Program Housing: Paris, Boston, and Kasteel Well
Paris College of Art Housing: First-Year Students
For the GBFA program, Paris College of Art follows a progressively independent living model in which students are required to complete their first year of studies in Paris while resident at Les Estudines République* where a resident advisor is available for on-site support. The resident advisor reports to and receives training and support from the Student Life Office at PCA.
Facilities and Amenities
All students live in single studio apartments with a fully equipped kitchenette, en suite bathrooms, internet access and bed linen. They have access to a co-working space, breakfast room, fitness room, laundry facilities, bike storage, as well as twice per month room cleaning services. Les Estudines République also provides on-site support from English-speaking staff who are able to provide assistance to students as needed during business hours.
Activities and Events
The resident advisor programs at least two events per semester for students — one in collaboration with Student Life Office and/or Student Council (to encourage GBFA integration with other PCA students) and another socio-cultural event that gives students an opportunity to discover the city of Paris.
Second- and Third-Year Students
Students are encouraged to continue in student housing as it is often the most cost-effective and hassle-free option. Considering the travel demands of the program, it also tends to be the most suitable since student residences offer more flexibility and a more streamlined administrative process.
Students can also opt for an independent living situation. Typically, students in the GBFA program rent furnished apartments together with their friends, opt to secure their own studio apartments, and sometimes choose to do home stays where they rent a room and live with a French host family.
Finding independent housing in Paris can be challenging. The Student Life Office is available to alleviate some of that pressure by providing students with the necessary tools, guidance, and support in their housing search.
The Student Life Office is available to help students with familiarizing themselves with the Parisian housing market and common renting practices; identifying the required documentation for placing an offer for an apartment; setting up internet/electricity/housing insurance; and getting connected with the appropriate moving services and storage facilities.
*Les Estudines République is an independently-run student residence that has been working with PCA for a number of years.
Emerson College Housing: Summers in Boston
Students will reside in one of Emerson’s five residence halls. Each of our residence halls offers spaces to study, relax, cook, and interact.
Some of our amenities include:
- Wireless internet
- Laundry facilities with the ability to preview machine availability
- Lounge space
- Vending machines
- Kitchen space with microwaves and stovetops
Students may request an exemption to live off-campus in Boston during their final summer in the program. Students interested in this option should contact the Office of Housing and Residential Education to get more information about eligibility requirements and process.
Students who are approved for living off-campus during their final summer term in the program can work with the Off-Campus Student Services (OCSS) Office. OCSS offers programs and services that advocate for commuter needs, educate on off-campus living and increase commuter involvement within the college and Boston, providing a variety of resources free of charge. Off-Campus Student Services also offers advice and counseling on the housing process to students and parents. We can discuss anything from roommate issues and general lease questions to what you can expect to pay while renting.
Summer at Kasteel Well, the Netherlands
Kasteel Well is Emerson's restored 14th-century medieval castle in The Netherlands, and the place you'll call home for your third summer in the program. Here you'll be greeted with a change of scenery, from city to country: The village of Well is a small town in the Dutch countryside filled with numerous walking and cycling paths, idyllic pastures filled with horses and sheep, and beautiful landscapes.
Please note that the housing and dining during the summer program are different from the meal plan and housing offered in the fall and spring terms.
Meals
The castle serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner Monday through Friday, and brunch and dinner on weekends. All meals are served on campus in the cafeteria.
Housing
Each room is different, but nearly all rooms have “high beds” (bunk beds) that you must climb into by ladder. Each bed is a twin (long) and every bunk bed has a desk and wardrobe underneath. Each room has a sink and wall mirror in the room. Two blankets and a pillow will be provided for you. Linens will be provided.
It is best to work out roommate choices ahead of time. If two of you want to live together, you must write each other’s names on the housing form we will send to you. Participants who don’t request specific roommates will be assigned roommates. If you don’t know whom you want to room with, we will try to match you with someone compatible, based on answers to questions asked on the housing form.
Any student with a documented physical disability who cannot climb up the ladder into bed should contact Student Accessibility Services to discuss options.