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PSL voices | From Mauritius to PSL

Published August 16, 2025

Leaving everything behind to start over in Paris? It was a leap into the unknown. But thanks to PSL and its many initiatives, I found my place, made strong friendships, and experienced an integration full of discoveries and surprises.

A departure, a thousand questions

Leaving Mauritius, its familiar landscapes, my friends, my family, wasn’t easy. People often ask me: So, how’s life in Paris? The metro? The stressed-out people? The bad weather?

And yet, in Paris, I built a new life, full of encounters and discoveries. And at PSL, there’s never a dull moment : the opportunities are as numerous as they are enriching.

A warm welcome

When I arrived, the PSL Welcome Desk supported me through every step: health insurance, Ameli account, housing...

That welcome day ended beautifully with a little cruise on the Seine aboard a famous “bateau-mouche”, together with other international students from all over the world.

From mentee to mentor

Very quickly, I was paired with my mentor Aïda, chosen based on our shared interests. She helped me discover a different side of Paris, gave me advice for the start of the academic year, and above all, we talked a lot and laughed even more.

The following year, I wanted to give back: through the Buddy Program, I became the mentor of Livia, a Brazilian student at Chimie ParisTech, and Haesung, an American student at ENS. It was a simple and beautiful way to pass on what I had received.

A rich and vibrant student life

What I love about PSL is the diversity of activities offered. I danced all night at parties, played board games, and took part in international dinners where everyone brought a dish from their home country. I got to travel the world without leaving Paris.

I also participated in photo shoots, attended the VIVATECH fair of technology, listened to the PSL orchestra & choir in concert, and watched Mamma Mia performed by the student musical theatre group.

Move, meet, share

PSL also offers a wide range of sports with PSL Sport : taekwondo, rock dancing, fitness training... There’s something for everyone, always in a friendly atmosphere.

But above all, PSL is about incredible friendships with people from all over the world and from very diverse academic backgrounds. I made friends from Dauphine - PSL, ENS - PSL, Chimie Paris - PSL, École des Mines - PSL, and the Paris Observatory - PSL.

Daring to reach out

One of my small personal challenges this year: once a week at the university cafeteria, I would sit across from someone I didn’t know, just to chat. The result: fascinating lunches with students from all over the world : India, Vietnam, the United States, Norway, Congo, Algeria, Austria, Russia…

Each time, I was impressed by their level of French or how quickly they had learned it. As for me, I already spoke French, but for those who don’t, PSL offers language courses to help ease the transition.

And you, are you coming ?

Whether you're from elsewhere in France or another continent, PSL is ready to welcome you. You’ll find much more than a world-class education: projects, ideas, laughter, challenges—and above all, a vibrant community and lifelong friendships.