Welcome to Bonn! - Universität Bonn

Welcome to Bonn!
Dear Junior Year and Exchange Students,
A few weeks from now you will begin your studies at the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität Bonn. We, the staff at the
International Office, look forward to welcoming you and would
like to provide you with some important information about the
program in the following chapters. At the same time, we would
like to awaken your curiosity about the city of Bonn and its
university.
Bonn is a good choice: The University of Bonn is one of Germany’s leading academic institutions.
Founded in 1818, it has a long tradition of teaching and research. 30,000 students are enrolled at the
University of Bonn. More than 5,000 of them are international students, representing more than 130
nations, which contributes to Bonn’s international atmosphere.
Bonn has its own charm:
The birthplace of Ludwig van Beethoven, a federal city, a university city - Bonn provides a colorful
picture of many different aspects of German life. Bonn is a city in the heart of Europe, a city with the
famous “Rhineland charm” and a nearly Mediterranean atmosphere. But first and foremost, Bonn is
a particularly hospitable and international city, which served as the capital of the Federal Republic of
Germany for almost half a century and which is today the seat of many United Nations institutions
and other international organizations.
I am sure that you will soon feel at home both in the city of Bonn and at the university. Please feel
free to contact me or the other staff at the International Office with any problems or questions you
might have. We are always happy to help you and will do our best to make your time abroad a pleasant and rewarding experience.
Holger Impekoven
Assistant Director, International Education
How to use this handbook: This handbook gives you all the information you will need about your
time in Bonn. Please read it thoroughly and bring it along for future reference. You will notice that
some of the sections are color-coded. They contain information important for either Exchange or
Junior Year Students, so you should pay special attention to „your“ sections. Inserted in the book,
you will find your color on top of the checklist, which is designed to give you a concise overview of
everything you need to take care of.
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Contents
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2
6
1
7
8
9
2
10
10
11
11
3
12
13
4
14
15
15
16
16
17
4
About Us
General Information
Germany
Bonn
The University of Bonn
Pre-Departure Information
What to bring
Customs
Visa Requirements
Early Arrival
Getting to Bonn
Arrival in Bonn
Getting to the International Office
After your Arrival
Health Insurance
Dorm Room and Lease
Registration at the Residents’ Registration Office
Enrollment at the University of Bonn
Bank Account
Residence Permit
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4
5
5
18
18
18
20
22
6
23
23
24
25
26
27
7
29
30
30
31
31
32
33
34
8
35
36
38
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6
8
Your Studies in Germany
The Academic Year in Germany
Courses offered by the International Office
Courses at the University
Cultural Program
General Program Notes
University Life
Student ID
Libraries
Computers and Internet Access
Cafeteria (Mensa)
Sports, Music, Arts, and Museums
Student Organizations, Counseling, Support, Advice
Life in Bonn
Getting Around
Calender of Events
Radio, Television, and Telephone
Customs Regulations for Postal Items
Work Permit
Congregations
Shopping, Tipping
Waste Separation and Recycling
Important Numbers and Addresses
Emergency Numbers
Embassy Addresses
Useful Websites
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About Us
The International Office
International Office
The Akademisches Auslandsamt / Dezernat für Internationale Angelegenheiten seeks
to enhance and promote the University‘s international relations. A main aspect of our
work is providing information and support to international students.
The International Office is located at Poppelsdorfer Allee 53. Please note that Holger
Impekoven and the staff of the Junior Year and Exchange Program have their offices
across the street at Poppelsdorfer Allee 102. Official opening hours are Monday to Friday 9 am – 12 pm. However, if you contact the office in advance, we can also arrange
appointments after hours. You are welcome to contact Holger Impekoven or his staff
at Poppelsdorfer Allee 102.
Address
Director
Junior-Year Program &
Exchange Program
Your contacts at the International Office:
University of Bonn
International Office
Poppelsdorfer Allee 53
D-53115 Bonn
Dipl.-Ing. Lieselotte Krickau-Richter
Holger Impekoven
Assistant Director, International Education
Phone:
+49-(0)228-73 5944
e-mail:
[email protected]
Katharina Schmitt
Phone:
+49-(0)228-73 9632
e-mail:
[email protected]
Sharon Williams
Phone:
+49-(0)228-73 7831
e-mail:
[email protected]
Fax:
+49-(0)228-73-5891
www.studyabroad.uni-bonn.de
German Classes &
Academic Advising
6
Wolfgang Gerkhausen
Associate Director
Phone:
+49-(0)228-73-7708 and -5945
e-mail:
[email protected]
Fax:
+49-(0)228-73-5966
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General Information
Germany
Germany is located in the heart of Europe – both geographically and politically.
Because of its central location and its role as a member of the European Union (EU),
Germany serves as an important bridge between Eastern and Western Europe.
With over 82 million inhabitants, Germany is Europe’s
most populous country. All in
all, more than one hundred million people in Europe use German as their first language –
in Germany, Austria, and Liechtenstein, as well as in parts of
Switzerland, Luxembourg, Belgium, France (Alsace) and Italy
(Südtirol).
This makes German the most
frequently spoken language in
Western Europe!
General Information
Bonn
Official Name
Type of Government
Head of State
Head of Government
Population
Size
Population Density
Capital
Germany’s Largest Cities
Climate
Average temperatures
National Holiday
Facts on Germany:
Federal Republic of Germany (Bundesrepublik Deutschland)
Parliamentary Democracy
Bundespräsident Horst Köhler (since 2004)
Bundeskanzlerin Angela Merkel, CDU (since 2005)
82.5 million, 7.3 million of them foreigners
357, 000 square kilometers
231 inhabitants/km²
Population Growth Rate: 0.04 %
Berlin
Berlin (3.5 Mio.), Hamburg (1.7 Mio.), München (1.25 Mio.), Köln (1 Mio.),
Frankfurt/M. (0.65 Mio.)
Temperate oceanic / continental climate zone with frequent changes in weather and
mainly western winds
Between – 6°C to +1,5°C in winter and between 18°C and 20°C in summer
German Unification Day (Tag der deutschen Einheit), 3 October
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1
General Information
Bonn
Bonn is a city in which one feels immediately
at home. With its 310,000 inhabitants, it is a city
which offers a great quality of life, a strong local
economy, and a wide range of leisure activities.
The origins of Bonn go back to the foundation of „Castra Bonnensia“, a Roman fort built
between the years 13 and 9 B.C. In the course of
the centuries, Bonn has seen many changes in its
rulers and its fortunes. Ludwig van Beethoven is
probably the city’s most famous son. The house
where he was born in 1770 and where he spent his
childhood can still be visited today.
An important chapter in the city’s history began
© Michael Sondermann
in 1949 when the Parliamentary Council decided to make Bonn the provisional capital
of the newly established Federal Republic of Germany. During the 40
years that followed the
small city on the Rhine
gained international prestige. In 1991 the German
Bundestag voted to move
its seat and parts of the
government to Berlin –
and Bonn had to redefine
its role again. Today the
city continues to grow as
an international center for science and culture and as a center for Development Policy.
A number of international organizations and some major companies have their headquarters in Bonn, among then, Deutsche Telekom and the Deutsche Post. In addition,
due to its various UN institutions, the former “Castra Bonnensia” has officially been
declared a “UN city.”
8
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The University
General Information
On October 18, 1818, the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität was founded
by the Prussian King Friedrich-Wilhelm III, who had been ruling the Rhineland
since 1815. Idealism and enlightenment characterized this era, which also led to the
foundation of the universities of Berlin (1810) and Breslau (1811). The University
remains committed to its liberal heritage inspired by Wilhelm von Humboldt. Thanks
to the liberal spirit of those times, the University thrived, attracting famous scholars
like August Wilhelm Schlegel, Ernst Moritz Arndt, Berthold Georg Niebuhr, Friedrich
August Kekulé, Johannes Müller, Friedrich Argelander, and Heinrich Hertz. Besides
these scholars, students like Heinrich Heine, Karl Marx, Friedrich Nietzsche and
Konrad Adenauer later contributed to the University’s reputation.
Today the Rheinische Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität of Bonn is one of Germany‘s
leading institutions of higher education. It is among the most popular universities for
scholars who are financed through the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
and the Humboldt Foundation. With an enrollment of approximately 30,000 students,
it ranks as the third largest university in the federal state of North-Rhine/Westphalia.
The University of Bonn‘s excellent reputation is also due to the commitment of its
600 professors, 3,000 faculty, and 1,700 non-academic staff members. About 5,000
international students from over 130 countries as well as numerous visiting professors
and scholars contribute to a truly international atmosphere in research and education.
Students can choose from approximately 80 different degree programs and a wide
range of courses.
The Friedrich-Wilhelms-Universität of Bonn plays a decisive role in the city, since
its institutes, seminars and clinics can be found in various parts of town. The main
building, which houses the schools of Theology, Philosophy, and the administrative
body is situated in the city center, along with the Law school and the University
Library. Most institutes belonging to the school of Natural Sciences and the Agriculture school, however, have their premises in the municipal districts of Endenich and
Poppelsdorf, and the University clinics are situated on top of the Venusberg.
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2
What to Bring
and Customs
Before Your Arrival
Your dorm room
•
•
•
•
•
•
Medication
10
Rooms are equipped with basic furniture and in most of the dorms you can also get
bed sheets through your dormitory’s management. You should, however, remember to
bring:
Your own towels and toiletries, and perhaps some toilet paper for the first few days.
Dorm rooms have internet access. If you bring a laptop, ask your tutor to help you get
it connected. Don`t forget to bring an ethernet cable.
For electronic devices you will need an adapter plug. The voltage in Germany is 220
V. You can either bring one or buy a converter and an adaptor in Bonn at Kaufhof or
Karstadt right on the Münsterplatz or at P+M ELEKTRONIK (Budapester Str. 6).
Usually you will have to purchase kitchen equipment such as plates, pots and pans on
your own, but sometimes it is possible to use the equipment of your predecessors or
borrow something from your fellow students. This is why we recommend not bringing
these things from home but rather buying them in Bonn if it should be necessary at all.
If you like to do your own cooking, please remember that there could be different
scale units. You might want to bring measuring cups.
Perhaps bringing a couple of pictures or posters would help you to feel at home in
your new room. It might be helpful to bring a book with pictures from your hometown
or general information on your home country so that you can show new friends where
you are from or use them for a presentation in class.
If you are taking medication, please make sure to bring it with you the necessary
quantity. To avoid complications with customs, you should also include the respective
prescriptions. If you will be needing refills during your time in Bonn bring information on the medication and its effects.
Weather Conditions
Germany’s weather changes rather often. The temperature often goes above 30°C in
the summer and below 0°C in the winter, so if you are staying for a whole year be sure
to bring clothing for every season. Besides this an umbrella can be useful from time to
time – even though it might be easier to get one here in Germany.
Contact
It might also be helpful to contact former exchange students from your home university
because they know best what you might need.
Customs
As a rule, you may import your baggage into Germany free of import duties and without any customs formalities. Study material and other equipment you need for your
studies may be imported duty free.
Travel souvenirs and gifts may be imported duty free if they do not exceed a total
value of EUR 175. (Special quantity and value limits apply for certain goods.)
For more specific information on the rules for students, you might want to check out
the German Customs website, which is also available in English:
www.zoll.de/english_version/index.html
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
Visa Requirements
and Early Arrival
2
Before Your Arrival
Visas
EU citizens and citizens from the following countries do not need a visa to enter
Germany: Australia, Canada, Honduras, Iceland, Israel, Japan, Liechtenstein, Monaco,
New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Switzerland, and the United States. However, after entering Germany they will have to apply for a residence permit at the local „Ausländerbehörde“ (Immigration Office) if they are staying for more than three months.
Students from all other countries must apply for a visa for study purposes via the German diplomatic representation in their home country. You must not under any circumstances travel to Germany on a tourist visa. For further information on requirements
for entering Germany also check the websites of the German embassy or consulate in
your home country. You will find a list of German missions abroad at:
www.auswaertiges-amt.de/www/en/index_html
Extension of stay
If you are planning on traveling in Europe after the end of the program, please make
sure to check current visa-regulations. An extension of your residence permit will be
granted for up to four weeks if you have proof of health insurance and sufficient funds
for this period of time.
Further Information
For further information on visa and residence permits, see the DAAD-leaflet „DAADMerkblatt zum Aufenthaltsrecht für ausländische Studierende und Studienbewerber,“
which is available at:
www.daad.de/deutschland/en/2.3.3.html
DAAD
Early Arrival
Youth Hostel
Tourist Information
If you arrive in Bonn before the official arrival
date given on our academic calendar, please
arrange accommodation in a hotel or youth
hostel. Dorm rooms are not available before
the official arrival date.
Jugendgästehaus Venusberg
Haager Weg 42; 53127 Bonn
Tel: 0228-28997-0 or 0228-28997-14
e-mail: [email protected]
www.jugendherberge.de/jh/bonn
Windeckstr. 1 / am Münsterplatz; 53111 Bonn
Tel: 0228-7750-00 or 0228-19433
Fax: 0228-7750-77
e-mail: [email protected]
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3
Getting to Bonn
Arrival Day
Arrival in Bonn
The “Academic Calendar” tells you the official arrival date for program students.
Accommodation in student dorms is not possible before that date. Therefore, please
arrange your travel plans so that you arrive in Bonn on that specific date. Only on that
day we will offer special bus shuttles to the student dorms.
On the official arrival day please come directly to the International Office to check in
and take care of the necessary formalities. When you get to our office, we will hand
out an information folder which contains several important forms for you to fill out
and sign. After this, a shuttle bus will take you to your dormitory where the international
tutors will assist you with moving into your room.
On arrival day, our office is open from 8:30 am until 6 pm. If you know in advance
that you will arrive later than that please let us know!
Also, please give us a phone call if you realize that you will have problems getting to
Bonn in time because your plane or train is delayed.
(Phone: +49 (0)228 73 5952 or +49 (0)228 73 59 44)
From Frankfurt Airport
From Düsseldorf Airport
Train Tickets
From Cologne Airport
12
The best way to get to Bonn from Frankfurt Airport is the train. Depending on the
train and the connection you select, the journey takes from about one hour and fifteen
minutes to a little over two hours. A one-way ticket costs between € 29 and 55. For
more information on schedules, prices, and reservations see the website of the
Deutsche Bahn. Tickets can be purchased from the DB information and ticket sales
counter in the airport station. You can pay with a credit card or with cash (€).
From Düsseldorf Airport your best option is the train. It leaves approximately every
20 minutes and takes about an hour to get to Bonn Hauptbahnhof. Prices are between
€ 13 and € 22 for a one-way ticket. Tickets can be purchased from the DB information
and ticket sales counter at the airport train station.
Further information on times of departure, prices and online booking in advance:
www.bahn.de
Take the shuttle bus (No. 670) that runs between the airport and Bonn Hauptbahnhof.
There is no direct train service. Shuttle buses depart every 20 or 30 minutes from the
bus terminal outside the airport. The ride to Bonn takes about 30 minutes. A ticket
costs about € 6. Tickets can be purchased from a ticket vending machine directly at
the bus terminal. It accepts cash only, so be sure to have some money at hand. You can
also buy the ticket directly from the driver.
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Getting to Bonn
Arrival in Bonn
Getting to the
International Office
Stadthaus
From Bonn‘s main train station (Bonn Hauptbahnhof) it is a 10 minute walk to the
International Office:
When you leave the station at the main entrance, turn right and walk parallel to the
train tracks until you reach the end of the bus terminal. Behind the bus terminal to
your right you find a pedestrian underpass that leads directly onto Poppelsdorfer Allee.
Walk straight up Poppelsdorfer Allee until you reach Argelanderstraße - a narrow
street - on your left. The house on the corner is the International Office, Poppelsdorfer
Allee 53.
Ausländeramt
Techniker Krankenkasse
Oxfordstr. 19
Welschnonnenstr. 5
Po
pp
els
do
rfe
rA
lle
e
Bonn Hauptbahnhof
(Main Station)
International Center
Poppelsdorfer Allee 102
International Office
Poppelsdorfer Allee 53
Studentensekretariat
Studentenwerk /
Mensa
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4
After Your Arrival
Formalities
•
•
•
•
•
•
Formalities to take care of within the first couple of days:
Health Insurance
Dorm Room and Lease
Registration with the Residents‘ Registration Office in Bonn (Meldestelle/Bürgeramt)
Enrollment at the University of Bonn
Opening of a Bank Account
Obtaining a Residence Permit at the Immigration Office (Ausländeramt)
Health Insurance
In Germany, students are required to have health insurance. Enrollment at the university is only possible with a valid health insurance certificate.
How to
Health Insurance:
The insurance is included in your program fee. Upon arrival we will ask you to sign
a registration form for one of the local public health insurance companies.
You are responsible for paying for your own health insurance yourself:
a) Students from EU and EFTA countries: You need to bring your European Insurance card or the required substitute form. You can obtain these at a health insurance
institution in your home country. After your arrival in Bonn, you will need to hand in
this form at a public health insurance company. There, you will receive a certificate
of insurance which you must submit when enrolling at the university.
Junior Year Program
Exchange Students
b) Students from non-EU/EFTA countries should acquire health insurance from a
public health insurance company immediately after arriving in Germany. The fee is
approximately € 57 per month.
On the official arrival day a representative from a local public health insurance company will be present at the International Office to answer your questions. You can
purchase insurance or obtain the insurance certificate then.
Please note: If you have a private health insurance, you need to get a so-called
“Befreiungsbescheiningung” at one of the public health insurance companies before
your enrollment.
Insurance card
English-speaking
doctors
14
Once all formalities are completed, you will receive a health insurance card by mail.
Everytime you have a doctor‘s apointment, you have to present this card. You must
pay a one time fee of €10 the firdt time you see your doctor. The receipt is valid for
one quarter, so keep it and you will not be asked to pay again for that quarter. Keep
the receipt, so you will not be asked to pay again.
If you would like to see a doctor who speaks your native language, we can recommend someone to you.
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After Your Arrival
Dorm Room and Lease
How to
Junior Year Program
Exchange Students
Studentenwerk:
Residents‘
Registration
How to
All Students •
•
•
Stadthaus
If not notified otherwise, we will arrange your accommodation in dormitories of the
Studentenwerk Bonn. All dorms are either within walking distance of the university
or have easy access to public transportation. The dorms‘ equipment varies: There are
only single rooms, some have a private bathroom and kitchen, but in most cases you
will share a large kitchen and bathrooms with other students.
Lease your Dorm Room
We will ask you to sign the lease for your dorm room on arrival day. We will transfer
your rent to the Studentenwerk.
You will have to pay a security deposit of € 200 which will be returned to you at the
end of your stay. This security deposit has to be paid on arrival day either in cash
or per bank check. (We do not accept credit cards or traveler’s checks.)
You have to sign your lease at the Studentenwerk Bonn: Nassestraße 11, (2nd floor)
When signing your contract, you will have to pay the first month’s rent and a security deposit of two months’ rent in cash.
The subsequent monthly payments will be deducted from your bank account, so you
have to open a bank account (see page 16) as soon as possible and you have to allow
the Studentenwerk to deduct your rent directly from your account.
Your security deposit will be returned to you within 4 to 6 weeks after your departure,
in the form of a check to your home address.
Office Hours: Mon – Fri 9 am – 12 pm, Thur 2 - 4pm
After moving into your dorm room, you need to register at the Residents’ Registration
Office (Meldestelle / Bürgeramt) of Bonn. All residents are registered here.
You will find the the registration form in your welcome folder and we will help you to
fill it in. If you move to a different apartment in Bonn or to another city, you will have
to change your registration there as well.
Register with the city of Bonn
Fill out the registration form
Hand it in at the Bürgeramt Bonn. (Take along your lease and your passport!)
Keep your registration confirmation in a safe place. It might be a good idea to make
some photocopies since you will need it to open a bank account and to get your residence permit at the immigration office.
Bürgeramt im Stadthaus (Residents’ Registration Office)
Berliner Platz 2, 53111 Bonn
Office Hours: Mon, Thu from 8am – 6pm, Tues, Wed, Fri from 8am – 1pm
Bus stop “Stadthaus”, bus lines 620, 625, 626, 635
Tram stop “Stadthaus”, tram lines 61, 62, 66, 67
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4
After Your Arrival
Formalities
Enrollment at the
University of Bonn
How to
Junior Year Program
Exchange Students
Bank account
How to
•
•
•
•
16
The International Office will take care of enrolling you at the University. We will ask
you to sign the enrollment form on arrival day. We also need evidence of your health
insurance coverage to enroll you. As soon as you are enrolled, you will be sent your
student ID, which also functions as your Semesterticket, enabling you to take buses
and trains in and around Bonn for free. Included in the social fee is also insurance for
accidents which occur en route to and from the University, to your place of residence,
and on the University grounds.
Enroll at the University („Einschreibung“)
Fill in and sign the form „Antrag auf Einschreibung“ and hand it back to us.
Fill in and sign the form “Antrag auf Einschreibung”
Present valid insurance certification
You will receive a request to pay the Sozialbeitrag, a social contribution of currently
approximately € 130, all students enrolled at the University of Bonn have to pay. With
these fees the University finances several social services for students as well as the
Semesterticket.
Since a lot of transactions are paid through bank transfers, we recommend that you
open a bank account at a local bank or Sparkasse. This is especially important for
those students who receive a monthly food stipend from the International Office.
Although you will receive the first month‘s stipend in cash upon your arrival, from the
second month on we will transfer the money to your bank account.
You can open a checking account (Girokonto) at any of the local banks after registering with the Residents’ Registration Office (Bürgeramt). For students, the checking
account is usually free of charge. Just don’t forget to close the account before your
departure.
Some German banks will allow you to overdraw your account to a certain degree.
This is called a „Dispo“ and you might not be notified that you do not have enough
money in your account to make a withdrawel or transfer money to another account.
Please keep track of your account on your own, either by using internet banking or by
printing bank statements („Kontoauszug“) at one of your banks branch offices on a
regular basis.
Open a Bank Account
Choose a local bank.
Bring along your passport, registration certificate from the city of Bonn and your
student ID.
Open the account.
If you receive a food stipend from the International Office, please forward your bank
account details to us.
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4
After Your Arrival
Residence Permit
How to
All Students •
•
•
EU- / EFTA-Students
Ausländerbehörde
All students staying in Bonn for more than three months need to register with the local
Immigration Office (Ausländeramt) in order to obtain a residence permit.
Should you already have a valid residence permit for the complete duration of your
stay in Germany, this does not concern you. (However, you still need to register at the
Residents’ Registration Office (see above)).
In all other cases you will have to apply for a residence permit at the Immigration
Office in Bonn-Beuel. The best way to get there is either by bus (line 537; get off at
„Beuel Ausländeramt“) or by tram (line 62; get off at “Beuel Bahnhof”). If you want
to avoid standing in line for quite some time, you should arrive early in the morning
before they open.
Obtain your Residence Permit
Pick up a confirmation of enrollment at the International Office.
In addition, you will need your passport, student ID, registration confirmation from
the Residents’ Registration Office, health insurance confirmation, a passport-sized
photograph, and € 50.
Hand in these documents at the Ausländeramt.
Students from the European Union do not need a residence permit. They only have to
register with the city (see p.15). With this they can apply for a so called „Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung at the Ausländerbehörde.
Ausländerbehörde Bonn (Immigration Office)
Oxfordstr. 19, 53111 Bonn
Office Hours: Mon, Tue, Thurs, Fri 8 am – 12 pm, Thurs additionally 2 pm – 6 pm
(closed on Wednesdays)
Bus Stop „Ausländeramt“, bus lines
Tram Stop „Beuel Bahnhof“, tram line 62
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5
The Academic Year,
Courses and Classes
Your Studies in
Germany
The Academic Year in
Germany
Courses offered by the
International Office
The International Office offers a number of German language and culture classes you
can take, depending on your German proficiency.
Orientation Course
In general, your study abroad program in Bonn begins with a four-week orientation
course in March or September. The aim of the orientation is to prepare you in terms of
language and culture for classes at the university and to offer an introduction to German
life and civilization. The course contains approx. 75 units of instruction, each lasting 45
minutes. Apart from language instruction you can choose from different workshops on
topics like German literature, history, politics, and theater. In addition we offer an extensive cultural program including excursions, concerts, and other activities.
German Language
During the semester, the International Office offers German language classes on
different levels (from Intensive German for beginners and intermediate learners up to
more specialized courses for advanced students, e.g. Conversation and Vocabulary,
Advanced Composition, Advanced Phonetics, etc.), as well as specially designed
interdisciplinary classes from the fields of German culture and civilization.
Courses
Regular Courses at the
University
Proseminar
18
At German universities, the academic year is divided into two semesters, a winter
semester and a summer semester. The winter semester runs from October 1st to March
31st, the summer semester from April 1st to September 30th. Classes usually start
about 2 weeks into the semester and end in mid-February (for the winter semester) and
at the end of July (for the summer semester).
During the break between semesters students usually write research papers, work on
presentations, prepare for exams or gain work experience through internships.
For specific dates, see the academic calendar on the back of the checklist.
Students can choose from all courses regularly offered at the University of Bonn,
provided they have the necessary qualifications. The university offers about eighty degree programs and a wide range of courses. The classes offered by our seven faculties
encompass the entire range of the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, medicine, and law. In general, the language of instruction is German. Some departments
offer a few courses in English. A list of these courses will be available for download
on our webpage soon after the new course catalogue has been published.
There are different types or levels of courses offered at the University:
A “Proseminar” is the starting level for independent academic study. Students are
usually required to give an oral presentation (Referat) and / or write a term paper
(Hausarbeit).
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Your Studies in
Germany
Hauptseminar
Vorlesung
Übung
Tutorium/Arbeitsgemeinschaft (AG)
Schein
A “Hauptseminar” is for advanced students (comparable to an American graduate
seminar at the master’s level). Students are expected to do independent academic
studies. Usually students are required to prepare one aspect of the seminar and give an
oral presentation and/or write a term paper.
This is a lecture course offered by prominent senior professors. It is designed to
give students an overview of a certain topic. Lecture courses are for students at all
levels. There is generally little opportunity for discussion – mostly students listen
to the professor‘s presentation. These courses are usually not offered for grades, but
non-German students might arrange to take a final exam with the professor (oral or
written) and thus get a grade – a “benoteten Schein”.
Literally, a practice. Usually a relatively small class that provides basic knowledge for
future independent work. Generally devoted to weekly reading assignments and sometimes writing assignments as well. Students may have to prepare an oral presentation
and / or write a term paper.
Tutorials are usually taught by graduate students or teaching assistants. They are
offered in combination with a Vorlesung or Seminar in order to deepen the material
covered in the regular course.
Your successful participation in a course will be recorded on a “Schein” (certificate).
We distinguish between an ungraded “Schein” (“unbenoteter Schein”, also called
“Teilnahmeschein” or “Sitzschein”) which documents your successful participation in
the class (Audit or pass/fail), and a graded „Schein“ (benoteter Schein), which awards
you a grade for your work. For an ungraded „Schein“ you generally only give an oral
presentation. In order to get a grade for the course, you will have to prepare an oral
presentation and write a term paper or sometimes a final exam.
c.t. und s.t.
Please note: Classes traditionally start 15 minutes after the hour. This is called “cum
tempore” (c.t.) or “das Akademische Viertel.” “Sine tempore” (s.t.) means that the
class starts exactly at the time given.
Choice of classes
You are free to choose your classes from all courses offered at the University, provided you meet the pre-requisites for the class.
Vorlesungsverzeichnis
You can find out which courses are offered in the university’s course catalogue
(Vorlesungsverzeichnis), available at local bookstores for € 3.50. It also contains an
overview and contact information for all teachers, departments and other university
institutions.
Kommentiertes
Vorlesungsverzeichnis
In addition, each department publishes an annotated course catalogue (“Kommentiertes Vorlesungsverzeichnis” or “KVV”). Here you can find more detailed information
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5
Your Studies in
Germany
Classes and Courses
Germanistik
Political Sciences
History
North American Program
Course Registration
Academic Advice
Contact
Credit Transfer
Cultural Program
20
on the individual courses, course descriptions, reading lists, and registration information. You can get these annotated course catalogues at the individual departments‘
offices, the departments’ libraries, or from the „Fachschaften“. Most are published
online as well. Here are a few links:
www.germanistik.uni-bonn.de/content/lehrangebot/alle_lehrveranstaltungen
www.politik.uni-bonn.de/ (go to „Aktuelles“)
www.histsem.uni-bonn.de/veranvlz.htm
www.nap-uni-bonn.de
For most regular university courses you have to
register in advance. Generally, professors will accept
international program students into their classes, even
if they have already reached the limit of enrollment. However, you should always
speak to the instructor beforehand. The registration process varies – it could be by
email, by seeing your instructor during his or her office hours, or by signing your
name on a list that is posted in a prominent place at the department. You will find
information about this in the annotated course catalogues published by the various
departments and on their webpages and noticeboards. Of course the staff at the International Office will help you with this process.
For lecture classes no prior registration is necessary. However, if you want to get a
grade for a “Vorlesung,” you will have to talk to the instructor at the beginning of the
course and arrange for a final exam (oral or written).
Towards the end of the orientation there will be an information session about how to
choose classes and the registration process. Apart from that, Herr Gerkhausen will be
available for individual counseling and will help you as best as he can with planning
your course work. Whenever you have questions or concerns about your studies,
please do not hesitate to contact the staff at the International Office or Herr Gerkhausen.
[email protected]
You will obtain credits for all courses successfully completed at Bonn. The International Office issues an official transcript which will be sent to your home institution.
Since acknowledgement of the credits is reserved for your home institution, we advise
you to inquire about all questions regarding credits prior to departure.
Aside from academic courses, the International Office offers an extensive cultural
program which includes field trips, museum visits, movie nights, concerts, and other
activities, and as part of the Junior Year Program also a six-day excursion to Berlin.
This cultural component of the program is meant to help you understand and learn
as much as possible about Germany, its history, culture, and society. The different
activities and excursions are therefore specifically selected to cover various topics
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Your Studies in
Germany
and different eras of German history and civilization, like the ancient heritage of the
Romans, Germany in the Middle Ages, the 20th century, the changing role of Berlin,
and other typical aspects of German culture. Participation in all events of the cultural
program is voluntary. Still, we recommend that you take part in at least one excursion
or event from each of the above areas in order to get a broad image of our country.
Discovering Germany
– Our Ancient Heritage
Discovering Germany
– The Middle Age
Discovering Germany
– the 20th Century
Discovering Germany
– Berlin: Old and New
Capital
Discovering Germany –
Culture and Society
German history dates back more than 2000 years. Many cities in the western part
of Germany – like Bonn and Cologne – trace their origins back to Ancient Roman
settlements. You will be surprised how many traces of the Roman epoch you can still
find today.
Castles, knights, tournaments, half-timbered houses – this is what many people
associate with the Middle Ages. Indeed the Rhineland is famous for its many representations of medieval culture and architecture. For instance, there are many old castles
along the Rhine river, and the Cologne Cathedral is a fine example of medieval architecture. Join us for a trip back to the time between 1000 and 1500.
The 20th century was, in the words of historian Eric Hobsbawn, “The Age of Extremes.” Two world wars, the Weimar Republic, the Holocaust, the division of Germany, the Berlin Wall, the peaceful revolution of 1989 and the reunification in 1990
were events that shaped this century, and their impact is still felt today. Germany in
the 21st century cannot be understood without looking at Germany in the 20th century.
Therefore, we would like to explore with you the events and developments of the
years between 1900 and 2000.
In 1991 Berlin became the official seat of government again. (Before that, Bonn had
been the capital of Western Germany for 50 years!) Berlin is a place where history
becomes tangible. Remains of the Berlin Wall are still visible today. There is also the
Brandenburg Gate, which has become a symbol for German reunification. On a trip
to Berlin you will have plenty of opportunities to discover both the old and the new
German capital.
Bach and Beethoven, Goethe and Schiller, Martin Luther and Immanuel Kant – Germany is the home of famous composers, as well as poets and thinkers. At the same
time Germany is famous for its beer, its wine, the Oktoberfest, and – especially in the
Rhineland – for its Karneval. We invite you to learn more about these and many other
aspects of German culture.
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Your Studies in
Germany
General Program Notes
The German university system gives the individual student a lot of freedom but
also a great deal of responsibility for their own success. We would like you to
experience as much as possible of both. Please keep the following things in mind:
Regular Attendance
Early Departure
Final tests and examinations usually take place during the last two weeks of the
semester. Special arrangements are not possible. Therefore, an early departure could
mean the loss of credits. You bear the entire responsibility for leaving before the
official end of the program.
Deadlines
We will inform you about deadlines for course registration, pass/fail declaration, dropping a course, etc. by mail. It is important to keep to all deadlines.
Letters from the
The International Office sends most important information by mail. It usually concerns
matters such as course registration, reporting back for the next semester, or procedures
at the end of your stay in Bonn. Please read these letters carefully and keep them for
your future reference. Also, if you receive any official letters you do not understand,
please see us immediately. In order to help, we need to know as soon as possible!
International Office
Official letters
Letters and Fax
Excursions / Cultural
Program
22
Attendance is compulsory in all classes. In case of illness or any other compelling
reason for absence you should notify your instructors, letting them know the reason
for your absence – if possible in advance. Should you miss class more than twice this
could mean losing some or all of the credits.
You should forward your new address to your relatives and friends at home as soon
as possible, so that your personal mail will be sent directly to your dorm. Please don’t
forget to write your name on your letter box in the entrance hall of the dorm. Mail
from your home universities will usually arrive at the International Office and can be
picked up during coffee hours.
As part of your program, several full or half-day excursions and a one-week trip to
Berlin are offered. You will be informed on all of these events by special announcements. For most excursions, we will have sign-up lists during coffee hour. If you sign up
for an excursion, please consider your signature as a confirmation that you are actually
going to take part in the event. Therefore, please sign up only if you really want to go.
Participation in the trip to Berlin is subject to special invitation. All Junior Year Program
students will be invited to the trip. The aim of the excursion to Berlin is to show you
country-specific aspects of German history, politics, and culture. Attendance at the
respective tour programs is expected. The excursion takes place every semester. If you
stay in Bonn for a full year, you might be invited in the second semester only, because
places for the first excursion will first be distributed to students on a one-semester-program. If you reject an invitation, reimbursement for the missed trip is not possible.
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
Student ID
Libraries
6
University Life
Student ID
Your student ID is an official document that you should always carry with you. You
need it for example to obtain a code card at the university library, to register for university sport courses or to use any other university facilities. Apart from that you will
get reductions for students at many theaters, museums, cinemas etc. And above all,
your student ID is a ticket for the public transportation system (see section “Semesterticket”).
Libraries
There are various university and department libraries as well as the public libraries of Bonn to choose from:
Main Library
(Hauptbibliothek)
Library for Medicine, the
Sciences, and
Agriculture (Abteilungsbibliothek MNL)
Student Library
(Studentenbücherei)
OPAC
Department Libraries
(Institutsbibliotheken)
University Library (Universitäts- und Landesbibliothek – ULB):
The University library’s collection includes about 2 million books and magazine
volumes, plus an extensive collection of microfiche documents.
The University Library has three locations:
The main library offers general reference works and has a focus on the humanities,
theology, law, and economics. In order to borrow books, you need to register at the
front desk of the Main Library with your student ID and the registration confirmation
you received at Bonn’s Residents‘ Registration Office. At the beginning of each
semester, the library offers orientation tours for new students. It is a good idea to take
part in such a tour to familiarize yourself with the library.
Adenauerallee 39-41, 53113 Bonn
Tel.: (0228) 73-7352
opening hours (reading room): Mon – Fri 8am – 9pm, Sat 9am – 12 noon
This section features literature on mathematics, computer science, natural sciences,
medicine, nutrition, environment and agriculture.
Nußallee 15a 53115 Bonn
Tel.: (0228) 73-3405
opening hours (reading room): Mon – Fri 8am – 8pm
This library offers a broad range of German and international newspapers and periodicals as well as a great number of new publications, from fiction to scientific books.
University Main Building (entrance Hofgartenwiese/ Kaiserplatz)
Regina-Pacis-Weg 1
opening hours: Mon - Thu 9am - 7pm, Fri 9am – 5pm
For more information on the University Library and access to the online-catalogue
www.ulb.uni-bonn.de/
Each department or institute also has its own library. The departmental libraries
usually do not lend books; they are reference libraries. Some of them do allow you to
borrow books over the weekend. Since the rules may vary from department to department, please inquire about the particular arrangements.
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Libraries
Computer Access
University Life
Public Library
Computers / Internet
Access
CIP-Pool
The public library is in the city center, located behind the main post office (Bottlerplatz). This library addresses the broad public, therefore providing a wide range of literature and not specifically geared to scientific research. You can also borrow movies
and games, as well as books and magazines in English.
The books are freely accessible and can be borrowed if you are registered with the
library and pay a small fee for each item you take away.
Bottlerplatz 1, 53111 Bonn
Tel.: (0228) 77-36 58
opening hours: Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri 11am - 7pm, Sat 10am - 1pm
More information and access to the online-catalogue (OPAC) at:
www.bonn.de/stadtbibliothek/
You are welcome to use our four computers at the International Office’s club:
Mon, Tue - Thu 6 pm to 11pm, during “Kaffeestunde” Tue, Thu 12 noon to 2pm
Please note that there are different opening hours during the semester break.
For a deposit of € 10 you can get a magnetic card for various computer labs on campus:
Faculty of Arts computer lab (in the main building)
University Computing Center (Rechenzentrum, Wegelerstr. 6)
University library (Adenauerallee 39-41)
Sprachlernzentrum (main building, Am Hof 1, fourth floor)
Use the CIP-Pool
get a CIP-Pool Card
• Register at the Rechenzentrum (Wegelerstr. 6) to get your e-mail account and the
necessary password
• You need your Matrikelnummer and the RHRZ-PIN, which can both be found on the
document coming with your student ID.
• The following website provides further information:
www.it-s.uni-bonn.de/benutzer/antrags-pc.html.
How to
•
Internet Cafés
24
There are several internet cafes in Bonn, and some public libraries offer free web
access.
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6
University Life
Cafeteria - Mensa
The university’s cafeterias (Mensa) offer
affordable meals for students. Prices vary
between € 1,65 and € 3,00. There is always
a vegetarian dish available, and the
Mensa Nassestraße also offers dinner.
The menus are posted in the cafeterias
and can also be checked online at:.
http://www.studentenwerk-bonn.de
Mensa Nassestrasse
Nassestraße 11
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 2:15 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 2 pm
Mon-Fri 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm (dinner)
Sat
12 pm - 1:45 pm
Mensa Poppelsdorf
Endenicher Allee 19
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 2:15 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 2 pm
Mensa Venusberg
Klinikgelände, Venusberg
Mon-Thu 8:30 am - 3:30 pm
Fri
8:30 am - 3 pm
Mensa Römerstrasse
Römerstraße 164
Mon-Thu 11:30 am - 2:15 pm
Fri
11:30 am - 2 pm
Carls Bistro
Ecke Nassestraße / Kaiserstraße
Mon-Thu 10:30 am -10 pm
11:30 am - 8:45pm (warm dishes)
Fri
10:30 am - 3 pm
11:30 am – 2:30 pm (warm dishes)
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6
Sports, Music, Dance,
and Museums
University Life
University Sports
The University offers 85 different kinds of sports and approx. 400 courses. Many
courses are free of charge – only participation in certain sport programs such as gliding, skiing, tennis, dance classes, etc. require a small contribution towards expenses.
Moreover, you can use the University’s sports center on Venusberg, Nachtigallenweg
86 (for soccer, volleyball, gym etc.) free of charge.
Further information and a brochure with all courses are available from:
AStA-Sportreferat
Nassestraße 11, 53113 Bonn
Tel.: 737045, Fax: 262210.
www.hochschulsport.uni-bonn.de/
Music and Arts
Music
The Collegium Musicum of the University offers several choirs and orchestras – from
classics to jazz. For more information on the different ensembles, rehearsal and audition dates, please contact:
Collegium Musicum
Am Hof 7, 53113 Bonn
Tel.: 735872
[email protected]
www.collegium-musicum.uni-bonn.de/
Mon 10:30am – 12 pm
Tue – Fri 9am – 12 pm
Dance
The Dance Studio offers courses in different
disciplines from classic dance to jazz dance and more.
For more information contact:
Ballettstudio an der Universität Bonn
Office hours: Mon – Thu 9 am – 1 pm
Am Hof 7
Tel. 73 5005
Arts
University Museums
26
The Studio für Kunsterziehung offers courses in painting, drawing and photography,
among others. For more information and registration contact:
Studio für Kunsterziehung /Atelier für Bildende Kunst
Office hours: Mon – Thu 9 am – 1 pm
Am Hof 7
Tel. 73 5005
Ten museums, presenting fascinating collections of Egyptian mummies and fossils as
well as high-end micro chips, belong to the university. Check out the different
museums and their exhibitions at:
www.uni-bonn.de/Die_Universitaet/Museen.html
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
Student Organizations
and Activities
Student Organizations
AStA
Fachschaften
Counseling, Support,
Advice
Social Activities
6
University Life
Allgemeiner StudentInnenauschuss (Student Union)
The AStA represents all students enrolled at the University of Bonn. It is elected
annually. The AStA has various subdivisions dealing with specific topics and offers
student-focused services, i.e. international student affairs, sports, counselling on social
and legal matters, and cultural, ecological and political activities. Throughout the
semester, a variety of information campaigns, as well as parties, are organized by the
AStA. Moreover, the AStA runs two shops which offer stationery and other useful
things at reasonable prices in the Mensa Nassestraße and the Mensa Poppelsdorf.
Office hours: Mon - Thu 12 noon - 2pm and Fri 12 noon – 1:45pm
Nassestraße 11, within the Mensa building, 1st floor
Tel.: 737030
Fax 262210
More information about the AStA and its activities at:
www.asta-bonn.de
Most disciplines and departments have their own student interest groups (Fachschaften) which take care of particular students‘ interests and offer orientation events at the
beginning of every semester, as well as guidance during the semester.
Links to Fachschaften and other student organizations:
www.uni-bonn.de/Studium/Studentische_Einrichtungen.html
Psychotherapeutic Counseling Center
The Psychotherapeutic Counseling Center offers help and advice with difficulties related
to your studies or personal issues. All students of the University of Bonn have the opportunity to get help from the counseling service free of charge. In case of worries or
mental health problems, please ask the counseling service for an appointment. There
you will receive help and be referred to a psychotherapist or physician if needed.
Registration: Tue 9 am – noon, Wed 9 am – 4 pm
Lennéstraße 24, 53113 Bonn
Tel. 73-7106 / -7107 / -7108
There are numerous ways to meet other students – here are a few of them:
Events in dorms
Tutors in the student dorms organize a variety of events (sports, culture, cooking, etc.)
These events are announced through posters and flyers in the dorms.
Sprachtandem
Language exchange partners: You want to improve your German and at the same time
teach your mother tongue to a German native speaker? At the AStA you can post an
advertisement to find a “Sprachtandem” partner or search for offers:
www.asta-bonn.de/sprachtandem.html
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University Life
Kaffestunde and
Internationaler Club
Hochschulsport / other
Uniersity activities
Social Activities
Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12
noon to 2 p.m., the International Office
holds a Kaffeestunde. Located in our
International Club room, you can have
a cup of tea or coffee, eat some cookies,
hang out with other students and talk to
our staff members.
The International Club is open Mondays
to Thursdays 6 - 11 pm and offers a
variety of activities. The program is
available at:
www.uni-bonn.de/~club/index.shtml
Why not take part in one of the numerous programs – an easy way to meet new
people. This is also true for other University programs like music, art, or cultural
events.
Freshmen-Trips
(„Erstifahrten“)
Most Fachschaften organize so-called “Erstsemesterfahrten“, weekend trips which
offer a great opportunity for new students to get in touch with others. This may also be
a chance for you to get to know some German students!
Further Activities
More information on leisure activities and current events in Bonn can be found on our
website at:
28
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
7
Getting Around
Semesterticket for
public transportation
Bikes
Rent a bike
Cars / Drivers license
Life in Bonn
All students enrolled at the University of Bonn are entitled to use public transportation
in the Bonn-Cologne area free of charge. In combination with a photo ID, your student
ID serves as a ticket for the public transportation system in and around Bonn. The
semester ticket is valid for 6 months (starting 1st October or 1st April, respectively).
It allows unlimited travel on buses, trams, and some regional trains within the region
covered by the local public transportation authority (Verkehrsbund Rhein-Sieg / VRS).
Further information is available from the information office of the Bonner Verkehrsbetriebe, situated in the underpass at the main train station (Bonn Hauptbahnhof).
For timetables and further information on buses and trams see:
www.vrs-info.de
Living close to the city center you will soon find that bicycles are a good option to get
around. Bikes are also fun for weekend trips in the Bonn area. They are allowed on
Rhine riverboats for a fee of approximately € 1, and with your Semesterticket you can
take them along on most public transportation. You can buy a bike second-hand and sell
it again later. Check out ads on the university‘s notice boards or go to the bicycle market held alongside the university‘s main building (in the Hofgarten), every semester.
You can also rent bicycles:
Kurscheid Fahrradvermietung
Römerstr. 4, 53111 Bonn
Tel.: 631433
Fahrradladen Südstadt
Ermekeilstr. 7
Tel.: 2423233
City Bike
Oxfordstr. 15, 53111 Bonn
Tel.: 9816112
If you’re an EU/EEA citizen, you are allowed to use your driver’s license in Germany
without having to apply for a German license. Nevertheless, there are certain limitations.
If you are a citizen of a non-EU/EEA country, you are allowed to use your foreign
driver’s license for six months after setting up your permanent residence in Germany.
If you will be residing in Germany for longer than six months but less than one year,
you can obtain a six-month extension to use your existing license. If you will be living
in Germany longer than a year, you will need a German driver’s license. For details,
please contact the city of Bonn’s driver’s license department (Tel. 775466).
For further general information on driver’s licenses in Germany:
www.verkehrsportal.de/intkfzvo/intkfzvo_04.php
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6
Bonn Events
Radio, Television, and Telephone
Life in Bonn
Calendar of Events
Bonn has certain annually recurring events. We have listed some of these events, but
you can always find out what is going on in the Bonn area on the city‘s homepage:
www.bonn.de
Rheinauen-Flohmarkt
Every third Saturday, April through October (huge fleamarket in the Rheinaue)
First Saturday in May (fireworks in the Rheinaue and along the Rhine river)
First Saturday in July (big open air music festival for free in the Rheinaue)
May through September (large variety of free concerts on the Bonner Marktplatz)
June through September, (internationally renowned artists perform at the Museumsplatz)
July and August (silent movies and art-house cinema in the Arkadenhof of the university)
September/October (musical festival with numerous internationally renowned artists)
Beginning to mid-September (huge carneval, Bonn‘s little „Oktoberfest“)
Throughout December (Christmas market in the pedestrian area of the city)
Rhein in Flammen
Rheinkultur
Bonner Sommer
Open-Air Concerts
Open-Air Kino
Beethovenfest
Pützchens Markt
Weihnachtsmarkt
Radio and Television
Telephone
How To
Deutsche Telekom
Cheaper rates
Calling Cards / Phone
Centers
Mobile / cell phones
30
If you own a radio or television set, you have to pay licence fees quarterly to the
central fee collection administration (GEZ – Gebühreneinzugszentrale) of the public
broadcasting corporations. The GEZ sometimes inspects the dormitories through
unannounced visits in order to find out whether you have registered your radio or TV
set. Please ask us for help if you have any questions or problems. Registration forms
are available at any bank institute and can be downloaded at
www.gez.de
Getting a regular Phone connection is certainly an option, however, mobile phones
and telephone through the internet provide alternatives, that are cheaper and more
flexible:
Telephone
If you want to set up a regular telephone line with Deutsche Telekom, please come and
see us beforehand.
You can reduce the cost-per-call by using calling cards or a “Vorwahl,” a number you
dial before the number you are calling which reduces the cost. “Vorwahl” numbers can
be found at:
www.billigertelefonieren.de
Calling cards can be purchased everywhere and there are numerous phone centers
around the Hauptbahnhof and around town, where you might get cheaper rates.
Many students prefer a cell phone/mobile phone – or “Handy,” as the Germans say.
Depending on the provider, there are various contracts and you have the choice between Pre-Paid-Calling Cards and contracts of different lengths. Consider the duration
of the contracts before you sign them! There are several stores for mobile phones in
Bonn where you can get advice – most of them located around the Marktplatz. Bring
your own phone if its technology works in Europe.
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
Custom Regulations and
Work Permit
Voice over IP
Customs Regulations
for Postal Items
•
•
•
•
•
•
7
Life in Bonn
The cheapest and easiest option today ist to use your computer and a free telephone
software like Skype. The intenet connection provided in the dorms is fast enough to
set up internet telephony. You will find information at:
www.iptel.org/info
www.skype com
www.net2phone.com
Usually, every postal item from outside the EU has to be cleared at customs.
However, there are exceptions. Postal items can be delivered directly without going
through customs when the following conditions are met:
Both sender and receiver are private individuals
The goods are meant for usage or consumption by the receiver only
no purchase was made concerning the goods
the value of the goods does not exceed 45 €
If the declared value of the goods exceeds 45 €, import duties must be paid!
However, materials and equipment needed by students for their studies are exempted
from this rule. This includes books, laptops, printers, etc.
Therefore, if somebody wants to send you a packet from home, they should keep in
mind the following:
the content of the packet must be declared in detail. If you have somebody send you
study material or equipment (books, computer, printer, etc.), make sure they declare it
as study material.
all relevant documents (descriptions of content, invoice, etc) have to be attached
visibly and easily accessible on the outside of the packet
More information on customs regulations is available at:
www.zoll.de
Work Permit
Aside from students who are citizens of EU-member states, EEA-states, or Switzerland, international students are only allowed to work a limited number of days (90
days per year) without a work permit. Therefore it is absolutely essential that you
estimate your financial means realistically. The provisions of German labor laws are
very strict. By breaching these laws you might risk being forced to leave Germany
ahead of time.
Further information on the German labor law:
www.daad.de/deutschland/en/2.2.1.17.html
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Living in Bonn
Religious Communities
Catholic Student
Community (KHG)
St. Tomas More
Catholic Community
Greek Orthodox Parish of
Agia Trias Bonn
Muslim Community
Protestant Student
Community (ESG)
American Protestant
Church
The Synagogue
Community
There are various religous communities at the, but you can also contact your
local congregations.
The Catholic Student Community or Katholische Hochschulgemeinde (KHG) wants to
foster community spirit through religious services and events such as parties, lectures
or discussion groups.
Contact for international students: Herr Röttgen, office hours Wed 10am – 12 noon
and upon appointment (Tel.: 91445-19; email: [email protected]).
Schaumburg-Lippe-Straße 6, 53113 Bonn
http://www.khgbonn.de
English speaking Catholic Community
Cheruskerstraße 11, 53175 Bonn-Bad Godesberg
Tel. (0228) 37 35 26
Dietrich-Bonnhoeffer-Str. 2, 53227 Bonn
Tel.: (0228) 46 20-41
There are various mosques in the area of Bonn. Moreover, you can get in contact with
the Islamische Hochschulvereinigung Bonn (Islamic University Community) to join in
prayers and seminars and other activities:
[email protected]
www.ihv-bonn.de
The Protestant Student Community or Evangelische Studentengemeinde (ESG), is
a meeting place for students wanting to spend time with others on a spiritual and
everyday level. The ESG Bonn also offers movie nights, clubs (choir, photography,
environmental protection, Latin dance, soccer, games, etc.), international parties and
study trips.
The student minister and Mr. Campbell-Cohen have special office hours for international students: Thu 10am - 12 noon.
Venusbergweg 4, 53115 Bonn
Tel.: (0228) 911990
www.esg-bonn.de
Protestant Services in English
Kennedyallee 150, 53175 Bonn
Email: offi[email protected]
Tel.: (0228) 374193
www.apcbonn.de
Synagogengemeinde
Tempelstraße 2-4, 53113 Bonn
Tel: (0228) 665212
E-mail: [email protected]
For further information on religious communities in Bonn, please see:
www.bonn.de/familie_gesellschaft_bildung_soziales/kirchen_und_religionsgemeinschaften/index.html
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Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
7
Shopping and Tipping
Shopping
Clothes and department
stores
Food
AStA-Shops
Books
Living in Bonn
There are plenty of opportunities to go shopping in Bonn:
Right in the city center – between Münsterplatz, Friedensplatz and Marktplatz – there
is a large number of clothing stores, shoe stores and more, as well as large department
stores, such as KAUFHOF and KARSTADT, where you will find everything from
clothing, sportswear, and electronic devices to kitchen and bathroom equipment. There
is also a large food section inside Kaufhof (which is a little more expensive than the
other large supermarkets).
Large Food Chains (Supermarkets) are for example ALDI, EDEKA, HIT, KAISER’S,
LIDL, MINIMAL, PLUS, SPAR and STÜSSGEN. The cheapest of these are ALDI,
LIDL and PLUS. Simply ask your dorm tutor for the closest supermarket.
At the daily market in front of the old town hall (Marktplatz), you will find fresh fruit
and vegetables (Mon - Fri 8 am – 6.30 pm, Sat 8 am – 4 pm).
There are also quite a few organic food supermarkets all over Bonn. A rather big one
- Basic- is conveniently located right at the main station.
The AStA-Shops in the Mensen Nassestraße and Poppelsdorf sell stationery at
favorable prices (Mon - Fri 12 noon - 2 pm).
Books for classes (as well as the course catalogue) can be found at BÜCHER
BEHRENDT and BOUVIER (both located close to the main building, Am Hof) or at
CLIOS, Lennéstraße.
Opening Hours
Rules on opening hours are much stricter in Germany than in many other countries:
Stores and Shops
Most stores in the city center are open Mon - Sat between 10 am and 8 pm. In suburban regions some stores close at 6:30 or 7 pm. All stores remain closed on Sundays
and on public holidays. Exceptions are small street stores (Kiosk), stores in railway
stations, airports, and gas stations. However, prices are very high and the range of
products is very limited.
Banks
Banks are usually open Mon - Fri 8:30 am - 4 pm and closed on Sat and Sun
Post Office
The Post Office on Münsterplatz is open Mon - Fri 9am to 8pm and Sat 9am - 4pm.
Tipping
How much tip should you leave when eating out?
The prices cited on the menu actually include a 16% value-added-tax and a service
charge. Nevertheless, it is customary to leave a tip in restaurants, cafés, bars, and
other places where the bill is brought to your table. The size of the tip depends on the
friendliness, quality and service. The rule of thumb is as follows: you allow about
5-10% of the sum for a tip.
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
33
7
Living in Bonn
Waste Separation
Blue trash can
Yellow trash can
Green trash can
Recycling
Non-Refundable bottles
Bottles with refundable
deposit (Pfandflaschen)
Waste Separation and Recycling
You might already have heard of the Germans` love for recycling and
the many different trash cans in various colors, we use.
These serve to separate and recycle:
Paper and cardboard
Plastic and aluminium wrappings and packages (such as yogurt
cups, cans made from tin foil, plastic foils, Tetrapak – milk and
juice packages, etc.)
Organic waste
Recycling is an important issue in Germany:
Glass bottles and glasses which have been bought without leaving a deposit are collected in special glass containers set up all over the city. Bottles are separated according to the color of the glass (green, brown and white).
When buying beverages in Germany, you will often have to pay a deposit for bottles,
and recently also for cans. Upon returning the empty bottle or can to the store you will
get back your deposit (“Pfand”). So before getting rid of your bottles in one of the
above-mentioned glass containers, make sure it is not a “Pfandflasche,” which should
always be marked on the label.
© Michael Sondermann
There are also recycle bins for empty batteries in many dormitories and super markets.
34
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
Emergency Numbers and
Important Addresses
Police
Fire Department
Ambulance
8
Important Numbers
and Addresses
Emergency Numbers:
110
112
112
Toxic/Poison Emergency
Center, Bonn/NRW
Toxic/Poison Information
Physician on-duty
Dentist on-duty
Pharmacies on duty
(0228)-287-3211
(0228)-1 92 40
Doctors on-duty (Wednesday afternoons, at night and during the weekend)
0180 - 50 44 100
0180 - 59 86 700
01805 - 1 23 56 45
Further Emergency Numbers/ Counseling/ Guidance:
Psychological phone
counseling
0800-1 11 01 11 (24-hour Hotline)
Counseling in case of
sexual abuse/rape
(0228)-63 55 24 (make an appointment Mon 11-12am, Tues-Fri 10-12am, Wed 6-8pm)
Gay and Lesbian
telephone counseling
(0228)-1 94 46 (first Tuesday of the month, 7-9pm)
Psychotherapeutic
helpdesk, University
Alcohol, pharmaceutical
(0228)-73 71 06 (make an appointment on Tuesdays 9-12am or Thursdays 9am-4pm)
(0228)-10 82 45 (8:30am-1pm and 1:45-5pm)
and drug addictions
AIDS counseling
Hospital St. Elisabeth
Hospital St. Petrus
Hospital St. Johannes
University Clinics
Dental Clinic MEDECO
(0228)-94 90 90 (every day 10am-7pm, Thursday 10am-8pm)
Hospitals and Clinics:
(0228)-5 08-0; Prinz-Albert-Str. 40
(0228)-5 06-0; Bonner Talweg 4-6
(0228)-7 01-0; Kölnstr. 54
(0228)-2 87-0; Sigmund-Freud-Str. 25
(0228)-9 85 90-0; Welchnonnenstr. 1-5
Please contact us at the International Office for a list of English-speaking physicians.
Taxi Service
(0228)-555 555
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
35
8
Important Numbers
and Addresses
Australia
Embassies and Consulates
Australische Botschaft
Wallstrasse 76-79
10179 Berlin
Tel. 030 / 880088-0, Fax 030 / 880088-210
[email protected]
www.australian-embassy.de
Australian Consulate-General
Grüneburgweg 58-62
60322 Frankfurt
Tel. 069-90558-0, Fax 069-90558-109
Canada
Botschaft von Kanada
Internationalen Handelszentrum
Friedrichstraße 95, 12. Stock
10117 Berlin
Tel.: (030) 20312-0
Canadian Consulat-General in Düsseldorf
Benrather Strasse 8
40213 Düsseldorf
Tel.: (0211) 172 -170
Fax (0211) 359 -165
36
Japan
Botschaft von Japan
Hiroshimastraße 6
10785 Berlin
Tel. (0 30) 210 94-0
Fax (0 30) 210 94-222
www.botschaft-japan.de/
Korea
Botschaft der Republik Korea (Aussenstelle Bonn)
Mittelstr. 43
53175 Bonn
Telefon: (0228) 94 37 90
Konsularabt.: (0228) 943 7921
Telefax: (0228) 37 27 894
www.koreaemb.de/
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
8l
Important Numbers
and Addresses
Taiwan
People‘s Republic of
China
United States of
America
Taipeh Vertretung in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland
Markgrafenstrasse 35, 10117 Berlin
Tel.: (030) 203610
Fax: (030) 20361101
www.roc-taiwan.de/
Botschaft der Volksrepublik China (Außenstelle Bonn)
Kurfürstenallee 12
53177 Bonn (Bad Godesberg)
Tel: 0228-9559716
Fax: 0228-361635
www.china-botschaft.de
Embassy of the United States Berlin
Neustädtische Kirchstr. 4-5
10117 Berlin
Federal Republic of Germany
Telephone: (030) 8305-0
www.usembassy.de/
U.S. Consulate General Düsseldorf
Willi-Becker-Allee 10
40227 Düsseldorf
Federal Republic of Germany
Telephone: (0211) 788-8927
After-hours emergencies only: (0172) 970-2456
Fax: (0211) 788-8938
U.S. Consulate General Frankfurt
Siesmayerstraße 21
60323 Frankfurt
Federal Republic of Germany
Telephone: (069) 7535-0
Fax: (069) 7535-2277
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook
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8
Important Numbers
and Addresses
Portal to Germany
Federal Government
Federal Parliament
Foreign Ministry
Political Education
Virtual German history tour
Weather Forecast
The City of Bonn
Culture, Events, News
General Info, Webcam
Virtual Sightseeing
Physicians in Bonn
Public Transport Info
Bahn/German Railways
Airport Cologne/Bonn
Germanwings
Hapag-Lloyd-Express
Agency for shared rides
University Homepage
International Office
University Library
Student Union
Sprachtandem
Studentenwerk
DAAD
Classical Music
Theater of Bonn
Movies
Haus der Geschichte
Kunst- u. Ausstellungshalle
Beethovenhaus
38
Useful Websites
General Information on Germany
www.deutschland.de
www.bundesregierung.de
www.bundestag.de
www.auswaertiges-amt.de
www.bpb.de (publications on German politics and society)
www.hdg.de/lemo/home.html
www.wetter-online.de
Bonn:
www.bonn.de
www.bonnsite.de
www.general-anzeiger-bonn.de
www.bonn-regio.de/sightseeing.htm
www.arztdatei.de
Traveling:
www.vrsinfo.de
www.bahn.de
www.airport-cgn.de
www.germanwings.com (cheap flights within Europe)
www.hlx.de (cheap flights)
www.mitfahrzentrale.de
University and Student Life:
www.uni-bonn.de
www.studyabroad.uni-bonn.de
www.ulb.uni-bonn.de
www.asta-bonn.de
www.asta-bonn.de/sprachtandem
www.uni-bonn.de/studentenwerk (Accomodation and Meals)
www.daad.de (scholarships)
Theater, Music, Movies:
www.klassische-philharmonie-bonn.de
www.oper.bonn.de
www.choices.de (weekly program for Bonn and Cologne)
Museen:
www.hdg.de
www.bundeskunsthalle.de
www.beethoven-haus-bonn.de
Study Abroad at Bonn - Student Handbook