thousands of people from hundred of different countries. You discover new cultures, new atmospheres, you learn a new language, get used to another style of living, etc.

What´s the food like in Toulouse?

It´s quite good. Walking through the streets of Toulouse, the cheapest thing to do is to buy a kebab, a sandwich with all kinds of fillings, or a pizza portion. There are hundreds of food kiosks, and of course things like McDonalds and Quick too.

There are a lot of restaurants, some of them quite expensive, and so we could only afford to go out for a meal about once a month.

How did you find your accommodation?

I found my accommodation when I visited Toulouse in July before I came, with the family member who had lived here before. Since they knew the areas of the city well, they recommended the best places to live to me. I found it that way.

What are the accommodation prices like, as well as the cost of living in general?

Accommodation prices vary considerably. If you live in the Cité Universitaire residences, a ten metre squared room costs 120-190 euros per month. There are also the private residences, about 22 to 25 squared metres in size which cost between 450-550 euros per month. Rooms where you live together with the landlord or landlady cost around 350 euros per month. You can also try to find a flat shared with other students, where you´ll pay around 250 euros per person per month.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language course at the university?

You learn the language better by going out partying than at the university - it´s true. The university provided us with an initial two-week intensive course, and after classes began, we had three hours of language classes per week.

What´s the cheapest way of getting to Toulouse from your home city?

From my city the cheapest way to travel was by car, but you can also go by train. It costs 120 euros though.

What are the best places for partying in Toulouse?

The best place of all is Place Sant Pierre. All the parties take place here. There are various pubs to go for a drink and dance. It´s also great because they have stalls selling sandwiches, so if you get hungry, you´re in the right place!

There are also other clubs, like Ramiers, where the Erasmus parties are held every Thursday.

What about eating out in Toulouse? What are your favourite places?

There are lots of little stalls and shops, but the most popular were Pik-nik, Le jardin des thes, and also a little shop next to McDonalds with Romam-esque decor - these places all offer tasty good at quite cheap prices.

What does Toulouse have to offer in terms of culture?

In Toulouse there are lots of places to go and visit, above all some gardens, the river promenade Garonna, the Church of St. Étienne and the Plaza Capitol.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Toulouse?

Go out a lot and enjoy everything to the full, when you get the opportunity to fly to another country or to visit another French city then always say yes, don´t be embarrassed about speaking French, and meet as many people as possible. You won´t regret your Erasmus year.