Well I can safely say that I have learnt a whole new meaning
of the word ‘unorganised’! Who knew that going to university in a different
country would require so much paperwork?! Maybe I should have guessed! Let’s
just say that the university staff aren’t exactly speedy at getting anything
done! The first week has gone by in a blur of standing in queues, being
confused, getting stressed (and eating ice cream to cheer us up) and gazing in
awe at the magnificent views of the Alps. We have spent our first week without
our student cards. This means that we couldn’t get on the internet in our halls
of residence, we couldn’t get money cards and so couldn’t eat in the university
restaurants (3 euros for a 3 course meal!) and we couldn’t apply for CAF
(funding from the French government for accommodation) – one little card is so
important! We took our laptops to university most days last week to get on
eduroam using our Aberdeen login details – times are tough! But when you look
past all of the administration, the university is amazing. It is set in such a
great location and everyone is so cheery. Hannah and I have been out exploring
the city and trying to become French (including plenty of wine!).
On Sunday we decided to do the tourist thing! We went up la
bastille on the cable cars and the views are breath taking! After having some
lunch at the top, we came down to go on the tourist train round the city.
Definitely worth the cheesy music and funny looks we got from people as we went
round the city.
Yesterday our classes started - no amount of French language
classes could have prepared me for what was in store! All you can do is try to
type as much as possible! It was helpful to sit behind someone who had a laptop
as I could make sure I was on the right lines with some things! Hopefully it
will get better – watch this space!
Today I got my student card – hurray! The internet is
finally working and I have submitted my application for CAF. Next step: money
cards!
No comments:
Post a Comment