Tips for students in Paris: Budget-friendly living

Paris is an expensive city, even for the people who live there. The price of housing, food and going out for a drink can leave you in tears.  

But don't worry, it's still possible to afford a decent student life in Paris – here's how you can handle it. In this section, we will tell you how to budget your expenses. Let’s look at a few tips for students in Paris.  

• Accommodation in Paris: As you start looking for accommodation in Paris, you'll realise that living in the city centre can be expensive. But don't worry, there are cheaper options available that will fit your budget. Sharing an apartment or choosing student housing or educational institution residences can help you save a lot of money. You'll find prices ranging from €400 to €800 per month, offering both comfort and affordability.
  
  
• Grocery: Are you a food lover? If yes, then great!
  
  Paris is a paradise for food lovers, with countless delicious dishes to try. Eating out often can be tough on a student’s budget, but you can strike a balance. Shopping at local markets and bakeries can help you save money while still enjoying fresh produce and tasty pastries. With a monthly grocery budget of €200 to €300, you can cook delicious meals in your student kitchen. For an affordable taste of French cuisine, explore hidden neighbourhood bistros, where meals cost between €8 and €15.
  
  
• Leisure: If you're under 26 and have a student card in France, you can get discounts. For instance, a cinema ticket usually costs €12, but for students like you, it's six or seven euros. Plus, you can get into most museums, galleries and cultural places for free.
  
  Paris has lots of bars and places to go out at night, especially in the Belleville and Bastille areas, which are popular with students. You can have a fun night out without spending too much by going to student bars and clubs.
  
  
• Transportation: If you're a student under 26 in Paris, you have some great news. You can get benefits and discounts when using public transportation. Here are the top three perks you can enjoy: 

1. 1. Imagine R student travel pass: This gives you unlimited travel on Paris' public transportation system for a whole year. It costs €374.4 (plus €8 administration fees), which is cheaper than the regular price of over €880. 
   2. Carte Jeune pass: For €49 a year, you'll get a 30% discount on train travel across France and Europe. 

• Medical costs: The French Student Social Security scheme reimburses a part of the medical bills for full-time non-EU students, while the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) covers EU students. In France, doctors can choose their fees. Some doctors agree with social security not to charge too much. They're called "sector 1" doctors. For instance, a general practitioner or specialist follows a set fee agreement and doesn't charge more than that. 

Here's another tip for students in Paris: Think about getting a job to earn some extra money and help with your student expenses. The French government lets every student work up to 964 hours per year, no matter where they're from. 

So, what are you waiting for? Utilise these tips for students in Paris and make the most of your time in the city!