I went there twice to get a long stay student visa...

I went there twice to get a long stay student visa. I had the man at screen 2, and he was polite. He photocopied my bank statement when I realized that I hadn't brought a copy. The process was very simple; although I waited in the waiting room for about an hour both times, this isn't so bad for a consulate. Just bring a book. It's very unusual that you can pay in cash here, but you can. Note that it must be exact change.

I was nervous about my appointment, but there was no need to be. When the security guard saw how nervous I was, he fist bumped me and advised me to drink water before going upstairs! Very kind.