Are you thinking of living in a shared flat in Saint-Étienne? You should know that it is the preferred alternative for international and French young people, so surely your roommates will be from different parts of the world, and you can share different experiences with them.
Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Saint-Étienne
Here are some pros and cons of living in a shared flat in this French city:
Advantages of sharing a flat in Saint-Étienne
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There are many shared flats available in convenient areas for students, such as the Center Ville, Center Deux and Saint-Roch - Badouillère - Chavanelle neighbourhoods.
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If any of your roommates is French, take the opportunity to practice or learn the language and also to delve even deeper into the local culture.
Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Saint-Étienne
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In the wintertime, you will have to reach an agreement with your flatmates about the use of heating. There are those who prefer to have it on all day and there are those who prefer to save and wrap up a little more. Remember that it is better to talk about the subject instead of it getting into an argument.
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The only space available to you is going to be your room, so you should decorate it or furnish it as you like so that you can feel at home.
Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Saint-Ètienne
There are some apps for Erasmus+ in which you will not only be able to access useful information about the procedures you have to do, but also about life at the university and in the city. Some of these tips are from students who have lived in Saint-Ètienne before. For example, one of the tips to make your exchange more affordable is to remember that you can request the Sainte Pass card, thanks to which you will have access to discounts on sports, culture and transport.
How to meet people in Saint-Étienne
The following are some of the ways you have to meet people in this French city, in addition to interacting with your flatmates with whom you are going to share day to day.
Student associations in Saint-Étienne
The University of Saint-Ètienne has several associations that you can join to meet students who have similar interests to yours, as they are distinguished according to different social, cultural and sports interests. You can also join the ESN BISE - Saint Ètienne, with which you can do a lot of fun activities and events where you will meet international students.
Facebook groups for Erasmus in Saint-Étienne
In this social network, you will find several groups created to connect international students. One of them is the ESN BISE - Saint Ètienne, where you can also see the planning of activities that you can join. Some of them are international dinners, beer pong and dancing nights, language exchanges in coffee shops, and affordable excursions to see the city and its surroundings.
WhatsApp groups for Erasmus in Saint-Étienne
Surely you will find WhatsApp groups where you can easily be in contact with other young people, at the same time that you find out about everything that is being organized and happening in the French city.
Tips for living in a shared apartment in Saint-Étienne
We give you some tips for you to consider when living in a shared flat in this French city:
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Jean Monnet University has numerous campuses in different areas of the city, therefore, it is recommendable that you know to ensure that your accommodation has a good connection by public transport.
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You can choose to live in student residences or in private flats. The cost of the residences is usually higher (because of their all-inclusive monthly utility bills), although they may include some facilities that justify it, so you have to find out what they include to decide.