Université Jean Moulin: Lyon III

The university campus was not too bad but I still preferred the private accomodation. It was more expensive but with the help from the government (most people can apply for it), it turned out to be quite a good bargain.

There is a part of Lyon called "vieux Lyon", that is the old part of the city. It is a nice area to go to both during the day and at night. I must say that at night it was really a charming place with the old streets, welcoming cafes and pubs. This was definetely the area where we spent most of our night life.

When you go to France you must take out with you several documents as they will definetely come in useful, whether you have to open a bank account or apply for financial help towards your rent. You have to realise that you will come across some bureacracy that you are not used to in UK. Going to another country can be difficult for some people, especially if it is the first time you live abroad and the culture is quite different from yours. However, if you are patient and realise that it can take some time to adapt and you are aware that customs and lifestyles are different everywhere in the world, you will have an excellent time. One last piece of advice, which I think is the most important, do mix with local people or at least try to stay with other international students with whom you do not speak your native language. Everywhere I have been I have seen this happening: Italians mix with Italians, French mix with French and so on. I know it is easier to mix with people from the same culture and background as yours but it is a real shame to waste your year like this. You will regret it when it comes to speak that foreign language, or when you travel around the world and do not have a friend to go to. Just make the most of this experience. It has been the best in my entire life.

I did not experience any financial surprises and unfortunately neither cost-saving tips.

At the beginning it was really difficult to understand French people. I would say that after a couple of months I started feeling quite confortable. By the end of it I was totally fluent and understood every single word, including typical expressions and slung. I remember listening often to certain words and thinking I will never use them. Well, already after a few months I was using them without even realising it.