Day in the Life of a FLI student in Paris

Ever since I was in middle school, studying abroad in Paris has always been my dream. But going abroad (especially after living New York) can be incredibly daunting for a first-generation or limited-income student. I had never even left the country before arriving in Paris this semester. There are many factors to consider: the distance from home, internal (and external) pressure to explore, and, of course, everyday budgeting. For those with similar apprehensions about going abroad, studying abroad is a possible and life-changing experience. As a low-income student myself, come with me as I navigate a day in Paris, eating, studying, and taking in all the sights that the city has to offer!

8:20-9:20: Wake up and get ready for the day. 

9:20-9:40: Leave Cité Universitaire residence to hop on the RER (fast Parisian metro). 

Though each month I grieve a little while purchasing the monthly metro pass, it really has made my quality of life much better. I feel free to navigate the city any time I please without worrying about how much each ticket costs. That being said, biking is another wonderful and fairly cheap way to traverse Paris. And, of course, walking through the streets is a joy in itself, though Paris gets very cold and very rainy at times. 

9:40-10:00: Head to my favorite boulangerie near the Port Royal station before class for breakfast.

Food-wise, I have been pleasantly surprised by the ability to economize while eating. Paris, and many European cities, have lower rates for combined meals, called formules in French. Though there are similar kinds of deals in New York, formules are much more common and are often targeted directly towards students for an even greater discount. These meals are my saving grace, as I am able to get a large tea and a pain au chocolat for 2 euros.

10:00-11:30: Class #1 at the Sorbonne, Paris IV: Civilisations de l’Amérique Préhispanique (Pre-Hispanic American Civilisations)

All of my coursework abroad is in French (French and Art History major!), but this class is especially immersive because it is given by a local French university.

11:30-12:00: Wander through the Luxembourg Gardens for a bit. When it is warm enough, it’s lovely to sit on a park chair and read. 

12:00-12:15: Walk over to Reid Hall, the Columbia global center campus, and relax. 

Reid Hall truly is a haven hidden behind two unassuming blue doors: it’s a very intimate campus with cozy student spaces and its own cafe.

12:15-13:00: Grab lunch from Le Street Four, a delicious Lebanese street food/hole-in-the-wall restaurant near campus. I usually get a falafel or shawarma (6 euros).

13:00-14:00: Finish up readings for class and chat with friends in the lounge.

14:00-15:30: Class #2: Age of Enlightenment

There are many excursions included in my program, and it has been so wonderful to explore the city with my classmates. For this class in particular, we have gone on visits to Versailles, the Hotel de la Marine, a ballet, and an opera, all associated with the 18th century class material!

15:45-18:45: Class #3: Academic Writing (yes, three hours is not a typo)

18:45-20:00: Return to student dorm, cook dinner, and watch a show.  

I love Lidl so much. It’s like Trader Joe’s but cheaper (and without my beloved chili & lime chips…). I’ve enjoyed cooking meals for myself this semester: my go-to recently has been a salmon/rice/cucumber/wasabi bowl. 

20:00-21:00: Call family back home and write in journal. 

It’s always important to stay connected with your support system, and after a long day of classes, it is helpful to decompress, especially when abroad. 

21:00-23:00: Meet up with friends to go to Le Caveau de la Huchette, a very popular jazz bar.

The quintessential Parisian experience is swing dancing underground to fast jazz in a crowded, stone room. At only 10 euros for student entry, Le Caveau is such a fun experience for a Thursday night.

​​I’ve truly found that studying abroad is a feasible and delightful option for FLI students. Nearly all of the museums and monuments are free for those under 26 (art history score!), most stores have a student discount, and there are student rail passes for further European travel. Moreover, university fees abroad are far cheaper than in the U.S., so students on financial aid may even receive a refund when traveling abroad to cover airfare and study expenses. I hope following along on this day in Paris has inspired and encouraged you!