30 great reasons to study in Auvergne

University, yes, but where? The four corners of France are brimming with attractive higher education programmes, it is difficult to choose…However, just like Clermont-Ferrand, some cities stand out from the crowd thanks to a pleasant living environment, perfect both for studying and for an engaging student life.

Ranked 2^nd nationally in terms of quality of life[1], Auvergne is THE ideal region for your university studies! With approximately 42,000 students, Clermont-Ferrand is one of the most dynamic cities in France. Indeed, with rents half the price of Paris, every budget is catered for, large and small: student halls of residence, flat, studio, flat-share, every effort is made to satisfy students’ lodging requirements.

But it is not the only card up our sleeve: Clermont is located at the gateway to the South, in a haven of greenery between volcanic landscapes and spring water. Its sunny climate, moreover, makes it one of France’s leading tourist destinations (ranked 8th nationally[2]). Obviously, the Chaîne des Puys, contender for classification as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a contributing factor, and a number of surrounding sites are testament to the wealth of the Auvergne countryside.

Many companies have decided to locate to Auvergne to take advantage of the open spaces and a cheaper price per square metre than in most big French cities. Several sectors have invested in Auvergne without hesitation, as much in the fields of the metal (Alcan-Rhenalu) and food (Limagrain) industries as in IT (IBM) or pharmacology (MSD-Chibret). Likewise, Michelin has located its headquarters in Clermont-Ferrand: the first CAC40 company to venture outside of Paris, the giant tyre company is achieving remarkable success.

Welcome to Clermont!

Benefiting from a direct rail link with Paris, Clermont will soon be even more accessible thanks to an increase in the number of trains connecting with the capital. Clermont-Ferrand is also open to the rest of the world with Aulnat airport and several budget airlines with departures to all over Europe.

Auvergne is in touch with the rest of the world, with events for each season, dedicated to culture in all its forms: International Festival of Short Films, Festival du Carnet de Voyage (Travel Log Festival)…There is ample opportunity to meet some of the 42,000 students, originally from Clermont, or having adopted the city as their own. You can easily become acquainted over a drink at the Afterwork evenings organised once a month by the Coopérative de Mai (Clermont-Ferrand’s music stadium) or on the dance floor of Europe’s biggest nightclub: the BBox. Festivities will kick off from October with the ‘Welcome to Clermont’ student induction week, to begin the year with a focus on culture and encounters.

Clermont-Ferrand, France’s number 1 student city [3][3], is in a privileged location less than 4h from Paris, Toulouse, Orléans and Montpellier, 2h from Lyon, and 1h from the ski slopes of Super Besse. The capital of Auvergne ranks as a dynamic city, conducive to economic development and personal fulfilment. One out of three inhabitants is under 20 year’s old.

DSC_8798r Ranked as France’s 3^rd most enjoyable region to live in, Auvergne welcomes 17,000 new arrivals each year, drawn by the quality of life, the economic fabric, the sports infrastructure, the wealth of cultural life, the proximity to an exceptional environment… 42,000 students have already joined us…are you next?

The Trudaine campus is ideally located on one of the most festive thoroughfares in the city, served by the tram and the bus, a 5-minute walk to the city centre and the train station. No more need for the car, with C. Vélo, cycle wherever you like in town for €1 a day!

And what if you made Auvergne your New World?

[1] According to a study carried out by the cabinet lyonnais Argo & Siloe in April 2015

[2] According to an article in the L’Express dated 10/06/2015

[2] 2014 l’Etudiant ranking