Preparing for Your Trip
So when getting ready to travel for a year in France I thought my first month would be the most expensive. While the first month getting set up very expensive, the month before I left the States was far more expensive. Prepare to wire money to the school, to the residence extra travel emergency money and any unforeseen circumstances, like extra weight in your suitcase. That being said I told the person checking me on to the plane I was studying abroad and she waved the fee! Pack lots of clothes for going out at night, with a city of so many students we go out almost every night. Look into getting a Bank of America debit or Credit card they are partners with the bank here. But they need to have a chip, if you don't have a chip in your card they won't work here. Also brush up on some French any amount is helpful and appreciated greatly by the people here!
First Month
As with moving anywhere, your first month here is likely to be the most expensive with setting up accounts,your apartment and the random shopping that comes with exploring. But its really not too bad.
Travel
If your coming in the Spring you're in luck there are a ton of more breaks and the school schedule seems to have more travel room and less work than the Fall. I know you start at the seminars in the Alps and then we have a week off in March and another off in April. Then a couple weeks before the retake exams to travel. So budgeting and planning for places to visit for that would be smart :)
Keep an Open Mind
The way other kids learn, react, and socialize is not wrong compared to what we/you are accustomed to, it is just sometimes extremely different. Most of the learning experiences happen outside the classroom when interacting with so many different nationalities, I really makes studying abroad so worth every penny and distance from friends,
English in academics
Be prepared for proof reading everyone's parts in group work, even kids who are in your group being a native English speaker. Sometimes it makes the workload grow but for your grade it needs to happen :)