Meaning
To attend a university for higher education.
Cultural Background
University is almost free in France for citizens and EU residents, which makes 'étudier à l'université' a very common path for all social classes. In Quebec, the term 'Cégep' is used for the bridge between high school and university. You only 'étudier à l'université' after completing Cégep. The University Cheikh Anta Diop in Dakar is one of the most prestigious in Africa. 'Étudier à l'université' is seen as a major achievement and a gateway to civil service. In Belgium, the term 'faculté' is used very frequently, even in formal settings, more so than in France.
Use 'la fac' with peers
If you want to sound like a local student, use 'la fac'. It's the most natural way to talk about university life.
Watch the 'à l''
Never say 'à la université'. The 'a' and 'u' clash, so we always use the contraction 'l''.
Meaning
To attend a university for higher education.
Use 'la fac' with peers
If you want to sound like a local student, use 'la fac'. It's the most natural way to talk about university life.
Watch the 'à l''
Never say 'à la université'. The 'a' and 'u' clash, so we always use the contraction 'l''.
Specify your major
Add 'en' + your subject to sound more advanced: 'J'étudie le droit à l'université'.
The 'Resto U'
If you study at a French university, you will definitely hear about the 'Resto U'. It's a key part of the experience!
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing preposition and article.
Marie veut étudier ___ université de Bordeaux.
We use 'à' for location/institution and 'l'' because 'université' starts with a vowel.
Which sentence is the most natural for a student talking to a friend?
Comment dis-tu 'I am at uni' à un ami ?
'La fac' is the common informal term used among students.
Match the French phrase with its English equivalent.
Match the following:
Understanding these nuances is key to avoiding false friends.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Qu'est-ce que tu fais l'année prochaine ? B: Je vais ________ à l'université de Lyon.
After 'vais' (aller), we use the infinitive form of the verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formal vs Informal
Practice Bank
4 exercisesMarie veut étudier ___ université de Bordeaux.
We use 'à' for location/institution and 'l'' because 'université' starts with a vowel.
Comment dis-tu 'I am at uni' à un ami ?
'La fac' is the common informal term used among students.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Understanding these nuances is key to avoiding false friends.
A: Qu'est-ce que tu fais l'année prochaine ? B: Je vais ________ à l'université de Lyon.
After 'vais' (aller), we use the infinitive form of the verb.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsYes, it is very common and means 'I am going to university' (either right now or as a general life path).
'Étudier' is the verb for the action, while 'faire ses études' is a set phrase describing the whole period of being a student.
It is feminine (une université), but because it starts with a vowel, we use 'l'' instead of 'la'.
Only to refer to middle school. Never use it for university!
You say 'Je suis diplômé de l'université' or 'J'ai fini mes études à l'université'.
No, it's just informal. It's perfectly fine with friends, family, and even some teachers in a relaxed setting.
It's a department within a university (e.g., the Faculty of Law). 'La fac' comes from this word.
It's better to say 'Je suis au lycée' or 'J'étudie au lycée', but 'étudier à l'université' is a specific collocation for higher ed.
J'étudie à distance or J'étudie en ligne.
It's the university residence or dorms.
Yes: 'J'étudie à l'université de Paris'.
Yes, you can say 'J'étudie pour mon examen à l'université'.
Short for 'Resto U' (Restaurant Universitaire).
Almost. There are small registration fees, but it is largely subsidized by the government.
Related Phrases
Faire ses études
similarTo pursue one's education
Aller à la fac
informalTo go to uni
Passer un examen
builds onTo take an exam
Obtenir un diplôme
builds onTo get a degree
S'inscrire à l'université
specialized formTo enroll in university
