Information and tips for Erasmus students in Lille
Erasmus in Lille
| Private rooms Lille | 795 | 595/month |
| Residences Lille | 37 | 619/month |
| Studios Lille | 10 | 1117/month |
| Apartments Lille | 39 | 1066/month |
Why do your Erasmus in Lille? This French city has a large number of universities and schools, so a large part of its population is young. The city's student atmosphere is amazing all year round!
It’s about the fourth largest city in the country, and its proximity to cities like Brussels, London, and Paris makes weekend trips easy.
The cost of living in Lille is more affordable compared to other French cities such as Paris, although it’s still important to plan your budget well. Découvrons la ville !
Cost of living in Lille, France
The cost of living in Lille varies depending on each student's lifestyle.
The biggest expense is usually accommodation. Rooms in shared apartments cost around 300-700 € per month, depending on the location and amenities. On the other hand, university residences are usually more economical, with prices between 400-500 € per month.
Transportation in the city is efficient, with a metro, tram and bus network that connect the entire city. A monthly transport pass costs approximately 27€. The use of bicycles is also very common, especially among students.
In general, a student can spend between 800-1000 € per month adding accommodation, food, transportation and leisure.
Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Lille
Since it’s a city with so many young people, you’ll find parties and fun plans to do every day. For nightlife, you have several options in the city centre, from bars to clubs. Some of the most popular are The Room, Le Network, or The Butcher's Nightclub.
Another fact to keep in mind is that, during the afternoons, there are many venues that host Happy Hours. In fact, you can save about 2€ for every half-liter of beer, something all students enjoy!
If you prefer quieter plans, there are many options to enjoy the city. You can walk around the old town (Vieux Lille), where you'll find cobblestone streets and historic buildings, or visit the Citadel Park (Citadelle de Lille), a perfect place to exercise or have a picnic with friends.
Lille also has festivals and cultural events throughout the year. One of the most important is the Braderie de Lille, the largest flea market in Europe, where you can find antiques, clothing and second-hand items.
Furthermore, Lille is an ideal starting point to travel. From here, you can easily reach cities like Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, and even London.
Culture and gastronomy in Lille, France
Lille is a city with a rich history and many cultural opportunities. If you're interested in art, you can visit the Palace of Fine Arts (Palais des Beaux-Arts), which houses an impressive collection of paintings and sculptures. Another interesting site is the Museum of Natural History (Musée d'Histoire Naturelle), ideal for learning more about the region's fauna and history.
For lovers of gastronomy, this city offers a variety of typical dishes from northern France. One of the most popular is the "carbonnade flamande" (beef stew cooked with beer and spices), served with fries. Another specialty is "welsh" (bread covered with melted cheese, mustard and egg), perfect for cold days. If you like sweets, you can't miss the "merveilles", crispy cookies with icing sugar.
Some affordable places for students are Kitchen Market Lille, Les Berthom, or Comptoir des Copains.
Advantages and disadvantages of doing Erasmus in Lille
Discover the best and worst aspects of doing an Erasmus in this French city here: we tell you the pros and cons.
Advantages
- You’ll have the opportunity to learn or improve your level of French.
- Also, the possibility to travel to many nearby cities and countries easily and quickly.
- Living in a very popular French city among students from all over the world for a quite affordable price compared to other parts of France.
- If you like culture, Lille has a wide range of museums, festivals and events throughout the year, as well as a cuisine with Flemish influences.
Disadvantages
- The climate can be challenging, especially in winter when temperatures drop and there are many grey, rainy days.
- Transport is good, but at peak times it may be very saturated, which can be uncomfortable to move around the city.
- Most people speak French, so if you don't have a good command of the language, it can be difficult.
Cheap Erasmus apartments in Lille, France
If you need accommodation in Lille, you've come to the right place. In our platform, Erasmus Play, you can compare prices for different rooms and student apartments for free. We want you to have the best experience of your life and make finding accommodation effortless!
FAQ about an Erasmus in Lille
How much does it cost to live in Lille as a student?
The cost of living can range from 800-1200€ per month, depending on the type of accommodation and lifestyle.
What’s student life like in Lille?
This city has a great student atmosphere year-round. If you're interested in meeting new people, making plans every day, and enjoying yourself while learning about different cultures, Lille is the ideal destination for you.
How much does student accommodation cost in Lille?
The most popular option among Erasmus students is a room in a shared apartment or even renting an entire apartment to share with several other students. Prices can range from 300€ to 700€ for single rooms and a little more if you prefer an entire apartment. University residences are generally more affordable, with prices between 400€ and 500€ per month.
How much is the Erasmus grant to study in Lille?
The amount you receive from the Erasmus scholarship to go to Lille depends on your country of residence. The conditions and characteristics of this scholarship vary across Europe, so we recommend that you consult this information with the international relations office at your home university.
What are the best areas to live in Lille as a student?
Some of the most popular neighbourhoods among students to look for accommodation are Vauban (it's not central, but you can get anywhere by bike and it's full of students), Wazemmes (a more central area), and Massena (a part of the city located between the centre and the universities).
