Université de la Méditerranée Aix-Marseille II Reviews

Type of housing: On campus

Arranged by: Host university

If returning, I would choose: On campus

Why? I managed to meet so many people by just crossing them in the corridor. Later, as I became more involved in the university's sports' teams etc, I felt a part of the community and enjoyed the atmosphere even if they weren't ideal living conditions -cheap though!

Personal comments:
Admittedly the halls were a bit old and the kitchens more basic than I was used to but I was there for a lot more than to spend time in my room. Luckily the south of France is warm and the whole of the experience more than made up for it. Also, as I mentionned in Q4, they were very cheap so it's difficult to complain.

Describe host city: Students interact with the local community without much university involvement

Activities: Takes place mostly within the university/student environment

Travel: Takes place mostly outside the university/student environment

Nightlife: Takes place both within and outside of the university/student environment

Personal comments:
Clubs are open late in France meaning you don't need to go out too early like you do in the UK. Meeting at around midnight before hitting the nightlife was common. This way it's possible to have a decent meal, relax (even have a little snooze in preparation!) and not be in a rush. There were also plenty of other events with a student cinema on campus and so many things to go and see in the region I really feel as if I made the most of it.

Course recommendations:
It's up to you to make the effort. Some places are more steadfast than others about want they want you to do but at university level there are plenty of options. If you want to work on a certain topic then go and see the people and make it happen. Most people will understand that you're there to experience as much as possible and will not stand in your way as long as you still do the required amount of work.

Personal comments:
Not really - I felt they had the balance about right by splitting our time between lab work and courses. The exams were tricky especially at Christmas when my French still had some improvement to make but the final exams really showed me how much progress I had made.

Language of instruction: French

Main source of funding:
Family

Other sources of funding:
An ERASMUS grant

Work opportunities:
I didn't want/need to work

Personal spending habits:
Food, Housing and Nightlife are all cheaper in France than in England. I spent more on my phone simply as I had a pay as you go French simcard as opposed to a contract, and spent a lot on transport as I travelled extensively, in town however transport on buses is very reasonable.

Travel, Telephone: was more expensive than at home.

Food, Nightlife, Overall, Housing: was less expensive than at home.

I wish I had known...
Not really to be honest - you have to do a bit of research and preparation yourself anyway.

In my opinion:
Most people loved it.