Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Le Havre
Have you still not decided if it is better to share a flat with other students? To help you choose, we will inform you of some of the most relevant advantages and disadvantages of this type of accommodation:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Le Havre
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You can search for spare rooms both in private shared flats and in flats that are part of residences for students.
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The rooms can have private bathrooms, which is a plus if you want a bit of privacy in that regard.
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If one of your roommates is French, take the opportunity to practice the language as much as you can and immerse yourself in the local culture!
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Le Havre
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The average minimum temperature in winter is slightly above 0ºC, so you will have to reach an agreement on the use of heating with your flatmates.
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The only space that you are going to have completely for yourself is going to be your room (This is why you must decorate it and make it cosy).
Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Le Havre
The apps for Erasmus+ that you can download put at your disposal a large amount of relevant information for your exchange in this French city. These data not only refer to procedures and paperwork at the university but also life in the city. For example, a large part of the young internationals who have already been on an exchange in Le Havre say that it is convenient for you to know a little French before arriving in the city, so you can quickly immerse yourself in the local culture and communicate with the locals from the beginning.
How to meet people in Le Havre
Your exchange experience will have a lot to do with the people you meet there, who are the ones you are going to spend your time with and who are going to make everything more fun. First, we recommend that you befriend your flatmates, with whom you are going to spend a lot of time at home. Secondly, we tell you about other options that you can consider to meet people in the French city:
Student associations in Le Havre
The Erasmus Student Network has a program called "Mon Buddy @Le Havre" in which international students are paired with local students who assist them upon arrival and help them with various aspects of the university and the city.
Facebook groups for Erasmus in Le Havre
There are several groups you can join, many of them divided according to the academic year. You just have to find the one that corresponds to the season in which you are going to be there. You can also join the so-called "Le Havre Erasmus Fun", an association that organizes numerous economic plans for Erasmus students.
WhatsApp groups for Erasmus in Le Havre
In the different Facebook groups, you will find links to WhatsApp groups. Join to be in more direct contact with other students and propose the plans you want to do in the city, whether it's going for a picnic on the beach on a nice day or doing a city tour.
Tips for living in a shared student apartment in Le Havre
Keep in mind these tips related to living in shared flats in this French city:
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Remember that the French government offers, in some cases, the accommodation subsidy called CAF. Find out if yours meets the requirements to apply to it.
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You will surely find a flat with a convenient location for you, depending on where the university campus is. Some neighbourhoods most chosen by young people to live in are the city centre, Anatole France Danton, Ste Marie-St Leon and Caucriauville.