You have just registered for one of our Applied MSc programmes and you have decided to come and study on the Paris campus, excellent choice! In order to enjoy one of the most beautiful cities in the world and to focus on your studies, you will need to prepare your arrival in France. In this article we will give you our best tips on how to prepare for your arrival in Paris.
The arrival
Paris has two airports: Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY), it doesn’t matter if you arrive at one or the other, as both have all the facilities to make your arrival easy. Both airports are of course located outside of Paris but are well serviced by public transport.
Accommodations
Finding accommodation is a very important part for a pleasant stay in France. Although there are many options for accommodation in and around Paris, finding accommodation can be difficult. This is because both the demand and the price are important factors.
First and foremost, book temporary accommodation before you arrive on verified websites such as AirBnB. This will give you the time and flexibility to find an accommodation that suits you for the year. DSTI has signed a partnership with the Studapart platform, which is a reference for student accommodation in France. This online accommodation service allows international students to facilitate the procedures for accessing their accommodation.
As far as private accommodation is concerned, there are many residences, rooms in private homes, shared flats and studio flats in Paris and its suburbs. However, the DSTI campus is ideally located in the beautiful 5th arrondissement, so try to find an accommodation that is not too far from it.
The budget
The DSTI tuition fees include all elements related to schooling for the whole year, however you should have an idea of the estimated cost of living in Paris. As a European capital, Paris has a fairly high daily cost of living. Whether it is for rent, food, transport or leisure, prices are higher than in Sophia-Antipolis.
In fact, to live reasonably in Paris and cover all your various expenses, plan on a monthly budget of 1,100 to 1,300€ (compared to 850 to 1,150€ in Sophia-Antipolis).
The environment
Paris is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and offers a wide range of history and dynamism. As soon as you arrive in the capital, you will be able to take advantage of the many famous monuments, museums, cafés, restaurants, shops… or simply walk through the wonderful streets of the city.
In order to take full advantage of life in France and particularly in Paris, it is essential to prepare for your arrival well. To help you, we will provide you with the Student Booklet, which contains detailed information and procedures in relation to your arrival. The Student Booklet provides greater detail on all the points mentioned above, so don’t hesitate to consult it!