An Alumna’s Nonconformist Tips for Making Paris Your Own

1. Change apartments at least once

While earning my degree at AUP, I changed apartments five times. That might sound extreme, but it suited who I am and successfully satisfied my urge for exploration. Upon graduating, many of my peers told me they regretted staying in one place throughout their studies. When you move, you are forced out of your comfort zone and get to explore a new arrondissement, local shops, parks, restaurants and hangout spots. There’s no better way to get to know Paris.

2. Be a regular

A big part of making Paris your own is becoming a regular somewhere. It can be a cafe across from your home, your favourite corner store where you chat with the owner every time you come in or a local library where you study and know other people who come often. Make an effort, smile and talk to people. You will be amazed how it will transform your experience of living abroad.

3. Buy your Parisian accessory

Paris is called a fashion capital for a reason. Parisian style is one-of-a-kind and French boutiques are world-renowned. Something I personally found amazing was the reasonably priced jewelry or clothing boutiques on every corner. Getting an accessory can help you fit in and feel part of the city. Find a chic jacket, French fragrance or pair of handmade earrings and – trust me on this – you’ll suddenly feel one step closer to being a full-fledged Parisian.

4. Fall in love

Before you laugh at this one, hear me out – falling in love doesn’t mean what you think it means. Be prepared to be dazzled; walk around with your head up high and realize how beautiful the city is; find little streets to get lost in; enter a cellar jazz bar and feel romantic sipping wine and getting caught up in the music. Be open to falling in love with everything you see, because it doesn’t have to be a soulmate you find in Paris – the city itself is like a love affair.

5. Find French friends

This one is quite the hustle! The hardest part about feeling at home somewhere new is finding local friends – and Parisians in particular don’t make that an easy task. What helped me during university was hanging out in bars filled with French students. The key is to show up in smaller groups and seem open to conversation. Les Fontaines, at 12 rue Brisemiche, is a favorite of mine; it’s where most of my French friendships began.

6. Appreciate every moment

I once read an article about a 40-year-old writer who recalled her experience in Paris as a student. She said it was probably the happiest time of her life being young and carefree and feeling limitless. It stuck with me, and I remembered it every time I had a slight change of heart or was feeling sad or lonely. After all, Paris is an astonishing city and studying at AUP is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

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