ESSCA

ESSCA set every international student up with a bank account at Société Générale, in rue d'Alsace. Unfortunately there was only two SocGén auto-teller machines in all Angers that would accept the bank card for cash withdrawals. French banks such as SocGen are fraught with niggly fees which are over the top, be prepared. Save by withdrawing large lumps of cash from your home bank (through Cirrus/Maestro) at the ATMs. Definitely apply for a visa longer than 6 months and apply for the 'Carte de Sejour'. This is essentially residency status, and entitles you to receive rent subsidy from the government through the Société Sociale (the "CAF"). But expect bureaucratic bungling and maybe even an unexplained rejection of your application. Again, ESSCA will help you do this. You should definitely go to the city hall of Angers and apply in person for a 'Carte Partinaire' which will entitle you to half-price bus tickets, cinema tickets, etc; a good saving. Anf get the SNCF '12-25' railcard for cut-price train tickets.

accomodation: be early booking your accomodation with ESSCA and make sure you get Rue Max Richard, for example (house with 5 international flats, very nice ones)or try to get a place in the dormitory take the free bike! go to Lac de Maine!