Day Two at Perpignan : I woke up feeling adventurous enough to discover the place on my own (I was one of the first to arrive) and ready for a challenge. The day began with the biggest challenge of all- My meeting with the Secrétariat.
Lesson number three: Be prepared, be patient and be ready with about 400 Euros to pay your loyer and 400 Euros to pay your caution deposit upfront. There may be exceptions for 1st semester students who will be allowed to postpone payment till the credit of the bourse but in any case, be ready to deal with them and explain the situation…repetitively and politely, never daring to forget your Bonjours and Mercis. I Bonjoured and Mercid myself away from the tough situation and then set out to finish the surrounding formalities. Lesson number four: Do not delay in filling in the CROUS contract given to you by the Secrétariat , and get yourself a 59 Euro logement insurance policy from the LMDE office located on the left side of the main University entrance as early as you can.
After my morning at the secretariat, I decided that I deserved to treat myself to some scrumptious food. I headed to what would be my haven for the first few days in the University: a petit cafet’ opposite the Bibliothèque Universitaire, and hence the name--Cafet’ BU. I soon learned my
Lesson number five: Take advantage of the food on campus, at least till you get started with your own cooking. The Cafet’ BU and the Aquarium are good for short-eats, The Resto U offers a full meal at just 2,80 Euros and La Loge located above the Accueil is open even in the evenings. La Tartinerie and the Pizza au Feu du Bois camion located opposite the University entrance are good too if you’re willing to spend a bit more. My personal favourite (till a friend converted my bills to Indian rupees and shocked me that is) is Quick,(good ol’ burgers instead of baguettes!) located behind the Cité U.….I still indulge once in a while!
