Whenever I go to a new city to study away, I can’t help but compare my new city to Shanghai. But rather than continue to annoy locals with my observations, which have the dual function of being both incomprehensible (they do not know what Family Mart is) and boring (they do not care what Family Mart is), I thought I would share these thoughts with my fellow NYUSH students. Hopefully these are useful if you ever find yourself in the City of Lights and missing the city of Turning-Off-the-Lights-at-10-PM.

Missing Family Mart? Go to Monoprix!

If you wish you could find a store that sells everything you need while singing a charming and infernal song every time the doors open, Family Mart is the place for you. Unfortunately, the doors of French supermarket and convenience store chain Monoprix do not sing, but if you really want you can sing it to yourself whenever the doors open. Monoprix does, however, sell many snacks, produce and personal items like shampoo. Bigger stores will sell a more extensive selection of groceries, home goods and even clothes. They also sell reusable bags for €1, which are a staple of Parisian life. If only they had their own door-opening song.Location: All over ParisPrice range: Standard grocery store prices

Missing Yongkang Lu? Go to Rue Mouffetard!

Though the bars and patrons at Yongkang Lu have faced some controversy lately, Yongkang is still beloved by many NYUSH students as a reliable place to both bar hop and eat tacos (looking at you, El Luchador). In Paris, checking out Rue Mouffetard may stave off your homesickness for Shanghai’s famous bar street. Located in the student-friendly going-out district of the Latin Quarter, this street is home to many lively bars and restaurants and is only a short walk away from the NYU Paris academic center. It’s a great place to enjoy a nice day sitting outside with a coffee during the week, or to get a drink on a Friday night with friends. Not sure if there are any tacos, though. Let me know.Location: Rue Mouffetard - 75006 Paris (5e)Price range: Varies by restaurant

Missing the Pearl Tower? Go to the Eiffel Tower! (You probably guessed that one)

So, I’m not sure if you’ve heard of it, but there’s this pretty famous landmark in Paris called the Eiffel Tower. Some Parisians think it’s an eyesore, but, I personally think it’s beautiful, especially when it lights up at night. Though the Eiffel Tower is at heart a tourist attraction, aka expensive, you can cut costs by walking up the 704 stairs (hahahaha have fun) to the second level. The third, top-most level of the tower is only reachable by elevator, but the views from the second level are pretty incredible, so you really can’t go wrong. If you’re less into sport, you can still climb down the stairs after your trip to the top to see the city from every angle. Location: Champ de Mars, 5 Avenue Anatole France - 75007 Paris (7e)Prices: -Lift to second level: adults €11; 12-24 years old €8,5-Stairs to second level: adults €7; 12-24 years old €5-Lift to the top: adults €17; 12-24 years old €14,5

Missing Boom Boom Bagels? Go to La Parisienne!

I know nothing can compare to bagels, but actually yes it can, because French bread is better than any bread you’ve ever tried and the breads from La Parisenne will prove it. The bakery was voted home of the best baguette of 2016 in Paris’ annual competition (the Grand prix de la baguette de tradition française de la Ville de Paris, in French), and is located about a three-minute walk from the NYU Paris academic center. Their sandwiches are made with their own fresh baguettes, their pastries are beautiful and delicious, and their pies will make you want to move in with them and eat only pies, forever. The staff are very friendly and speak both French and English, but probably not Mandarin, although I’ve never asked, so you never know.Location: 48 rue Madame - 75006 Paris (5e)Price: €5-8 for lunch / €1-4 for a pastry

Missing Century Park? Go to the Jardin du Luxembourg!

Century Park is a great way to escape the loud traffic and endless (and badly driven) motorbikes, but it’s a bit far away from Paris. But never fear, the Jardin du Luxembourg is here! Conveniently located just a 15-minute walk from the NYU Paris academic center, this garden has literally anything you desire, as long as what you desire is an apple and pear orchard, a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating, and lots of statues. I mean lots. Like more than one hundred statues. It’s a good time.Location: Rue de Médicis - Rue de Vaugirard - 75006 Paris (6e)Price: Free

Missing street food? Check out your local crêperie!

Unfortunately for us students who call Shanghai home, Paris and street food don’t really mix. Mealtime is very important in France, and people don’t really understand why you would want to do anything but sit down and savor a meal. The one exception is crêpes, which you can find on every street for pretty cheap. It is totally acceptable to take your Nutella and banana crêpe on the go with you. You can also take other flavors on the go, but that was my way of suggesting you try Nutella and banana because it may change your life. If you crave food on a stick there isn’t much I can do for you, but if it’s streetside snacking you’re after, a crêperie is your best bet!Location: All over ParisPrice range: €3-7 This article was written by Dana Meyers. Please send an email to [email protected] to get in touch. Photo Credit: Dana Meyers