Schools

PSL voices | Studying in Paris: how I managed to overcome my worries

Leaving the family nest can feel daunting for new high school graduates who are about to start a new chapter, sometimes far from home. Is it really possible to never feel down in the dumps? How can we settle in and really embrace life in a new, unfamiliar place, far from family?

Leaving ‘my province’ for Paris

I come from what Parisians often call ‘the provinces’. It’s true that when you leave home, it’s not easy to immediately feel at home in a place that is completely unfamiliar. Studying in Paris, for someone from outside the capital, can bring a lot of worries.

When I left my hometown for Paris, I was in awe of everything happening around me. But the initial excitement quickly gave way to the stress that comes with starting your first year of university. I was afraid of getting lost in such a big city as Paris, afraid I wouldn’t make new friends, and unsure of how to adapt to this new student life I knew so little about. On top of that, my family kept reminding me how lucky I was to be studying in ‘the capital’, and how prestigious Parisian universities are. All of this ended up placing a heavy weight on my shoulders!

My integration at PSL

One of the good things about the CPES program at PSL is that you certainly don’t have time to get bored. From day one, the student union organizes various cultural outings and chances to get together with other students. I particularly remember a scavenger hunt through the streets of Paris, which was a great way to get to know the area around the school. Also, the first year of CPES takes place in a high school setting, which really eases the transition into university life. You don’t feel completely lost. Some of the daily habits from high school stay the same, so it feels familiar.

The PSL programs may be selective, but they are not exclusionary! PSL is committed to promoting greater diversity, which is reflected in the high number of scholarship recipients and students from outside Paris that the school welcomes each year. This diversity creates a welcoming environment where students can easily find their place, drawing comfort from being surrounded by peers who have also left home and share the same concerns.

If you’re interested in the transition from high school to higher education, check out Clotilde’s article

Paris, a city bursting with opportunities for students

Finally, Paris is a city with a vibrant cultural scene, and the special offers for students are just IN-CR-EDI-BLE! Museums are often free for students, movie tickets are cheaper, especially if you go to the special PSL Cinéclub screenings, and there are plenty of sports activities to try thanks to PSL’s sports clubs. In short, there’s always something to do.

The one golden rule when coming to PSL is to open up to others and never be afraid of sharing your feelings and fears. Be curious, be open-minded, and above all, remember that you’re not alone in this new student world!