Erasmus in UPVD Perpignan

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

The university is pretty run down, it's more like an old primary school. Also, attendance is necessary and you have to have your homework done for every class. I'd recommend it though cause the university's surroundings are world class, you are surrounded by the snowcapped pyrenees, what a sight on a day of 32 degrees. The beach is 15mins away, there's an amazing lake 'Villeneuve de La Raho' to take great pics of the mountains reflecting in the lake.

How did you find your accommodation?

leboincoin.fr and seloger.fr and facebook group Perpigan Que Fas

What are the accommodation prices like?

Around e200 - 300e exc bills

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

It is not too bad. There is a heavy Catalan influence so if you are coming to come out like a native french speaker it is not the place to go. If you're interested in spanish and catalan culture, like mountains and love the beach - go! :) You will still learn french obviously but not like a pro lol

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

From Ireland, Aer Lingus is the only airline and they only fly in Summer. It is not expensive. Otherwise, fly out from Carcasonne, Girona or Barcelona.

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

Anywhere. Comptoir, Boca Boca, O Shannons! It's all good. Booze is sooooooo expensive in bars but real cheap in supermarket ;)

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

Place Arago in town, huge portions! Deadly food . .

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Palais de Rois de Majorque - go up the very top! You can see Andorra, Spain and the sea from there. Canet beach - top marks you gotta go every day it's awesome. Collioure, there is a 1e bus that leaves from the train station, it will even take you down the ski resorts on the spanish border in winter - top class! Do the Pic du Carlit hike, it was the highlight of my erasmus year.

Culture and people:

It is normal for men to shout at you, follow you, stare at your, interrogate you, not to sound weird but im so used to it by now i just look in a straight line as i walk down the street. Like most paradise destinations though, it aint perfect, it's quite poor in places. EVERYTHING is shut on a Sunday - for miles around.  You won't even get a pint of milk! Postal service is very slow, a small package from ireland arrives in a day but usually takes around 6 weeks to reach your door. I find it is not as efficient as ireland at it is too laid back in some areas, banking is extremely complicated, they have a card for an atm, another to use commericially, another for credit, and you have to pay like 50quid for one. These are some nuances I've picked up on, but you come accustommed :) 

GO FRANCE! :)