Université de Savoie

The only thing is I wish I had been better informed of the housing situation.

I would reccomend the area, the culture is very friendly and accomodating. The University however I felt was accademicaly unorganised. I would definately reccomend the area, particular if you're interested in winter sports as this is a prime location for carrying these out.

I didn't have to pass any exams, so my view is probably different to that of someone who had to - I think I would find it tough going if I had to. I only had to study courses worth 30 ECTS points. At the beginning of the year I started several courses, then dropped the ones I disliked until I was down to 30pts. I didn't do the exams, although that was more to save 440€ rent, not because I particularly disliked the exams. For some reason it was much easier to get to know other international students than French students; I'm not really sure why that is. For some reason French uni classes are like being in school, with, in my experience, more formal teacher-student relationships than in Britain (the teacher is called "monsieur" (well, assuming he's male); once the classroom was empty, but everyone waited until he had entered before they went in).

There's way, way, way too much bureaucracy. That's a general trend in French life, but the university's no different.

Food and drink were more expensive in France when I was living there. In order to meet people I went out a bit more than I would if I were at home so spent more on nightlife. I wanted to see the surronding areas and with main cities beig linked by good rail networks I travelled around alot but trains are very good value for money in France so i spent less.

First year courses in France are always packed so you might find yourself 100 rows back in an auditorium finding it hard to hear much, so if you are after more interaction with the lecturers try and access second year lectures. I was allowed to choose my subjects which gave me a chance to try out subjects I wouldnt be able to take in my home university.

The lecturers will not make any allowances for students working in a second language which is really useful for throwing yourself into the language but means that you can potentially be left behind. A pauiring up system might help this, with french students offering help in certain subjects in exchange for language lessons.