Université Panthéon-Sorbonne: Paris I Reviews

Type of housing: Outrageously expensive independant studio

Arranged by: Independently - I had no other choice

If returning, I would choose: Apartment/House

Why? Independance is extremely important to me, as is cleanliness. I would never choose in live in residence - particularly in France, where the country's notion of "cleanliness" tends to be under the North American norm. However, independant housing in Paris is notoriously expensive. For a studio of 25m2 within the city boundaries, expect to pay at least 650 euros a month + expenses (electricty, etc.) Add additional costs if you intend to find a furnished apartment within the city.

Personal comments:
Since I have not lived in residence, I can give very little information on it. I have visited "Canada House," a residence at the Cité Universitaire open to Canadian students. Rooms are small and uncomfortable, not unlike Canadian residences. There is a lovely park nearby, and the cost is considerably cheaper than living alone. As far as I've heard, the food is decent and the administration is not too helpful, as is normally the case in France. The university residence may be your best bet for the first year and/or semester if you can deal with living in a rickety apartment in the suburbs of the city and devoid of the same independance/"alone-time" that you would receive at home. However, renting an apartment as a foreign student in France is administrative hell, and you must be prepared. A foreign student will need proof of financial stability, and a real estate agent/landlord will ask that you produce proof of a "caution." This is a guarantee from a bank or a person living in France stating that if you are to leave the country without paying rental fees, someone will b willing to pick up the tab. Unless you have family living in France who are willing to support you in this, it will be extraordinarily difficult for you to do this through a bank. Most banks don't like to take on the responsibility and will often refuse to even open an account for you. (You cannot open an account without an adress, and you can't rent an apartment without a bank account. This is a typically hellish circle that you will find yourself in extremely often during your stay in France)If you manage to find a bank that will offer you a caution (try the CCF or Barclay's if you're British)you must wire transfer *up front* and *entire year's worth of rent* to the bank. This money will be placed in a locked account (it gains interest) and will be used as your guarantee. In addition to this immense sum, you must pay your monthly rent to your landlord/real estate agent. In sum, it is an extremely inconvient, difficult process and requires a large amount of paperwork. BE PREPARED. Be sure to bring pay slips and proof of some kind of financial stability when you are coming here. If you seek an apartment through an independant person, you will receive a lot more leeway. If you can get a parent to cosign or to come with you, you'll get extra bonus points, from concerned landlords.

Describe host city: Student life dominates the city

Nightlife, Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment

Activities: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
My favourite place: The Moose - 16, rue des Quatre Vents(Canadian bar - North American atmosphere, great English-speaking staff, home for many expats and foreigners. They stay open late for Super Bowl, Stanley Cup, etc.. All the fun stuff that you'll never get on cable tv.) The Violon Dingue - Nightpub, open until 5am. The lower floor will make you feel like you're drinking in the catacombs. Very French, very "student." The entire Latin Quarter is an incredible experience. Lots of partying, used book stores, student cafés with tables in the sun, cobblestone streets, etc. A very student-dominated area with lots of personality. Paris is an exicting social hub and you are guaranteed a wonderful time no matter what your tastes. Swanky bars serving massive, decorate cocktails and playing funky tunes are everywhere, Salsa bars, jazz clubs, and outdoor festivals are in abundance and are very festive. Theatrical offerings are constant, classical concerts are played every single night all over town, and picnics in the gorgeous expanses of green parks are a heavenly experience. Don't wait until the last week of your stay to profit from the museums - you get special prices as a student, and when you're walking in the park of the Rodin museum, it will help motivate you during your studies as you remember why you decided to study in such a phenomenal city.

Course recommendations:
If you are expecting an anglo-saxon view on teaching, forget it immediately. Courses here are taught by extremely distinguished professors of the highest order. Classes usually include a famous professor reading into a microphone from his/her own textbook, which you will likely already own, and which you will recopy word for word. It is only in later years of study (3rd-4th and on) that you will experience guest lecturers or even meet your professor personally. It is rare that questions are asked in class - this is something you have to bother your tutorial professor about, not the official teacher presiding the course. If you choose to ask a question outloud to the professor in the middle of a class in the ampitheatre, don't be surprised if all the students look at you funny. Professors, however, seem to welcome this since it happens so rarely. All TA's or teachers of the "TD's" (travaux dirigés) are also extremely educated - No third year students passing you their notes here. It is mandatory that each tutorial leader be in the midst of preparing a doctorate, or he/she must have already obtained one. Overall, the professors are some of the best in their field, though they tend to be extremely unapproachable. See your TA. Also - Be prepared to work absolutely nonstop. You'll find yourself bringing your books when you go grocery shopping and to the bar. You will need to be a major geek to succeed in the demanding curriculum - especially if French is not your native language. Enjoy! :)

Personal comments:
If French is not your first language or is not something you can manage with perfection, don't hesitate to seek help from tutors and other students. I've found the public to be extremely helpful and understanding of language barriers and they tend to be extemely willing to help, especially considering the stamina required to study at this school. The courses are difficult, and you will learn many interesting things from some of the best professors in the world. As a critique, however, I have to say that there is a sentiment that students are to be extremely dependant on professors. You are required to do a multitude of projects at home and on your own time (like in all universities) but the presence of your TA is very notable - Attendance is mandatory, and your absences are monitored as are your daily homework assignements. You can party hard in Paris, but you can't get away with it without working extremely hard as well.

Language of instruction: French

Main source of funding:
Family

Other sources of funding:
An ERASMUS grant

Work opportunities:
I worked during my study abroad experience

Personal spending habits:
The cost of housing in Paris is extremely high! Basic food items from the supermarket on the other hand are cheaper.

Telephone, Housing: was more expensive than at home.

Travel, Nightlife, Overall: was the same price as at home.

Food: was less expensive than at home.

I wish I had known...
Where the university computer clusters are! (Tolbiac 4th floor, Pantheon escalier G first floor, Sorbonne Lower Ground)

In my opinion:
I loved it but I'm not sure everybody would.