Hello, my name is Maiya, and I am a third-year student studying Maths with French. I’m coming to the end of my year abroad in Paris, where I have been studying at Université Paris Cité.
As I reflect on my time abroad, I feel incredibly lucky and grateful. I would definitely say it’s been one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life, and a time for immense personal and academic growth. I was excited to properly explore a culture I already knew a bit about, but had never experienced on this level.
Paris seemed like the perfect choice, a vibrant city with rich history, offering me the chance to discover new things all the time. Beyond the typical tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, the city has an incredible range of experiences on offer, especially in terms of food and culture. There is always something going on in Paris, and I made sure to take full advantage of it, whether it was visiting sites or shopping at local markets, I was always busy exploring.
I love how easy it is to get around using public transport, but if you’re not in a rush, Paris is very walkable. You can explore much more on foot, with something new around every corner. The trains are generally pretty reliable, so be sure to get the travel pass, but be aware the can get quite crowded.
University life in Paris was a lot more intense and independent than what I was used to at Southampton, which took some adjustment. There was a much bigger emphasis on self-study, and I found that challenging at first due to less support than I had previously. However, over time, I adapted and was able to engage more effectively with the content.
Tips for future students:
- Explore beyond the touristy spots. While it is important to see the most popular attractions, make sure you venture out and visit lesser-known places too. You’ll get the best recommendations from locals, so be sure to ask!
- Embrace the culture. Whether it’s trying new food, attending local events, or participating in activities organised by your university or study abroad program, it’s important to step out of your comfort zone (something I wish I had done slightly more).
- Stay connected with home. It is tough being away from family and friends, so make sure you stay in touch, especially during difficult moments. But also make sure you are open to meeting new people!
- Travel! Take day or weekend trips from Paris, whenever you can. Yes, Paris is amazing but there are so many other incredible cities only a few hours away by train.
- Take care of your mental health. While it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement, it is just as important to check in with yourself and have some moments of peace to reflect.
All in all, my year abroad in Paris has been an amazing experience. I’ve gone through a lot of personal growth, and I’ll carry these memories and lessons with me for the rest of my life. If you have the chance to study abroad, whether in Paris or elsewhere, don’t hesitate. As anxious as I was at the start, it has taught me so much about life, and is an experience that you won’t regret!
