A Practical Guide for your First Steps after Arrival in Aachen

Welcome to Aachen!
A Practical Guide for your First
Steps after Arrival in Aachen
Welcoming the New Batch | Intake of 2015 | 167 students from 21 nations
Content
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Registering in Aachen……………………………………………… 3
Residence Permit…………………………………………………… 5
Insurances…………………………………………………………… 7
Enrolment at the RWTH Aachen University……………………… 9
Student Body and Social Contribution Fee………………………. 10
RWTH BlueCard (includes Library Card)………………………… 11
Activation of IT Center Services…………………………………… 12
Semester Ticket (Transportation Card)…………………………… 13
Bank Account………………………………………………………...13
Housing………………………………………………………………. 16
Mobile Phone………………………………………………………... 18
Car and Driving License……………………………………………. 18
Shopping…………………………………………………………….. 19
Communication & Behavioral Guidelines………………………… 21
Check-List…………………………………………………………….24
Important Dates……………………………………………………... 25
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1. Registering in Aachen
If you come to Germany for work or study, you have to register your new address with the local
Residents' Registration Office. You will have to register within one week after your arrival in
Aachen. Depending on the location of your new home, you have to contact one of the following
offices:
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For residents of the City of Aachen and residents of
the Aachen districts Haaren, Richterich, Brand,
Eilendorf,
Kornelimünster/Wahlheim,
and
Laurensberg: The Citizens' Services Office
("Bürgerservice") of the City of Aachen located near
the Main Railway Station (Hackländerstr. 1) or near
Katschof (Johannes-Paul-II.-Straße 1).
Residents of the Aachen districts (see above) can also
go to the relevant District Office ("Bezirksamt").
Residents of the cities and communities belonging to
the so-called "StädteRegion Aachen" please refer to
the relevant Citizen's Service Office or Residents'
Registration Office.
Contact:
Citizens‘ Services Office
(„Bürgerservice“)
Hackländerstr. 1
52064 Aachen
or:
Johannes-Paul-II.-Straße 1
52062 Aachen
In order to register with the authorities, you have to complete a registration application form
(Meldeschein) and present it to the Citizens' Service Office / Residents' Registration Office,
together with your passport.
If you have any problems while registering in Aachen, please contact the Info Service Center,
whose staff members will be glad to assist you. Please note that the Registration Office needs
to be notified of each change of address within one week.
After registering your address a
registration certificate will be issued and
handed out to you. Such a document is
required, e.g., for applying for the
residence permit and for opening a bank
account.
Contact:
International Office - Info Service Center
SuperC
Room 329
Templergraben 57
52062 Aachen
If you are not a national of a member state
of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein or
Norway, the Citizens' Service Office will
forward your documents within a few days
after registration to the Immigration Office.
Basically, you can apply for the residence
permit two days after having registered
your address.
Phone: +49 241 80 90660
Email: [email protected]
Please note that it is very important to be registered without interruption in Germany. You may
not cancel the registration if you are leaving Germany for a short time (e.g. for a short term
study or research stay in a foreign country or for a short term return journey home). Such an
interruption automatically involves the expiration of the residence title.
Please also note that without a valid residence permit for Germany, you are not entitled to
travel to any of Germany's neighbouring countries.
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Rundfunkbeitrag (TV Fee Collection Agency)
Please also note that the “ARD ZDF Deutschlandradio Beitragsservice” is notified of your
registration after you register in Germany. In Germany, each household or apartment, no
matter how many people in the apartment are registered, must pay a radio/TV fee. For more
information, please visit the “Rundfunkbeitrag” website (www.rundfunkbeitrag.de).
Change of Address
Please note that your registration details must be kept up to date - do not forget to notify the
Citizen's Service Office or Residents' Registration Office in person if you move to another place
and there are changes to your address.
If you are enrolled at RWTH Aachen University, the same applies to your personal data kept
at the International Office, for which it is essential to keep accurate, up-to-date records of all
international students. Please keep the Info Service Center informed of changes to personal
circumstances such as changes of address, name and status. Keep in mind that the university
might send important documents such as your semester package and therefore it is very
important that they have your correct address. If you have a new address, please write an
email to the ISC or fill in the respective form at the International office. Alternatively, you can
change your registered address by editing your data in the CAMPUS Office online system.
Your data kept at the International Office will then be automatically updated.
Deregistration
Please remember to deregister after you have completed your program and before you leave
Germany.
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2. Residence Permit
EU Nationals
If you are a national of a member state of the EU, Iceland, Liechtenstein or Norway, you do
not need to obtain a residence permit. You only need a valid passport or ID card as well as the
registration certificate issued by the Citizens' Services Office.
Non EU-nationals
You are not a national of a member state of the EU, Iceland, Lichtenstein or Norway and
you have entered Germany with a visa which entitles you to apply for a residence permit for
the purpose of university studies or pre-study programs, such as a German language course.
The RWTH Branch Office of the Immigration Office of the City Region is the main contact
for international RWTH students residing within the StädteRegion Aachen.
Contact:
RWTH Branch of the
Immigration Office of the Aachen City Region
(„Geschäftsstelle RWTH des Ausländeramtes
der StädteRegion Aachen“)
SuperC
Rooms 421 and 422
Templergraben 57
52062 Aachen
Phone +49 241 5198-3367 / -3368 / -3369
E-Mail: info.auslaendische.studenten@
staedteregion-aachen.de
Office Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursdays
Friday
8am to 12:15pm
8am to 12:15pm
8am to 12:15pm & 2pm to 4:45pm
closed
8am to 12 noon
Here you can apply for your first longterm residence permit as well as for
the next needed extensions. Contact
data and information can be found at
the website of the StädteRegion
Aachen at Ausländeramt.
Citizens of Australia, Israel, Japan,
Canada, New Zealand, South Korea,
Switzerland and the United States of
America do not require a visa to
come to Germany, but they will also
have to register for a residence
permit with the Immigration Office
after
they
register
their
current address in Germany. Citizens
of Switzerland will receive a
residence card or Aufenthaltskarte
there.
Applying for the Residence Permit
Right Time to Apply for a Residence Permit
The visa is generally valid for a few weeks when you enter Germany so that you have enough
time to apply for the residence permit. You must however apply in due time: dealing with the
application procedure one month before the expiry date is strongly recommended by the
Immigration Office.
You should apply for the residence permit some days after having registered your address if it
is absolutely necessary.
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From the beginning of March to the beginning of
April and from the end of August to the beginning
of November a great number of international
students and researchers come to Aachen,
which can lead to long waiting times when
applying for a residence permit from the
Immigration Office. Unfortunately this cannot be
avoided and the Immigration Office asks for your
understanding.
Contact:
Immigration Office of the Aachen
City Region
(„Ausländeramt der Städteregion
Aachen“)
Application Procedure
A33 Ausländeramt/Immigration Office
Hackländerstraße 1
52064 Aachen
Non-EU nationals obtain the application form for
their residence permit at the Immigration Office
(“Ausländeramt”). Please fill in this form and
submit it with the following documents:
Phone: 0241/5198-5600
Fax: 0241/5198-3306
E-Mail: auslaenderamt@
staedteregion-aachen.de
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Office Hours:
your passport in combination with your
Monday
8am to 3pm
entry visa or at a later time your valid
Tuesday
8am to 3pm
electronic residence permit with the
Wednesday
8am to 4.45pm
additional paper, if you wish to extend
Thursday
8am to 1pm
your visa
Friday
8am to 12 noon
a current passport photo according to the
regulations of the Bundesdruckerei, see
sample photos here:
<https://www.bundesdruckerei.de/sites/default/files/sample_photos_for_iddocuments.pdf>
proof of enrollment: certificate of enrollment, containing information about your course
of study and semester number (This certificate can be printed from Campus Office
under “Studierendensekretariat”  “Bescheinigung”)
scholarship certificate or documents proving that you have sufficient financial
resources, that is at least 659 Euros per month; these are generally the documents you
provided when applying for a visa
proof of health insurance (see below).
Fees
The first issuing of the residence permit is 110 Euros and 80 Euros for each extension.
Scholarship holders supported by German funding institutions do not have to pay these fees.
Validity of the Residence Permit
The residence permit for international students is strictly bound to the exact purpose of stay
given when applying for an entry visa. The validity of the first residence permit is typically two
years, provided that you present proof of sufficient funding and health insurance for this time.
Extension of the Residence Permit
It is essential that you always have a valid residence permit during your stay in Germany. As
a rule this permit can be extended as long as your purpose of stay is still valid.
Issuing the electronic residence permit or eAT takes several weeks. This is why the
Immigration Office recommends applying for extension four weeks before the expiration date.
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3. Insurances
Health Insurance
If you live in Germany, you have to take out health insurance, either with a public or with a
private health insurance company. The following is a simplified summary of the rules applying
to international students at RWTH Aachen University.
1. Registered students between the first and the fourteenth semester who do not have a
degree and who are younger than 30 years may take out a student health insurance
policy at a public insurance company; typically, special student tariffs are available. If
the above criteria do not apply, you have to take out health insurance with a private
insurance company. If you have taken out sufficient health insurance in your home
country or a private insurance covering your stay in Germany, one of the public
insurance providers can provide you with a written confirmation of exemption from
taking out a German health insurance. In order to be exempt from German health
insurance, you will have to fill in and submit form E111 (available for EU nationals) or
provide similar evidence issued by the responsible body from your home country.
2. Enrolled students who have had a health insurance policy from a public insurance
company which is no longer valid due to age, their total amount of semesters studied,
or the completion of their degree may renew their policy at the public insurance
company, but usually at a higher tariff.
3. Students attending the German language course or preparatory course at RWTH are
not entitled to take out public health insurance although they are registered as students;
they have to take out private health insurance. The International Office is glad to
provide you with further information on private insurance companies.
4. International Students who
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
are above 30 years of age
are in their 15th or higher semester
already have obtained a degree equivalent to a German diploma or
Master's
at the beginning of their study or research period at RWTH do not have to take out health
insurance. Please note however that you are highly advised to do so, as medical
treatment or a stay at a German hospital can be very costly. Please contact the
International Office for further information.
Health Insurance Registration and Welcome Meeting:
The health insurance is compulsory for your enrolment at RWTH Aachen University. As a
service, we provide you with the opportunity to sign up for the public health insurance
(or apply for an exemption) with our partner ‘TK’. This can be done at the welcome meeting
at the following dates:
Production Systems Engineering:
Mgmt. and Eng. in Production Systems:
Computer Aided Concep. and Production in Mech. Eng.:
Mgmt. and Engineering in Electr. Power Systems:
Textile Engineering:
Late arriver (all programmes):
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24 August 2015
24 August 2015
26 August 2015
24 September 2015
24 September 2015
24 September 2015
Personal Liability & Accident Insurance
You are strongly advised to take out personal liability insurance in addition to your health
insurance. Personal liability insurance provides compensation for a third party in case of an
accident caused by the student. For further information, please contact the International Office
or the Students' Union.
Accident Insurance (“Unfallversicherung”)
Contact:
Students or employees of RWTH Aachen
University are insured against work-related
accidents and accidents taking place during
university-organised events as well as on the
entire premises of the university. Please note
that you are not insured during your leisure
time outside of the university premises. Any
accident must be reported to the Info Centre
of the Student Services Organisation
(“InfoCenter des Studentenwerks”).
Info Centre of the Student Services
Organisation
(“InfoCenter des Studentenwerks”)
Ute Vondrathen
Room BE.03
Turmstraße 3
52072 Aachen
Phone: +49 (0) 241 80 93200
E-Mail: [email protected]
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 9.00 am to 2.00 pm
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4. Enrolment at the RWTH Aachen University
All students have to formally register at RWTH Aachen University in late August during the
'enrolment days'. The following steps will be followed during the enrolment:
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Presentation of requested document (see the Enrolment Conditions and Letter of
Acceptance) and registration at the RWTH Aachen University
Reception of the payment information for the social contribution fee of RWTH Aachen
University (232,72 EUR for the winter semester 15/16) - this has to be paid to the
RWTH Aachen University's student secretary afterwards (NOT to the International
Academy)
Date and Place of Enrolment
PSE:
MME-PSE:
CAME:
MME-EPS:
Textile:
Late arriver
(all programmes):
25 August 2015 at 9:00 AM
27 August 2015 at 9:00 AM
28 August 2015 at 9:00 AM
25 September 2015 at 9:00 AM
25 September 2015 at 9:00 AM
Place of enrolment:
International Office
Super C Building
Templergraben 57
5th Floor, room 5.31
52062 Aachen
25 September 2015 at 9:00 AM
Documents needed for enrolment:
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A valid passport. EU citizens can alternatively present their identity card
Letter of admission to RWTH Aachen
Original Bachelor’s and Master’s degree certificates or certificates for equivalent
degrees
Translations of your degree certificates and academic record/transcript with grades,
translated by a certified translator recognized by the Germany Embassy or
Consulate in your home country. The translation agency can be located in
Germany as well
Originals of your language certificates
Evidence of your health insurance from a public Germany health insurance provider
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If you were enroled at a German university in the past: Proof of de-enrolment or
exmatriculation from this university,
If your letter of admission included a list of missing documents still to be submitted or
presented, such as language certificates or academic records, please provide these
documents,
Along with your admission, you also have received a full list of all required documents.
5. Student Body and Social Contribution Fee
Upon enroling at RWTH Aachen, you will get a deposit or transfer form to pay your student
body and social contribution fee.
We recommend using the transfer form since all of the important information such as purpose,
amount paid, and the university's account information is already entered. As soon as your
transfer or deposit has been received at the RWTH Aachen account, your enrolment is
complete. For this reason, you should pay the semester fee as soon as possible (!).
If you do not have a bank account with a German banking institution, you can deposit the
money into the RWTH Aachen university account in cash at any of the Sparkasse Aachen
locations. You will, however, have to pay a processing fee.
When transfering money from abroad, please use the following account information:
Sparkasse Aachen
Routing number: 390 50 000
Account: 14522
IBAN: DE34 3905 0000 0000 014522
BIC: AACSDE33
Enrolment and Semester Documents
About four to six weeks after RWTH has received the payment for your semester fees, you will
receive a semester package containing all relevant documents for the current semester by
mail. Therefore, please make sure that you keep the Registrar's Office and the International
Office informed about any change of address, also at a later time during your studies.
Please read all of the documents sent to you carefully. You should now have the following
documents:

Your personal data sheet ("Stammdatenblatt") stating all necessary information
concerning your studies, such as your degree program, the number of semesters
studied, your student ID number, etc. Please keep this data sheet in a safe place, as
you may need it later during your studies, e.g. when registering for exams.

Your Student ID Card (BlueCard) which replaces the temporary enrolment certificate.

Further certificates stating your student status to be presented or submitted when
dealing with authorities such as the Residents' Registration Office, the Foreigners'
Registration Office, the local Bafög Agency, etc.
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Your Public Transport Pass or Semesterticket AVV/NRW, which entitles you use
most of the public transport opportunities in and around the City of Aachen as well as
in the state of North-Rhine Westphalia free of charge. Please read the information on
the transport pass carefully as there are some restrictions which you should be aware
of – you can use most public transport facilities within Aachen and the federal state of
North-Rhine Westphalia, but not all of them.

The bank transfer slip / pay form for the next semester, so that you can re-register
on time.
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The access code which you need to make use of the services provided by the Center
for Computing and Communication of RWTH Aachen University, RZ for short, such as
your RWTH email account. You can find the access code on your personal data sheet.
6. RWTH BlueCard (includes Library Card)
The RWTH BlueCard is the multifunctional student ID of RWTH Aachen. To get the card, you
must first transfer the student body and social contribution fee to the university's bank account.
After activating the IT Center services, you must upload a photo to have your RWTH Blue Card
created.
Temporary Student ID Card (Enrolment Certificate)
When enroling at RWTH Aachen University, you will receive a temporary enrolment certificate
which will serve as a substitute for your student ID card for a few weeks. This certificate is valid
until you receive your enrolment and semester documents from RWTH Aachen University.
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Further, by presenting this certificate at the ASEAG Services Centre – the local public transport
provider – you can obtain a preliminary public transport pass. For more information, please
contact the Info-Service Center of the International Office.
RWTH Library Card
Once you get your BlueCard, you can register yourself in the University Library. You need to
go to the library (near Super C) and ask for assistance regarding that.
7. Activation of IT Center Services
The IT Center of RWTH Aachen University offers students a host of services such as free
internet access (WLAN and wired), your personal email account, user access management
(TIM) for IT Center services, and CAMPUS Office, an online information system which gives
you access to your study plans, the university's lecture and seminar list, and various other
organisational functions.
You are able to activate these services online by using your personal access code which you
receive as part of your semester package. Please note that the temporary enrolment certificate
does not provide you with an access code.
In order to activate your communication services, please visit the Services Activation web page
provided by the IT Center, where you will need to enter your student ID number as well as your
access code. Upon successful activation, you will receive your personal access data.
Before using the services, please note the following:

Your email address typically is [email protected]. It is essential that
you check your RWTH e-mail regularly as important information regarding your course
and activities will be sent to this email account. Of course you can forward your RWTH
mail from there to any other email account.
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Please make sure that you have to protect your PC by installing and maintaining an
up-to-date version of a reliable anti-virus software programme. For this purpose, RWTH
provides students with Sophos Anti-Virus software. You can download the software as
well as the latest virus information which is capable of detecting viruses reaching your
computer free of charge.
For further information, please visit the IT Centers website.
RWTH Wi-Fi (Eduroam)
You need to register you Wi-Fi devices (mobile, Tab, Laptop etc.) to access the University WiFi. Usually, you get assistance regarding that at the corner of help desk on the ground floor of
Super C.
8. Semester Ticket (Transportation Card)
The semester ticket for North-Rhine Westphalia has been available at RWTH Aachen since
Summer Semester 2009. You can use the ticket to travel for free on almost all forms of
transportation that is buses and trains in North Rhine-Westphalia. You will receive the
semester ticket in the mail from ASEAG at the end of September after successful enrolment.
The fee for this is included within the semester fee you pay every semester.
Additional Information
Contact:
Please note that you need to buy your own
ticket for the month of SEPTEMBER. You
usually get some discount for the ticket buy
showing the study certificate which proves that
you are a student of the RWTH Aachen
University. From OCTOBER on your Semester
Ticket is valid.
Service Center Aachen Bushof
Schumacherstraße 14 / at the corner
of Peterstraße
52062 Aachen
Phone: 0241 1688 – 3040
E-Mail: [email protected]
Opening hours:
Mon – Fri:
07:30 a.m. – 18.00 p.m.
Sat:
08.30 a.m. – 14.00 p.m.
9. Bank Account
General information on bank accounts
In order to open an account you need to take your passport or identity card and the certificate
of address registration (from the city address registration office) to the bank. In cases where
your stay is too short to have your address registered, the Sparkasse will consider opening an
account without the address registration certificate. In this case you will need a letter from your
institute confirming your status as a visitor at RWTH.
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As a student you can ask to be exempted from bank charges or make use of special student
conditions. This does not happen automatically, but you must apply for it. In order to do this,
you need to present the proof of your
student status to the bank every
Important !
semester. Always ask about charges
for opening a bank account or running
Do not sign anything that you do not
the account before making your
understand! If you have already
decision.
signed you still have 14 days to
cancel the contract!
Banks sometimes include an overdraft
facility with your accounts without
asking beforehand. Monthly payments
of a grant or money transfers from home are enough to qualify you for an overdraft. You should
consider carefully if you really need an overdraft facility as it involves a high rate of interest and
can lead to debt.
Basic terms and conditions

Current Account – „Girokonto“
To open a current account is necessary for almost all kinds of money transactions. Rents
or other regular costs are normally paid by standing orders or debit notices.

Standing Order and Debit Notice – „Dauerauftrag und Lastschrift“
Standing orders and debit notices are very useful for paying regular bills like rent or
phone or electricity bills.

Automated Teller machines (ATM) – „Geldautomat“
Automated teller machines (ATM) can be found at any bank throughout the city. You can
draw your money at any ATM but it’s better to draw it at the ATMs of your bank or one
of their associated partners to prevent extra-transaction fees.

Eurocheque Card – „EC Karte“
If you have an Eurocheque card and a Personal Identification Number (PIN), you can
with-draw money from an ATM and use the card to pay in shops. If you lose the card,
you can have the card "blocked" by phoning a special number around the clock (see
below: Loss of bank cards).

Overdraft facility/credit cards – „Dispositionskredit”
An overdraft facility allows you to overdraw your account up to a certain limit set by the
bank, i.e. your account is in debt (minus).

Home-banking/online banking
Many banks offer their customers the opportunity to run their accounts (transfers,
statements, etc.) from home using the computer and an internet connection.
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
Cash Card – „Geld Karte“
The cash card is a bank card with a chip on it that can be loaded at terminals. You have
to hold a current account at a bank it you want to use this electronic purse.
Loss of bank cards
In case of loss of bank cards, you must inform your bank immediately and ask them to block
the cards. There is a telephone service you can use if you need to block your cards outside
the normal banking hours. After getting your cards blocked, you need to apply for replacement
cards. This often incurs a fee and you need to take your passport with you.
The telephone number for blocking EC cards is 01805/ 021 021 (14 Ct./Min., mobile tariff can
depart).
Credit cards
You can use credit cards such as Eurocard, VISA and so on to pay with instead of cash. You
will receive a bill for your credit card payments at the end of the month and the money will be
withdrawn directly from your current account. If there is not enough money in your current
account to meet your credit card bills, your account will be overdrawn. Please watch out for
this – being overdrawn incurs 10%-20% interest.
Cash
If you opened a current account and possess a Eurocheque card, there’s no need to
take along a bigger amount of cash, for you will find ATMs all over Aachen and in any
other bigger city in Germany.
Additional Information
In Aachen two banks are dominating
as the biggest. One is called
“Sparkasse Aachen” and the other
one “Deutsche Bank”. They are both
good and have nearly the same
conditions. You may go there on your
own, they speak English.
If you want to open a new bank
account they normally give you a so
called „Girokonto“, that’s a regular
current account. We recommend to
register also directly for „Online
banking“, which is generally useful.
With this account you get a
„Girokarte“, a bank card with which
you can pay in German shops (when
you pay with it abroad it incurs fees)
and with that you can withdraw money
from the ATM. The Girokonto is free
of charge until you are 26 years. If you
request a credit card e.g. Mastercard
or Visa an additional supplement of
nearly 30 € per year has to be paid.
Sparkasse (two main branches):
(www.sparkasse-aachen.de)
1. Sparkasse Aachen
Hauptstelle Münsterplatz
Münsterplatz 7-9
52062 Aachen
2. Sparkasse Aachen
Hauptstelle Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz
Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz 1-4
52062 Aachen
Phone: +49 241/4440
Fax: +49 241/4442270
E-Mail: [email protected]
Deutsche Bank:
(http://www.deutsche-bank.de/index_e.htm)
Deutsche Bank Investment & FinanzCenter
Friedrich-Wilhelm-Platz 15
52062 Aachen
Phone: +49 241 466-0
Fax: +49 241 466-279
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Important:
Normally you need to present a proof of your stay to open an account, but if you explain that
you are a new student and you are still waiting for signing your contract in order to move in,
they keep the bank account card and your PIN until you turn in your documents.
10.
Housing
Aachen offers a high quality of life and is a popular university town. One fifth of the
approximately 260,000 residents are students. As a result, housing is tight and in high demand.
This is particularly true before the semesters begin in September/October and March/April,
when thousands of new students come to Aachen and are searching for housing.
Students in Aachen live in student dorms operated by the Aachen Student Services, if they are
a Bachelor's or Master's student, or they rent an apartment or a room in the private apartment
market. The apartment market in Aachen is particularly tight. It can cost of lot of time and effort
to find an apartment or room.
Increasing Chances
Increase your chances of finding an apartment by remaining flexible - consider rooms or
apartments that aren't located directly next to where you study or work. Thanks to the wellorganized public transportation system (AVV) for which you receive a ticket (Semester Ticket)
as an enrolled student, you can usually quickly reach all RWTH Aachen institutions without a
problem, even if you don't live in the center of town.
We recommend including the areas surrounding Aachen in your search: the outer city regions
of Aachen (Richterich, Haaren, Laurensberg, Brand, Eilendorf, Kornelimünster, Walheim),
Würselen, Herzogenrath, Kohlscheid, Alsdorf, Eschweiler, Stolberg, Vaals (only citizens of the
EU), or Kelmis (also only for citizens of the EU).
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Certificate of Eligibility for Subsidised Housing
Residents who wish to apply for subsidised housing
need to get hold of a so-called "Certificate of
Eligibility for Subsidised Housing", in short, WBS
permit (in German: Wohnberechtigungsschein).
Recipients of a WBS permit are entitled to rent
accommodation which is subsidised by Social
Housing funds - thus, the rent is well below average
compared to the free housing market. Applications
for a WBS permit are to be made to the local
housing authority. There are prerequisites for
eligibility, however:


the monthly net income must remain below
a certain limit
applicants cannot simply choose any
accommodation - the size of the flat must be
appropriate for the size of the household.
Contact:
The Municipal Housing Office
(“Fachbereich Wohnen”)
Verwaltungsgebäude Bahnhofplatz
Hackländerstraße 1
52064 Aachen
Phone: 0241 / 432-0
Fax:
0241 / 432-6418
Office hours:
Monday to Friday: 8am to 12 noon
To apply, international students must bring:



their passport together with a valid residence permit
a certificate of enrolment (see also: semester documents) and your student ID card
certificates and documents stating your income (such as bank account statements,
etc.)
The WBS certificate is valid for up to one year.
Housing Benefit
Low-income persons and families are legally entitled to receive housing benefit, which is
financed by public funds. As a rule, international students also have the right to apply for
housing benefit. To be eligible, the following requirements must be met:
1. Students are only eligible if they do not have a scholarship or other funding resources
which already include an accommodation allowance, such as Bafoeg (i.e. funding
through the Federal Education and Training Assistance Scheme)
2. Unmarried students must provide evidence that they are not merely "temporarily
absent" from their parents' home. They must provide an official certificate which states
that they have already lived on their own (i.e. apart from their parents' home) before
coming to Germany. Further, they must prove that they were financially independent
from their parents' household at that time. Married students who live together do not
have to provide these documents.
3. Applicants must provide evidence of their total income.
They will receive a certificate of tenancy form which is to be filled in and signed by their landlady
or landlord. The completed certificate form contains all specifications necessary for the
application to be processed. The granted benefit will depend on the monthly rent and the
applicant's income. Please note that sub-tenants (e.g. students who live in halls of residence)
are also eligible for housing benefit.
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A student's application for housing benefit must be accompanied by the following documents:



A residence permit which is valid for a sufficient period of time
Rental or subtenancy agreement and the most recent rent receipt
Proof of income, e.g. a certificate on payments made by the student's parents
Applications are to be made in person to the Municipal Housing Office.
11.
Mobile Phone
There are many options including O2, E-plus, Vodafone and others, both pre-paid and postpaid. O2 is usually most economical as most of the students use O2. Usually there are cheaper
tariffs available on Internet than the dealer shops. Go through the details carefully before
making any contract. You will need to show your student certificate, bank documents and
passport copy for making any contract. You can use Lebara, Lyca, Aldi mobile or Calling cards
for making cheap calls inside and outside Germany. These are usually pre-paid and you don’t
need to sign any contract for these mobiles.
12.
Car and Driving License
If you wish to drive a vehicle within Germany, you must have a valid driving license. You may
use your existing license but you have to carry a translation into German of the original
certificate. Please note that this translation is only valid if it was made by a certified translator.
If you have an International Driving License, you do not have to provide a translation.
If you have a driving license issued by a country
which is in the European Economic Area (EEA),
that's also fine. We recommend however that you
carry your student ID card with you in order to
present it in the case of a traffic check.
If you come from a non-EEA country, please note
that your driving license is valid for six months after
your registration with the Registration Office only - if
you wish to be permitted to drive a vehicle after this
period, you will have to apply for a German driving
license in due course. In order to do so, please get in
touch with the road traffic licensing office.
Contact:
Road Traffic Licensing Office
(„Stadtverwaltung Aachen
Straßenverkehrsamt“)
Carlo-Schmid-Str. 4
52146 Würselen
Phone +49 (0) 2405 697-0
Fax: +49 (0) 2472 81383
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.stva-ac.de
When applying for a German driving license, please bring the following documents:







Passport
Residence Permit
Valid driver's license (certifed translation if applicable)
Eyesight test certificate (issued by a qualified optician)
Proof of attendance of a First Aid training course as offered by the Red Cross (German
course designation: "Sofortmaßnahmen am Unfallort")
Vehicle registration ID card (if you own a vehicle)
Passport photo
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13.
Shopping
In terms of shopping you should know that in Germany the shops are usually closed on
Sundays. The only possibility to buy things on Sundays is going to Vaals (Netherlands) which
is about 6km from Aachen.
There are some huge supermarkets/malls where you find everything you may need: food,
electronics, clothes, sportswear, camping stuff, bed linen, towels, drugstore, kitchen stuff (e.g.
Real or Kaufland).
REAL
Breslauerstrasse 35
52068 Aachen
KAUFLAND
Vaalser Straße 242
52074 Aachen
Bus Stop: „Dresdnerstraße“
Line: 23 + 43
Bus Stop: „ Venskyhäuschen“ or “Kuckelkorn”
Line: 3 a/b + 25 + 35 + 45 + 55 + N7
Other smaller supermarkets that principally only offer food and drinks, are closer to the city
center (e.g. Netto, Kaisers, Aldi, Lidl…)
ALDI
52064 Aachen, Schillerstraße 20
52078 Aachen, Trierer Straße 380
52064 Aachen, Löhergraben 13
52070 Aachen-Gewerbegebiet, Grüner Weg 32
52072 Aachen, Süsterfeldstraße 63
52066 Aachen, Amyastraße 3
52068 Aachen-Rothe Erde, Elsassstraße 139
52064 Aachen-Zentrum, Franzstraße 2
52074 Aachen, Weststraße 28
LIDL
52070 Aachen-Haaren, Jülicher Str. 358
52070 Aachen, Adalbertsteinweg 32-36
52066 Aachen, Bismarckstr. 2-8
52064 Aachen-Burtscheid, Eynattener Str. 26
52072 Aachen-Hörn, Henrichstr. 68
52074 Aachen-Königshügel, Weststr. 50
52078 Aachen-Forst, Reinhardstr. 1d
NETTO
52062 Aachen,
52062 Aachen,
52062 Aachen,
52062 Aachen,
52064 Aachen,
52064 Aachen,
52064 Aachen,
52070 Aachen,
52070 Aachen,
52070 Aachen,
52066 Aachen,
52068 Aachen,
52080 Aachen,
52078 Aachen,
52078 Aachen,
52078 Aachen,
52072 Aachen,
Marienbongard 28
Stiftstr. 39
Harscampstr. 69-71
Peterstr.
Boxgraben 35
Karlsgraben 27
Lütticherstr. 36
Jülicherstr. 328
Grüner Weg 21
Wenzelstr. 3
Oppenhoffallee 9
Phillipstr. 12
Von-Coels-Str. 252
Neuhausstr. 10
Trierer Str. 1
Triererstr. 674
Roermonder Str. 615
In addition there are some drug stores where you can buy products for skin care, makeup,
supplements, beauty, hair care, health products…etc.(e.g. dm, Rossmann).
DM
52078 Aachen, Trierer Str. 1
52066 Aachen, Kapellenstraße 25
52062 Aachen, Kapuzinergraben 18-22
ROSSMANN
52062 Aachen, Großkölnstraße 12
52062 Aachen, Buchkremer Str. 1-7
52062 Aachen, Peterstraße 50-52
52064 Aachen, Franzstraße 2
52064 Aachen, Bahnhofplatz 1
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Karls Apotheke
52062 Aachen, Markt 43
Malteser-Apotheke
52062 Aachen, Pontstraße 157
Please note that for medication you need to go to a
pharmacy (e.g. Karls Apotheke, Malteser Apotheke,
Ahorn-Apotheke). Medicine is not available at
supermarkets or drugstores.
Ahorn Apotheke
52074 Aachen, Ahornstraße 48
If you need furniture for your new home, here are some shops where you can get good and
affordable furniture. IKEA is a big furniture shop which is not very expensive. It’s located in
Heerlen, Netherlands. For example, a complete bed (frame, mattress, and boards) can be
bought starting at 100 €. Porta Möbel is a big furniture shop, but also a little expensive.
Sometimes you can find good offers there still.
IKEA Heerlen (www.ikea.com)
PORTA Möbel
In de Cramer 142, 6412PM Heerlen, Nederland
Am Gut Wolf 2,
52070 Aachen
By bus: From Aachen to Heerlen bus line 44 (at the train station), from
there take the regional train to Maastricht and step out at
Woonboulevard Heerlen. There is a 10 minute walk from the train station
to IKEA. Timetable: www.avv.de.
By train: Take the train to Landgraaf Euregio or Heerlen, from there take
the regional train to Maastricht and exit at the stop Woonboulevard
Heerlen.
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Bus Stop: „Tivoli“
Line: 51
14.
Communication & Behavioral Guidelines
 Whatever accommodation you choose, remember it is your responsibility to maintain it
and keep it clean. If you are sharing accommodation, discuss how domestic chores
would be shared before committing yourself.
 Also familiarize yourself with the educational aids available to you, especially the library
and online resources, keeping in mind your course structure and the evaluation
methods that apply to you.
 You have many rights as a student in Germany. Learn about your rights as a student
and the procedures that you should follow to exercise these rights.
 During your study in Aachen, it would be useful for you to keep in touch not only with
other students of your country but also with German and other international students.
 Any and all complaints should be brought to the attention of appropriate authorities; at
no stage, should you take or attempt to take the law into your own hands; breaking the
law will invite strict legal and police action, which could include deportation.
LIVING SAFELY IN GERMANY
 Please do not keep large amounts of cash at home or on your person.
 Keep important documents and money in a safe place.
 Make sure you keep photocopies of relevant pages in your passport and other
important documents in a separate place.
 Try not to travel alone late at night. If you are travelling alone, make sure that you have
checked your route carefully and try to keep to well-lit, populated areas as far as
possible.
 Make sure that someone knows where you are going and at what time you are
expected to return.
 Don't carry more cash with you than what is required.
 When you are traveling alone or late at night, it is advised do not make it obvious that
you are in possession of expensive items, such as mobile phones, ipods or laptops.
 Always carry with you some identification as well as details of who should be contacted
in an emergency.
 If in danger, dial 110 to get police help. If you have any complaints please report to the
Master Office first, they will guide you through the authorities. If you have a genuine
problem, do not hesitate to approach the police or other authorities; making a complaint
will not affect your visa status.
UNIVERSAL RULES OF BEHAVIOUR WHICH ARE IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER
Always remember that you are a foreigner and that your behavior will determine the image of
your country you belong to. Obviously, none of you would wish to project a negative image of
your people and your country. Therefore, it is important to always remember and abide by the
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following basic rules of behaviors which all of you hopefully already know but which are worth
emphasizing.
 An aspect of your behavior to which you should pay special attention is not invading
another person's privacy or personal space. Maintain some distance from the person
you are talking to (at least an arms' length).
 Do not push or shove in crowds.
 Don't ever jump a queue - this is very important!
 Do not stare openly at passers-by.
 Don't talk so loud that other people are disturbed.
 Don't ask personal questions of strangers.
 Please show respect for everyone, irrespective of age, gender, dress or appearance.
 Be polite. Greet people with a smile and a hello or good-day or “how are you”; respond
when others greet you the same way.
 Please always use 'Please' and 'Thank you' - these words will serve you well.
 Please respect other people's time and be punctual; if you are running late or cannot
make an appointment, please ensure that you inform the person you are going to meet,
well in time.
 Remember that certain aspects of the German culture are different from your own. Do
not make any judgments about people based on the fact that they speak, dress or
behave differently from you.
MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR GERMAN EXPERIENCE
 For many of you, this may perhaps be the first time that you are away from home and
in a foreign country, enjoying your first taste of independence. Please do remember,
however, that in Germany you are an adult, if you are over 18 years of age, which you
will be treated as an adult and held responsible for your actions and consequences.
 Remember that you are representing your own country in Germany. Behave
appropriately at all times.
 Remember that as a student studying in Germany, you have an opportunity to learn
about Germany and other cultures. Spend time with other students from other countries
and with German students. This is the best way of not feeling isolated and will
considerably enrich your experience of studying in a foreign country.
 Should you feel lonely and alienated, there are a number of Associations of your
country in Germany, you could contact. Please keep in touch with the High Consulates
who can put you in contact with the local associations and your country’s community
so that you feel at home. You should also get to know the local associations and keep
in touch with them. For instance, the Indian Associations are there to help the Indian
community in Germany, including students. They have many cultural functions where
you could participate and get to know other members of the community.
 Remember, when learning about German and other cultures that some people you
meet may not know much about your own culture. You should be ready to communicate
with the persons you meet, about where you from are and your culture; also for e.g.
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which foods you can or cannot eat or any other cultural needs, stating quite clearly the
reasons behind them.
CONVERSATIONS AND MEETINGS
To guarantee pleasant, successful and unequivocal conversations and meetings in
Germany, we want to give you some advices on how to interact with Germans. Please try to
follow these guidelines:
 Form of address in letters/emails: It is common to address people with their names,
e.g. “Sehr geehrter Herr Professor Müller, …”,“ Sehr geehrte Frau Bein, …“ etc.
Especially in a professional or in the university context, do your best to address
people with their full title
 Meeting a person, the same applies: You say: “Guten Tag, Professor Müller/Frau
Bein, …”. If you have a meeting or appointment with someone, it is common to shake
hands with them as greeting and as a polite parting
 If you address someone (in German) who is not a friend of yours, make sure you say
„Sie“ unless he or she offered you to say “Du” before
 Make sure to apply an overall polite and respectful tone in all kinds of emails, letters
or conversations!
o We strongly recommend NOT TO USE demanding sentences like “Do the
needful…” or “ expecting your assistance”
 Be punctual! German people are said to be very punctual, so you should also be. Be
punctual at any kind of classes, lectures or meetings in general (whether social or
professional). If you are late for a meeting or appointment, let the other person know
in advance
 Writing applications to different institutes, it does not make a good impression to use
the same general letter and just fill in another contact person. Individualize your
applications!
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15.
Check-List
 Registering in Aachen ( register your new address within one week after
your arrival at the Citizens' Services Office, even if you are still living at a friend’s
house)
 Residence Permit ( apply for your Residence Permit at RWTH Branch of the
Immigration Office of the Aachen City Region, Super C)
 Health Insurance ( for Health Insurance Registration at the Orientation
Meeting see dates above)
 Enrolment at RWTH Aachen University (at the International Office, Super C)
 Paying Semester Fees (= Student Body and Social Contribution Fee)
 Uploading a photo for your BlueCard ( via Self Service)
 Activate RWTH Library Card ( via Self Service or directly at the library)
 Activate RWTH Wi-Fi (Eduroam)
 Buying Transportation Card ( only for September, from October you will
have the semester ticket)
 Opening a Bank Account ( e.g. at Sparkasse)
 Finding Accommodation ( do not forget to notify the Citizen's Service Office
in person if there are changes to your address!)
 Mobile Phone
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16.
Important Dates:
August 24, 2015
Health Insurance Registration + Orientation Meeting
(MME-PSE + PSE)
August 25, 2015
Enrolment at RWTH Aachen University (PSE)
August 26, 2015
Health Insurance Registration + Orientation Meeting
(CAME)
August 27, 2015
Enrolment at RWTH Aachen University (MME-PSE)
August 28, 2015
Enrolment at RWTH Aachen University (CAME)
August 31, 2015
Start Intensive German Course (CAME + PSE)
September 7, 2015
Start Intensive German Course (MME-PSE)
September 24, 2015
Health Insurance Registration + Orientation Meeting
(MME-EPS + Textile + Late arriver)
September 25, 2015
Enrolment at RWTH Aachen University
(MME-EPS + Textile + Late arriver)
October 1, 2015
IntAc Welcome Day
October 1, 2015
Start of Winter Semester
October 19, 2015
Start of Lecture Period
25