What is daily life in France really like? You’ll soon find out for yourself! In the meantime, here are some helpful tips to help you settle in.
Having a student sponsor in France can be very useful to help you settle in when you arrive in France or even to help you before you arrive. It is also an excellent way to get to know other students.
WHAT IS A SPONSOR?
A sponsor is a student who volunteers to help a foreign student upon arrival in France. In particular, he/she can help you with your first administrative steps. With him/her, you will also be able to quickly meet other students, French or foreign, and become familiar with French culture.
HOW TO FIND A STUDENT SPONSOR?
Present in 34 French cities, the network of ESN student associations (or Erasmus Student Network) can put you in touch with a sponsor to facilitate your installation via the Buddy System platform.
In some French higher education institutions, the International Relations Department also offers sponsorships to foreign students, often through student associations. Feel free to contact him/her before you arrive in France.
There are several sponsorship networks, if not one per city or university. For example, developed in Montpellier, Nîmes and Perpignan, the International Sponsorship network offers this type of service.
Overall, metropolitan France enjoys a temperate climate. The weather is often mild but the differences between the seasons and between regions are quite significant. Think about that when you pack your bags.
VERY DIFFERENT SEASONS
In metropolitan France, the climate is temperate. It is neither too hot nor too cold, but the rhythm of the seasons is well marked.
Plan warm clothes and lighter clothes to be ready off all seasons.
In spring, from March to May, the weather is pleasant. Temperatures are mild and the sun makes beautiful appearances despite frequent rainfall. In summer, from June to September, it can be hot, especially in the South of France, but the thermometer rarely exceeds 35 degrees Celsius.
From October to December, autumn still offers beautiful days but the weather is often wet. Although not very harsh, winters are cold. Snow sometimes follows rain and temperatures can be negative, especially at
6,000 public libraries, 40,000 monuments and protected sites, 8,000 museums, 5,000 cinemas, 500 theatres, music and dance festivals, not to mention the theatrical seasons and countless exhibitions. The cultural offer in France is extraordinary.
All cultural sites offer a discount for students. Don't forget to subscribe!
Student status also facilitates the practice of sports: it gives privileged access to sports facilities and sports associations are very active in schools and universities.
WHERE TO GO OUT?
The museums!
All national museums in France are accessible free of charge for under-26 year olds (students or not) and residents of the European Union territory. In addition to the 50 State Monuments, this operation concerns national monuments, such as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe and the Palace of Versailles. All you have to do is present yourself at the entrance with your passport or residence permit.
The cinema!
Think about subscription packages that may be less expensive than buying single tickets. The unlimited UGC and Gaumont-Pathé Pass cards cost about 20 euros per month and allow you to save money if you go to the cinema more than three times a month! In addition to seats, drinks or sweets are offered!
The theater!
In Paris all private theatres offer tickets at 10€ for young people under 26 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Booking by phone or directly at the ticket office - more information on the website of the private theatres of Paris. The Paris Opera also offers tickets at 10€ for young people under 28 years old. More information on their website.
Your school can also offer tickets at reduced rates, ask them for more information!