1. home

Living in Paris is one of the great European dreams. Who wouldn't want to walk down the Champs Elysées? Eat a crêpe with chocolate? Open the window and breathe the same air as the great thinkers and artists?

Paris is the city of lights and love, but it is also one of the most popular destinations for university students from all over the world. Entering university in this city means not only embarking on an academic journey of excellence, but also immersing oneself in a world of culture, history and innovation.

It is a city that inspires creativity and research, with its famous educational institutions, such as the Sorbonne, Sciences Po and HEC Paris, offering a wide range of study programmes in various fields.

But that's not all! It is also a city that boasts a dynamic and varied nightlife so you can enjoy your university years to the full.

In this article, we'll look at what it's like to be an Erasmus student in Paris, from finding the ideal accommodation to the secrets of making the most of the cultural and social experience that this city has to offer. You will discover how to get the most out of your years in Paris!

What is student life like in Paris?

Let's start with the basics. Paris is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the world, renowned for their academic quality. Students can choose from a wide range of courses in different disciplines, from literature to art, from science to politics.

And then living in Paris means being immersed in a city that exudes culture and history from every corner. You can stroll along the banks of the Seine, visit famous museums such as the Louvre and admire the city's iconic architecture such as the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. This historic setting enriches students' lives, offering inspiration and unique learning opportunities not found in any other city in the world.

Here, students can attend cultural events, concerts, art exhibitions and enjoy an exceptional culinary scene. The city also offers a vibrant nightlife with cafés, bars and nightclubs that stay open late into the night.

But what is it like living in Paris as an expat? Easy.

The city has always been multiethnic, rich in cultures and languages. Even if you don't speak perfect French at first, don't worry, you can integrate great using English in both academic and everyday activities.

Just think that the phenomenon of American expatriates in Paris, of great writers and artists, was already fervent in the 1920s. And this trend has not yet stopped.

What to study during Erasmus in Paris

We mentioned just a moment ago that the city is home to some of the world's most prestigious universities and offers study programmes in a wide range of disciplines. Here are some of the main areas of popular study in Paris:

  • Arts and Literature: Paris is famous for being a world centre for the visual arts, literature and fashion; students interested in these disciplines can find study programmes at institutions such as the École des Beaux-Arts, the Sorbonne and the IFA Paris;
  • Social and Humanities Sciences: to study sociology, philosophy, history or political science, Paris offers an environment at Sciences Po and the University of Paris;
  • Science and Technology: there are high-quality study programmes at institutions such as the Université Pierre and Marie Curie and the École Polytechnique;
  • Economics and Business: Paris is a major European financial centre and offers many opportunities; HEC Paris is one of the most prestigious business schools in the city.
  • Gastronomy and Culinary Arts: there are renowned cooking schools such as Le Cordon Bleu and Ferrandi;
  • Language and International Studies: Given Paris' central position in Europe and the world, students interested in foreign languages, studies and international relations can find in-depth study programmes at various institutions;
  • Medicine and Health Sciences: Medical students at the University of Paris can benefit from the city's rich medical tradition;
  • Engineering and Information Technology: students can turn to the École Centrale and Télécom Paris;
  • Environment and Sustainability: with increasing attention to environmental issues, many Parisian institutions offer study programmes related to the environment, sustainable energy and resource management;
  • Design and Architecture: we break through an open door with schools such as the École Nationale Supérieure des Arts Décoratifs and the École d'Architecture de Paris.

We could say that we are spoilt for choice!

The cost of living in Paris

The cost of living in Paris in France is generally considered as being high, even compared to other European cities. According to the Numbeo website, the average cost of living in Paris is 30% higher than in Milan and 50% higher than in Rome.

The main factors contributing to the high cost of living in Paris are:

  • Rent: rent is one of the highest costs in Paris, a one-bedroom flat in the city centre can cost over 1,000 euros per month, in fact student dormitory accommodation in Paris is a much cheaper and popular option;
  • Food: food is also expensive in Paris, a meal in a cheap restaurant costs around 20 euros;
  • Transport: public transport in Paris is efficient and convenient, but the cost of a monthly season ticket is more than 80 euros;
  • Daily expenses: everyday expenses such as clothing, personal care products and entertainment are also relatively expensive in Paris.

Here are some examples of prices in Paris:

  • Water: a 0.33L bottle can cost over 2.50 euro;
  • Pizza: 8-16 euro;
  • Beer in a pub (half a litre): 7 euro;
  • Local transport ticket: 2.10 euros.

The good news is that there are student discounts in Paris for transport, access to museums, shopping and meals in affiliated restaurants.

The cost of living in Paris with a rent can therefore be as low as 1,500 euros. If you're on a tighter budget, you can save money by cooking at home, using sharing services for transport and visiting the city's free attractions.

Erasmus parties in Paris

It is not difficult to find Erasmus parties in Paris, especially in the Latin Quarter, where universities and student residences are concentrated.

Here are some of the most popular places for university parties in Paris:

  • Mix Club: a disco located near Montparnasse station, Erasmus parties take place every Thursday and are free for students;
  • La Bellevilloise: a cultural centre located in the Belleville district, it offers a variety of events, including concerts, shows and parties;
  • Polyglot Club: a social club that organises free parties for students of all languages, e.g. on Tuesdays there is a conversation meeting;
  • Chez Papa Jazz Club: a bar located in the Latin Quarter. It is a popular place for Erasmus students, with a wide selection of beers;
  • Le Point Ephémère: an arts centre located in a disused boat warehouse, always featuring music.

How to find tips on events and festivals? Here are a few tips:

  • Join a Facebook group for Erasmus students: this is a great way to get to know other people and make a community;
  • Ask your friends or flatmates: if you are a young student, you are bound to have a flatmate in Paris you can rely on;
  • Visit popular places for Erasmus students: such as the Latin Quarter, the Belleville district and the Marais district.

With a little research, it will be easy to find parties in Paris and have fun with other students from all over the world.

Bars and cafés for students in Paris

Bars in Paris are on every corner, you really only have to leave home and take a walk to find everything you are looking for, and more.

Let's look at some of the most popular bars for Erasmus students in Paris:

  • Pop In: for pub and beer lovers this is a must-visit;
  • Yellow Mad Monkey: another Erasmus place in Paris that is worth a visit if only for the way it is set up, a real jungle dive;
  • Cafe Oz: it's an Australian-owned chain, so it's perfect for an expat in Paris who comes from Australia because he'll find a lot of beers from his homeland.

Instead for clubs there are:

  • Duplex: during the week offers international evenings with music of different genres every night;
  • Le Gibus: perfect for those who like rock, pop and disco, depending on the night;
  • Le Rex Club: offers dance and cabaret evenings.

These are just a few suggestions, the best things are always word of mouth on the spot and the pure spirit of discovery.

Moving around Paris

Paris has an efficient and convenient public transport system that covers the entire city. The main means of transport in Paris are:

  • Metro: the Paris metro is one of the oldest and largest in Europe; it has 14 lines serving over 300 stations;
  • RER: the RER is a suburban train system connecting Paris to its suburbs, it has 5 lines connecting over 250 stations;
  • Bus: the Paris bus network has more than 600 lines throughout the city;
  • Noctilien: Paris' night bus network consists of 41 lines with buses running between 00:30 and 5:30;
  • Velib': Paris' public bicycle service consists of more than 20,000 bicycles available at over 1,800 stations;
  • Bateaux Parisiens: is Paris' tourist boat service offering tours of the city on the Seine Rive.

Tickets and subscriptions for public transport in Paris can be bought at metro stations, RATP ticket offices and some tobacconists.

Various sharing services are also available today, including scooters, bicycles and electric scooters that can be easily unlocked with the app and used at any time throughout the city.

Where to live as a student in Paris

Being a metropolis, there are many options for university students looking for a place to live in Paris.

The most popular neighbourhoods for university students in Paris are:

  • Latin District: the Latin Quarter is the centre of student life in Paris, home to many universities such as La Sorbonne, as well as a wide range of bars, restaurants and shops;
  • Marais district: is a lively and trendy district with a bohemian atmosphere, home to many art galleries, antique shops and cafés;
  • Rue Oberkampf: another lively and youthful student district in Paris, with a rich nightlife;
  • Bastille district: a historical and multicultural district with a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

There are also many accommodation options at different prices:

  • University residences: here you can find a student studio in Paris run by universities at affordable prices;
  • Shared flats: these are a great option for students looking for an affordable way to live in Paris and make new acquaintances;
  • Rental flats: these are the most expensive way, but offer more privacy and flexibility.

The cost of living in Paris for one person can be amortised according to one's spirit of adaptation and of course the type of experience you wish to have.

If you have not yet found the right accommodation for your Erasmus in Paris, you can get help from the experts. The professionals at Chez Nestor, part of DoveVivo Group, have solutions for all needs and will help you find an affordable opportunity in one of the student districts.

More for Cities