Living Expenses and Practical Information for Isep Students in Paris
Plan your budget and essentials with Isep’s guide to living expenses, housing, health, and more.
Estimated Monthly Living Expenses in Paris
When moving to Paris, expect your first month to be the most expensive, often doubling the cost of subsequent months as you settle in and discover affordable options for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Here is an estimated monthly breakdown of common expenses:
- Housing: €450 – €800
- Food: €200 – €300
- Transportation: €86/month (full adult fare for 2024); €374/year for those under 26
Total Budget Estimate: €736 – €1186
Housing Assistance
Handling Money in France
Plan for secure and convenient money management during your stay:
- Traveller’s Checks: Safe and easy to use in Europe; easily replaced if lost.
- Credit Cards: Widely accepted in France. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are recommended for ATM withdrawals and payments.
- Euros: Bringing some euros from your home country can be useful upon arrival.
- Bank Account: For stays longer than three months, opening a French bank account is straightforward, though it can take several weeks to complete.
Dining Options
Isep campuses are equipped with dining areas, offering microwaves, hot and cold drink dispensers, and a selection of snacks and ready-to-heat meals at affordable prices (new as of fall 2023).
From the Paris campus, students can easily reach the Bullier university restaurant (Port-Royal) within a 10-15 minute walk.
Both campuses are surrounded by various dining options and convenience stores, providing plenty of choices for meals and essentials.
Health and Insurance Requirements
Useful Information About France
- Time Zone: GMT+1
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Country Code: +33 (Paris area code: +1)
- Electricity: 220V AC
