[girish88]

Hello all!

My name is Girish (24, Male) from India. I have been offered a PhD position at the Institut de génomique fonctionnel (IGF) in Montpellier. I will be receiving a stipend of 1381 euros/month net. I am currently searching for an accommodation near IGF. I do not plan to own a vehicle. I am looking for something like a studio flat or a student accommodation. My French is broken. But I am trying to learn some more. I speak fluently in English. I have previously lived in Germany, Africa and the Middle East so I have a general idea of what its like to be an expat. Any advice about the place, language, modes of transport, cost of living and accommodation will be sincerely appreciated.

Girish

 

[girish88]

I have been looking at trying to get housing in a French university town. One thing that is available to students in my university town is a service where students can get access to housing ads without having to pay rental service fees.

Thank you for the info..

 

[girish88]

You should also check if you are entitled to get an aide from CAF. They will pay you part of your rent sometimes, which can come in handy!

If you have too much difficulty in communicating in French, you could try to ask a French kind soul to go with to the CAF office. There's little chance they'll speak English.

Under 26yo and a student, you should get many discounts, including for public transport passes. Check those out. In Paris, the reduction is huge.


Good luck with the Ph.D.!

Thank you for the information... I have heard that its very difficult to get an accommodation in Montpellier.... Is this true? Any suggestions on the places I could stay?

 

[girish88]

You could contact the CROUS MONTPELLIER (most university towns have one: Centre Regional des Oeuvres Universitaires et Scolaires). They help students to find lodgings, and generally provide information about all the help and aids available. They also have restaurants providing reasonably priced meals.


Have a look at their internet site, they may be able to help you.

Good luck!

Thank you for the information... will definitely look into it!