Université Blaise Pascal: Clermont-Ferrand II (UBP)

Use a Visa check card to draw money out of your account at home at the ATM's. You won't get better rates, and it's very easy to manage money that way. Of course, you have to keep track of what you're withdrawing! Bring a comfortable pair of walking shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking. And bring a pair of shoes to wear out (i.e. not tennis shoes). Most clubs/discotheques do not allow tennis shoes. Meet the locals whenever you have the chance. Speak the local language as much as possible to improve. Make friends with other international students at your school. Keep in touch with them after you get home by sending them a birthday card or Christmas card every year.

I knew French very well. I've studied abroad before. But this time, so many people spoke English, it was difficult to get any French in except in class or out in the stores/restaurants. My French suffered because of that.

If you use the telephone a lot, use a regular phone card (with chip on it) for local calls and an Omni card (with code number on back) to call the United States. Rates work out to be less that way.

Each floor really had its own personality. On my floor, people would come home, close, and lock the doors. They hardly communicated with their neighbors. On other floors, it was like a party. People kept doors open, and the neighbors visited each other a lot. I was surprised to see such a range of "floor personalities," but I enjoyed it. My floor was quiet, but I could down down a couple of floors and visit with people all day long.

Do not miss the Festival du Court Métrage (short film festival), even if you think that type of thing is not your cup of tea. It's very enjoyable. Be sure to see the Rue du Port/Place Delille area of town!