Experience in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France by Eléa

What is it like to live in Villeneuve-d'Ascq? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

I love this city for it has everything you need and still has countryside-like places. You need to know the tips about it, but once you do, it is perfect to live here.

What is the student lifestyle like in Villeneuve-d'Ascq?

I am not really aware of parties and everything but I know librairies are great and a lot of option to study are free if you study in the city, and even more when you study at the university of lille (lot of documents, it rooms, access to a lot of online papers...)

How much does it cost to live in Villeneuve-d'Ascq?

The rents are pretty expensive apparently, especially in certain nebourghoods, but the rest is accessible, especially culture if you are young or student.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Villeneuve-d'Ascq? Is there any advice you can give?

I think so but that is all I can say

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Food can be as in every european fast food but special dishes from the North of france are the best. Please try belgian french fries (yes, because the best one are belgian, or at least flamish) and every type of meat available in friteries: fricandelle, mexicanos, FILET AMERICAIN. Yeah... If you are a vegan, this is not the best place to find meat free special dishes... (best fries are cooked in beef fat). Other specialties are kinf of heavy to : welsh, flamenkuche, potchewelsh.

What places would you recommend visiting in Villeneuve-d'Ascq?

Le Parc du Héron: a peaceful parc in which you can go if you do not have a lot of outside space in your home. The Lam is a nice museum to visit. And nerds and searchers, definitively go to the BU, Bibliothèque Universitaire.

Is it good to eat out in Villeneuve-d'Ascq? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

There are some rustic restaurants which are really good (estaminets are traditionnal restaurants from the north of france) and the rest is globally known: mc do ect. My favourite fast foods, good balance of quality and correct prices are Fresh Burritos and the Raptor Shack (this one is in Lille though)

Is the nightlife good in Villeneuve-d'Ascq? Where is good to go?

I kind of have no idea... But people prefer to go in Lille, which is really close, to party: several streets are full of bars there. My favourite is "Le Dernier Bar avant la fin du monde" in which you find a lot of geek references such as... a TARDIS which leads you in the toilets and... feels like it is bigger in the inside!

What advice would you give future students heading to Villeneuve-d'Ascq?

If you are at the university and you are afraid to be lonely, just pick a club you like (boardgames, cinema, sport) and meet people who have the same interests than you do.