[Student testimony] Why do I like studying at Université Paris Cité?

Hi ! I’m Roba Adel, a Master student in Arts and Humanities and a Circle U. student ambassador. Today I’m going to give you a few (very good) reasons to choose my university.
Studying at Université Paris Cité is much more than just a university experience: it’s living in the heart of one of the world’s most beautiful capitals! Every day, you’ll meet students from the four corners of the globe, moving from one campus to another, from one library to another. The atmosphere is cosmopolitan, stimulating and full of energy – a unique setting for building your career, opening yourself up to the world and making the most of your student life. Check out all my tips!

Odéon, Université Paris Cité

1.Good Food, Low Prices… on a Barge? The Trendy Student Dining Spot!

Forget the usual university cafeterias: At Université Paris Cité, there are plenty of original ways to grab a bite — and sometimes even for free! Once a month, a solidarity food truck parks right on campus, in the courtyard across from the library. It hands out free meals, no sign-up needed, exclusively for UPCité students. An association that cooks with quality surplus ingredients from local markets and shops freshly prepares the dishes. It’s a great initiative that tackles student food insecurity and food waste.
And that’s not the only original place to eat at UPCité: meet the Barge du CROUS, the resto étudiant en vogue on the Seine, just five minutes from UPCité’s “Grands Moulins” campus. Moored right opposite the François-Mitterrand Library (BNF), this floating eatery offers full-course meals with stunning views of the Seine — all at student-friendly prices (€1 for scholarship students, €3.50 for others).
And for dessert? I simply can’t skip the CROUS cookies, legendary among the student community and very dear to my heart ((my personal favorite: the red fruit one).
But the Barge offers much more than just meals: All year round, it turns into a key hotspot for student life: blind test nights, brunch clubs, colorful carnivals, rooftop parties… The year is packed with lively, friendly events. More than just a restaurant, it’s a true social hub in the heart of the 13th arrondissement, where you come to eat, dance, laugh, and meet people — all just 5 minutes from the bibliothèque nationale de France (BNF).

2. Libraries: A Wealth of Heritage

Speaking of the BNF… Université Paris Cité’s libraries offer 5,100 seats and access to 18,000 digital journals. As an UpCité student, you can take advantage of all 19 university libraries… yes, 19! There’s even a shuttle service that lets you return books to the library closest to you, such a game changer when you’re juggling deadlines! Some libraries also have group study rooms, quiet areas, and host temporary exhibitions on various topics throughout the year. My favorite is definitely the Grands Moulins Library — it’s where I study the most. I love its calm atmosphere and the stunning view over the Seine, which makes long study sessions a lot more enjoyable!

3. Access to Culture: A University at the Heart of a Global Capital

Université Paris Cité’s campuses are right in the heart of the capital, stretching from the uneven cobblestones of the 6th arrondissement to the contemporary architecture of the 13th. Above all, Paris is an open-air museum-city: Louvre, Orsay, Centre Pompidou… Between classes, there’s nothing better than a cultural escape to unwind, and many museums offer free entry for those under 26. The Museum of the History of Medicine is even tucked right inside the Odéon campus walls. A cultural immersion… without even leaving campus! My tip? Head to the Louvre in the evening! On Wednesdays and Fridays, it stays open late, and it’s a whole different vibe. In winter, when it gets dark early, wandering through the quiet halls under soft lighting feels almost magical. Best part: You can see the Mona Lisa up close with barely anyone around. No endless lines, no crowds : just you and the art.

4. A Rich and Inclusive Student Life: Student Unions and European Alliances

On the campuses themselves, the vibe is just as lively: dynamic student clubs, intercultural events, art workshops, film screenings, lectures… Every fall, the welcome events at Paris Cité set the tone: a week of festivities, encounters and discoveries with free events open to all. It’s the perfect time to meet the assos, discover the university’s services and make your first connections at Université Paris Cité. I took part in the welcome events myself last year, and it was such a great way to meet people, discover what the university offers, and feel instantly part of the UPCité community.
Studying at Paris Cité also means having the chance to join a university that is part of a dynamic European alliance: Circle U. Throughout the year, the alliance breathes real energy into university life with its events around the knowledge hubs: seminars, competitions, exhibitions, film debates, vernissages… so there’s never a dull moment! I’ve taken part in several Circle U. events — I especially remember the film screening and debate early in the year around Flow. It was really cool to see people of all ages there, from kids to young adults to seniors, and to share a lively discussion about the film together. But Circle U. is much more than events: it’s also an incredible opportunity to go on a university exchange, whether it’s for a semester, a short-term exchange, or even a summer school! To me, Circle U. holds a special place in my heart. Thanks to this amazing alliance, I had the chance to study abroad in Oslo, an experience that truly transformed me, not only academically but also culturally and personally. It challenged me to step outside my comfort zone, helped me forge lasting friendships, and gave me the confidence to embrace new challenges abroad.

Back home, this experience inspired me to get even more involved, by becoming a student ambassador for the alliance. Becoming a Circle U. student ambassador has been one of the most rewarding parts of my life as a student. It’s pushed me to do things I would never have imagined: film videos for social media, write articles for the university website, get creative with events, and even try my hand at design. I’ve met some incredible people and most importantly, it allowed me to grow personally, to feel more connected and fulfilled in my university life. It became a space where I could really express myself. Because at Université Paris Cité, engagement isn’t reserved for a few: it’s an open invitation to all, to take part, to contribute, to belong.