Université de Droit, d'Economie et des Sciences: Aix-Marseille III

After all the i's were dotted and the whatnot, I spent roughly 14,000-16000 for the ten month period which included everything from my flight etc. It was expensive not doubt, but in reality I could have avoided a few thousand. Myself, like many other students spent an exuberant amount of money the first two months going out and wasting money on needless activities because we were unfamiliar with the system in France. Had I known what I know now I am certian that I could have lived on substantially less. ALso realize that there are financial aid for students in France like the CAF that would have aided in the financial burden. In short Aix is expensive, but well worthwhile, and there are many students who live off of 600E a month and do fine. I just had an inclination to travel all over western europe and go out 3-4+ times a week...

Not knowing lot of people initially cause more outgoings than it would have been had I been familiar with places that would have help me save more cash

Student accomodation is a lot cheaper in France. It is also easier and cheaper to buy fresh food. I spent more on travel simply due to the fact that, being on mainland europe, I was eager to see as much as possible

I spend less money on nightlife because there where so many private student parties. I didn t have to pay for entrance or expensive drinks

life in the south of France is just more expensive than home, and they say that Aix is the second most expensive city outside of Paris!

Life in Aix is just more expensive. The products in the supermarket is more expensive. Also the fact that it's a special experience and you want to make the most of it leads to spending more money than usual.