“A minimum wage is not enough to live properly for a student from the Ile-de-France”, is alarmed Samya Mokhtar, vice-president of the National Union of Students of France (UNEF). Paris largely dominates the ranking of the most expensive cities for students, with an average budget of 1,332.52 euros per student, according to a study published by the student union on Monday August 22. An amount which constitutes “the remainder payable by the student, once all the aid to which he is entitled has been removed. This takes into account rent and transport,” she explains.
Behind Paris, seven cities in Ile-de-France (Nanterre, Saint-Denis, Créteil, Orsay, Guyancourt, Cergy and Champ sur Marne) are also among the top ten most expensive cities. “I only eat one meal a day,” says Julien, a second-year master’s student who responded to our call for evidence. This allows me to reduce my food budget. »
“I avoid eating at all meals”
“I do Linkee’s food distributions, I avoid eating at all meals, and I never turn on the lights, I go to several supermarkets to always buy the cheapest,” Nathan nonchalantly lists. To be able to study at the Sorbonne Nouvelle, the student rents a 13 square meter building in Paris. “Last year, I was studying in Tours, he explains. Moving to the capital was a big shock to my finances. My rent has doubled. The average rent for a student is 563 euros, and 862 in Paris, according to the Unef study.
“We can’t even say that the cost of living is holding young people back from coming to study in Paris,” explains the vice-president of Unef. You have to keep in mind that with the selection at the university, the students take what they have even if it entails additional costs. Between living in a situation of misery and not going to school, many take the first option. Nathan receives only 100 euros in scholarships and his parents don’t help him much. To support himself, he works every Sunday in a museum.
40% student employees
“Telling your friends ‘Sorry I can’t, I don’t have any money, I can’t go out’ all the time, it’s heavy! says Romain. Currently in master’s degree, the young man has almost always been a student employee “to be able to live in Paris”. “With my boyfriend, we’re at the point of shopping only as a last resort,” he explains. We live every month under the pressure of the overdraft just to feed ourselves. »
“During the holidays, I work to put aside. I also take advantage of public holidays to work because we are paid more, says Julien, a student at the University of Paris. At one point, I had two student jobs but I couldn’t keep up, I almost repeated my year”. A recurring situation because “being employed alongside your studies is the first cause of failure at university”, says Samya Mokhtar. According to studies carried out by Unef, 40% of French students work alongside their classes.
“Prices are constantly rising”
“Everything has increased,” notes Nina. She finds herself forced to carefully calculate the price of each meal. “I buy more canned or frozen vegetables because they are cheaper. […] Almost every day I eat pasta: not because I want to, but because I have to. She thinks of the Restos du Coeur, but does not see herself “not going there, because some students need it more. Inflation also complicates the situation for Romain. “Until now I was independent, but recently I had to ask my parents to help me,” he explains. Prices are constantly rising. »
In response to inflation, “the scholarship will be increased by 4%, which represents 4 euros for those who reach the minimum level and 23 euros the maximum level. But the cost of living has increased by 35 euros per month, we are well below”, regrets Samya Mokhtar. The back-to-school bonus does not convince more. “A bonus of 100 euros represents a contribution of 8 euros per month”, adds the vice-president of Unef, judging the government’s response insufficient.
To be able to continue to have fun, the students are doubling their tricks. “When I want to enjoy a little, I opt for anti-waste baskets, via the platform Too good to go which offers unsold items from supermarkets, bakeries and restaurants at reduced prices,” says Nina. “What’s also good is to do the day-to-day shopping, advises Julien. Supermarkets offer promotions on items that expire the same day, so they don’t have to be thrown away. I manage to have 30% reduction on the final note. “Marine, for her part, “prefers evenings at home with friends rather than going out to bars all the time. »