Université Jean Moulin: Lyon III

I spent more everywhere largely because the Euro was worth somewhere around 1.5 Canadian dollars. But I probably spent the same amount on food because I found inexpensive grocery stores and snacked a lot less than I snack in Canada. Also, in Canada there are plenty of places to eat early in the morning after a night of drinking, but not in France - nothing is open past 2am. So I wasn't even able to waste money on food at those hours. Mobile phone plans are expensive, unless you get a year's contract, but I couldn't since I was only on exchange for a semester. And obviously I spent more on travel because I'd never been to Europe before so I took advantage. But transportation is very reasonably priced in Europe.

Phone calls are more expensive in France than in Canada. I also had a mobile (which I don't normally have at home), so that also contributed. I went out more often in Lyon. Travelling - well, I did as much as I could, including seeing more of France than most French people have, and a one-month adventure in Germany, Czech Republic, Austria and Switzerland.

Living standards in France are very similar to UK so I did not find much difference in terms of expenses. It also depends on where you stay, therefore Lyon being a big city you would expect it to be more expensive than smaller towns.

Prices are just lower in general, especially for food. Nightlife is unaffordable though... The best way to get alcohol is to buy it in supermarket and socialize at friends's place...

I usually live with my parents and I don't use to travel so much during the academic period. Nightlife in Barcelona is much more expensive than Lyon because French people do parties at home.

I wanted to make the most of my time in France and thought that my travel expenses were worthwhile.