Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I bring my laptop?
Yes, though the Center in Paris is equipped with 12 PCs in the language lab (available only during class, with a teacher), and 14 i-macs with one laser printer in the computer room (available when the center is open).
The iMacs have the same basic setup as the computers in the USITE clusters on campus. One iMac is equipped with a scanner, a color printer, and Photoshop for photo and image processing projects.
Since there will be more students than iMacs in the computer room, the wise scholar brings a laptop. If you are able to do so, please follow guidelines which can be emailed to you by Sarah Walter (scw@uchicago.edu) or Lewis Fortner (fortner@uchicago.edu).
PLEASE REMEMBER TO BACK UP EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR PARIS.
Q: Will I have access to a cell phone while in Paris? Should I bring my own?
There are many cell phone providers that offer discounted cell phone rental packages for students. It is your choice as to which provider you would like to use. In the past many University of Chicago students have used PicCell Wireless, see http://www.piccellwireless.com/uchicago for rates and plan details.
If you have an unlocked GSM phone, you may instead wish to rent a SIM card, which will allow your phone to function while in Paris. PicCell Wireless provides SIM card rentals, or you can investigate rates with your own service provider.
Please note that even if your own cell phone works abroad, you may incur high per-minute and roaming charges without the proper SIM card. For more information, see the New York Times article, "Guidelines for Using a Cellphone Abroad" (http://travel.nytimes.com/2007/03/15/technology/15basics.html).
Q: Should I buy a Carte Orange for metro/bus transit?
Most students do, given the savings if you move around the city enough. Your decision depends on how frequently you plan to use the metro/bus system. One metro ticket costs 1,50 Euro. A carnet of 10 tickets is 11,10 Euros. The weekly or monthly Carte Orange provides unlimited metro/bus use for the following fees, valid as of July 1, 2007:
- Weekly: 16,30 Euros
- Monthly: 53,50 Euros
(These rates are for zones 1 and 2, which is all you should need.)
Q: Will I have access to a bicycle while in Paris?
In a new program that has caught the attention of Chicago’s Mayor Daley, bicycles are available in Paris at hundreds of locations city-wide for a very modest rental fee. An English-language article about the program can be found here.
Q: How cold does it get in Paris in the winter? Should I bring a heavy coat?
Paris does get cold in the winter, but is far warmer than, say, Chicago. It will rain a fair amount and, on rare occasions, you might see snow as you sip the world’s best hot chocolate. Average temperatures in January, February and March hover in the mid-30’s and 40’s. The French tend to wear layers, including a raincoat with warm accessories.
Q: Will we have access to exercise facilities in Paris?
Yes! For a low price, you will be able to use sporting facilities at the Cité Universitaire (CIUP). Furthermore, you can participate in activities offered at Université Paris VII (Denis Diderot). More information can be found in English and in French at http://www.ciup.fr/sport.htm.
Q: Do the Center in Paris residences provide laundry facilities?
All residences at the Center in Paris provide laundry services, and they are usually cheaper than those offered elsewhere.
Q: Do I need to bring my own bedding (sheets, pillows) to Paris? What about towels?
No need to bring bedding! The residence halls will provide you with bedding, and cleaning staff will change your sheets every two weeks. Towels, on the contrary, are not provided, so we strongly encourage you to bring them with you.
Q: Will we be able to cook in the Center in Paris residence halls?
Cooking is an excellent way to explore the specialized Parisian markets and save precious Euros. You will have access to common kitchens in the residence halls, but utensils and cookware are not provided. We recommend that the group make a common purchase at the beginning of the program for shared use.