Paris for Students: Cheap, Chic, and Central Meetups

Studying in Paris is a dream, but let's be real, the student budget is a very real thing. You want to hang out with friends and explore the city, but you can't be dropping 15 euros on a cocktail every night. The good news is, Paris is full of amazing and affordable things to do.

The key to a successful student meetup is finding a spot that is not only cheap and fun, but also a fair travel time from everyone's respective universities or apartments.

1. Picnic Along the Canal Saint-Martin

This is a student classic for a reason. It's way cooler and less touristy than the Seine. Grab some snacks from a nearby Franprix or Monoprix, a cheap bottle of wine, and find a spot along the water. It's the perfect setting for hours of conversation.

• The Vibe: Hip, relaxed, and authentically Parisian.
• The Cost: As cheap as you want it to be!
• Midway Status: Great for connecting the northeast of Paris with the center.

2. Happy Hour in the Latin Quarter

The area around Rue Mouffetard and the Panthéon is student central. This means one wonderful thing: happy hour. You can find pints of beer and glasses of wine for as little as 3-4 euros during the "heure heureuse." It's lively, fun, and perfect for a boisterous evening.

• The Vibe: Loud, young, and energetic.
• The Cost: Very budget-friendly if you hit the happy hours.
• Midway Status: As the historic student quarter, it's very central and easy to get to.

3. Free Museum Sundays

On the first Sunday of every month, most of the major museums in Paris are free to enter. This includes the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay, and the Centre Pompidou. It's a fantastic (and free!) way to get a dose of culture with your friends. Be prepared for crowds!

• The Vibe: Cultured, busy, and completely free.
• The Cost: Zero!
• Midway Status: Many of these museums are in the very heart of Paris, making them ideal midway points.