10 easy ways to fit in with young French people
Act Like A Local: 10 Easy Ways To Fit in With Young French People
Act like a local: 10 easy ways to fit in with young French people
If you have ever wondered how French people your age socialise, then you are definitely not alone. Moving to a new place can be daunting, especially when you don’t know the social codes or even the language!
From experience, it is easy to surround yourself with others who speak the same language or come from the same place as you, but it is important to step out of your comfort zone and at least try and integrate with the locals.
Here are 10 ways to have a great social life when you are new to France:
10 Easy Ways To Fit in With Young French People
1. Don’t Just Stick To What You Know
It can be difficult to break out of your comfort zone, especially when it comes to living in a foreign country, but you won’t learn anything if you only spend time with people in the same position as you.
Try to meet French friends who will show you their daily life. Although easier said than done, good places to start are colleagues, classmates, facebook group chats and clubs. Even if you connect with just one like minded person, you will often find that your circle grows, especially if they put you in contact with their friends.
2. Choose Your Living Situation Wisely
One of the best decisions I made when it came to making the most of my time in France was living with French people. If you are a university student this may be easier, but even if you work there are ways to find French housemates.
Living in a shared apartment, known as a collocation, will expose you to the French language and culture every day. If you really put yourself out there you can form genuine friendships with your housemates.
10 Easy Ways To Fit in With Young French People
3. Adjust Your Social Calendar
If you are into nights out, then one of the best ways to enjoy the company of locals is to attend student events.
Not only are these cheaper, but they follow the schedule of when young French people go out.
You are bound to bump into young people if you attend these events. Even if you are not a student, you can usually see when they take place via social media.
4. Don’t Go Out Too Early
Whether you fancy going for dinner or drinks, make sure to adjust your timings so that you are out at the same time as the locals.
You will not get the full experience if you have dinner in a restaurant at 6pm! Take these factors into consideration when arranging social events.
Nights out in France also tend to start much later, so bear that in mind!
10 Easy Ways To Fit in With Young French People
5. Make The Most Of L’aperitif
The tradition of l’apéro is a core part of French culture. Make the most of this if you want to see how locals really live.
L’apéro usually happens a couple of hours before dinner, and is a great way to enjoy some light snacks and drinks after work.
If you go to almost any terrace/bar in France, you will be surrounded by locals enjoying this time to relax.
6. Sundays Are For Relaxation
Don’t expect for your Sundays to be filled with social plans! The French take Sunday as a day to move slowly, perhaps do some light exercise or go to a cafe for brunch.
Embrace these relaxing plans for a more fulfilling weekend in France.
7. Learn French Cultural References
Pay attention to French music and film if you want to engage in better conversations.
Don’t expect French people to always know your cultural reference points. Instead, you should learn theirs to better integrate.
The French language section on Netflix or other streaming services is a great way to start. You can also search for other people’s already created French playlists on Spotify.
8. Get To Know The Slang
To understand your new French friends, even if your grasp of the language isn’t quite perfect, you must learn how young locals speak.
It’s likely that the phrases you’ve learnt at school rarely come up in casual conversation, and that instead you are met with slang.
I would recommend reading this guide to Verlan (a type of French slang where the letters in each word are rearranged) so that you are not totally shocked on your first time hearing it.
9. Cafe Culture: The Importance Of Terrasses As Social Hubs
Time spent in cafés will form an important part of your social calendar. Notice that in France, getting coffee with friends is never rushed and it is not considered rude to spend a few hours over one coffee.
Terraces also act as important social spaces, and you will find people enjoying them all year round. Make sure to sit outside if you want to make the most of the ambiance!
10. Be Yourself
Feeling at home in a new place takes time, so don’t put pressure on yourself to get to know everything overnight!
There is nothing more important than being yourself, especially in social situations, and you shouldn’t hide your personality to fit in better.
What is important is that you make an effort to appreciate a new culture, and push yourself enough so that you make the most of your time in France!
