There are Mannheimers all over the globe. Even near Paris, at the ESSEC school. Pete is one of them and he sent these tips for those going there in the future. Not my case, but enjoy.
From: Peter Findlay
Date: Dec 7, 2007 6:11 PM
Subject: For ESSEC Students - Winter Term 2008 - Ignore Otherwise
Hello all If you are going to ESSEC for the January semester - here are a few points of advice.
Maina gave us some great advice about Warwick - let us know if anyone else has anything to add to that.
Cell Phones - the other guys were paying for prepaid cards - but they are quite expensive about 0.39 EUR per minute, with not too many deals. If you want to go through the hassle of getting a bank card like I did - (you have to make an appointment, bring a passport, attestation of residence and school enrolment) - then you can sign up for a long contract. The great thing about this is, you can legally break your contract after three months as long as you leave france. Delphine, the academic advisor gives you a attestation of leaving france and you're off the hook. A much cheaper way of doing things - but definitely requires some more hassles.
Residence - the residences are pretty average when compared to the Mannheim and from what I've heard Warwick residences. Nothing is included at the beginning, not even toilet paper. No bedding, no dishes, no light, nothing.
They charge you 90 EUR for a really crappy package - that we suggest you don't take. We all went to Ikea and spent anywhere from 50 -100 EUR and got more and better stuff - most of which we can resell for half price or maybe even give to you if we can figure out where to store it over the holidays. - We should arrange a swap system somehow. If you cant get to ikea - there is also Au Chan, which is about 5 min from ESSEC in the big shopping centre. It is a giant food store and has Wall Mart like items as well - cheap clothes / electronics / dishes, etc. Heating and windows are poor, so good to have an extra blanket. Internet has been a problem - bring your own internet cable.
Also we haven't been able to use torrent or other download tools which is annoying. Skype is sketchy sometimes.
School - not too bad, some of the rooms really need renovating - and often not well heated. Get used to sometimes wearing your jacket in class. The university is well-renowned (MBA just ranked 7th in the world for international business schools in the Wall Street Journal ahead of Harvard and Insead!!), however in reality - the program is not really an MBA. The students, although very smart, are very young and often without any real work experience. They are hired to work at the best banks and consultancy firms in France and throughout Europe, but they don't go in at the MBA level, but at an undergrad position essentially. However, you are going to ESSEC in the best term, as no other of our partner schools offer as many options for courses to take and you can really find courses you like from some generally pretty good professors. You will feel a little old here - the average age is probably around 22 in the MBA classes and many students on campus are like 19 or 20.
Paris - about 40-50 minutes on the RER subway train - a must do almost every weekend,and even during the week. Cergy really does suck and paris is amazing on so many levels. So make use of your time here to enjoy the city.
Food - Food at school consists of French sandwhiches at the cafeteria or the pub for about 2.5 EUR which are essentially a big baguette a few small toppings inside, or there is a student restaurant close which is shared with some local colleges - you have to by a booklet of 10 tickets for 2.8 EUR per ticket - and when you go downstairs - you get a big meal for your 2.8 EUR.
The meal is not always amazing, but lots of choice generally, and good to get veggies, stuff like that. Otherwise - there is a food court in the shopping mall which will be 5-10 EUR (be carefull the asian places are really expensive). To go out to a restaurant - Paris is obviously the best - but if you have to stay in Cergy - there is 4-5 nice little chain restaurants down by the harbour about a 10-15 walk from school - about 12-20 EUR. Residence - Le Haut - not to sure, but seems like there is nothing really around other than a bakery. Linandes - A McDonalds / KFC / Overprice American Steak restaurant and a bakery within 2-3 min walk.
Parties - go to Paris on your own or if you want to do one of the many ESSEC parties - we suggest the "MASTERIZE ME" parties organized by the masters students who are normally > 22 so there a little more your age. Many of the ESSEC parties are like 19 years old. The Foy's pub is pretty cool usually on campus - lots of French people there of course - but beer is only 1 EUR (25cl) or 2 EUR (50cl). Normally in france beer is 4 EUR (25 CL) and 6-7 EUR for (50 cl), so this is the best deal around.
Bakeries - these are everywhere, not as healthy as German bakeries, but more tasy. Almond Croissants are my favourite. Basically its like a croissant getting nuclear bombed by almonds and chocolate such that it doesn’t even look like a croissant anymore.
Hope this helps.
Pete
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