Details

• France
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

I would recommend starting your preparations early, especially when it comes to finding accommodation in Lyon. It is a popular student city, so looking for a room or apartment well in advance can save you a lot of stress. Before leaving, make sure to check all the requirements from both WU and emlyon, particularly regarding course selection, the Learning Agreement and other administrative documents. It is also worth brushing up on your French beforehand. Although many people speak English, knowing some French makes everyday life much easier and helps you connect with locals. Lyon is well connected and can be reached from Vienna by plane, train or bus. I would recommend comparing the different options depending on your budget and how much luggage you plan to bring. Most importantly, don't worry too much about having everything figured out before you arrive. There will be plenty of other exchange students in the same situation, and you will quickly find your way around!

2. Accommodation

I lived in the 7th arrondissement of Lyon, which I would definitely recommend to other exchange students. It is a great student area with lots of student residences, shared apartments, cafés, bars and restaurants. I would particularly recommend looking for accommodation around Jean Macé, rather than too close to Guillotière, as I personally would avoid that area. The 1st and 2nd arrondissements are also great options, as they are centrally located and you can easily reach the university by metro or tram. Vieux Lyon is another beautiful area worth considering. I personally stayed in an Airbnb, as I found student residences to be relatively expensive. I would therefore recommend comparing different accommodation options instead of focusing only on student housing. My biggest tip is to start looking early and pay attention to the neighbourhood and public transport connections. You don't necessarily need to live right next to the university, as Lyon has a very good public transport system. Overall, I was really happy with my location and would definitely choose the 7th arrondissement again!

3. Academic life at host university

Studying at emlyon business school was definitely one of the highlights of my exchange semester. I felt really privileged to have the opportunity to study at a private business school with such high-quality teaching, excellent facilities and professors with extensive industry knowledge. Compared to WU Vienna, the teaching style was much more hands-on and practice-oriented. There was a strong focus on real business cases, group projects, presentations and applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations. I personally really enjoyed this approach and honestly feel like I gained some of the most valuable knowledge for my professional career during this semester. I chose the Digital Marketing major, which included courses such as Digital Marketing Overview, Inbound Marketing, Social Media Management and Data & AI for Business. I would definitely recommend this major, especially to students interested in marketing, digital technologies and AI. The courses provided a lot of valuable insights and practical skills that I have already been able to apply in my job. The campus itself is very modern, with great study spaces and a really international atmosphere. Although the workload can be quite demanding due to continuous assessments and group projects, I found the overall learning experience extremely rewarding. Overall, I can highly recommend studying at emlyon. It was a great opportunity to gain practical knowledge, learn from experienced professors and experience a different academic environment.

5. Every day life in the host country

Lyon is an incredible city to live in, and I absolutely fell in love with the French *art de vivre*! With its two rivers, the Rhône and the Saône, beautiful architecture, countless cafés and lively streets, the city has such a special atmosphere. There is always something going on, and I honestly never got bored! Getting around is super easy. Lyon has a great public transport system with metros, trams and buses, but cycling is also extremely popular. It feels like everyone is getting around by bike! I would recommend getting a TCL student pass or using the city's bike-sharing system, Vélo'v. Lyon is also very walkable, which makes exploring the different neighbourhoods even more enjoyable. For anyone who loves running, Lyon is an absolute paradise! The riverbanks are perfect for running, and the Parc de la Tête d'Or is another beautiful spot for outdoor activities. I even participated in the Lyon Urban Trail during my exchange, running 28 km with 1,100 metres of elevation gain through the city, which was definitely one of my personal highlights! The social life in Lyon is fantastic. There are countless cafés, bars, restaurants, markets and student events. I would definitely recommend joining Erasmus activities, especially at the beginning, as they are a great way to meet other international students. One of my favourite things was simply spending warm evenings by the Rhône with friends, enjoying the atmosphere and the French lifestyle. And of course, don't miss out on the amazing food, boulangeries and café culture! Regarding safety, I generally felt comfortable in Lyon, although I would recommend being a bit more careful in certain areas, particularly around Guillotière at night. As in any bigger city, it is important to keep an eye on your belongings. Another huge advantage is Lyon's location. The Alps are not far away, making weekend trips for skiing or hiking a great option. It is also easy to explore other parts of France, whether for a day trip or a longer weekend. Overall, Lyon offers an amazing quality of life, especially for students. What I loved most was how much everyday life happens outside, whether people are cycling along the rivers, running through the parks or simply enjoying a coffee in the sun. My biggest advice is to embrace the French art de vivre, explore as much as possible and make the most of every moment!

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester in Lyon was honestly one of the best experiences of my life! I fell in love with the city, the French *art de vivre* and all the little moments that made everyday life so special. From meeting amazing people and exploring new places to gaining incredibly valuable knowledge at emlyon, I couldn't have wished for a better experience. Lyon will always have a special place in my heart, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat!