Paris is not only famous for romantic vacations. It's known as the fashion capital of the world and one of Europe's biggest cities. Many international students want to study here. 

Paris is ranked 9th on the list of QS best student cities in 2024. It has some of the best academic institutions and 12 of its universities are among the top-ranked in the world. Because of these reasons, thousands of international students like you choose Paris every year. 

But what’s student life in Paris like? 

Living in France is appealing, which is why more than 400,000 international students come here each year. You get to experience living in a European city and enjoy everything France offers. Paris is great for international students, especially if they speak English and have some knowledge of French. 

Do you dream of experiencing student life in Paris? Then read the blog until the end to know all about living in Paris.  

Let's start with the basics. Paris has some of the best higher education institutions globally, known for their excellent standard of education. During your time in Paris, you can pick from various courses in different subjects like literature, art, science and politics.

Living in Paris means being in a city filled with culture and history. You can walk along the Seine River, visit famous museums like the Louvre and see iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. This historical background makes students' lives more enriching, providing inspiration and unique learning opportunities you won't find elsewhere. 

You can enjoy cultural events, concerts, art shows and an amazing food scene during your time in Paris. The city also has a lively nightlife with cafes, bars and clubs open until late hours. Check below for a better understanding of student life in Paris. 

Enjoy French fashion 

We all know that Paris is famous for being one of the fashion hubs of the world. You can easily see why, with big-name fashion brands like Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Christian Dior and Chanel being founded in the city.  

While you're in Paris, you'll probably notice the latest fashion trends worn by the locals. Why not use this chance to try out Parisian fashion yourself? Who knows, maybe Paris will inspire you to come up with a whole new style! 

Experience social life through student clubs 

Joining student clubs is a fantastic way to meet new friends and enjoy your student life in Paris. Student parties are also a blast, ranging from relaxed get-togethers to lively nights out. In a big city like Paris, there are plenty of clubs where you can have fun and exciting nightlife. 

Affordable lifestyle 

Overall, student life in Paris can be both chic and budget-friendly if you manage your money wisely. For instance, food in France is excellent and reasonably priced. However, it's recommended to budget around €1,200 per month to cover your expenses comfortably. The cost of living in Paris depends largely on your lifestyle. 

Rent prices 

The typical rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Paris is about €700- €1,300 monthly. A single room in a shared house might cost around €350- €650 per month.  

Rent prices can vary in different parts of Paris, so it's important to carefully research each area to find accommodation that fits your needs and budget. 

Learn the language 

Although many French people speak English, it's advised that, when living in Paris, you learn enough French to ask basic questions and use common greetings. Doing so will significantly enhance your chances of settling into the new city successfully. 

Here are some tips to help you learn French and integrate into the local community: 

• Participate in community activities in your neighbourhood and learn French from locals. 
• Ask fellow students on your course to assist you in learning and consider exchanging tips if they want to improve their knowledge of your language. 
• Utilise apps and other e-learning tools to gradually enhance your vocabulary and speaking skills.  
• Watch famous French movies like Van Gogh, Delicatessen and L'Age d'Or, to name a few.  

Additionally, you should remember that while many courses at institutions are taught in English, there are still plenty that require a good understanding of French for active participation or even acceptance into the course. 

Student visa 

Your student visa is a crucial document you'll need to study and live in France, especially in Paris. Here are some important points to consider when applying for your student visa: 

Determine the type of visa you need, based on the duration of your training course: 

1. Short stay visas: For courses lasting up to three months. 
2. Temporary long-stay visa: For courses lasting between three to six months. 
3. Long-stay visa: For courses lasting more than six months, which is equivalent to a residence permit. Remember to validate your residence permit (VLS-TS) within three months. 

You must: 

• Be over 18 years old. 
• Have selected the training programme or studies you'll be undertaking. 
• Have received acceptance from a higher education institution for your chosen course of study. 

Typically, French student visas are processed quickly, usually within about 20 days. When applying for your student visa, make sure you have all the necessary information handy, such as details of your study course and proof of financial support. 

École de Management Appliqué (EMA) is a well-known institution that provides various academic degrees such as undergraduate, postgraduate, MBA, DBA and PhD programmes in Applied Management. Their areas of focus include finance, law, economics and creative industries Situated in the lively centre of Paris, EMA offers these programmes in both French and English languages.

Click here to know more.