Moving in tomorrow!

Well this isn't too bad, isn't it?

Tomorrow I head off to Grenoble and to move in and get to know people - should be very exciting!

Over the last few days I've mainly spent my time with my family in the surrounding Isere region, taking in the countryside and brushing up on my French skills.  I've had a really nice time and managed to get some nice photos of the area too.  Thankfully I've been able to get some practice in when it comes to my language skills - it's been nice to try and converse with people (even if they realise I'm English and start speaking my native language as a result...)

I dropped into Grenoble today for a look around - the town looks very nice and the centre is very picturesque!  Rather hot too, though I guess that'll fade quickly.  Probably just as well that I've packed the shorts and T shirts for the remainder of the summer then - something slightly thicker for the winter months.

Quite a lot to think about when I get there - unpacking, finding out what is included and what isn't, how to get the Internet connection sorted, how to get my Moneo money card arranged for meals in the local restaurants... you name it really!  Hopefully there'll be a chance to meet some people who live there near me.
Arsonval has only around 50 rooms or so so I haven't been able to find anybody who lives in the same block.  (Fortunately I guess that means there won't be much of a fight for parking spaces outside!)

I should be about mid-morning/early afternoon, definitely looking forward to meeting everyone!

See you all tomorrow!

Mike :)
 

The Mailbag Part 4: 10 days left...

With ten days to go, suddenly the list-building takes over. Accumulating large folders full of letters, identity information and confirmation that I'm meant to be there.

I think it's safe to say that my post on the mental aspect if going away caused a bit of a stir and provoked some thought amongst the Erasmus groups.

Thankfully I think it's safe to say there are some great people out there, full of encouragement...

'After this experience you'll never want to leave... Life changing.'

'You think too much! You must enjoy the adventure! :)'

'I agree, you'll be fine! In France (and every other country I can imagine!) there's no point trying to second guess how it'll be of what's going to happen!'

'Everyone I speak to says the same thing - it'll be the best year of our lives.'

Think it's safe to say that there's no shortage of great people out there who are clearly very supportive. I have to thank you all for that and look forward to seeing you there!

Right, onto the Mailbag for this week...

• Firstly, I wrote in my last post about cashback as a passing point. Turns out it doesn't exist... In Britain the practice is well-established, though evidently you'll need to have some other means of being readily accessible to cash if there isn't an ATM in sight...
  
• CAF - the French government grant for accommodation appears to be only available for those staying longer than 8 months.  Bear that in mind before you apply, though the attitude appears to be 'go to the social security office and explain your situation.'
  
• There are a few people asking about translation of documents for registering.  I got an email about registering and it said that the only documents that needed to be translated are those that are not in English, French, German or Spanish.
  
• Exchange students do not need to have a guarantor for their accommodation - there is no way of checking so they don't bother with it.  A deposit shall be fine :)

Hopefully this'll help people begin to get their stuff together.  Any other questions feel free to drop them to me.

10 days left... And then the 10 month journey begins.

Mike :)