A Comprehensive Student Guide to life on a Year Abroad in Rennes

By Isabelle Hatton-Williams, Universite Haute-Bretagne Rennes 2, France

So, you’ve made it through your first year. You’ve figured out the balance of student life: cooking semi-decent meals, living with housemates you actually like, and maybe even settling into some sort of routine. Maybe you’re on the hockey team, or maybe you’re on the committee for chess society. And just when you’ve started to feel comfortable, along comes the next big leap: a year abroad.

I get it. I was you. I was in love with my routine – knowing where to get the best coffee, where to brunch, knowing where was hot, and where was not. The thought of packing up and moving to another country? Exciting on paper, terrifying in reality. A French year abroad was supposed to be thrilling, right? But even though I was so excited to continue my French studies by living in France, I wasn’t quite ready to leave the UK. “Do I want to teach as a language assistant, or do I want to go to university abroad?” The choice felt impossible, and not necessarily one I wanted to make. Neither option felt perfect, but I knew I wanted to meet people, make friends, and get a taste of French university life. So, I chose university – and Rennes.

Why Rennes?

Oh, Rennes. Now that I’m here, I couldn’t picture myself anywhere else. It’s got a perfect mix of medieval charm and buzzing student life. It’s small enough that you can wander around and quickly feel at home, but big enough to never run out of things to do. A city that feels like you’re on holiday every day – what’s not to love?

Don’t be fooled by Rennes’ size and write it off as a small provincial town. With a population of about 250,000, Rennes has a huge student community—73,000 students, to be precise. That’s nearly a third of the city! No wonder it’s been voted the second-best student city in France, just behind Toulouse. Rennes is vibrant and buzzing, full of things to do, and yes, the locals will proudly tell you over and over that there’s no better place to live than in Brittany.

Medieval feeling, modern living

Rennes’ historical charm is something straight out of a fairytale. Cobblestone streets, half-timbered houses, and picturesque little squares where you can grab an espresso and feel like you’re starring in your very own French rom-com.

But right when you think you’ve pinned Rennes down as a quaint, slow city, you’ll fall right into its thriving arts and culture scene that brings in international students and locals alike. It’s home to plenty of exhibitions, theatre, and events – honestly, it feels like there’s a different city-wide festival every week (and sometimes there are two at the same time!).

And being a student here? Well, that just means you get the front row seat to it all.

Where to Eat, Drink, and Party in Rennes

Let’s be real: one of the best parts of living abroad is eating and drinking your way through a new city. And in Rennes, that means crêpes. So. Many. Crêpes.

Food heaven

If you thought crêpes were just a snack, think again. In Rennes, they’re an art form. My personal favourite? Le Breton – a tucked-away crêperie with the cutest terrace that just screams “I’m living my best French life!” If you’re feeling fancy, head to La Rozell, a slightly pricier spot in the heart of the centre where you’ll somehow always end up, despite your budget protests. And if you’re craving something a bit different? Try Dolma, a Tibetan restaurant that’s cosy and unforgettable. You’ve also got Algorhythme for French classics, and Ciao Bella for the best pizza in town. Yes, I said it: pizza. We can’t live on crêpes alone.

Coffee culture

You’ll be pleased to know Rennes’ coffee scene is strong. Whether you’re in Gang Cafe, Le Chat Puccino, or 7 Grammes, there’s always a cosy little place to grab an espresso and people-watch, à la Emily in Paris. Rennes’ streets are dotted with these lovely coffee spots that have just the right amount of laidback charm without being pretentious. And brunch at Oko Cafe? You’ll just have to try it for yourself.

Drinks and dancing

For nights out, you’ve got plenty of options. Thursday night is student night in France, since most people go home on the weekend, so that’s when you’ll see the streets of Rennes packed. Try going out on a Thursday to experience the full throws of French freshers.

Start your evening with a relaxed drink at L’Annexe, Le Baratin, or Melting Pot, before heading to Rue de la Soif, Rennes’ infamous nightlife strip. It’s lively and packed with students, so you’re guaranteed a good time. Just be careful not to lose your phone!

If you’re in the mood for dancing, Uzine and Ateliers du Vent boast interesting events all week – follow their Instagram pages for up-to-date info. I get a lot of my information on club nights from my friends in the DJ sphere, or from the hundreds of posters that decorate the city. Always keep an eye out for the next interesting thing! Or, for a more chilled-out vibe, Sunday jams at Penny Lane are perfect if you want to keep things lowkey but still have a great time. I’ve found that I’ve become quite a regular. And yes, Sunday evenings can be social too!

Day-to-day life in France

Finding a place to live

Okay, now the real tea. Finding accommodation in Rennes can be tricky. You’ve got options like Leboncoin (think French Gumtree), Carte des Colocs, or Appartager to find roommates, but my honest advice? Start early and be prepared for a challenge.

If you’re moving to Rennes on a study placement, student accommodation is the cheapest, but I’ll level with you – it comes with some serious caveats. I’m talking bedbugs (ew), no ovens, and kitchens that feel more like communal chaos than a place to perfect your French cuisine. Some people thrive there, making lifelong friends in the Erasmus bubble, but for me? The decision to move out and into the city centre felt like breathing fresh air again. Plus, speaking French 24/7 has done wonders for my language skills.

I got pretty lucky in finding my house in just a week of looking – whether you’re in student accommodation or in an apartment that you hate, know that once the pre-school year scramble for accommodation in August/September ends, you’re going to have a much easier time in finding somewhere. Don’t stress it, and know that if you really hate where you’re living, you can always move out!

Navigating French Bureaucracy (and Other Challenges)

The infamous French bureaucracy – the stuff of nightmares. Getting your life in order in France means paperwork, and a lot of it. Before you even think about moving to France, apply for VISALE (it’s basically a rent guarantee for students), because this can seriously take forever. And my biggest advice for navigating French bureaucracy – download a translator extension on your browser. Trust me, you’ll need it. Finally, never be afraid to run any legal documents through AI for a second opinion; even though I hate AI as much as the next person, this can be a lifesaver for understanding difficult French.

Also, something you might not expect: France still loves cash. Unlike the UK, where we’ve all gone contactless, in Rennes you’ll often find yourself rummaging through your pockets for actual coins. Make sure to take cash out, or risk running into embarrassing situations where you can’t pay for the hotdog that’s just been made for you (this happened to me last week, and I can’t stop thinking about it).

And while we’re on practical matters – Sundays. Everything is closed. You’ll quickly learn to plan ahead unless you want to spend your Sunday with only a loaf of bread and some questionable leftovers for company.

Making Friends and Building a Social Life

Starting fresh in a new city can be daunting, especially if you don’t really speak French, but Rennes has a really active Erasmus scene. The ESN Rennes group is amazing at organising events to help you meet other international students, and there are group chats where you can connect with people, too. It’s surprisingly easy to find your crowd here, whether it’s through university, the Erasmus network, or simply chatting to people in cafés or at events.

Looking to improve your French? Check out the CMI (International Mobility Centre) events, where you’ll meet both local and international students. The key is to say yes—even if you’re nervous or don’t understand everything that’s going on. And don’t be afraid to put yourself in situations that you might find weird or embarrassing (I went to a speed-friending event last month, and came out of it with a new friend!) You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll make friends and settle in.

Travel Aware Campaign

If you’re preparing for your year abroad, be that study or work, the UK’s Travel Aware campaign is a lifesaver. Whether you’re worried about navigating French bureaucracy, staying safe, or simply want tips on travelling smart, they’ve got your back. Travel Aware provides up-to-date advice on everything from getting the right travel insurance to understanding local laws and customs (which might help you avoid some unpleasant moments).

One of the best features is the travel checklist—covering all the essentials, like passport validity, health insurance, and registering with the local embassy. They also give tips on what to do if you lose your documents or face an emergency abroad. It’s a great idea to keep an eye on their social media for regular updates on travel safety and changes in guidelines—especially when things can shift quickly!

So before you set off, give the French Travel Advice page a quick read, or find an easily accessible version on our Instagram, @thetravelambassadors — it’s a simple way to make sure you’re prepared for whatever your year in Rennes throws your way.

Final Thoughts

Life in Rennes has its ups and downs. There’ll be moments when you’re strolling through a medieval square with a fresh baguette, thinking “I could get used to this.” And then there’ll be the times you’re filling out yet another form in triplicate, wondering why nothing is ever straightforward. But in the end, that’s all part of the charm.

So here’s to you, future Rennes student, and whether you like it or not, future Breton. Embrace the chaos, savour the crêpes, and enjoy every moment of this incredible experience – you won’t regret it.