A month in Paris: student lodging, budget and life
Jan 21st, 2012, 12:05 PM
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
A month in Paris: student lodging, budget and life
I'm going to be spending a month in Paris (April 15 - May 12) completing my university studies.
I have a few questions:
If I want to go to a cafe a couple times a week, a restaurant once every week or week and a half, and eat the rest of my meals out of grocery stores what should my average daily food budget be?
Can I stay in Le Marais and still be able to make it to class in the Latin quarter most mornings?
I am not parisienne-skinny. I'm a size 10 at the Gap. Is clothes shopping completely out the question?
Is there free wi-fi available if you don't have an orange account?
Are there any interesting happenings in Paris is the April-May time period? I speak French is that helps at all.
Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. This is my first time in Europe.
I have a few questions:
If I want to go to a cafe a couple times a week, a restaurant once every week or week and a half, and eat the rest of my meals out of grocery stores what should my average daily food budget be?
Can I stay in Le Marais and still be able to make it to class in the Latin quarter most mornings?
I am not parisienne-skinny. I'm a size 10 at the Gap. Is clothes shopping completely out the question?
Is there free wi-fi available if you don't have an orange account?
Are there any interesting happenings in Paris is the April-May time period? I speak French is that helps at all.
Any other tips would be greatly appreciated. This is my first time in Europe.
Jan 21st, 2012, 01:02 PM
#2
Join Date: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,849
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Where in the Marais will you be, and where will your classes be?
Here is a link to free Wi-fi spots in Paris. It may be a bit dated, so you might want to go online for a search.
http://goparis.about.com/od/gettinga...tspotsfree.htm
Here is a link to free Wi-fi spots in Paris. It may be a bit dated, so you might want to go online for a search.
http://goparis.about.com/od/gettinga...tspotsfree.htm
Jan 21st, 2012, 01:20 PM
#3
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 11,212
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
1. It depends on what you'll be eating/drinking in cafes. Stay away from soft drinks that can break the budget. You can have simple meals and drink tap water, wine, or beer. It also depends on what cafes you're going to - prices vary. the prices will probably be similar to those in any large city.
2. Of course you can stay in the Marais and take classes in the Latin Quarter. It's up to you what time you get up in the morning and what time the classes are. It may take 30 minutes to get from where you're staying to your class but who knows - you've given no info.
3. Don't know - it's not only about size but about body type.
4. Wifi is available in many apartments and hotels. Don't know the particulars since you haven't stated where you're staying. Check with hotel or apartment web site. I think McDonalds has Wifi.
5. http://www.doitinparis.com/
http://www.archetspf.asso.fr/
http://www.timeout.fr/paris/en
http://spectacles.premiere.fr/pariscope
http://www.musique-en-sorbonne.org/
2. Of course you can stay in the Marais and take classes in the Latin Quarter. It's up to you what time you get up in the morning and what time the classes are. It may take 30 minutes to get from where you're staying to your class but who knows - you've given no info.
3. Don't know - it's not only about size but about body type.
4. Wifi is available in many apartments and hotels. Don't know the particulars since you haven't stated where you're staying. Check with hotel or apartment web site. I think McDonalds has Wifi.
5. http://www.doitinparis.com/
http://www.archetspf.asso.fr/
http://www.timeout.fr/paris/en
http://spectacles.premiere.fr/pariscope
http://www.musique-en-sorbonne.org/
Jan 21st, 2012, 01:41 PM
#4
Join Date: May 2004
Posts: 13,812
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If I stayed in the Marais and had morning classes in the Latin quarter then I'd have no problem making it to class. But, then again, when I had classes in Copenhagen, 45 minutes across town by bike, I was never late to my 9AM language class. And I was usually biking in pouring rain. So, that's an individual thing. By the way, I've posted to your Copenhagen thread.
As for clothing, I wear 10s and 12s, depending on the cuts and makers. Although I no longer buy a lot of clothes (or shoes) in Paris, that size is a possible size to buy.
In the summer of 2009, I bought some tops at the GAP-Paris that were actually too big. I should have bought one size down. I didn't try them on, but had figured that I should buy a size up.
In all of the decades of going to Paris, I have been anywhere from a size 6-12 depending on my age and the decade, but usually averaging out at around a 10. LOL! But, I've found clothing cuts to be very different. I have never been able to buy pants there, not that I wear a lot of pants, not even when I was a perfect size 6 and with a 24-inch waist. They would never fit in the thighs. So, just remember to be flexible and try different sizes and cuts of clothing.
When in Paris, I have to try on everything whereas here at home I don't. For example, If I'm buying a Ralph Lauren jean skirt here, I don't need to try it on before purchasing it as I know that I have a 95% chance of it fitting. The only thing that I do do is pull out my tape measure and measure the length before making or not making a purchase. LOL! Have fun. Happy Travels!
As for clothing, I wear 10s and 12s, depending on the cuts and makers. Although I no longer buy a lot of clothes (or shoes) in Paris, that size is a possible size to buy.
In the summer of 2009, I bought some tops at the GAP-Paris that were actually too big. I should have bought one size down. I didn't try them on, but had figured that I should buy a size up.
In all of the decades of going to Paris, I have been anywhere from a size 6-12 depending on my age and the decade, but usually averaging out at around a 10. LOL! But, I've found clothing cuts to be very different. I have never been able to buy pants there, not that I wear a lot of pants, not even when I was a perfect size 6 and with a 24-inch waist. They would never fit in the thighs. So, just remember to be flexible and try different sizes and cuts of clothing.
When in Paris, I have to try on everything whereas here at home I don't. For example, If I'm buying a Ralph Lauren jean skirt here, I don't need to try it on before purchasing it as I know that I have a 95% chance of it fitting. The only thing that I do do is pull out my tape measure and measure the length before making or not making a purchase. LOL! Have fun. Happy Travels!
Jan 21st, 2012, 03:46 PM
#5
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,858
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The Marais isn't that far from teh Latin Qtr, if you can't get to class on time that is your fault.
Of course you can find clothes that size in Paris, shouldn't be a problem, but depends where you shop. I assume you want cheap clothes, so it will probalby be easier to find stuff like you want. There is always H&M and Zara, etc. I know I've seen clothes your size in there.
Of course you can find clothes that size in Paris, shouldn't be a problem, but depends where you shop. I assume you want cheap clothes, so it will probalby be easier to find stuff like you want. There is always H&M and Zara, etc. I know I've seen clothes your size in there.
Jan 21st, 2012, 05:55 PM
#6
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If you get up in the morning you should have no trouble getting to class - it's not hours away.
How much you spend on food depends entirely on what you buy and where you go.
As for clothes - you need to try them on - but be aware that prices will be very high in comparison to the US. I wear a 10 in the US - but am tall - with long arms and legs and am not flat chested (as most French women seem to be based on the cut of the clothes). So it depends not only on size but also shape - and budget, (I have given up trying to buy clothes in paris - they are just not cut for someone 5'9".)
How much you spend on food depends entirely on what you buy and where you go.
As for clothes - you need to try them on - but be aware that prices will be very high in comparison to the US. I wear a 10 in the US - but am tall - with long arms and legs and am not flat chested (as most French women seem to be based on the cut of the clothes). So it depends not only on size but also shape - and budget, (I have given up trying to buy clothes in paris - they are just not cut for someone 5'9".)
Jan 21st, 2012, 11:45 PM
#8
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 20,923
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
This is what I've used to identify free wifi in Paris (also comes with some comments on the cafés as cafés, which is useful):
http://www.cafes-wifi.com/
For transport info, www.ratp.fr, especially:
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/
For food budgeting. Last March or so, I would have said something like €20 for a main dish, small dessert and a drink in a café. Cheaper restaurants would be about the same, but obviously you could spend the earth if you wanted. As for groceries, you could keep an eye on some supermarket chains' online prices (it may be a bit more in the shops):
Monoprix: http://tinyurl.com/6oduntn
Ed/DIA: http://www.dia.fr/trouver-un-magasin...ement/?dept=75
Franprix: http://www.franprix.fr
http://www.cafes-wifi.com/
For transport info, www.ratp.fr, especially:
http://www.ratp.fr/plan-interactif/
For food budgeting. Last March or so, I would have said something like €20 for a main dish, small dessert and a drink in a café. Cheaper restaurants would be about the same, but obviously you could spend the earth if you wanted. As for groceries, you could keep an eye on some supermarket chains' online prices (it may be a bit more in the shops):
Monoprix: http://tinyurl.com/6oduntn
Ed/DIA: http://www.dia.fr/trouver-un-magasin...ement/?dept=75
Franprix: http://www.franprix.fr
Jan 22nd, 2012, 02:45 AM
#9
one way to save on food in restaurants is to look for the "menu" rather than eating a la carte, and generally speaking, lunch out will be cheaper than dinner.
drinking at the bar is cheaper than sitting down, though you can get to read the newspapers virtually for free in some places depending on how long you can make a coffee last.
I'm sure that your fellow students will know the best places.
you'll get to know Paris really well on your walk from the Marais to your classes every day - walking is the very best way to learn about a place. Give yourself a bit extra time the first few days and you'll soon find the best and quickest route!
drinking at the bar is cheaper than sitting down, though you can get to read the newspapers virtually for free in some places depending on how long you can make a coffee last.
I'm sure that your fellow students will know the best places.
you'll get to know Paris really well on your walk from the Marais to your classes every day - walking is the very best way to learn about a place. Give yourself a bit extra time the first few days and you'll soon find the best and quickest route!
