France
Iconic landmarks, world-class art, and a legendary culinary scene.
Living in France
Confirm the fundamentals before you book a flight: monthly costs, neighborhoods to live in, academic culture, and weekend escapes.
Monthly budget
€1,200–€1,600 (Paris)
Language
French
Visa
Visa de long séjour (VLS-TS) required for non-EU students.
Program lengths
Semester • Year
Neighborhood Vibe Check
Where our contributors actually lived and why it worked for classes, cafés, and late-night snacks.
- • Le Marais
- • Canal Saint-Martin
- • Croix-Rousse (Lyon)
Weekend Essentials
48-hour itineraries and day trips that fit between classes.
- • Strasbourg Christmas markets
- • Nice + Monaco coastal hop
- • Ski trip in Chamonix
Academic Notes
What the syllabi look like, grading culture, and campus resources.
- • Fashion, culinary, and art history programs have deep networks.
Must-do experiences
The moments that made our contributors feel like locals. Drop these into your first-week bucket list.
- • Sunset at Sacré-Cœur
- • Lyon bouchon crawl
- • Provence lavender fields
Guides & stories
Dispatches from France
8 min read • Sep 2025
Weekend Trips from France: A Student’s Guide to Exploring Europe on a Budget
One of the biggest perks of studying in France is easy access to other European destinations. Here are the best weekend trips for students.
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6 min read • Sep 2025
The Secret Streets of Paris You Won’t Find on TikTok
Ditch the Eiffel Tower crowds and explore these hidden, stunning back alleys known only to true Parisians.
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9 min read • Sep 2025
France on a Student Budget: How to Live and Travel Cheap While Studying Abroad
Yes, France can be expensive—but students have insider tricks to stretch their euros. Here’s how to eat, travel, and study without overspending.
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8 min read • Sep 2025
Top French Universities with Study Abroad Programs for International Students
France is one of the most popular destinations for studying abroad. Here are the top universities that welcome international students.
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7 min read • Sep 2025
Student Life in Lyon: What It’s Like to Study in France’s Culinary Capital
From gastronomy to nightlife, Lyon is one of the best French cities for students. Here’s what makes studying here special.
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10 min read • Sep 2025
Paris Study Abroad Survival Guide: Tips Every Student Should Know
From metro passes to affordable cafés, here’s the ultimate student guide to thriving in Paris without breaking the bank.
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20 min read • Oct 2024
Paris Student Housing Playbook: Dorms, Flatshares, and Short-Term Fixes That Work
Everything exchange students need to find housing in Paris—from CROUS dorms to vetted flatshares, budget breakdowns, paperwork, and scam-proofing tips.
Read guide →Baguette index
€1.20
Metro pass
€42/mo