France opens up €1 meals to all university students

A scheme offering €1 meals at French universities has been expanded to include all students.

The measure came into force today (May 4) and allows all enrolled students (undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral candidates, and certain volunteers) to eat at university-run canteens under the Crous banner for €1.

Previously, the €1 meal rate was only available for bursary students from low-income households, with others having to pay €3.30.

Available once per sitting per student (meaning they can have a €1 at both lunch and dinner) the meal consists of a main and up to two sides – starter, cheese, dessert, or fruit.

Meals vary but mains usually consist of a meat/fish option as well as a vegetarian choice.

Crous restaurants are found in and near student campuses in major university towns and cities.