NEOMA Business School

The usual student hangouts like Velvet, Bayou, O'Kallaghans, Murphys, Highlands and Big Ben get boring after about the second time you've been there. I would recommend Nash and Le Trio if you're looking for a change. Don't miss the open bar parties organised by the BDE and BDS, especially the soirée parrainage normally held at La Hacienda. Between 10-20 euros per person, but well worth it, although no beer; free drinks are spirits. There is a huge funfair in November, right next to the river in the city, which is excellent for an evening's entertainment. If you fancy the cinema, then check out the Melville, which shows international/art films, on Tuesday nights for their student discounts.

The first apartment I was shown by my landlord was a complete dump, right on the other side of the city, near the hospital. After some persuasion, he gave me another apartment, about twice as big, about 3 minutes from the city centre. So after this first hitch, everything went smoothly, and my rent was reasonable after taking the CAF allowance into account. I would definitely recommend an apartment in the centre if you're staying for the whole year. It means taking a bus to school every day, but this only takes 10-15 minutes. From what I saw of the halls of residence, here are my opinions; Arc: big rooms, posh, a long bus ride to the school, nspeak english all the time; Ango: almost prison-like, small rooms, but fairly good atomsphere among all the exchange students; La Pleiade: largeish apartments shared between two, 10 minute walk to the school, midnight bus goes directly there.

Had very few problems communicating with french students and staff at the school. However, the french population do not always take account that you are foreign, and will not make allowances when they are talking to you.

Société Générale (large French bank) charge you about 6 euros a month just to have an account with them, which wasn't communicated to those who opened an account. Apply for the CAF; although it takes a long time and it's a hassle, it is worth it. Buy a Carte 12-25 for train travel, as it also gives you money off car hire and Eurostar.

Travel as much as you can as you may never have the opportunity to do so again. Use the low-cost airlines and the cheap train fares. I had a great time, and made loads of friends that I wouldn't have had the opportunity to meet otherwise. My advice is get out there and make the effort to speak French and get to know the french students. Staying within the exchange student group can be dull as you'll be speaking English all the time.