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5 good reasons to study in Nantes
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5 good reasons to study in Nantes
Nantes has established itself as a young, green and rapidly developing city. The metropolitan area welcomes more than 120,000 higher education students every year. Combining economic dynamism, cultural richness and quality of life, Nantes has many advantages to offer! By choosing to study in Nantes, you are opting for an environment that is conducive to success. Discover our guide and tips for making the most of Nantes as a student and settling in with peace of mind.
The essentials at a glance: An excellent academic hub: a leading university, as well as top business and engineering schools. A vibrant student life: lively neighbourhoods and an accessible cultural scene. Real career opportunities: a thriving work-study and employment market, particularly in the digital sector. Suitable accommodation solutions: turnkey serviced residences designed to make everyday life easier. |
Why choose Nantes for higher education?
Choosing where to study also means choosing your everyday living environment. Formerly named the "European Green Capital", Nantes has made room for nature right in the heart of the city. You will find beautiful parks, such as the Jardin des Plantes, as well as the banks of the Loire and Erdre rivers, perfect for relaxing or exercising after classes. Another major advantage: the Atlantic Ocean is just 45 minutes away by train, making it ideal for a weekend getaway.
What are the 5 good reasons to study in Nantes?
1. An excellent and diverse academic hub
From Nantes Université and Centrale to Audencia and specialised schools in design and science, the range of educational programmes is particularly broad. Whether you are preparing for a BTS, a bachelor's degree or a master's degree, you can be confident of receiving recognised, high-quality higher education.
2. A highly dynamic employment market
The Nantes metropolitan area attracts a large number of companies, offering excellent opportunities to secure an internship, work-study placement or first job. Thanks to a dynamic economic network, sectors such as digital technology, creative industries and the ecological transition are particularly promising.
3. A vibrant and affordable student life
With such a large student community, the city is constantly buzzing. For going out, the historic Bouffay district and the Hangar à Bananes on the Île de Nantes are must-see spots. In terms of budget, living costs remain more affordable than in Paris or Bordeaux. And if you want to grab a bite for less than €10, places such as Pita Pit or the Sainte-Croix crêperie are perfect.
4. A unique cultural scene
In Nantes, culture is everywhere, both original and accessible. You can come across the famous Elephant of Les Machines de l'Île or follow the green line of Le Voyage à Nantes to discover art throughout the city. Nantes also comes alive all year round with must-see festivals such as HIP OPsession and Eurofonik, not to mention the evenings and concerts at Le Ferrailleur and Le Lieu Unique.
5. Easy and sustainable mobility
Getting to your campus without a car is easy thanks to Nantes' public transport network. The Naolib network offers numerous tram and Busway lines, as well as river shuttles with the Navibus. For cycling, use the Géovélo app, and for car sharing, the Marguerite service.
| Type of service | Nantes solutions | Student benefits |
| Transport | Tramway, Busway, Navibus, cycling | Comprehensive network and discounted passes |
| Food | Pita Pit, Crêperie Sainte-Croix | Quality meals for less than €10 |
| Culture and leisure | Le Lieu Unique, Le Ferrailleur | Preferential rates and iconic venues |
What type of accommodation should students choose in Nantes?
To start the academic year with peace of mind, choosing student residences in Nantes can be a highly advantageous solution. By opting for a Nemea Appart'Etud residence, you move into a furnished, modern and fully equipped apartment. You also have access to friendly shared facilities (gym, internet connection, coworking spaces). Take the time to choose your student accommodation in Nantes carefully, paying particular attention to proximity to public transport in order to optimise your daily commute.
FAQ: frequently asked questions before moving to Nantes
What monthly budget should you plan for living in Nantes?
Excluding rent, a budget of between €350 and €500 per month is enough to cover food, transport and leisure activities. The city offers many preferential rates for people under 26.
How should you choose the location of your student accommodation?
It is recommended to choose a neighbourhood directly served by tram lines 1, 2 or 3. Living close to your place of study or on the Île de Nantes is generally the best option for balancing academic and personal life.
