A student city par excellence, La Rochelle is home to more than 14,000 students! Like you, many international students choose La Rochelle for their academic expatriation.
A remarkable quality of life, a multidisciplinary campus, a historic city center, beaches... all the essential ingredients which combine to attract more and more students each year. With a cultural dynamism and highly active clubs, associations and voluntary organizations, La Rochelle and Excelia will offer you both rich and creative experiences.
La Rochelle: a rich cultural life
As a student in La Rochelle, you cannot fail to miss the many cultural sites spread around the city such as La Sirène music venue. This disused former warehouse was fully restored and is now entirely dedicated to contemporary music, offering a concert hall, with an eclectic program and rehearsal studios open even to amateurs (by prior reservation). In an industrial setting, that lends a certain unusual charm to the venue, you will discover some real musical treasures!
If you are passionate about music, make sure you don’t miss the famous Francofolies festival which takes place every year in July near the Historic Port. In an incredible setting, the entire French music scene thrills the city and its 150,000 festival-goers. Five days of concerts, dozens of artists, a festive atmosphere!
Would you like to find out more about all the cultural events taking place in and around La Rochelle? Well then the Pass’Culture will give you access to more than 200 shows at reduced prices! The card is free of charge for students under 30 years of age and you can get one by registering online or by going directly to the Maison de l’étudiant.
Associations and artistic workshops for students
With its 50 Clubs & Associations, Excelia offers you the opportunity to live unforgettable experiences that will certainly leave their mark on your student life. Incorporated into each program, involvement in these associations is a key part of your education. It will not only allow you to acquire essential business skills, but also to develop on a personal level. Whether you are attracted by media, art, sport or humanitarian work, you will undoubtedly find exactly what you are looking for! Contact the Bureau Des Étudiants, who will provide you with all the essential information.
In addition, don’t forget to visit the Maison de l’étudiant. With its auditorium, exhibition space and rehearsal room, the Espace Culture (cultural space) encourages creativity and offers all students free cultural and artistic workshops.
A lively and welcoming City... a great place for going out!
To welcome its students, every year Communauté d’Agglomération de La Rochelle (La Rochelle conurbation) organizes La Rochelle Student Bay in partnership with the University, La Sirène, EIGSI and Excelia. The catchword: conviviality! An excellent way to give you a foretaste of what La Rochelle is all about!
If you like going out for a drink or to party, one area is particularly popular with students... the Historic Port. With its charming little terraces, its multitude of small restaurants and friendly bars, you will undoubtedly enjoy many special moments here!
Amongst the places that have proved a hit with students are La Guignette, a real La Rochelle institution, and the Belle du Gabut, with its open-air café atmosphere... two unmissable places for a memorable time with friends!
