The Struggles of Renting a Tiny Paris Flat for Almost €500: Student Shows Shocking Conditions

Living in the heart of a bustling capital city is undeniably appealing, but the costs that come with it can be steep. This is precisely the situation faced by one student living in Paris, whose tiny flat has sparked quite a bit of attention on social media. This is prepared by SSP.

Nestled on the 7th floor of a building without an elevator and located in a prime area of the city, this 9 square meter apartment may seem enviable at first glance. However, the eye-watering rental price of €485 (£415) has left many astonished.

Peruvian influencer Natalia Vega, boasting an impressive following of 53,300 on Instagram, recently shared a video showcasing her living quarters. The clip quickly garnered over 958,000 views, inviting disbelief and even comparisons to a "prison cell."

Critics emerged, questioning where Natalia sleeps and describing the apartment as "depressing." Some went as far as to claim that even a jail cell would offer more room, while others lamented the absence of windows, deeming it illegal. Natalia engaged with her audience, explaining that while her living arrangements may seem challenging, she has embraced the opportunity to broaden her horizons.

Addressing the criticisms, she remarked, "Leaving behind a comfortable life is not for the faint-hearted. I love my country and culture, but I've never been happier than I am here. I started truly living when I arrived in Paris. Over the last two years, I've learned so much about the world, met incredible people, and explored numerous European countries. Stepping out of your comfort zone is truly rewarding."

In an interview with local publication g1, Natalia shared her experience as a student in Paris and how she balances her university studies with her work as a social media strategist. Admitting that her 9 square meter living space is small, she revealed that spending the entire day in the library and only returning to her flat to sleep has helped her cope. However, she acknowledged the challenges it poses when working from home, often necessitating visits to cafes for a more comfortable environment. Despite its limitations, Natalia prefers to spend her time outside, opting for the convenience of leaving belongings behind rather than going up and down the stairs constantly.

Responding to some of the comments addressed to her, Natalia expressed surprise at people's lack of understanding regarding this type of living arrangement. Having previously seen similar videos before her move to Paris, she remains unfazed by critics and believes that cultural perspective plays a role in such perceptions.

Looking ahead, Natalia is currently preparing for a move to a larger flat, where she will be sharing it with two roommates. The prospect of an expanded living space, including a bedroom twice the size of her current one, will undoubtedly provide a welcome change after two years of adjusting to life in a tiny Parisian flat.