Sorbonne Université I Licence I Study in France

#Bachelor #Full Time #2018 #Sorbonne Université #France

Name: Arina

From: Russia, Moscow

Studied in: France, Paris

Studies start: 2018

Grade: Bachelor

Program: Full-time, Faculty of Science and Engineering

University: Sorbonne Université

Partner University in your country: –Program satisfaction rate: 5/5

Internship: Not yet

🎓 Application

How did you learn about this program?

Campus France

Why did you decide to enrol in this program?

The opportunity to choose an interesting master’s program later, the prestige of French education, and advice from my parents.

What was your application experience?

You need to pass the DELF B2 exam to apply, but getting the diploma itself doesn’t require extraordinary knowledge — 50 points (out of 100) are enough to pass. Grades from school aren’t closely examined unless you have failing marks. After applying online, you’re invited to an interview at Campus France. I was ready to be questioned in French, but it ended up being in Russian — and even so, I froze at a question about which achievements I’m most proud of. But don’t worry — even minor mistakes in the interview won’t stop you from going to France. However, document preparation (translations, verification, corrections) takes at least a month, so start early.

What level of English is required to enter this program?

–

What level of French is required to enter this program?

DELF B2

💡 Your impressions from your study abroad experience

What are your general impressions about this program?

I haven’t studied in a Russian university, but I have friends in similar programs in Russia, and I’d say years 2 and 3 in France are more intensive — serious study starts in year 2 and lasts only two years. At Sorbonne Université (Faculty of Science and Engineering), first-year students can choose several subjects (4 in the first semester, 3 in the second), which helps avoid early regret from the wrong specialization choice.

French and Russian school programs differ. French students are stronger in math but weaker in chemistry, which helped me catch up during lectures while focusing on learning the language. The hardest part was lab work — we barely did five labs during my three years of school chemistry. I wasn’t prepared for the practical aspect. Fortunately, my groupmates were kind and helpful.

One big downside: many French students are very relaxed. They won’t calculate by hand if they have a calculator, and failing a course just means repeating the year.

Before coming to Paris, I was scared to speak. I didn’t know how to make friends. But to my surprise, people talked to me even when I could barely form a sentence. Teachers understand how hard it is for foreigners and often check in on your understanding. Some even let us present in English — but only in the first year. Later, you’re expected to be equal to others.

Support fades as you progress. First-year students get orientation, mentors, etc., but by year 2 and 3, you're on your own. Still, the program is very fulfilling: great teachers, engaging lectures, and hands-on labs. There’s also a lot of extracurricular activity — free sports classes, choir, orchestra, stained-glass workshops, the student newspaper, and tons of student associations. The biggest issue is administration: 4-hour queues to get a student card, delays of up to 4 months for exam results, websites crashing, and tracking down the dean just to find out their hours.

What was the major program value for you?

Originally, I wanted to pursue only a master’s in France. But the program I needed is taught only in French. So I realized it was better to start learning chemistry — and the language — right away in Paris to integrate properly and build a foundation.

What did you not like about the program?

Some professors are only interested in research and are forced to teach subjects they don’t enjoy or specialize in (like math professors teaching chemistry), which confuses students and reduces motivation.

What did you like about the program?

Lots of lab work and projects that help apply what we’ve learned in practice.

What is the hardest part of studying abroad?

At the beginning: the language, administrative tasks (like getting a residence permit), and especially finding housing — without a French guarantor or knowledge of safe neighborhoods in Paris, it’s really tough.

Is this experience different from your experience at your country’s university? If yes, how?

Yes — in Russia, a class is 1.5 hours, while in France it’s 2 hours.

How did your typical day look like?

Classes start at 8:30, but with Paris metro delays, I leave at 7:15. I wake at 6:15 — unlike most French students, I can’t skip breakfast! First class 8:30–10:30, then 10:45–12:45. Lunch break until 13:45 — you have to be fast or have friends hold your place in line. Then either two more classes or one 4-hour lab session. Classes end at 18:00, and then I head home or to extracurriculars to unwind.

📌 Useful resources

If you had questions or issues (studies, language, administration, careers, integration etc), where did you get help/advice?

Online, from friends, or from the vie étudiante — the university student life office.

Did you contact other students with a similar experience? Was their experience helpful?Yes — I met many international students who had been through similar situations and gave helpful advice that kept me going.

💰 Finance

What was the cost of your program? How did you finance your studies?

€170. My parents support me for now. Thankfully, I receive help from CAF (housing aid), but it’s a constant struggle to claim every cent.

🏠 Accommodation

What was your accommodation experience?

Finding housing in Paris is one of the hardest parts. At first, I rented a room from a Russian woman in Villejuif — not the best area. We lived on the ground floor without window shutters, and we were robbed twice in four months. Now I live in a private student residence outside Paris (finding a spot in the city is nearly impossible). It’s modern, secure, and well-managed. I’ve had no issues in 10 months. The manager is kind and knows everyone by name. You can find it online, but you need to book early. Luckily, I had great friends who helped me.

How much did you pay for living per month during your studies?

Around €1000

🚀 Career opportunities

Did you do an internship during your studies? How did you find it?

This year (L3), everyone must do a mandatory internship during the second semester.

Did your university help you in this process?

Yes — some professors accept students in their labs. Our department also has partnerships with Italy and Portugal for summer internships.

What was the field of your internship?

Science (Chemistry)

🌏 Your future plans

What are your plans? Do you plan to stay in the country?

It depends on whether I can find a job. But since my field isn’t in high demand in Russia, I would like to stay in Europe.

What do you like about France? And what not?

France has it all — sea, ocean, mountains, castles, sociable people, amazing food, cheese and wine, beautiful architecture. Travel to other EU countries is easy. Students get many benefits. But… strikes, bureaucracy, and general laziness mixed with incompetence are frustrating. The worst part for me is safety: I’ve been robbed twice in six months and had a break-in. Now I’m always on guard in the city.

Could you give a piece of advice to future students?

Don’t be afraid to try something new. If you get a chance to study abroad — take it, or you’ll regret missing such a unique experience. Once you’re abroad, speak to people, make friends, and improve your conversation skills. And don’t be afraid to knock on doors and fight for yourself.