As every year, with the approach of the university start, the Federation of Student Associations and Corporations (FACE) of the Alpes-Maritimes publishes its annual report on the indicator of the cost of starting university.
The amount for the start of the 2018 academic year is estimated at €2440.85, which is an annual budget of €1391.41 (a decrease of 10.94%), with a monthly budget of €1049.44 (an increase of 0.37%). The cost of starting is calculated based on the situation of a non-scholarship student, who does not share accommodation in a flatshare and does not receive any family support.
This initiative aims to raise public awareness of the financial efforts many students in the Alpes-Maritimes must make to approach the academic start with serenity. The indicator also highlights a large portion of the expenses that students have to cover throughout the year.
FACE 06 has assessed this year a decrease of 6.7% in the cost of the 2018 academic start, mainly due to the abolition of the social security contribution as well as the reduction in registration fees. This results in a purchasing power gain of around €217 for the students.
However, this is slightly offset by the emergence of the Student and Campus Life Contribution (CVEC) amounting to €90, aimed at increasing university funds to implement a genuine university life policy.
“This struggle against the student social security regime, led by FAGE, not only allowed for an increase in purchasing power but also facilitated access to healthcare by attaching to the general social security scheme (…) For these reasons, students were using health as an adjustment variable in their budget,” declared the student association during its last General Assembly.
Aware of the great precariousness of students, FACE 06 embarked on a social project called AGORAÉ six years ago. AGORAÉ is a social and solidarity grocery store created and managed by students for students, providing aid to those in a precarious situation. This project also includes a living space to combat social isolation and promote a sense of belonging and cohesion within the student community.
In the same vein, FACE 06 has established a social housing plan for students called “apparté,” offering apartments ranging from 29 to 45 m² for rent, around €7 per m². These accommodations are available upon application, subject to approval by the allocation commission. Additionally, FACE 06 significantly facilitates access to a guarantor and the payment of the security deposit through the establishment of a financing fund provided by our banking or institutional partners.
