- leisure travel (surrounding countries)
- food
- school books
- laundry
- buses
-etc
2) How do you set up a bank account in France?
3) Is the dorm residence worth the price or are apartments (more expensive) actually worth the added expense?
4) What are some good savings tips that you guys might have for entering Aix "08-09" students?
5) Is the price for a simple café or coke in Aix approximately 6 euros?
6) Is is true that there are NO free refills on drinks in restaurants in and around Aix?
2 comments:
Jane already answered most of these...but:
3) It really depends on what you want. I like my apartment, and I don't think I'd have enjoyed myself in the dorms. I just don't like them, but I knew that going in. Plus, I've got a washing machine, so I can do my laundry for free and we don't have to pay for heat because it was included. And I've got a tv. So, it's nice and convenient, but the dorms have their benefits, too - more foreigners, MUCH cheaper, etc.
But like I said, I think it's really a personal choice/depends on your budget.
5. No. That's insane...and while the prices are still a bit steeper than they'd be in the US, they're not that ridiculous. A simple cafe is like 2 euro at most, a coke at a cafe is usually between 3,50 and 4. You can get them for cheaper at stores, etc. Hot chocolate is typically the same as a coke at a cafe...
6. True. If you get a coke at a restaurant, drink it slowly or be prepared to buy a second. Your carafe d'eau will be refilled, but anything else, you're going to have to pay for - even at Subway, Quick, or McDonald's. Matter of fact, I was in line once at a Quick (this is Belgium/Europe's idea of McDonald's) where a guy dropped his Coke on the floor right next to the register - instead of getting a free refill for something that couldn't be helped, he had to pay for a second drink.
2. I found it really helpful that Bank of America has a partnership with BNP. It allowed me to withdrawl money from my Bank of America checking account at any BNP and at a great rate, with no fee at all. I suggest you check to see if your bank has any partnerships in France and if not maybe consider opening an account with Bank of America.
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