Details

• France
• BaWiSo-23
• Undergraduate
• WS 2025
• Time spent at the partner university: 4 months

1. Preparation

Only choose universities that you genuinely like for the seven options you can list, so you can be sure you will be satisfied with your final choice. It is also helpful to research the universities in advance, for example whether they are located in the city center or outside the city, as this can have a big impact on your overall experience. Tips for preparing your semester abroad: Try to learn at least the basics of the local language if you don't already speak it. In some countries, such as France, many people mainly speak the local language, which makes basic knowledge especially helpful in everyday life. Another tips is to plan your courses early and try to keep a clear overview of which documents you need to submit in order to avoid unnecessary stress.

2. Accommodation

Finding an apartment or a room in Bordeaux can be very difficult, so I would recommend starting as early as possible. I found my accommodation through Facebook with an agency called Coloc33. Overall, I can recommend this agency. The staff were very friendly and helpful. However, all communication was in French, so having at least some basic French skills is necessary. I lived in a shared apartment with five people in the district of Chartrons. In general, shared flats in Bordeaux tend to be relatively large. Chartrons is a very nice, safe and pretty central neighborhood. I would recommend avoiding accommodation around Place de la Victoire. The commute from my apartment to the university took around 45 minutes, as the university is located in Talence. Overall, I would recommend living closer to the city rather than close to the university.

3. Academic life at host university

Since the campus is outside of the city, you usually need to factor in some time for a commute. Being on time is highly valued. The majority of lecturers lock the classroom at the start of class and if you arrive late, you are usually not allowed to enter anymore. Also some professors prefer students to take notes only on paper and do not allow the use of laptops or tablets during class. The majority of classes are often very long, lasting an average of three hours and attendance is required. The campus itself is quite compact and simple to get around. On campus, there are a view lunch options in addition to the cafeteria. In some points, the university seems less organized than WU. Some professors may take longer to reply to emails and schedules are often provided quite late.

5. Every day life in the host country

In general, Bordeaux's public transportation system is pretty good and allows travel throughout the city. However, since strikes happen regularly, it's a good idea to always allow additional time when you have important university appointments. . The city itself has a lot to offer culturally, for example The Cité du Vin, several museums, and the market along the Garonne on Sundays. Bordeaux is also an excellent starting point for weekend trips, for example Saint-Émilion, San Sebastián, and Biarritz. Some of them are even organized by the university. One of the most popular sports in France is Rugby, even Bordeaux has they own team. I can really recommend going to a game. Overall, Bordeaux is a very safe city with a large student population. This creates a lively and student-friendly environment, making it an excellent place for a semester abroad.

6. Testimonial

The combination of the city and the people was what made my exchange very special. Bordeaux is a stunning city with a lot to see. There is a viabrant social life and a wide range of restaurants and bars, many of them host frequent events and social activities. Most importantly, the cultural exchange with the people I met during my stay made the experience especially enriching and unforgettable.