lcome AuthoWrse
with the French bureaucratic paper work system, lack
we were forced to pull our head off the cloud facing
like to write about our experiences and pass it to the future future international students, so that Paris would stay a true good idea. forever
the other side of the city. We are young, wild and
taking your lover to the love padlocks bridge putting It is considered to be the most romantic city. What inspiration at points of frustration. It is the big letdown big the is It frustration. of points at inspiration in Paris. Hence, we would sometimes easily lose our a lock there to remark your affection? to remark a lock there
But what else do you know about Paris? In the end, Paris, as we know it, is the city of lights and the cradle cradle the and lights of city the is it, know we as Paris,
croissants in croissants a little café on the side of Seine river? Or could be elegant than having a café noir with hot fresh fresh hot with noir café a having than elegant be could of artistry, as well as the inspiration for young souls.
There are so are There many things to worry about while we are Welcome 5 10 13 21 25 27 28 30 33
Health Insurance Phone Contract Phone CAF Grocery Public Transportation Bank Account Arriving in Paris Arriving in Living Part II - Accommodation bring to Paris? What should I Part I - Preparation Part I - Index
Index 2 Index 3
37 40 43 45 47 51 54 58 62 65
Annual Events & Festivals Annual Events Classic Sights & Attractions Classic Sights Cafes & Restaurants & Clubs Bars, Pubs, Part IV - Entertainment Paris Hidden Job Forums Book Stores Libraries French Culture French Courses French Part III - Student Life Part III
Preparation Part I Part
Preparation 4 Preparation 5
: : : Accomodation
notices, with payment in arrears (from September to June).
Duration book case and a cupboard with shelves and clothes rack. The heating The rack. clothes and shelves with cupboard a and case book Price: €404 - €486 kitchen, bathroom (sink, shower) and toilet. (sink, kitchen, bathroom Price: €468 - €526
reasons, reasons, the annual rental payments are asked for with 10 payment Shared
Single accommodation is still available to you and you can receive APL for
is electrical. individual bedrooms (of 24,50m² to 30m²) with a shared equipped
cupboard, shower, and toilet) shower, cupboard, a separate bathroom (sink with a kitchen area (sink, cooking hob, cooking (sink, area kitchen a composed of a main room with these two months.
For this residence, For the this rules residence, the of implemented subletting from are fridge, cupboards, ovens) and
RER: Noisy Champs Renting in ESIEE Paris Residences in ESIEE Paris Renting
All the bedrooms are furnished with a bed (80x190), a desk, a sofa, a sofa, a desk, a (80x190), bed a with furnished are bedrooms the All 1. Residence Ampere
Therefore, there is there not a payment Therefore, notice in July and August, but the The residence also offers shared accommodation made up of 2
T1 studio of 23m² or of 27m² 1st September to the 31st of the following August. For management management For August. following the of 31st the to September 1st
studios are equipped with beds of 140x200), a desk and a work lamp, work a and desk a 140x200), of beds with equipped are studios
shower, and toilet) and toilet) shower, separate bathroom (sink with
Price: €407 - €439 bathroom bathroom (sink with cupboard,
Price: €422 - €540 hob, fridge, cupboards) and a
of 140x200), a desk and a work cupboard lamp, with a sofa, shelves a and book clothes case rack. and The a heating is collective a sofa, a book case and a cupboard with shelves and clothes rack. area area (sink, cooking hob, cupboards) fridge, and a separate a main room with a kitchen cupboard, shower, and toilet). shower, cupboard, a kitchen area (sink, cooking composed composed of a main room with with a bed measuring 90x200 (12 studios are equipped with beds
with a bed measuring 90x200 (12 90x200 measuring bed a with 3. Residence of Noisiel
2. Residence André Devambez André 2. Residence RER: Noisiel
RER: Neuilly Plaisance RER: Neuilly Studios T1 of 18m² and studios
Studio T1 of 17m² to 23m², (gas heating)
All the bedrooms are furnished All the bedrooms are furnished
Your accommodation: Your Your accommodation: Your
The heating is collective (gas heating). The heating is T1bis of 24m², composed of
Preparation 6 Preparation 7
and are often furnished. Generally, the and toilets often are on are furnished.the landing Generally,
Studettes (small studio): also called “chambre de bonne” (attic
more and do not worry about the time when train RER close. and do not worry about the time more
stay is generally one week. number of entities that can arrange accommodation with a host
separate bathroom (sink with Price: €400 - €600
budget is limited, you could opt for an arrangement whereby you Price: €410 - €484
hob, fridge, cupboards) and a a lot of travel time from your place in Paris to Noisy Champs when
are given accommodation in exchange for services. given accommodation in exchange are expensive than the conventional rental opportunity arrangement, for immersion it in French offers language an and culture. If your
and a work lamp, a sofa, a book case and a cupboard with shelves heating) The heating is collective (gas and clothes rack. cupboard, shower, and toilet). All toilet). and shower, cupboard,
a kitchen area (sink, cooking composed composed of a main room with
involves renting a furnished room in a family home. The minimum Renting a private home
Staying with a French family a French Staying with It is possible to stay with a family as a paying guest. There are a
Champs. The price of renting in Paris is expensive and it will take you take will it and expensive is Paris in renting of price The Champs. family prior to your arrival. While this system is somewhat more
the bedrooms are furnished with a bed measuring 90x190, a desk RER: Bussy St Georges St Georges RER: Bussy
you go to ESIEE daily. However you can enjoy your time in Paris Studio T1 of 13m² to 21m²,
4. Residence of Val d’Europe d’Europe of Val 4. Residence Accommodation with a family, which is suitable more Accommodation for with short a stays, family,
You may be able to rent a room or appartment in Paris or near Noisy near or Paris in appartment or room a rent to able be may You Your accommodation: Your surface surface :
(includes bill) . Price: €350 - €800 - €350 Price: Please note that not not that note Please
agreeing to rent a room.” to rent agreeing Union, Moneygram or by cheque.” claim that no viewing is possible.” “Always organise a viewing before “Do not trust landlords/users that “Do not send any money via Western Tips from Survivors Tips from Price: €400 – €550 Price : €350 - €600 Price : surface : approximately 18 to 35 m². 35 to 18 approximately : surface
note that “studettes” are sometimes called “studio” by their share the rent. Near Noisy Champs and ESIEE there are many private houses for renting. for renting. private houses owners. owners. and must be shared with a few neighbours. neighbours. few a with shared be must and all attic rooms have a Do shower. not forget to check : to 17 m². 9 approximately Studio: studios have a main room and a bathroom. Please
but also on these specialized web sites. but also on these www.appartager.com www.koloc.org www.colocation.fr listed above (especially the American church and the Swedish church) church) Swedish the and church American the (especially above listed
What about shared apartments and room-mates? apartments and What about shared Useful websites:
You must know that prices vary according to the neighbourhood. according must know that prices vary You
Preparation 8
Preparation 9
students. note that However, hostels offer shared please Hotels
Bed-and-breafast per night and vary with standing and location. per night and vary with standing
Hostels permanent place to live. Alternatively you may stay at hostels, bed-
less expensive hotels with prices running from €30 per night. running from less expensive hotels with prices opportunity to experience French culture and get a glimpse of often only let you stay for a limited period of time. Prices start at €20 at start Prices time. of period limited a for stay you let only often accommodation accommodation in dorms, have exchange with other international other with exchange open to all young often people provide an and opportunity to and-breakfasts, or hotels. and-breakfasts,
on the time of year you arrive. If you have friends or relatives living in Paris, it may be best to stay with them while you search for a www.fac-paris.com/us/index.php www.bedbreak.com www.aijparis.com
If you have not found accommodation before your arrival, it might take take might it arrival, your before accommodation found not have you If Useful websites:
Useful websites: Parisian ordinary life. Prices run from €30 per night. Prices run from life. Parisian ordinary than hotels for an equivalent standing. Additionally, they offer an Bed-and-breakfasts Bed-and-breakfasts may be a they usually more provide individual comfortable rooms while option being in less expensive that
fairly strict timetables, and will French French youth hostels offer cheap
Temporary Options Before Finding PermanentHousing Finding Before Options Temporary Bottle of water Adapter 220V Glasses and contact lens
French dictionary French A set of crockery What should I bring to Paris? to I bring should What Bed sheets Medicine and your prescription Warm clothes for the winter Warm An umbrella
Preparation 10 Preparation 11 : If your paying are parents your expenses
score report if you will study in French. report score health (see list below). health (see list any other useful medical informatio in case of a health problem and for general information: date) a list of your vaccinations (with (if necessary) x-rays, scans, or MRI scans any recent a list of any medicines you need to take a list of any medicines you need a list of any allergies or other information which would be useful or life-saving in an emergency and for non-European citizens any documents relating to your in France. added). in French/English (also explanation of grading system can be Driver license (optional) Copy of documents for visa (only for non-European students) for non-European Copy of documents for visa (only EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) for the European students European the for Card) Insurance Health (European EHIC Copy of your passport & identity card. your passport Copy of French and English. French
stay; OR if you are staying with a friend or family, you must submit a stay; OR staying if with you a are friend or family, statement certifying that you will receive a minimum monthly
if not, in English) with the following information:if not, in English) with the following
If you have any health problems (diabetes, allergies, etc), please ask (diabetes, allergies, If you have any health problems your doctor to prepare a document (translated into French if possible, if French into (translated document a prepare to doctor your
List of documents List It is very important to translate and certify all documents! It is very important to translate
“It is always better “It is always better to bring light weight objects with you to avoid unnecessary and burden overweight fees on your trip here.” Tips from Survivors Tips from
letter from AGS stating that room, board, and tuition are fully prepaid. fully are tuition and board, room, that stating AGS from letter letter from your host certifying that you will be lodged free of charge, charge, of free lodged be will you that certifying host your from letter allowance of €215 will be accepted; OR if you have personal income income personal have you if OR accepted; be will €215 of allowance along with a copy of his/her identity papers, in which case a monthly monthly a case which in papers, identity his/her of copy a with along then you must submit your last three bank statements, along with a
Preparation 12
ion 13 Preparat Arriving in Paris Arriving
last airport only serves Low Cost Airlines. last airport only serves Low Cost east of Paris Orly (ORY) airport is slightly closer to the city and located 13km RATP airport bus lines RATP Paris airport shuttle RER B train (8 miles) to the South Air France Bus Taxi
that serve Paris. Beauvais Airport has only bus and taxi.
You You will most likely arrive at one of the three international airports Transportation from Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports to Paris: Charles de Gaulle and Orly airports to Paris: from Transportation . You should check . You
RER B station. Noisy-Champs Robinson, Antony, St-Rémy-lès-Chevreuse Robinson, Antony,
Marne la valle-Parc Disneyland Marne la valle-Parc RER A Châtelet les Halles
Direction to Direction Direction to Paris: Direction Change to Cost about €9.25 Universitaire. Nôtre Nôtre Dame, Luxembourg, Port Royal, Denfert-Rochereau, Cité Buy ticket at Billet Ile-de-France Aéroport CDG - Paris (Zone 5 - Line => RER B
Stop at Arrival Stations: Gare du Nord, Châtelet les Halles, St Michel/ Zone 1) To get to ESIEE stop at get to ESIEE stop at To
- Friday)
Step by step going to ESIEE: By Train
destination, and the total cost is about €9.25. destination, and least 50 minutes from Airport to center of Paris, depending on your
Getting from Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) (CDG) Airport de Gaulle Charles from Getting Gare Gare SNCF / Railway Station, Paris / par Paris Follow Train by Train.
Gaulle Airport (CDG) is by taking the train these signs to make your way to the train station located right within within right located station train the to way your make to signs these
Notice at the airport the blue overhead signs; those will point to your destination before going. The total time of traveling will be at
Terminal 2. Terminal The fastest and less expensive way to get to Paris from Charles de
Preparation 14
Preparation 15
minimum charge. Fees vary according to time of day and your point your and day of time to according vary Fees charge. minimum start the meter from the moment the taxi driver leaves to pick you up, you pick to leaves driver taxi the moment the from meter the start so when the taxi arrives, the meter will already show more than the minutes, it can vary and it could up to 50% longer or more depending more or longer 50% to up could it and vary can it minutes,
parks/Paris-CDG/Access/by-taxi/ By Taxi
as well as an airport fee of approximately €1. Many drivers will not
of origin or departure in the city. in the city. of origin or departure
centre is approximately €50, travel time should take approximately 40 approximately take should time travel €50, approximately is centre arrival terminal.
www.aeroportsdeparis.fr/ADP/en-GB/Passagers/Access-maps-car- Gaulle (CDG) is by taking a Taxi,
taxi is authorized to charge an additional fee for the fourth passenger. fourth the for fee additional an charge to authorized is taxi the baggage reclaim area of your of area reclaim baggage the
Paris from Airport Charles de
Aeroports de Paris Aeroports Additional charges include approximately €1 per piece of luggage
Another Another way to get to ESIEE or
bus and a Night Bus. Transfer time is approximately 45 minutes By Bus
arrives in Paris at the Gare du Nord train and stations, Gare de L’Est
in Paris: Place de l’Etoile and Porte Maillot. in Paris: Place de
5:00AM between Charles de Gaulle airport and Paris. This bus Charles Charles de Gaulle airportis served by the Air France bus, the RATP
two other lines serve the Paris time suburbs. from Travel the airport
Montparnasse. €17/person. Air France bus has a cost of The ticket at the stand or from the driver. the driver. the stand or from ticket at follow the signs in the airport to the bus stop and then purchase a Air France has two bus lines running from Charles de Gaulle airport
The Noctilien Night Bus runs hourly from approximately 00:00 - The RATP bus also called RoissyBus, departs from all terminals all every from departs RoissyBus, called also bus RATP The
The second Air France bus stops in Paris at Gare de Lyon and 15 minutes. It arrives in Paris and stops at Place de l’Opéra alongside l’Opéra de Place at stops and Paris in arrives It minutes. 15
Preparation 16 Preparation 17 station. Aéroport Charles de Aéroport or Antony Châtelet les Halles Noisy-Champs at at from Airport from Mitry – Claye RER B RER A Marne la valle-Parc Disneyland Marne la valle-Parc OrlyVal Tram Tram OrlyVal
Direction to Direction get to ESIEE stop at To Average travel time around 35 minutes 35 travel time around Average Cost about €10.90 (RER+Orlyval) Change Trains Direction to Paris: Direction Gaulle Change to Train Change to Train Terminal) Get
Step by step going to ESIEE: By Train