NEOMA Business School

The banking account was free. If you travel, book at least 2 weeks in advance - you can get amazing deals. Especially if you use discount airlines, such as easyjet, ryanair and aerlingus. Eurolines buses are pretty cheap too. And if you'll most use the SNCF (for train travel within France), definitely get the Carte 12-25. You'll save 50% on almost all journeys. You can ust the school's computers for the internet. You can also get a WiFi card from the international office for free (but with a deposit). But WiFi only works in 1 building. If you want internet in your room, it gets expensive (I think 25EUR/mth with limited up/downloads). For the phone: you don't really need one - you can call payphone-to-payphone and use calling cards. If you decide you need one, get a cellphone - they're actually cheaper than a landline. You can get a cheap one at Carrefour and pay as you go. Oh, and North American cell phones don't work in Europe, unless yours is tri-band.

Opening a bank account in France is often compicated, bring all official forms you have with you just in case!! Also keep in mind when using "carte bleu", the local bank card, that you might go on debit, although the bank doesn't tell you this when you get the card. And interest rate is high, sure enough...

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.

Stay out of O'Kallaghan's. Buy yourself a six-pack for 2€ in the local épicerie.

Bring peanut butter and soup packets if you really want to save. On the first day of orientation the ESC sets up a table with leftover dishes and appliances for the last semester.

Live with friends, it makes the rent much cheaper.