year abroad /

Life in ‘La Ville Rose’

Ever since starting university, the knowledge that I would be spending my third year living abroad has been neatly tucked away in the back of my mind. For the first half of my course, the year abroad always felt like something so far away, some kind of unreachable reality. So you could say that it feels pretty surreal that I am typing this blog post from ma petite chambre in the French city of Toulouse!

So what am I doing here for the next year? Well, as my term doesn’t actually start until October, at the moment I’m just having fun in the beautifully enduring French summer weather. But come next month, I will actually start my studies here at Université Jean Jaurès. With regards to what I am studying here, I’m still pretty clueless as I haven’t chosen my modules. All I do know, is that everything will be taught and assessed in French- a concept that both excites and petrifies me.

This is probably one of the biggest life changes I have ever faced, but ironically I feel much more prepared for it than I did for moving to university two years ago. Fortunately, being in the same city (and even the same flat) as one of my best friends, means that I have been able to largely cast aside my nervousness in favour of excitement!

I may have only been here for two weeks but my new life in Toulouse has taught me a few things so far:
  1. I am really not that good at speaking French
  2. EVERYTHING is closed on a Sunday
  3. Having roadworks outside your window means that you have no need for an alarm clock
  4. A life without mosquito repellent, is a very itchy life indeed

 

Those things sound negative but really I’m only joking, I can honestly say that I am loving my life here so far! Toulouse is both beautiful and exciting, and I know that I have so much more to discover (so expect many more posts all about this amazing city). The only frustration I am facing is a personal one at my inability to speak French as well as I want to. But ultimately, that is the reason that I’m here, and where the hard work comes in. I am super excited to see what this year holds for me, and where I will be at the end of it. Bon courage to any other Erasmus students out here in France!

City Lights

P.S. Check out my gallery for more pictures like this!!

 

 

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  1. Megan Elizabeth Lifestyle

    Hi Alice! I’ve just come across your blog and I love it! I’m going to be in France on my year abroad too! I’m further north in Cholet (near Nantes), but I’ve got a couple of uni friends in Toulouse. Wishing you the best of luck. Also, my French isn’t great so you’re not alone! X

    Megan | https://meganelizabethlifestyle.com/

    1. Alice

      Thank you!!! And ohh that sounds great, good luck! hahah I’m so glad I’m not alone, finding it so hard😭xxx

      1. Megan Elizabeth Lifestyle

        I think the first few weeks will be the hardest. Once term starts and you settle in it will get better. I’m doing a British Council placement so don’t know much about the study option X

        1. Alice

          Yeh deffo! My term doesn’t start until Oct so just chilling at the moment, might do some revision hahah x

          1. Megan Elizabeth Lifestyle

            Good idea!

  2. With love, Caroline

    Good luck for this amazing year !! I’m sure you’ll manage to improve your speaking skills in french so quickly! Toulouse is a wonderful city, I’ve been there for the first time a few months ago and definitely enjoyed it! 😊

    1. Alice

      Aw thank you! Yes I’m hoping it all starts to click soon! And yesss the city is beautiful😍

      1. With love, Caroline

        It will surely happen before you even notice ! 😉

  3. nagstrong12

    Hi Alice. I read many things about La Ville Rose. I read people say it is wonderful. I saw people who say it smell like urine!
    Well!! Now I’m glad to know u live there. What actually is Ville Rose 😅

    1. Alice

      I haven’t noticed it smelling like urine yet hahah! it’s called La Ville Rose (The Pink City) because of the colour of the bricks on it’s buildings. I can confirm it is a wonderful city!

      1. nagstrong12

        ❤❤❤

  4. Mimi

    Hi I’m Mimi 🙂 I just saw your blog on Naya’s blog party and I really like your posts, so I thought to give you a follow, maybe we can be online friends 😀 can’t wait to read more from you.

    http://www.blushydarling.com

    1. Alice

      Yes of course! I thought I was already following your blog but for some reason on the app I’m not?? So just followed x

      1. Mimi

        Aww thank! So random ahah by I appreciate it indeed xx