Help! Advice on moving to France?

Question

I'm trying to move to Paris next year for school. I know it's one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it's something I've always wanted. I need advice as to how to get the best job's there, noting that I will be a student as well. Also, what is the cheapest living arrangements? I was told Hostels are my safest bet, but I also want to know if there are any other options. Anything extra would be appreciated, thank you!

Answer 1

Hi, try reading the Steven Clarke books,

A year in the merde and Merde Actually. Very funny, but there are some good tips there.

Last time we were in Paris, we went to the Auld Alliance pub in the Marais. There was a young lady there who had just made the move, and was there for a bit of support.

Go, enjoy. Maybe keep a diary to publish later and become famous.

I've just thought of another boo,

Books Bagettes and Bedbugs by Jeremy Mercer is about Shakespeare and Company bookstore by Notre Dame. That could inspire too. This may still be an option for free accomodation.

Answer 2

Students have student visas, and people who are working have work visas.

You don't get to do both.  Not as a foreigner.  and really, very few French students work, either.  Just kick back and enjoy the freedom of NOT HAVING to work!  enjoy!  go out at night, hang at discos, pubs, cafés, and movie theaters.  Enjoy the life of being in France!  TRAVEL!!!  Take advantage of the opportunities.  You will work when you get back.

as for places to live, well, aren't you going on a school program?  One year, right?  The school people will help you arrange living situations.  Hostels are NOT for living in, only for short-term arrangements, and I don't think they even allow you to stay for more than a week.

Answer 3

A laudable ambition and one that will provide many benefits but have you thought this out?

Are you planning on doing a year abroad in conjunction with with present college or are you simply hoping to enroll in a French University? If the latter then do you already speak French well enough to actually take a class taught in the French language?

University in France is close to being free (no tuition charges and only a small student fee) but Paris is, indeed, a very expensive city to live in. A foreign student can get a work permit but the number of total hours you may work is limited and jobs are scarce.

French students tend to live in very cramped quarters and costs require most of them to share accomodations with other students. Hostels are inexpensive but only in comparision to hotels and most are just not suitable for a student's regular quarters.

P.S. I noticed the pictures you posted in another question. I'll answer that question here. You are, in my opinion, a truly beautiful young lady. I have no knowledge whatever of the fashion industry but it seems to me that you ought to be able to work as a model. But you should ask Y!Answers user sweetmommy who actually was a fashion model in Paris what she thinks. She allows email so perhaps you could ask her directly if she doesn't happen to answer this question herself.