Paris, the City of Light, is renowned for its stunning architecture, art museums, and romantic atmosphere. However, the reality of living in this beautiful city is far from glamorous, especially for students. Natalia Vega, a Peruvian communications student, recently gave her followers a glimpse into her 97-square-foot apartment in the 7th arrondissement, a neighborhood known for its upscale boutiques and restaurants. The video has gone viral, sparking a heated debate about the cost of living in Paris.
Vega’s apartment is a tiny, 9-square-meter space that she shares with a twin-sized bed, a small kitchen, and a tiny bathroom. The kitchen counter serves as her desk, and she has to get creative with the limited space. Despite the challenges, Vega has made the apartment her home for the past two years.
The reaction to the video was mixed, with some people shocked and calling the apartment a “closet” or even a “jail cell.” Others praised Vega for being transparent about her living situation, noting that it’s a reality for many students in Paris.
“I don’t know” how I can live in such a small space, Vega replied when asked by the person behind the camera. Her candid response highlights the difficulties faced by students in Paris, who often have to make sacrifices to afford basic housing and necessities.
The cost-of-living crisis in Paris is a significant issue, with prices for goods and services rising by 3.5% year-on-year, according to a 2021 report by The Economist. This means that everyday people, including students, have to pay a high price to afford basic housing and necessities.
Vega’s apartment is part of a student housing package offered through her university. She noted that despite the small size, the apartment has its own toilet, washing machine, and kitchen, which is more than some students have to share. This highlights the importance of student housing options, which can provide a sense of community and support for students navigating the challenges of living in a new city.
The video has also sparked a debate about the portrayal of Parisian life in popular culture. The Netflix series “Emily in Paris” has been criticized for its unrealistic depiction of living in the city, with its main character enjoying a luxurious lifestyle and romantic getaways. Vega’s apartment tour offers a more realistic glimpse into the daily life of a student in Paris, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices that many students face.
In an interview with Newsweek, Vega spoke candidly about her housing situation, noting that it’s a common experience for students in Paris. “I’m studying communications in Paris and my school has a database for housing, so it was really easy for me to rent the apartment,” she said. “Since those kinds of places are for students, I didn’t mind taking it because I tend to spend the whole day at school and I just go there to sleep.”
Vega’s story is a reminder that living in Paris is not all romance and glamour. It requires hard work, sacrifice, and creativity. Her apartment tour offers a refreshing dose of reality, highlighting the challenges faced by students in one of the most expensive cities in the world.
As the cost-of-living crisis continues to affect everyday people, including students, it’s essential to have a more realistic understanding of what it’s like to live in Paris. Natalia Vega’s apartment tour is a valuable reminder that even in the most beautiful cities, reality can be far from glamorous.
The video has also sparked a conversation about the importance of affordable housing options for students. Many universities and organizations offer student housing packages, which can provide a sense of community and support for students navigating the challenges of living in a new city.
In addition to the cost-of-living crisis, the video has also highlighted the importance of cultural adaptation for international students. Vega, who is from Peru, has had to adjust to a new language, culture, and way of life in Paris. Her apartment tour offers a glimpse into the daily life of an international student, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices that many students face when studying abroad.
The video has also sparked a conversation about the portrayal of Parisian life in popular culture. The Netflix series “Emily in Paris” has been criticized for its unrealistic depiction of living in the city, with its main character enjoying a luxurious lifestyle and romantic getaways. Vega’s apartment tour offers a more realistic glimpse into the daily life of a student in Paris, highlighting the challenges and sacrifices that many students face.
In conclusion, Natalia Vega’s apartment tour is a valuable reminder that living in Paris is not all romance and glamour. It requires hard work, sacrifice, and creativity. Her story is a reminder that even in the most beautiful cities, reality can be far from glamorous. The video has sparked a conversation about the importance of affordable housing options for students, cultural adaptation, and the portrayal of Parisian life in popular culture.