When I first packed my bags for Paris, I thought I had everything figured out. Tuition paid, visa ready, excitement level at 100%. But once I landed, reality hit differently. There were so many little things no one had told me about studying abroad things that would have saved me stress, money, and even a few tears. If you’re planning to study in France, here are five things I wish I knew before starting my journey. Hopefully, this gives you a head start.
1. Budgeting is More Than Just Tuition
I honestly thought once my tuition was paid, I’d be fine. Big mistake. Transport, food, printing assignments, student insurance, even buying a metro pass every month it all adds up quickly. Trust me, it’s better to create a realistic budget before you arrive, so you don’t find yourself broke by mid-month.
2. French is Not Optional
Yes, you can get by with English in class, but outside of school? Different story. From the supermarket to the doctor’s office, you’ll need at least basic French. I used to freeze when the cashier spoke too fast, but once I started learning simple phrases, life got way easier.
3. Housing is a Battlefield
Finding a place to stay in Paris can test your patience. Websites like CROUS, Studapart, or LeBonCoin are useful, but you really have to be careful with scams. Start early, double-check listings, and if possible, ask someone already in France to help you verify. It saves a lot of stress.
4. Culture Shock is Real
I thought I was ready for everything, but adjusting wasn’t as easy as I imagined. The teaching style, the food, even the way people interact felt different at first. Some days I felt excited, and other days I just wanted my Nigerian food and familiar faces. And that’s okay adjusting takes time.
5. Community Makes All the Difference
Being in a new country can get lonely. What helped me the most was finding a community through school, church, or even student associations. Those people become like family, and it makes the whole experience so much better.
Studying in France has been one of the best decisions of my life, but it came with lessons I had to learn the hard way. If you’re planning your move, I hope these tips make things smoother for you. If you’re already studying abroad, what’s one thing you wish you knew before moving? Share it in the comments let’s help the next student coming after us.
This is one of the best steps i have taken in my life, and i cant wait to see how it turns out in the next 5 years