Eating on a Budget:
For students in Paris, housing and comfort are typically top concerns. Whether it’s sharing a flat, embracing coliving, or signing an individual lease, finding the right fit is crucial. Regardless of your choice, adjusting to your new surroundings will take time.
Next up, you’ll need to tackle the daily costs of meals. Since budgets aren’t limitless, here are some savvy strategies to eat well without breaking the bank.
University Dining and Free Meals:
If you’re enrolled in a Parisian university, you’ll benefit from student status, granting you access to university dining services. Managed by CROUS (Regional Centre for University and School Works), these facilities offer a variety of healthy, complete meals for less than 4 euros.
Despite Paris being among Europe’s most expensive cities, dining out is still an option. Many establishments offer special rates for those with a student ID.
Fancy Asian cuisine? Head to “Le Drapeau de la Fidélité” in the 15th district, where you can enjoy a delicious bobun for just 5 euros. Besides affordable prices, you’ll appreciate the quality service.
Some Paris venues also offer partially free meals, such as “Le Grenier” and “La Cordonnerie” in the 2nd and 11th districts, where couscous is free on select evenings. These popular dining spots are great for meeting like-minded people.
Affordable and Eco-friendly Alternatives:
If you’re environmentally conscious, simply eating cheaply won’t meet all your needs. Thankfully, there are ways to eat healthily and sustainably without overspending.
Ever heard of AMAPs? Originating from a partnership between farmers and consumers, these associations support local agriculture by offering organic baskets typically under 10 euros.
Located throughout the city, accessible by metro, AMAPs sometimes sell their unsold items at half price. A quick internet search can lead you to the nearest association, letting you stock your shared fridge with fresh, local produce—benefiting everyone in your housing arrangement.
