Zhaoke LUO's experience, PhD student at INSERM

On The June 12, 2023

Zhaoke Luo, PhD student at the SBRI laboratory tells us about his experience with Espace Ulys!

Why did you choose Université de Lyon for your research?

I picked my laboratory [SBRI- Stem cell and brain research institute] because it matched with the scientific question I want to work on in my future career, but usually such a big decision is formed by several things such as my aspirations and the fact that Université de Lyon has excellent doctoral schools. Also, the city of Lyon has character and it attracted me with its philosophical, artistic, and scientific culture.

How did you hear about Espace Ulys and why did you use our services?

Before I arrived in Lyon, I faced some difficulties while looking for accommodation, and I was also trapped by my poor French when trying to contact real estate agencies. During that time of struggle, when I started in my laboratory, a colleague of mine told me that I could ask Espace Ulys for help. So, I wrote to them, and the service helped me a lot. They helped me find accommodation with EMH [Est Métropole Habitat – Social landlord] in the Résidence Séoul in Villeurbanne and it’s very nice and close to my laboratory, so I am really grateful.

What are the advantages, according to you, for foreign researchers/PhD students signing up to Espace Ulys?

For me, I think Espace Ulys gives a chance to someone like me, a newcomer from abroad, to integrate smoothly into the city and campus life without all the anxiety of facing the potential challenges of the administrative processes.

What advice would you give to future researchers/PhD students coming to Lyon?

I think the preparation required for European residents and non-European countries’ residents may be different, but there are two things that everyone needs to do. First, start looking for accommodation in advance because it can be quite hard and time-consuming, and second, register for Espace Ulys right away.

According to you, what symbolizes Lyon?

I think Lyon is like drinking coffee at a café during a sunny afternoon, it’s very pleasant, peaceful. I like the fact that in Lyon you have that contrast of peacefulness in an active city. I like Lyon because it’s a big city, but it’s not like Paris. Paris is very crowded but here it is the perfect balance.

As you got funding for your thesis, how did you find the procedure?

I received funding from the Chinese government. That is because my home university in China has a partnership with Université de Lyon. First, I had to apply to a foreign university and once I was accepted, I applied for a scholarship through the China Scholarship Council. The fact that Université de Lyon is one of the top universities and is very cooperative made my choice easier, because it took a lot of time to think about whether I wanted to come or not but knowing that I could receive a funding for my thesis made my it easier for me to make this decision.

[For more information about the Joint Université de Lyon and China Scholarship Council (CSC) PhD program]

Crédits photographiques - Université de Lyon