Unseen in France for half a century, the recent wave of inflation has unfortunately not spared students. In addition to state aid, federations and associations are trying to find alternatives.
For many students, pursuing higher education studies is akin to an obstacle course. With registration fees, school supplies, and daily living expenses, it seems difficult to manage entirely independently. In its latest report on the cost of the 2023 academic year, the Fédération des Associations et Corporations des Étudiants des Alpes-Maritimes (FACE 06) estimates this to be 3,385 euros, a 3.4% increase compared to last year. This budget, which might seem expensive at first glance, covers all types of expenses: registration, materials, food, housing, transportation, insurance, and even leisure…
To minimize expenses, particularly food and housing, family support proves to be a real moral and physical help. The latest figures from the National Observatory of Student Life indicate that about 33% of higher education students live with their parents. Moreover, the State, through the CROUS (Regional Center for University and School Works), multiplies measures on its part. Needs-based scholarships, waiver of registration fees, support for international students, housing aid, one-euro meals… These measures serve as a real springboard to make pursuing studies more affordable. According to the OVE, four in ten students (40%) work while studying.
Nice among the most expensive student cities
Following a study based on the cost of living, the National Union of Students of France (UNEF) ranks Nice as the most expensive student city in France, outside the Paris region. The city is particularly affected by inflation, which increases the student budget by an additional 5.9% for the start of the academic year. The reasons? FACE 06 specifies that transportation costs have seen a significant increase of 28.2% in the Alpes-Maritimes, followed by food (21.8%) and personal hygiene products (17.9%).
“Today, we are really sad, but it’s an inflation we expected”
Mélissa Chami, vice-president of FACE 06
The leading youth organization in the department works daily to unite around it a large number of student associations. Its role is to represent them, support them in their projects, and enliven their student life. It also undertakes multiple social actions on their behalf. Newly elected president Slim Ben Youssef and his team have big plans: “We have gone through an internal restructuring. The staff has doubled with currently sixty volunteers, and we have reorganized all our divisions, now structured as thematic activities,” comments Mélissa Chami, whose commitment reflects the ambitions of FACE 06.
