Université Montesquieu - Bordeaux IV

If you plan on using a French bank, you need to be aware of the hidden costs. Some banks charge if you withdraw money from atms which do not belong to that bank. Others (including mine) allow you four withdrawals free a month from an atm machine which is not linked to your institution. Other charges levied include; a charge to set up a standing order, a charge each time the standing order is paid, a charge to set up a direct debit, a charge to transfer money, a charge to close accounts and there is no interest given unless you open a specific savings account!! Whilst it is true that you will probably save money by opening a bank account in France and transferring a lump sum from an english bank at the beginning of the year (which is what i did) to save on interest/commission charges, you need to be careful as French banks do not seem to be regulated by any independant body and therefore, each instituion has its own rules and charges.

I had heard from former erasmus students not to go live on campus because it was so horrible. I haven't experienced it myself but I did notice that a lot of students who did house on campus, changed after a month or so, and looked for a place in the centre. Apparently, it's just really dirty, you have no privacy, it's small and noisy. Besides, there's nothing to do on campus, it's a bunker, there are no bars or dancings or even restaurants!

On-campus accommodation is terrible. The room sizes are around 9 - 10 metres squared, awfully dirty and with very little light. Kitchens are usually shared between three floors and there is only one two ring hob, a cupboard and a belfast sink. There are bathrooms on each floor, however there is only one toilet and two shower cubicles in each. Of course, the rent is only cheap (120eur p.c.m 2005 -2006) and the location is excellent for all those 8.30am lectures but it is definately not something I would recommend!