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Alaykh's avatar

Loved the diary format and being taken through many of the arrondissements!

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Nina's avatar

wow, that was an outstanding read! I mean, not completely romanticising the cateens and including a subtle critique of the exclusions and exploitations they rely on... But, then again, these kinds of university food provisions are 'normal' in many parts of the world. Would be fun to do a comparative piece eating in London uni canteens (£6-8 lunches, honestly not bad for London, but run thru pvt contracts rather than a union and should definitely be further subsidised for students)

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Will Mewett's avatar

I’d be interested in London university canteens but yes many private companies - there are some SU cafes such as one at goldsmiths, which also lets local residents use it. I’ve yet to try it. I’m also pretty sure a lot of them don’t let the public use them, or at least they don’t make it clear. I chickened out of ordering a £3 baked potato with beans and cheese at UCL for fear of being asked for student ID.

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Felix Farrow's avatar

Lovely read. I think there is something incredibly romantic about canteens and subsidised food that you captured so well in this. While I studied at UBC in Vancouver a few years ago with not much money to my name, I relied on the university's "Foooood" operation, serving $3 (around £1.70) meals - usually chilli or a slightly disappointing pasta in a cardboard tub. It had absolutely none of the charm or romance that the French system but was a good lunch for an insane price. It was done away with the year I left but I miss it lots!!

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Eva's avatar

Amazing read - I learnt so much, even as a ex-Paris student!

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Fraser Jopp's avatar

Glad to hear they are still a thing, I relied on them when studying back in 83, especially Mabillon. On Sundays only one would be open (by rotation) so the food and value had to be worth the journey

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Ana's avatar

Really interesting read. Lucky French students!

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Frances Robinson's avatar

A great read! I am so glad all this still exists - I lived in College Franco-Britannique in 2002 and the pizzas in the CIUP canteen were an integral part of my year abroad. The Crous in Paris III - Sorbonne Nouvelle was OK, but not the same. GUTTED I didn't know about the barge at the time. Might have to go back and pay 8.80 to find out what it's like!!

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