Someone emailed me asking if I can tell something about myself, so here is a whole blogpost.

My name is Alexander (Alex or Sasha for short), I am 19 and for these 19 years I've been living in Moscow, Russia.

I always had passion for creativity, whether it was music, fashion or drawing. But to me, music has always been the biggest inspiration.

A big turning point in my life was discovering post-punk and punk as a music genre and most importantly "Unknown Pleasures" by Joy Division. This album made a huge impact on me, because later I discovered Raf Simons' collection with references from Joy Division and it was my first introduction to high fashion.

Music continued to influence me a lot, because I later discovered that punk isn't just a music genre, it is a lifestyle and a fashion movement. Around the same time I started making my own pieces (hoodies and a blazer jacket) and ultimately decided that I want to continue moving in this direction.

I studied business administration in Moscow for a year, but I was sure that I will do my best to pursue my dream of studying fashion management, as my ultimate goal is opening my own concept-store possibly in Moscow.

I discovered IFM in late september of 2023 and I knew from the very start that Management in Creative Industries there is the program I've been looking for. I had an opportunity to visit Paris in March of 2024 and I consider that during those 5 days my final decision of moving has been made.

You don't even want to know how hard it is to travel from Moscow now

Before COVID struck me and my mum used to go to Berlin every month, go to Italy in Summer and Austria for winter holidays. Every flight to Europe used to take just 3-4 hours. Another interesting fact - our family once took a train ride to Finland, it was magnificent! Of course, it is not possible now

Now, I need to fly to Paris with a layover in Serbia. This was the flight with the shortest travel time - just over 7 hours. As I said before, I am only travelling with 1 suitcase, and even though it is enough for me I will still need to go back to Moscow to take my winter clothes.

Just landed today.

My girlfriend came to see me too! We decided to go to Anti Public Library

It is my favourite place in Paris. To make it simple - it is a curated book and vinyl record store. They have an outstanding collection of punk and experimental music, as well as peculiar (and sometimes controversial) books, portfolios and magazines.

For example, when we walked in, an album "Seppuku" by a french band "Taxi Girl" was playing. First edition of this almbum comes in a sealed envelope, so you have to cut it open, performing "seppuku" on your record.

We later got ourselves ice tea and chose gifts for each other. I got issue #6 of "Rock Magazine" - japanese music editorial.

In my opinion, if you are looking for inspiration - go to Anti Public Library, as it is the best place to discover underground, DIY and avant-garde culture first-hand.

Surprisingly, Paris isn't much different from my hometown.

Moscow blends so many cultures together and so does Paris. You can see that while walking down any street. You will see art galleries, museums.

Also restaraunts, and I am not talking about russian cuisine. I truly believe that the easiest way to discover foreign culture is trying the food and in Paris (quite like in Moscow) there are so many restaraunts and cafes to discover and every single one is unique in their own way.

It also feels good every time I hear my native language not only when calling my family, but sitting in a bakery, strolling down the city centre or sitting on a park bench.

You can also find lots of Russian vinyl records, books and souvenirs. For example, I found a coffee table at Marché Dauphine with an image of Lenin. Even though it is not really my culture, it still managed to impress me a lot and I am considering purchasing it for my apartment.

I week has passed since I arrived in Paris.

When I was first thinking about moving, I thought about how great it will be to finally live on my own, moreover live on my own in such an interesting place.

I really underestimated the amount of responsibilities I now have, from doing laundry without a washing machine to trying to find a permanent place to live.

Since my first day I've been living in AirBnb, which isn't great to be honest. It is very loud, small, moldy, expensive and most importantly lonely.

It never occured to me that just calling my family and friends will not be enough. My parents can't help me with anything like laundry or cooking for example.

Hope it gets better, everyone is very supportive, even though they can't really help. I just hope for the best!

Finally found a place to stay!

By pure coincidence it is one block away from my first ever hotel in Paris. It is in the 5th arrondisement, has a second floor, roof windows and most importantly - a washing machine. Counting days till I can move in.

On another note, I miss music quite a lot. So I found myself a vinyl record player and I really hope to purchase it when I move into my new apartment.

I also found a place to buy a used guitar. I really want to start playing again, maybe I can also find band members at my university.

I now rent my place oficially! Finally, I can say that Paris almost feels like home. The only downside is the fact that it smells like fresh paint.

It gets easier to navigate Paris everyday, I discovered lots of interesting places, areas and people. My goal now is to learn french and be able to communicate with everyone even better.

For now, everything turned out great.

To me, future seems bright. I have a whole academic year ahead with lots of possibilities to work, change and express myself.

I am almost home