Get to know this university
its surroundings and accommodation
Founded in 1872
4,100 students
1,640 international students
1 Faculty
Offers courses in English
Has partnered with Housing Anywhere since 2015
The campus is easy to become acquainted with, especially with plenty of helpful students and staff members to point you in the right direction if you lose your way. The university is also proud to showcase the "Learning Hub", which is their new library. This is a wonderful place to work, co-work and study. It is inspired by Google open spaces, where startups can access the same area with shared amenities and equipment.
Also new on campus is the cafeteria, offering a variety of dining choices. There is also a Starbucks, as well as a university bar. The bar plays host to events like Happy Hours and Afterworks for students.
While the sporting center may not be brand new like the cafeteria and the library, it still has all of the elements needed for a great workout or some after-school activities. There’s a gym, workout machines, tennis and a dojo. You can also find areas to practice a variety of additional sports.
First, let’s learn about the school that you’ll be attending. EM Lyon is one of France’s leading business schools. Founded in 1872 in Lyon, France, by the area’s business community, the business school is highly ranked. According to the Financial Times, its MSc in Management (the Grande Ecole program) is ranked 11th in the world, and its MBA program is currently ranked 92nd in the world.
Programs at EM Lyon focus on three main areas of study. These include: Social Responsibility, Entrepreneurship and Internationalisation.
These are the Bachelor's programmes and courses.
These are the Masters programmes and courses.
The school has over 4,100 students, with 40% international from over 80 different countries.
They also boast well-known alumni, such as Jean-Pascal Tricoire (Schneider Electric CEO), Stephane Bern (a French journalist) and Gilles Alix (Boloré CEO).
The school is located in the small city of Ecully, which is conveniently situated 30 minutes away from Lyon. While the campus is large, there is not a lot of nightlife or activities in Ecully, so many students choose to live in nearby Lyon.
If you do choose to stay in Ecully, it is a short walk from the school to the city centre, or there is also a bus route. Once there, you will find some small shops, along with a grocery store, banks, a post office and a chemist. The Ecully Grand Ouest Shopping Centre is popular with both locals and visitors. It is home to a variety of stores selling books, jewelry, clothes and much more. There are also restaurants and the Carrefour hypermarket.
When students choose to eat off-campus, the Ecole Centrale University Restaurant is a popular choice. It is a short five-minute walk from the school.
The Lyon city centre can be reached via bus in just over 20 minutes. Students can find restaurants, shopping, the theatre and cinemas. Bus tickets are only €1.70, and they can be bought from conveniently located machines.
How to get to the EM Lyon Business School campus
Option 1
Going toward Vaulx-en-Velin la Soie, take the Metro line A
Exit at Bellecour
Going toward Gare de Vaise, take the Metro line D
Exit at Gorge de Loup
Going toward, Limonest, take Bus Number 3 (from the top of the stone steps)
Exit at Ecully Grandes Ecoles
Option 2
Going toward Gare d'Oullins, take the Metro Line B
Exit at Saxe Gambetta
Going toward Gare de Vaise, take the Metro Line D
Exit at Gorge de Loup
Going toward Limonest, take Bus Number 3 (from the top of the stone steps)
Exit at Ecully Grandes Ecoles
Before going to EM Lyon, you should learn a bit more about the city itself. I live in Paris, so thinking about moving to Lyon, which is 400 km away, seemed almost like completely uprooting to a foreign city. However, exchange students typically feel a bit of unease initially, no matter how far away their destination.
But Lyon is a phenomenal city, and it is very easy for an international student to become familiar with. Plus, I will let you know all of the secrets and helpful tips that I learned while living in Lyon.
Some of the most exciting areas of Lyon are the Old Town, located in the 5th Arrondissement, and "the island". A popular cafe among students is The Luminarium, which is located in Old Town. You’ll be sure to find dozens more cafes and restaurants that you love, including the Bouchon, which generally serve authentic French food.
Presqu’île
This elegant, upscale locale is located in the 1st, 2nd and 4th Arrondissements. It is situated between the Saône and Rhône rivers. This area, which is almost an island, is the bustling center for all the action. You can expect a varied nightlife scene, high-end dining and plenty of designer shopping.
If you’re looking for gourmet food, you will be sure to find it in Rue Mercière. Be sure to try
l’Epicérie, a popular French restaurant, also known for its pastries.
Vieux Lyon
This beautiful, historical neighborhood is in the 5th Arrondissement. It is a Unesco World Heritage Site, due to its romantic, well-preserved renaissance buildings. However, even though its architecture speaks of a more serene time, this neighborhood if full of bustling Irish pubs and cafes that stay open late, some with special live entertainment.
If you are prepared to reward your taste buds while in Lyon, Vieux Lyon is definitely the place. It is home to the well-known Bouchons Lyonnais, which definitely explains why Lyon has often been referred to as France’s gastronomic capital.
Croix Rousse
Located in the 1st and 4th Arrondissements, Croix Rousse is positioned on a hill, offering lovely views. It is also known for its silk trade and the vibrancy of its residents. This neighborhood is often referred to as a smaller Montmarte, as it’s a thriving village in its own right. After going through a bit of gentrification, it is now a hip, artistic area that boasts plenty of green spaces, fresh markets, delectable dining, boisterous bars and wonderful schools.It is also host to a wide network of traboules, also popular in Vieux Lyon.
Fourvière Hill
Situated in the 5th Arrondissement, this often serene neighborhood is popular with residents who want to "get away from it all". It is also noted as one of the best areas to live when you have a family.
The imposing Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière is located here, giving Fourvière Hill the nickname of "the hill that prays". This lovely piece of architecture can be viewed from most places in Lyon, as well as surrounding cities. In fact, Mont Blanc can be seen from the top of the Basilica on a very clear day.
Many residents love the area for its numerous parks and other green spaces. Parc des Hauteurs and Parc de la Visitation afford breathtaking views of Lyon’s city skyline.
Brotteaux
Located in the 6th Arrondissement, Brotteaux is Lyon’s most luxurious neighborhood. However, it is also known to be very nice for those with small children, with a safe, upper-class atmosphere. The 6th Arrondissement is arguably Lyon’s most expensive, yet most family-friendly district. This area is one of the best places for those who seek a safe environment to raise their children.
Plus, the neighborhood is overflowing with attractions and culture. There’s the well-known Parc de la Tête d’Or or the free zoo. On a warm day, you can rent a paddle boat and relax on the lake this summer. Brotteaux also offers many options for a good meal, as well as thrilling nightlife and upscale shopping.
Guillotière and Its Surrounding Areas
Situated in the 3rd and 7th Arrondissements, this might just be Lyon’s most diverse neighborhood, perfect for those who want to experience new and fascinating cultures.
Students just love its understated charm, so it is very popular for student housing. Plus, it is moderately priced and close to the city centre. There are also three major universities located in Guillotière, including the Sciences Po campus, Université Lyon 2 and Université Lyon 3.
This area is also known for its specialized cafes, which cater to vegans and vegetarians, as well as those who may be on special diets. There are also a slew of alternative bars and exciting nightlife options.
While the housing prices have risen over the past few years, students on a budget can still find affordable housing that is close to activities and university campuses.
Lyon offers many private residences with rooms or small apartments available for lease. Students can expect the rent to be somewhere between 400€ and 650€ each month. Be aware that there will also be administrative fees and possibly a caution.
PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION
If you are interested in private accommodations, there are several different types and options to choose from. A studio will typically rent for about 550€, while an apartment with one bedroom can generally be 600€ per month.
If you’d like a larger space that you can share with other students, a 2-bedroom apartment usually starts at 800€. A 3-bedroom can have the expected rent of 900€ and up. Of course, these estimated prices can also depend on the neighborhood as well.
If you are looking for private accommodation or other short-term housing, be sure to check out Housing Anywhere. You can find affordable housing in your favorite neighborhood today!
Student associations are a big part of a university, especially for international students. This is why EM Lyon places such an emphasis on offering a variety of organizations for students to join.
International students are assisted greatly by the BDI, which is the Bureau des Internationaux (Internationals Association). They offer over 30 areas to become involved with, including arts, extreme sports, wine tastings, karting, diners, skiing and much more. The BDI will definitely ensure that you are never bored while at EM Lyon!
The BDE, Bureau des élèves (Student life association), is known for organizing dozens of fun events and parties. They center around music, so expect many different atmospheres and genres, being sure to offer something for everyone’s unique tastes.
If you’re looking for the associations, each one has a room that is specifically dedicated to them and their events. Many are located on the fourth floor. All members of the associations wear their specially colored pull, so it is easy to spot them on campus.