Schools

PSL voices | PSL. PS-what?

Published on April 16, 2024

If you’re already a PSL student, you’ve probably had this conversation dozens of times. It can be a bit tricky to explain our university. Charlotte walks you through it. That way, you can avoid that awkward moment during your next Christmas meal when you have to explain to your aunt what university you attend.

“The first thing is understanding the acronym: PSL stands for “Paris Sciences et Lettres”: a name that shows both the location of the university’s campuses in the heart of the capital and the multidisciplinary nature of the programs it offers.

After that, I often use the metaphor of the European Union to talk about PSL, since it’s a university made up of 11 schools grouped together under the same name – a bit like the EU. For example, there’s Dauphine PSL, Ecole Nationale Supérieure - PSL, Observatoire de Paris - PSL, along with many others.
Everyone who studies at one of these schools is at once a student at that school and a PSL student.

For certain programs, you can also be a student at several schools at the same time (almost like having dual nationality!). And other programs aren’t connected to one specific PSL school: Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Degrees and my program: the Sustainability Sciences Bachelor’s degree. Yeah, I know, it’s a bit complicated, but after a few days at PSL you’ll be up to speed.

Still with me? Good, let’s keep going.

Each school has its own identity, student services, student organizations and Student Council and its own campus, but there’s also a shared Université PSL identity. This major university offers a wide range of services for all PSL students: a student health service, a housing service, a helpline for victims of harassment, discrimination and sexual and gender-based violence, a Student Athletics Council (over 40 sports offered!), a Welcome Desk for international students, and more! And there’s an umbrella Student Council for the entire university, the PSL Union.

PSL campuses are spread out across Paris (though many are located in the Latin Quarter in the 5th arrondissement), accommodating the university’s 17,000 students and 2,900 researchers. You can get from one campus to another on foot, bike, or using public transportation.

So, there you go, now you can – finally – explain your university to your friends and family. But don’t worry, all PSL students have a bit of trouble understanding their university at first (especially international students), it’s almost part of our identity!”