[Bonjour France] Dorm Kitchens Become Lifelines in France

Faced with high living costs, French exchange students are cooking their own meals in dorm kitchens using groceries purchased based on their budgets and personal tastes. Kim Joo-Hyun (Dept. of French and African Studies, 24) from Jeonbuk National University, said, “Eating out is expensive and often doesn't suit my taste, so I end up cooking myself.” She continued adding, “When I miss Korean food, I buy ingredients like sesame oil or gochujang (Korean red chili paste) at Asian markets.” Yoon Sook-Rin (Dept of. French Language and Literature, 23) from Korea University said, “I go grocery shopping about twice a week, mainly buying basic ingredients like eggs or onions,” adding, “I often make simple dishes such as pasta or curry.”

Dining out in France is relatively expensive compared to other countries. According to NUMBEO's “Restaurant Price Index by Country 2025 Mid-Year,” France’s index stands at 60, ranking 20th out of 143 countries, which is significantly higher than South Korea's price index of 35. Even simple meals like hamburgers or sandwiches cost around 20,000 won, and dining at a regular restaurant often results in a bill exceeding 80,000 won.

On September 15th, I began my first semester as an exchange student at the University of Aix-Marseille's Language School (SUL). I quickly became aware of the high cost of eating out in France. My expectation of freely enjoying local French cuisine vanished the moment I sat down at a restaurant table. A single hamburger on the menu was listed for over 10 euros (about 16,000 won).

However, the cost difference is significant when purchasing ingredients from the local supermarket and cooking at home. The price of a single meal can cover about a week’s worth of meals. Faced with this reality, international students choose to cook their own meals. After observing the eating patterns of international students at Aix-Marseille University following the start of the semester, it became clear that many students, including myself, were using the dormitory kitchen to prepare their meals. I, too, have grown accustomed to shopping at the supermarket instead of dining at fancy restaurants and preparing my own meals in the dorm kitchen.

Several supermarkets are located near the university, giving international students the flexibility to shop where it best suits their needs. Various supermarkets are located near Aix-Marseille University, including Intermarché, Monoprix, and Auchan. Among these, Intermarché,  the supermarket most frequently visited by international students, specializes in simple prepared foods like sandwiches and ready-to-eat meals. It is conveniently located near university dormitories and residential complexes. Prices are also affordable compared with other supermarkets, with a baguette costing around 0.5 euros and a pack of cherry tomatoes around 0.99 euros. I also purchase most of my daily groceries here, and it is always bustling with both students and residents whenever I visit.

The closest “Monoprix” to the dormitory is about a 30-minute walk away. Inside, shoppers find not only food items but also household goods such as dishes, pots, pillows, and blankets. Its diverse product selection attracts students looking to buy groceries or household items in bulk. However, its average prices are higher than Intermarché's. For example, a pack of yogurt from the same brand costs €1.42 at Intermarché but €1.69 at Monoprix.

International students tend to buy inexpensive, easy-to-store food items. Among the most popular are pasta, eggs, and baguettes, which make quick meals possible even during busy schedules. Priced at just 1 to 2 euros, these items often sell out by closing time around 7 pm.

Asian international students also often shop at nearby Asian markets. These markets sell ingredients from various Asian countries, including Korea, China, and Japan. In the Korean food section, items like instant noodles, seaweed, and soy sauce are available. Although prices are about 2.5 times higher than in Korea on average, these markets are essential destinations for students who miss their homeland’s food, such ingredients are hard to find in local supermarkets or grocery stores.

The large-scale “Auchan” is one of France's leading supermarket chains, offering the most daily necessities in one place. Its diverse range includes groceries, clothing, electronics, kitchenware, and stationery. However, it’s located about an hour’s walk or 40 minutes by public transport away, making frequent visits difficult for students without a car. When I occasionally visited, the store was frequented by families.

When I am unable to shop directly, I sometimes use the campus cafeteria. French university cafeterias, operated by CROUS (Centre Régional des Œuvres Universitaires et Scolaires), a public institution responsible for student welfare, offer food at prices lower than local restaurants. The cafeteria at Aix-Marseille University’s Schuman Campus is affordable and bustling with students during lunchtime. Typical menu items include hamburgers and fries for around 6 euros, sandwiches around 2-3 euros, and pasta around 6 euros. Using the “IZLY” card, which serves as both a student ID and electronic payment card for French university students, most meals can be purchased for 3.3 euros or less.

Reporter Seo Yoo-Jung

Translated by Channel PNU