Life in Clermont
A city on the move surrounded by nature
Clermont-Ferrand’s central position in France and Europe together with its good rail, road and air links make it a perfect starting point for visiting major French and European cities (3.5 hours from Paris, 2.5 hours from Lyon, 3 hours from Montpellier).
A strong industrial base
The city is the capital of the Auvergne region by virtue of its ancient historical traditions and considerable economic and industrial development. It is home to the Michelin tyre company. Other large companies in the region include Limagrain, Alcan-Rhenalu, Aubert and Duval, Volvic, the ‘aeronautic maintenance’ centre, Trelleborg, Capgemini, Goodyear-Dunlop and Socopa. If you are looking for an internship, there are ample opportunities.
A region of outstanding natural beauty
Clermont-Ferrand is surrounded by the largest natural park in France, the Auvergne Regional Park of Volcanoes. This area of outstanding natural beauty with its extinct volcanoes, lakes, rivers and forests is within a 15-minute drive from the city’s old historic centre and offers an extensive choice of outdoor sports activities for enthusiasts.
A safe, human-scale environment
The city of Clermont-Ferrand remains on a human-scale. Distances are short and most key places are within easy walking distance. As the university is mostly city centre based, you can easily walk to classes and save on the expense of public transport. If you prefer to live a little further out or are based on the science campus, a tramway service offers rapid and convenient links with the city centre.
An affordable budget
The cost of living remains inexpensive in comparison with other large student cities in France and Europe and the monthly budget is estimated at between 600 € and 800 €, depending on your lifestyle.
- Rent varies from 135 € in a hall of residence to 280 € for a one-room flat in private accommodation.
- A full meal at a university restaurant costs 2.80 € and in a restaurant between 10 and 20 €.
- Students benefit from numerous discounts on public transport, movies, theatres, museums, concerts…
A city for living and studying in
You will enjoy the city’s friendly atmosphere and the vibrant student life generated by the presence of 35,000 students.
For sports activities, the city is equipped with an Olympic-size athletic stadium and swimming pool. The University Sports and Physical Activities Department offers the entire university community over 50 sport activities.
World capital for short film festival
Clermont-Ferrand is well known as world capital for short film festival and it is also a leader in the European rock scene. If you want to practice art, the University Cultural Department offers a wide range of cultural activities such as dancing, creative writing, cinema, video, vocal and instrumental music...
Throughout the year, cultural outings are organized for international students in partnership with the international students association Worldtop.
Last updated: December 2011
Links
Clermont-Ferrand: http://www.clermont-ferrand.fr/
Auvergne region: http://www.auvergne-tourisme.info/
Auvergne life: http://www.auvergnelife.tv/
