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Student Profile: Lauretta, MA in Creative Writing

What attracted you most about studying at the Paris School of Arts and Culture?

Undertaking the MA in Creative Writing was a huge change for me. My undergraduate degree is in Accounting and Finance and I had a successful career in finance before coming to Kent. A common question I was asked was “why don’t you keep your job in finance and write after work and on weekends?” I knew I would be doing myself an injustice if I didn’t enrol in a programme that allowed me to dedicate a significant amount of time to my dream.

I had the opportunity to study at another, equally prestigious school but what swayed my decision was the course structure at the Paris School of Arts and Culture. The most important thing was for me to able to create and work on a novel idea. Kent’s programme has allowed me the headspace to explore my new city, perform research, and play with new genres. I had to ensure that if I was going to take one of the biggest risks in my life, it would be at a place like Kent, where I knew my ideas would be nurtured and my boundaries pushed.

How has the course influenced your writing practice?

A lecturer I worked with during the autumn term gave me the support to polish my pieces but also enter them into as many competitions as I could. During my time in Paris, I have had sections of my novel published in literary magazines and read out loud at numerous events. And I was recently shortlisted for a Penguin Random House competition!

As I worked away at my career in finance, I knew that what I needed the most was time. Time to push myself, which is what the Paris School offered me. I owe much of my success to the course structure, which allowed me the breathing room to not only develop my ideas but also put pen to paper.

What was your favourite module?

Identity, Trauma and Sexuality in 20th and 21st Century Narratives was my favourite. It appealed to the part of me that loves books. Every week I was able to pick up a new text, which covered some really hard hitting material. After every text, I felt myself getting smarter and my view on the world shifted and became more textured. Certainly, a module I would recommend!

Describe your cohort.

We were thrown together initially but soon I found we had so much in common. On the first day, I heard people laugh over a pub they both visited in Birmingham as another group squeezed together to look at photos of someone’s hometown in Italy. There are some stars who burn blinding bright and some quieter types who brood mysteriously out of windows, but everyone has a place. We are all so willing to support each other whether it’s sharing recipes, a place to stay or bringing over a specific brand of all-purpose seasoning from England. We’re a family.

What has been your most memorable Paris moment?

It has to be at one the first house parties I went to in Paris, hosted by a fellow student. I sat by a window, clutching a glass of wine as I spoke with violent passion about that day’s metro experience, and I laughed. I laughed because I finally felt settled in a city where I didn’t speak the language and where six weeks before, I knew absolutely nobody.

Either that or the day I learnt the correct terms to order a perfectly baked baguette from the boulangerie: pas trop cuite!

You’re from London. What was the transition from London to Paris like?

I stand firm in my belief that London is the capital of the world. I can, however, entertain conversations around New York or Paris also being the capital of the world. So, in my mind, I was moving from one world capital to another. This allowed for the ease of certain things, such as using a metro system and the mechanism of the economy. However, in other places I had less surefootedness. For example, the etiquette around payments and phone calls and the slower nature in which things run in Paris was an adjustment for me, but I did adjust.

What advice would you give to incoming students?

As a creative writing student, I found that myself and other students who had an idea of what they wanted – to spend the year writing – took more away from the course. I was able to ask targeted questions about my work and propel myself towards my goal. Modules such as Fiction and Psychogeography allowed for exploration of new forms, genres and styles which ultimately only strengthened my core focus, my novel. The idea you come with doesn’t need to (and in fact shouldn’t) be set in stone but knowing what you want to leave the year with will ensure you are not simply being blown by the wind.

Paris is a city that must be approached with adaptability. Even if you’re from a huge city, or you’ve visited Paris before, living here is wildly different. The ability to adapt will make it easier to thrive. Things occur unexpectedly but that’s what makes things exciting and the more willing you are to bend, the more fruitful your time here will be.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I am moving to Medellin, Colombia after graduation to embark on other life changing adventures. I’ll also be trying to get my book over the finish line with the help of all the tools I gathered this year!

 

Alongside her studies, Lauretta works as a barista in Paris’ 3rd arrondissement.

Merci beaucoup, Lauretta!

Cheapest and Easiest Beaches to reach from Paris

As the summer weather moves into full swing, you may want to turn to the age-old Parisian tradition of leaving Paris! Like in many cities across Europe, the arrival of the railway in the mid-19th century enabled the bourgeoisie to travel en masse to cool and refreshing waters of the coast. The beaches featured on this list became popular in this way–and while they still offer a respite from the summer heat, you will have to travel to the west or south coasts to find France’s glittering turquoise waters.

Deauville. M6 Metro.

Deauville (Normandy)

The train from Saint-Lazare Station in Paris will take you right into the mythical town of Deauville in around 2 hours, making it the easiest beach to reach from Paris. There is a large, long beach within easy walking distance from the railway station. The water in Deauville is calm, making Deauville ideal for less confidant swimmers. Generally considered a holiday resort town for the upper crust since the Belle Époque, Deauville venues can be pricy so it’s best to bring a picnic or go to the shop rather than one of the restaurants if you’re looking to save money.

Trouville (Normandy)

Trouville can be reached from the same railway station as Deauville. Its beach is slightly smaller and quieter than the one in Deauville. Like many Normandy beaches, Trouville is closely associated with the great nineteenth century author Marcel Proust, who visited Trouville every summer as a child to treat his asthma.

Cabourg (Normandy)

Cabourg is another Belle Epoque northern seaside resort town dotting the English Channel. Also linked to writer Marcel Proust who enjoyed residing in the impressive Cabourg Grand Hôtel, its 4 km-long beach remains popular with holiday-makers. To reach it, you must change trains at Deauville-Trouville. More recently the town was featured in the popular film Intouchables starring Omar Sy.

Plage du Butin, Honfleur. FB | G+ | Site

Honfleur (Normandy)

Honfleur is mostly know for its Old Harbour lined with 16th- to 18th-century townhouses, and has been a subject for artists including Monet and Boudin. However, it also has two nice beaches where the Seine meets the English Channel, about 25 minutes walk from the bus station which has connections running from Deauville-Trouville and Le Harve.

Etretat. GEO.

Étretat (Normandy)

Known for its stunning white cliffs and pebble beaches, Étretat is the most beautiful spot on this list and was painted over 80 times by Claude Monet. The easiest way to reach Étretat from Paris and return in the same day is via coach. However, if you are planning an overnight trip to the Normandy coast, you can catch the train to another nearby town and take a day trip to Étretat from there. Étretat was recently featured in the popular Netflix series Lupin, the modern retelling of the chronicles of fictional gentleman thief Arsène Lupin–also starring Omar Sy.

 

For weekend or longer trips: Marseille and Cassis

Akin to Naples in Italy, Marseille has been the gritty, bad boy of France for the last half-century. But the stunning natural beauty on offer – and the relatively cheaper prices – make it well worth the trip. Thanks to the TGV (high speed rail), you can reach Marseille from Paris Gare de Lyon in just three hours (it’s really not worth flying). Marseille is known for the Calanques–a series of beautiful natural coves just off of its coast. To reach the Calanques National Park (Parc national des Calanques) in Marseille, you will need to take public transport (bus) from the city centre. To reach the equally spectacular port town of Cassis (smaller but cheaper than the French Riviera), it’s just 25 minutes by train from the main railway station, Marseille St-Charles. Enjoy a cool glass of pale Provençal rosé wine or a pastis (usually cheaper than water) or a delicious slice of tarte tropézienne while you’re down south!

 

Preparing to Leave Paris: Our Checklist

Preparing to leave Paris? The Kent Paris office has created a handy checklist of logistical things to consider before hitting the road!

Giving notice on your rental agreement

You should go over your rental agreement and make sure you have fulfilled all obligations stated in it.

In rented accommodation (e.g. through a standard rental contract), you usually need to inform your landlord of your departure at least one month in advance (for furnished flats) and three months in advance for unfurnished flats. This must be done by letter sent registered post (e-mails are not an acceptable way to give notice). The French government provides a handy template here. In rented accommodation, inventory (état des lieux) is done when you move into a flat and when you move out of it. It is at this time that a landlord will assess any damage and then inform you of any charges. An état des lieux must be signed by both parties. If you paid a deposit, ensure that your landlord has your bank details so that your deposit can be returned. Giving notice cannot be done at the last minute, so it is important to know what you have to do and when. A full overview is available here (in French).

Giving notice on other service contracts

You will need to settle or close any accounts that you will no longer need, for example, electricity and gas contracts, internet and phone contracts, housing insurance, gym memberships, and your French bank account. Speak to your bank or service provider to find out what they require you to do. Be mindful that gym memberships in particular typically require advanced (one to two months’) notice.

If you are required to send a letter to close your bank account, the Institut national de la Consommation provides a useful template.

Return borrowed library books

If you have borrowed any library books, return them to avoid having to pay any fines. Settle any fines you have to pay for overdue books.

Friperie – Second-hand Clothes Store. Les Echos.

Donating or recycling articles to eliminate waste

If you find yourself with lots of things you don’t want or can’t take with you when you leave Paris, you can donate or recycle them.

Donating clothes and other household goods

There are a number of ressourceries and charity drop off points throughout the city for items that are in a good state and can be sold on to customers. This map can help you find your nearest donation point. Be sure to check what items are accepted at your chosen drop off point. Ask the Paris office if you are unsure about where or how to drop things off.

Bulkier items such as furniture

The city of Paris has a (free!) service for the collection of bulkier items such as furniture and larger electronics. The process is simple: you indicate which items you would like to get rid of, and choose a collection time. You also choose a collection address, which in most cases will be your address. This is all done online at this website. Once you have registered your request for collection, you will receive a code that you must affix to the items. You then leave your items on the side of the road at the appointed time for collection by the Service des encombrants staff. You are welcome to get in touch with the Paris office if you need help navigating the online system.

Textiles

Clothes and other textiles can be put in one of the textiles collection points across Paris. In most cases, these are large, dark green bins that are found in many locations across the city.

Small appliances that no longer work

Electronics retailers (such as Fnac, Darty, Bricorama) are required by law to have an in-store drop off point for used/broken electronics. If you have a blender that is no longer fit for purpose or a Nespresso machine that has given up the ghost, we recommend taking your small electronics to one of these shops. You are NOT required to have proof of purchase (you could have purchased the broken item from another shop), nor are you required to make a new purchase in store to use the drop-off–simply ask a member of staff if you cannot find the used electronics drop-off point!

Batteries

Batteries contain corrosive materials that can severely damage the environment. For this reason, they must always be recycled and never be thrown in the bin with other waste. Every supermarket in France that sells batteries is required by law to have a drop-off point for used batteries. In most cases, these are small green cardboard stands that sit near shop entrances/exits.

Unsure of how to recycle or get rid of something?

To understand how to recycle other items, the city of Paris has an extensive guide on waste disposal and recycling (in French): https://www.paris.fr/pages/en-2019-paris-vous-facilite-le-tri-6266#tous-les-dechets-se-trient

If you would like advice on how to recycle anything, get in touch with the Kent Paris office for advice (but please do not wait until the last minute!).

Immigration

Do not overstay your allotment of time in France/the Schengen zone. You must leave the country/Schengen zone when your visa expires.

If you came to France benefitting from visa-free travel, you must ensure that you have not spent more than 90 days in France in a 180 day period.

If you are in France on a long-stay visa (visa de long-séjour or VLS), you must ensure that you “validate” it as per instructions provided when you first received your visa. If you did not validate your visa, you run the risk of not being able to re-enter the country in future.

Overstaying can lead to very serious consequences such as being barred from re-entering France/the Schengen zone. It is important to know your legal entitlement and stick to it.

Jardin des Tuileries. 35mm Film @ad.astor

Saying goodbye to Paris (for now!)

Stop by your favourite bakery for one last croissant, visit your favourite watering hole, or prostrate before your favourite work of art – all in anticipation of your next visit back.

Update your contact details in KentVision

Once you have reached your final destination/new place of residence, please update your contact details in KentVision.

Top Image: iStock

Kent alumnus and emeritus professor Abdulrazak Gurnah wins Nobel Prize For Literature 2021

The University is delighted to report that Emeritus Professor Abdulrazak Gurnah has won the Nobel Prize For Literature 2021.   

The Nobel Committee awarded this year’s Prize to Professor Gurnah for ‘his uncompromising and compassionate penetration of the effects of colonialism and the fate of the refugee in the gulf between cultures and continents.’  

The University’s Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Karen Cox was among the first to offer congratulations. She said: ‘On behalf of the entire University I’d like to extend our huge congratulations to Abdulrazak for this tremendous achievement. Abdulrazak is a complete inspiration to all of us – as a teacher, an alumnus of Kent and as such a powerful voice in postcolonial literature. His stories, some of which were first drafted in our very own Templeman Library, have touched millions worldwide and shine a light on human experiences that are so often ignored. We couldn’t be prouder of his success.’  

Dr Bashir Abu-Manneh, Head of the University’s School of English, added: ‘Abdulrazak Gurnah’s writing epitomises our contemporary condition of displacement, violence, and belonging. His is the struggle for individual voice, for justice, for feeling at home in an ever-changing world. No one writing today has articulated the pains of exile and the rewards of belonging so well. Canterbury and Kent are both his exile and home.’ 

Professor Abdulrazak Gurnah was born in 1948 in Zanzibar, Tanzania. He is the author of the highly acclaimed novels Memory of Departure, Pilgrims Way, Dottie, Paradise, which was shortlisted for the 1994 Booker Prize, Admiring Silence, By The Sea, Desertion, The Last Gift, and Gravel Heart. His latest book, Afterlives is published by Bloomsbury. Until his recent retirement, he was professor of English and postcolonial literatures at Kent’s School of English. Professor Gurnah was a member of the Man Booker Prize judging panel in 2016. 

Watch his Think Kent talk on Indian Ocean Journeys here and his reading of The Arriver’s Tale for Refugee Tales here. You can read more about Professor Gurnah’s life and work here.

Ambassador invites Kent MA students to reception at official Residence

University of Kent, Paris students were welcomed by Her Majesty’s Ambassador Sir Peter Ricketts, GCMG GCVO at his official Paris Residence for an evening reception to mark the start of term.
Sir Peter, who is an honorary graduate of the University, enjoyed meeting new MA students as well as staff.
Students were invited on a tour of the Residence, known officially as the Hôtel de Charost, built in the early eighteenth century and once the home of Napoléon Bonaparte’s sister Pauline Borghese. This stately urban mansion was purchased by the Duke of Wellington after Bonaparte’s fall from power, and has been the site of British diplomatic services ever since. The Hôtel de Charost is located just a few doors down from the Presidential Élysée Palace.
Kent guests were invited to tour elegant reception rooms downstairs, and were also offered a rare chance to visit the ambassador’s private study, the Duff Cooper Library, complete with trap door.
After the tour students were invited to a champagne reception hosted by the ambassador and his wife Lady Suzanne Ricketts.
Paris MA students were accompanied by Professor Peter Brown, Academic Director (Paris programmes), Professor Peter Read (SECL), Professor David Welch (History), Professor Catherine Waters (English), Dr Carine Fréville (English), and Dr Derek Ryan (English).