Information for international students

Transcription

INFORMATION
FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
Contents
I PREFACE.............................................................................................................................................. 5
II IMPORTANT INFORMATION............................................................................................................... 6
1. Addresses and Contact Persons ........................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1 International Office (IO)................................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 International Student Union............................................................................................................................................. 8
1.3 Important phone numbers............................................................................................................................................... 9
2. Academic Calendar ............................................................................................................................................................ 10
3. Entry Visa............................................................................................................................................................................ 11
III HOW TO GET TO PADERBORN ...................................................................................................... 12
IV ARRIVAL – FIRST STEPS IN PADERBORN ................................................................................... 14
1. What to bring to Paderborn............................................................................................................................................... 14
2. Accommodation upon arrival............................................................................................................................................ 14
3. Bank Account ..................................................................................................................................................................... 16
4. Health Insurance Company ............................................................................................................................................... 17
5. NRW–Semester ticket and student ID .............................................................................................................................. 18
6. Registration at the International Office ............................................................................................................................ 19
7. Registration with the University Network – IMT Account............................................................................................... 20
8. Residents’ Registration Office .......................................................................................................................................... 20
9. Alien Registration Authority.............................................................................................................................................. 21
V ACCOMMODATION........................................................................................................................... 22
1. Types of Residence............................................................................................................................................................ 22
2. Accommodation – Miscellaneous..................................................................................................................................... 24
2.1 Contract (Private Accommodation) ............................................................................................................................... 24
2.2 Contract (Dormitory)...................................................................................................................................................... 24
2.3 Laundry ......................................................................................................................................................................... 25
VI STUDYING IN PADERBORN............................................................................................................ 26
1. University of Paderborn – General Information .............................................................................................................. 26
2. History of University of Paderborn................................................................................................................................... 26
3. Faculties.............................................................................................................................................................................. 27
4. Courses and Course Selection ......................................................................................................................................... 28
5. Exams and Presentations.................................................................................................................................................. 31
6. Research ............................................................................................................................................................................. 31
7. Campus Facilities............................................................................................................................................................... 31
7.1 Service Center .............................................................................................................................................................. 31
7.2 Library ........................................................................................................................................................................... 32
7.3 Center for Information and Media Technology (IMT) .................................................................................................... 32
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7.4 Center for Language Studies (ZfS) ............................................................................................................................... 33
7.5 Computer rooms ........................................................................................................................................................... 33
7.6 W-Lan............................................................................................................................................................................ 33
7.7 Photocopiers, Scanners and Printers............................................................................................................................ 33
8. Food on Campus ................................................................................................................................................................ 34
8.1 Mensa ........................................................................................................................................................................... 34
8.2 Mensula......................................................................................................................................................................... 34
8.3 Gownsmen’s Pub .......................................................................................................................................................... 35
8.4 Caféte............................................................................................................................................................................ 35
8.5 Wok ‘n Roll .................................................................................................................................................................... 36
8.6 The Little Store – Lädchen ............................................................................................................................................ 36
8.7 One Way Snacks .......................................................................................................................................................... 36
9. Student Groups .................................................................................................................................................................. 37
9.1 Elected Student Groups................................................................................................................................................ 37
9.1.1 AStA........................................................................................................................................................................... 37
9.1.2 Student Faculty Committees (Fachschaften) ............................................................................................................. 37
9.2 Voluntary Student Groups............................................................................................................................................. 37
9.2.1 AIESEC and IAESTE Paderborn ............................................................................................................................... 37
9.2.2 Campus Consult......................................................................................................................................................... 37
9.2.3 International Student Groups .................................................................................................................................... 38
9.2.4 International Associations and Circle of Friends outside the University..................................................................... 38
9.2.5 ASV (Ausländische Studierenden-Vertretung = Student Council for International Students ..................................... 39
10. Consultation (Free of Charge)......................................................................................................................................... 40
10.1 AStA Legal Advice ...................................................................................................................................................... 40
10.2 Central Study Advice Bureau (Zentrale Studienberatung) .......................................................................................... 40
10.3 Psychological Help and Support ................................................................................................................................. 40
11. Sports at the University of Paderborn............................................................................................................................ 41
12. Music and Theatre on Campus ....................................................................................................................................... 41
13. Parties ............................................................................................................................................................................... 41
VII LANGUAGE COURSES .................................................................................................................. 42
1. Preparatory German language course ............................................................................................................................. 42
2. Tandem................................................................................................................................................................................ 45
VIII LIVING IN GERMANY..................................................................................................................... 46
1. General Information ........................................................................................................................................................... 48
1.1 Store Opening Hours .................................................................................................................................................... 48
1.2 Waste Separation.......................................................................................................................................................... 48
1.3 Currency........................................................................................................................................................................ 48
1.4 Post Office..................................................................................................................................................................... 49
1.5 Electricity....................................................................................................................................................................... 49
1.6 Taxis.............................................................................................................................................................................. 49
1.7 Tip ................................................................................................................................................................................. 49
1.8 Climate .......................................................................................................................................................................... 50
2. Travelling ............................................................................................................................................................................ 51
3. Traditional Events / Holidays ............................................................................................................................................ 52
4. Mentality / Habits................................................................................................................................................................ 53
5. TV / Radio............................................................................................................................................................................ 55
6. Telephones ......................................................................................................................................................................... 56
7. Mobile Phones .................................................................................................................................................................... 56
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8. Bikes.................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
9. Cars ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
IX LIVING IN PADERBORN .................................................................................................................. 58
1. History of Paderborn.......................................................................................................................................................... 58
2. Geography .......................................................................................................................................................................... 60
3. Climate ................................................................................................................................................................................ 60
4. Culture................................................................................................................................................................................. 61
4.1 Museums....................................................................................................................................................................... 61
4.2 Theater and Opera........................................................................................................................................................ 63
4.3 Traditional Events ......................................................................................................................................................... 63
4.4 Cinema.......................................................................................................................................................................... 64
4.5 Libraries ........................................................................................................................................................................ 64
4.6 Book stores ................................................................................................................................................................... 64
4.7 Churches....................................................................................................................................................................... 65
5. Food..................................................................................................................................................................................... 66
5.1 Fast Food...................................................................................................................................................................... 66
5.2 Restaurants................................................................................................................................................................... 66
5.3 Ice Cream...................................................................................................................................................................... 66
6. Leisure Activities................................................................................................................................................................ 67
6.1 Pubs / Bars.................................................................................................................................................................... 67
6.2 Cocktail Bars................................................................................................................................................................. 67
6.3 Biergärten (Beer Gardens)............................................................................................................................................ 67
6.4 Discotheques / Clubs .................................................................................................................................................... 67
6.5 Sports............................................................................................................................................................................ 68
6.5.1 Swimming Pools......................................................................................................................................................... 68
6.5.2 Other Sports Facilites................................................................................................................................................. 69
6.5.3 Bowling....................................................................................................................................................................... 69
7. Bus System......................................................................................................................................................................... 70
8. Regional Day Trips............................................................................................................................................................. 70
X HEALTH AND INSURANCE .............................................................................................................. 71
1. Health Insurance ................................................................................................................................................................ 71
2. Hospitals and Doctors ....................................................................................................................................................... 72
3. Pharmacies ......................................................................................................................................................................... 72
4. AIDS..................................................................................................................................................................................... 73
5. Private Liability Insurance................................................................................................................................................. 73
XI FINANCES ........................................................................................................................................ 74
1. Financial Overview............................................................................................................................................................. 74
2. Bank Account in Germany ................................................................................................................................................ 74
3. Work Experience / Jobs..................................................................................................................................................... 75
XII APPENDIX ....................................................................................................................................... 77
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I Preface
Welcome to the University of Paderborn
We are very pleased that you have chosen to study at the University of Paderborn, and we hope
that your studies, as well as your contact with Germans and other international students, will
lead you to new experiences and make your time here in Paderborn more enjoyable.
You will be one of our 1,200 international students who have come from more than 100
countries to study at our university. Internationality and good contacts with partner universities
are very important to us. Thank you for contributing to it!
This brochure should help to give you a first impression about Paderborn and the university. It
should also help to guide you around our university. Should you have any questions or
concerns, please feel free to contact us in the International Office. We are there to assist you
and we will help to make your stay here in Paderborn as successful and as enjoyable as
possible.
Bärbel Schürrle
Leiterin, International Office
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II Important Information
1. Addresses and Contact Persons
1.1 International Office (IO)
The International Office is located in the ‘Villa’. The staff members are responsible for helping with
supplying applications and student IDs, as well as guidance for and information on studies and other
aspects of student life for foreign students at the University of Paderborn.
The contact persons for international degree seeking students are Martina Schrade, Kerstin Ollech,
Wolfgang Schramm and Matthias Thordsen. They, like all other staff members of the International
Office, will do their best to support and accompany you through your studies and to provide help as
quickly as possible.
Martina Schrade
Incoming degree students
Responsibilities:
Consulting and admission of applicants for German courses and degree students
Contact:
Room:
Phone:
Fax:
E-Mail:
V0.103
+49 (5251) 60 36 35
+49 (5251) 60 35 37
[email protected]
Office hours:
Tuesday
Thursday
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (in Room V0.103)
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. (in Room V0.103)
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Kerstin Ollech
Responsibilities:
Consulting and admission of participants of the preparatory German course
Contact:
Room:
Phone:
Fax:
E-Mail:
V0.107
+49 (5251) 60 32 10
+49 (5251) 60 35 37
[email protected]
Office hours:
Tuesday and Thursday
Wednesday
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Wolfgang Schramm
Responsibilities:
Consulting and registration of foreign degree students and participants of German courses
Contact:
Room:
V0.105
Phone: +49 (5251) 60 36 36
Fax: +49 (5251) 60 35 37
E-Mail: [email protected]
Office hours:
Monday and Thursday
Tuesday
1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Matthias Thordsen
Responsibilities:
Consulting for students of the English Master Programs
(Computer Science, Physics, Electrical Engineering)
Contact:
Room:
V1.208
Phone: +49 (5251) 60 36 34
Fax: +49 (5251) 60 35 37
Office
hours:
1.2 International
Student Union
Monday - Wednesday
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1.2 International Student Union
The ASV (“Ausländische Studierenden-Vertretung”) is an international student union that represents all
international students. The ASV team helps with finding accommodations, advising on work possibilities,
accompanying you to public authorities, advising on study matters and social questions.
The ASV organizes sports courses and cultural events, where you can establish contact with other
international students.
In the premises of the ASV you have the possibility to use computers with internet access (e.g. in order
to telephone via Skype). The ASV team can also answer questions you might have.
ASV
Office: ME U 630
Office hours: Tue and Thu 1:00 p.m.- 2:00 p.m.
 +49 – (0)5251 - 605314
E-mail: [email protected]
Homepage: http://asv.upb.de
International Coffee—Meeting
The International Coffee—Meeting is an offer from the International Office for all language course
participants and international students of the university. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee, tea and
small snacks (for free!) and meet other students in a relaxing atmosphere. You can exchange thoughts
and experiences, and you can plan trips or other activities.
Come and have a look – New people are always welcome!
WHEN?
Every Wednesday between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
WHERE?
In the basement of the International Office (Gebäude V)
WHAT?
Meet nice people, talk and ask questions
WHO?
All international students of the university
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1.3 Important phone numbers
These are some important phone numbers which might be helpful to you:
Police 
110
Firefighters and Ambulance
112
Medical Emergency 
05251 – 19292
Crisis Line 
Taxi 
0800 – 1110111 (free of charge)
05251 – 33333, 05251 – 778266, 05251 –
1809842, 05251 – 149149, 05251 - 65006
The German country code is 0049 or +49 and the city code of Paderborn is 05251. If you want to call a
number in Paderborn from a foreign country call 0049 - 5251 …. (The ‘0’ in front of the city code can be
omitted when calling from abroad). When dialing a Paderborn landline number with your German cell
phone, you will also have to dial the city code first and then the actual number.
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2. Academic Calender
Dates:
The Summer Semester lasts from April 1st – September 30th
Winter Semester lasts from October 1st – March 31st
Winter Semester 2011/12
Lecture period:
Holidays:
Summer Semester 2012
Lecture period:
Holidays:
Lecture period:
Holidays:
Summer Semester 2013
Lecture period:
Holidays:
Lecture period:
Holidays:
10. October 2011 - 03. February 2012
03. October, 01. November, Christmas Holiday (usually 2 weeks:
Christmas week and the week after)
02. April - 13. July 2012
Easter Monday, 01. May, Ascension Day, Corpus Christi,
Pentecost
08.October 2012 - 01. February 2013
08. April - 19. July 2013
Easter Monday, 01. May, Ascension Day, Corpus Christi,
Pentecost
14.October 2013 - 07. February 2014
The following lecture periods are listed here:
www2.uni-paderborn.de/Verwaltung/studium/termine.htm
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3. Entry Visa
All foreign German language course applicants, university applicants and scientists need to obtain a
visa before their entry, exept for citizens of the EU and EFTA states, the United States of America,
Japan, Australia, Canada, Israel as well as New Zealand.
The visa is issued by the responsible diplomatic representation abroad (embassy or consulate) in your
respective mother country for the deliberate purpose of your stay. In the visa application the reason of
your stay should be named specifically. Proofs for the reason of your stay, (e.g., Admission Letter,
registration for German language course) as well as proof of sufficient financial resources for your stay
are to be added to the visa application.
The amount of sufficient means for the maintaining of a livelihood corresponds to the current maximum
of a German study grant (“Bafög-Höchstsatz”) which is a monthly amount of 670 Euros (€).
Considered in particular as proof of secure financing:
- Statement of the income situation and property status of the parents (in your home country:
presentation and certification at the diplomatic representation)
- This proof can take the form of presentation of a savings book for a blocked savings account, letter of
covenant or a bank guarantee. Presentation of a savings book or savings account of a bank in the
federal territory of Germany with credit at the rate of at least 7,716€.
- Deposit of a bank guarantee that needs to be renewed yearly with a financial institution in the federal
territory by height of an annual amount
- Scholarship certificate of a German public bearer or a conveyor organization approved in Germany or
a scholarship of the homeland if a German scholarship-giving organization has taken over the mediation
to the university
- Obligation explanation (Verpflichtungserklärung) after §68 AufenthG. With this explanation a relative
who lives in Paderborn commits to arise for all perhaps resulting costs during your stay in the Federal
Republic of Germany.
The language course, degree studies and scientific education are reasons for staying. For these
reasons of stay a title is given in the form of a permission of stay (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) which can be
extended. Your stay is tied to the expectation that you pursue your education successfully and graduate
in adequate time. After the successful end of your studies, the permission of stay can be extended up to
one year, so that you can search for a suitable job.
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III How to get to Paderborn
By plane
The Paderborn/Lippstadt Airport is situated about 20 km (12 miles) from Paderborn and offers
numerous connections. Lufthansa and other airlines operate from this airport. If you cannot find a
convenient connection you may consider flying to Hanover, Dortmund, Cologne, Düsseldorf or Frankfurt
and then complete your journey by train. From Hanover, Dortmund, Cologne or Düsseldorf the train will
take about 2 1/2 hours and will cost between 25€ – 45€. From Frankfurt it is a 4 hour train ride which
costs between 65€ – 95€. If you arrive later than 8 p.m. in Frankfurt it can be difficult to find a
connection to Paderborn since trains do not run all night. If this is the case, you should consider staying
one night in Frankfurt and travelling to Paderborn the next day.
Paderborn / Lippstadt Airport

+49 - (0)2955 - 770
Email: [email protected]
Webpage:
www.flughafen-paderborn-lippstadt.de/
In any case, it is advisable to check the train connection beforehand at www.bahn.de (website of
German train company; just enter “Paderborn Hbf” as your destination to arrive at Paderborn’s main
station).
From the Paderborn airport, there are two bus connections to Paderborn’s main station:
- Bus # 400 (takes 18 minutes to arrive in Paderborn and leaves from the airport at 7:33 a.m.
every two hours until 7:33 p.m.)
- Bus # 460 (operates every 90 minutes between 5 a.m. and 9 p.m. However, it takes 33
minutes one way  you can find up-to-date bus times at www.bbh-paderborn.de
From Paderborn’s main station you can take buses 4, 9 and 68 to go to the university.
It is wise to check out the price of plane tickets on various websites (for example: www.easyjet.com
(going to Dortmund), www.germanwings.de (going to Cologne), www.tuifly.com (going to Hanover),
www.airberlin.com (going to Paderborn) or www.ryanair.com (going to Düsseldorf-Weeze).
By train
As Paderborn is situated right in the middle of Germany, it has good train connections to many major
train stations such as Hanover, Dortmund, Cologne and Frankfurt (Main). To find a convenient train
connection check out the German federal railways site online at www.bahn.de, where you can choose
your station and date of departure and receive several route options. Enter “Paderborn Hbf” as the
destination; since this is the name of the main station in Paderborn from there you can take buses (4, 9
and 68) to get to the university.
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By car
The Autobahn A2 (Oberhausen – Hanover) and A44 (Dortmund – Kassel) intersect the Auto route A33
which passes by Paderborn directly. From the A33 you take the exit “Paderborn Zentrum” and then
follow the signs to “Zentrum”, later “Universität”. Be sure to watch out, sometimes the signs are tiny and
can easily be missed! To be allowed to drive in Germany you must have a valid driver’s license.
Students who come from countries belonging to the European Union can use their national driver’s
license. Students who come from countries that do not belong to the European Union are allowed to
drive in Germany for six months with their national driver’s license as long as they carry a translation
with them. After six months you must acquire a German driver’s license. Pay attention however, to the
expiration date, because driving without a valid driver’s license entails heavy fines in Germany. You can
take your car to Germany exempt from duty as long as you have already owned it for six months and
are going to be registered in Germany.
By bus
Several bus routes pass Paderborn. A direct route exists from Bielefeld to England as well as to
German cities such as Hanover and Dortmund. Please check www.touring.de for further information.
NOTE: Within Paderborn there is very good public transportation (for more information check Chapter
7: Bus System in part IX Living in Paderborn).
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IV Arrival – First Steps in Paderborn
1. What to Bring to Paderborn
Make sure you don’t forget:
Your passport and/or personal ID and a copy of it
To obtain a visa in your home country, if required. Make sure to get your visa in time, as it can take
weeks
Proof of health insurance if you already have one in your home country that is valid in Germany (for
more information check Chapter 1: Health Insurance in part X Health and Insurance)
Approx. 4 passport photos
German currency (the Euro, valid in all countries participating in the European Monetary Union) for
rent, a bank deposit, bus/train fares, etc. (most financial exchanges in Germany are made with cash or
are done through bank transfers, not with debit or credit cards!)
All important documents from the University of Paderborn and your home university
If available: vaccination card
If desired: international driver’s license
Apart from the above listed; the following things can be useful: medication, camera, alarm clock,
adapter, sleeping bag, etc.
2. Accommodation upon arrival
If you arrive in Paderborn without any arrangements for accommodation you should make a reservation
in a hotel or youth hostel. For a stay in a youth hostel you will need to buy a youth hostel ID. The ID
costs students who are younger than 27 years old 12.50€, otherwise the stay will cost 21€.
Youth Hostel Heiersburg (“Jugendherberge”)
Meinwerkstr. 16
D - 33098 Paderborn
 +49 – (0)5251-22055
One night including breakfast costs 15€ – 18€, as long as you are less than 26 years old, if not it costs
17€ – 21€.
From Paderborn train station bus lines 2, 3, 5, 6, 28 and 68 or the University line (UNI) will take you to
the youth hostel. The stop for lines 2 and 3 is Heierstraße, for lines 5, 6, 28 and 68 it is Maspernplatz or
Detmolder Tor.
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Paderborn offers a variety of hotels, inns and hostels. A few of them are listed below:
NAME, ADDRESS
ROOM
PRICE PER ROOM
Hotel Campus Lounge
On the University Campus
Mersinweg 2
33100 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 892070 (Fax 89207800)
Best Western Hotel
Arosa
Westernmauer 38
33098 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 1280 (Fax 128806)
Hotel Ibis
Paderwall 1-5
33102 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 1245 (Fax 124588)
Südhotel
Borchener Straße 23
33098 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 78005 (Fax 760373)
Hotel Krawinkel
Karlstraße 33
33098 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 23663 (Fax 280630)
Hotel Irma
Bachstraße 9
33098 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 23342
Hotel zur Mühle
Mühlenstraße 2
33098 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 10750
Abdinghof Hotel-Galerie
Bachstraße 1
33098 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 12240 (Fax 122419)
Hotel Kaup
Aldegrvestraße 29
33102 Paderborn
Tel. 05251 / 36638 (Fax 300217)
E Single room
D Double room
T Triple room
V 4 - bedroom
AP Apartment with little kitchen
E/I/F
D/I/F
79€
89€
E/I/F
D/I/F
Suites
89€ – 147€
161€ – 188€
213€
E/H/F
D/H/F
72€
82€
E/H/F
D/H/F
T/H
Mon-Thu: 40€ Fri-Sun: 35€
E/AP/F
D/AP/F
T/AP/F
V/AP/F
E/W/F
D/H/F
65€-85€
109€
129€
149€
40€
60€
E/H/F
D/H/F
Mon-Thu: 77€ Fri-Sun:65€
Mon-Thu: 90€ Fri-Sun:80€
E/H/F
D/H/F
80€
95€-100€
E/H/F
D/H/F
49€
79€
W Running hot water
S Shower
H Toilet with shower
I Toilet with shower or bathtub
F Including breakfast
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Further accommodation possibilities can be found here:
Meinwerk Institut
Komfort-Appartementhaus Menke
(simple style apartments in a clean and orderly
Peter-Hille-Weg 2a
Tel.: 05295/930220
condition) Giersmauer 35
www.vermietungmenke.de
Tel.: 05251/29080, www.meinwerk.de
Dormitory for St. Josefs Hospital Staff
Dormitory for St. Vinzenz Hospital Staff
(also for students)
(as well as for students)
Frau Boke
Herr Freund/ Frau Keuper
05251 - 7021061
Tel.: 05251/102226
[email protected]
b.i.b International College
TBZ – Apartmenthaus
Dormitory administration
Frau Fiekens
Elke Lippert
Tel.: 05251/178178
Telefon: 05251 301-151
[email protected]
In any case, you should arrange for accommodations during your stay before your arrival!
3. Bank Account
We recommend that you open a bank account at a German bank for your stay in Paderborn. You will
need to pay for several services while you are here and it will be easier for you if you transfer the money
into a German bank account. There are two banks near the university: Volksbank and Sparkasse. Both
of these banks have several branches in the city. They will charge you a small monthly fee, depending
on the length of your stay. Sparkasse has a cash machine within the university, as well as several cash
machines in every German city, where you can withdraw money free of charge.
Volksbank
An der Schönen Aussicht 1
Mon – Fri: 8:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Mon, Tue, Fri: 2:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Thu: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
 05251 – 6931190
www.volksbank-phd.de
Sparkasse
Warburger Str. 67
Mon – Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Mon, Wed, Fri: 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Tue, Thu: 2:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
 05251 – 2923645
www.sparkasse-paderborn.de
(For more information check Chapter 3: Bank Account in Germany XI Finances)
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4. Health Insurance Company
As a further step, go to a German health insurance company (Krankenkasse). If you do not have a
certificate of health insurance from your home country that is valid in Germany, it is necessary to obtain
a health insurance policy from a German health insurance company. This costs about 65€ per month. If
you have a certificate of health insurance from your home country that is valid in Germany, you need to
obtain a certificate releasing you from compulsory insurance (Bescheinigung über die Befreiung von der
Versicherungspflicht). To do this, you will need the Acceptance Letter from the university
(Zulassungsbescheid der Uni) that you have already received from the University of Paderborn by mail
before your arrival, as well as a certificate of health insurance from your home country.
The most recent office hours of the two health insurance companies located in the university, AOK and
TK (Techniker Krankenkasse), are:
AOK
Office: ME0.211
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fri: 9:00 a.m.– 2:00 p.m.
 05251 – 124424
TK
Office: ME0.208
Opening Hours:
Tue – Thu: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fri: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
 05251 - 681437
Other insurance companies are located in the city center.
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5. NRW–Semester ticket and student ID
The NRW–semester ticket and student ID cost around 210€. The semester ticket allows you to use any
bus or regional train that runs within the region of North Rhine–Westphalia. For example, you are able to
ride to Münster, Cologne and Düsseldorf without buying a ticket. If you want to make use of this (very
advisable!), you have to fill out a (cash) transfer from a bank and hand in the stamped receipt or bank
statement (Kontoauszug) together with the confirmation of insurance to the International Office. The
student ID is valid for reductions in the university, it is your library ID and you can get reductions
showing your ID in cinemas or swimming pools.
This map (the yellow area) shows the area covered with the semester ticket:
www.fachportal.nahverkehr.nrw.de/index.php?id=tarifregeln&L=0#c1883
The NRW–semester ticket is valid from October 1st, respectively April 1st. The AStA will answer
questions concerning the NRW–semester ticket. As the NRW–semester ticket is only valid in
combination with a photo ID; you should carry your ID / passport with you while travelling.
Because the semester ticket and student ID are two separate cards, it is important to remember to bring
both when travelling.
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6. Registration at the International Office
After your arrival, the first point of reference should be the International Office. Due to the normally
necessary house hunting and the orientation courses which take place before the regular semester
starts, you should arrive in Paderborn at least one week before the beginning of the semester.
All the necessary documents for the enrollment are listed in your Acceptance Letter / Admission Letter,
please read it carefully and, if possible, hand it in completely as this saves you a lot of time. For the
enrollment please at least bring along the following documents:
1. for Professional Studies:
o Letter of Admission / Acceptance Letter
o Registration form – already filled in
o Passport which includes valid visa
o Photograph (passport size)
o Proof of payment of the semester fee
o Health insurance certificate
Please be sure to keep the International Office up to date regarding any changes in your address to
guarantee that you will receive all the necessary information from us.
2. for the German Language Course
You will need the following documents for your enrollment:
o Letter of Admission / Acceptance Letter
o Registration form – already filled in
o Passport which includes valid visa
o Photograph (passport size)
o Proof of payment of the semester fee
Please note the deadlines on the Acceptance Letter / Admissions Letter. On the second page you will
find the date for the placement test. This test is obligatory! Please make sure to meet our deadlines,
they are binding!
Duration of the preparatory German course
Depending on your previously acquired language skills, the duration of the preparatory German course
is 6 months (applicants with level B2 or C1 CEFR) to 13 months (absolute beginners).
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Application deadlines
► Generally, the following application deadlines apply:
deadline
course start
May 15
October
November 15
April
For further information check Chapter 1. Prepatory language courses in VII Language Courses
7. Registration with the University Network – IMT Account
During your first weeks in Paderborn you should get an account for the university network. The IMT
Center for Information and Media Technology offers a free email address, free use of computer facilities,
free Wireless LAN, free webspace and free computer training courses. At their help desk, in the
Notebook Café situated at the entrance of the library, you can get the IMT account. With this login you
can use the university wide Wi–Fi net with your notebook, register with the tandem program, enroll in
classes online through PAUL and use the computers in the computer rooms. All e-mails from the
university will be sent to your IMT Account.
8. Residents’ Registration Office
Please go to the Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt) where you present your passport
and your lease (Mietvertrag). Here you will receive confirmation that you are registered as a resident in
Germany (Anmeldebestätigung).
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9. Alien Registration Authority
Next, go to the Alien Registration Authority (Ausländerbehörde), which is located in the same building as
the Residents’ Registration Office (Einwohnermeldeamt), in order to receive your residence permit
(Aufenthaltserlaubnis), since you need a valid residence permit for the length of time you are studying in
Paderborn.
For the issuing and renewal of the residence permit you will have to present the following documents to
the admissions officer:
o Evidence of means of financial support
o Health Insurance Certificate / Proof of Health Insurance
o Admission Notification of the University (Letter of Admission / Acceptance Letter)
o Completed application form (Formblattantrag)
EU citizens and students whose stay does not exceed three month do not need a residence permit.
The residence permit is tied to your studies at the University of Paderborn. We expect that you follow
your studies eagerly and will graduate successfully in the predetermined time.
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V Accommodation
1. Types of Residence
In a shared apartment, each student has his/her own room, although the kitchen and bathroom(s) are
shared. It is quite common among German students to rent and share an apartment together with other
people in order to save money. This type of living is called a “Wohngemeinschaft” or WG.
In single apartments you will have your own bathroom and a kitchenette is usually available.
Apartments for one person are, as a rule, more expensive than a room in a shared apartment.
As some of these rooms belong to German students, who themselves are studying abroad, the rooms
are furnished. A washing machine is not always available, but there are laundromats in the town center.
Bed linen, pillows and blankets are usually not provided. If you are staying for a longer period in
Paderborn, it is worth buying a cheap pillow and blanket which does not cost more than 25€.
The University of Paderborn offers rooms in three student dorms which are very close to the campus.
In “Vogeliusweg” there are shared, four person flats, two person flats and single apartments. Prices are
usually around 225€ – 290€ per month. It has a capacity of 453 students and consists of several
buildings separated by yards, providing the possibility to barbecue and play soccer during the summer.
This complex is new and therefore very popular among students. It has, however, only a limited
capacity.
Studentenwohnanlage Vogeliusweg
A second complex can be found in Peter-Hille-Weg, which has single rooms with a small bathroom in
each room and shared kitchens in the corridor (3-8 students). This building is somewhat older, but has
just recently been renovated. Prices for these accommodations are usually around 220€ / month.
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The third and newest residence is "Mersinweg”. There you can find 177 single and double apartments.
The rent for this dorm is approx. 300€ / month.
In the student residences all dormitory rooms are furnished (wardrobe, bed, desk and chair). With the IP
address you get when you sign the lease, you can go online with any notebook or PC in your room. This
is included in the price. To have a closer look at the rooms and offers in the dormitories, check out the
web page at www.studentenwerk-pb.de
All student dorm rooms are very popular amongst students and therefore it is not guaranteed that you
will get a room in a dorm. Even if you apply for a room in a dorm you should simultaneously look for
other offers on your own.
You can find the application form for the student dorm here:
www.studentenwerk-pb.de/wohnen/wohnplatzantrag.html
Only one housing application is for free. For further applications the Students’ Administrative Office
(“Studentenwerk”) will charge a processing fee of 15€. In case you don’t need a room in a dorm
anymore, please make sure your name is deleted from the waiting list. If the Studentenwerk offers you a
dormitory room and you don’t need it anymore, while still on the waiting list, the Studentenwerk will
charge an administrative fee of 5€.
You will find private offers on the bulletin board on campus. It is advisable to begin searching for a room
as soon as possible. At the beginning of the semester, in October, there will also be many German
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students looking for accommodations in Paderborn. Therefore, searching for accommodations can be
difficult. An alternative from looking on the bulletin board is to search online. These are some websites
where you can find accommodation offers. They’re updated daily.
www.zwischenmiete.de
www.wg-gesucht.de
www.studenten-wohnung.de
www.studenten-wg.de
Accommodation offers are also listed in the local newspapers on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You can
also place an ad that you are searching for an accommodation.
2. Accommodation – Miscellaneous
2.1 Contract (Private Accommodation)
A rental contract must be worked out with the landlord or authorized person during your move in week.
Read through the contract carefully before signing! Check your accommodation for anything that may
be damaged immediately upon arrival (stains on the carpet, broken tiles in the bathroom, etc.). Should
you find any damage caused by your predecessor, you should talk to your landlord about taking an
inventory of the room (Übernahmeprotokoll) so that you will not be charged the costs of previous
damages.
The basic rent usually includes only rent for the actual room. In addition to that you will you have to pay
operating costs for heating, water and electricity. The additional costs are advanced part payments. In
case you use more water or electricity as estimated, at the end of the year you may have to a pay a
supplementary payment. Before you sign your lease you should ask what is included in your monthly
rent and what you will have to pay in addition to that.
When you sign your lease, you should receive a routing number and an account number from your
landlord into which the rent is to be paid monthly. If rooms are furnished, the landlord is likely to ask for
a security deposit, usually a months‘ rent, which is paid back upon departure, as long as the room is left
in a satisfactory condition and all rent payments are cleared.
2.2 Contract (Dormitory)
Once you have been guaranteed a room in the student dormitory, Mrs Müller or Mr. Rummeny of the
Students’ Administrative Office (“Studentenwerk”) will prepare the contract for you. They are also the
persons to whom you pay the deposit, which is charged for any room.
At the beginning of your stay, there is a cleaning cost of about 25€. However, this will be returned to
you, providing that the room is left in acceptable shape.
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2.3 Laundry
Each dormitory has washing machines that can be used by the students for little money. Those who live
in a private apartment either have a washing machine in their apartment or they can go to a laundry
service. In Paderborn there are three laundry services (“Waschsalons”):
An der Warmen Pader (next to Hotel ”Haus Irma”)
Bahnhofstr. 23
Neuhäuser Str. 30
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VI Studying in Paderborn
1. University of Paderborn – General Information
Facts and Numbers
Founded: 1972
Number of students in 2010/11: ~ 14,000
Number of lecturers and academic employees: ~ 2000
Number of faculties: 5
International students: ~ 10%
Within the last few years German universities have transferred to the Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree.
Although, “Diplom” and “Staatsexamen” still exist in some faculties. There you have to distinguish your
studies between “Grundstudium” (undergraduate) and “Hauptstudium” (graduate). These studies end
with the Diplom Thesis or the Staatsexamen (State Exam for prospective teachers). The University of
Paderborn offers 108 courses of studies.
2. History of University of Paderborn
When Paderborn University was founded some 35 years ago, along with the other universities founded
at the same time, it was instructed by the law to integrate research, teaching and study. For students
the university became increasingly more attractive: From 4,000 students when it was founded in 1972,
the number rose to almost 14,000. While in the first few years the majority of students came from the
Paderborn area, today students come from all over Germany due to the broad courses offered, and
above all because of the possibility to studying abroad. At the moment the proportion of foreign students
is around 10% and is mainly centered on those in engineering-based courses of study, such as
Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Computer Science. Business Studies and German
Studies, however, have a high number of foreign students as well. Furthermore, the University of
Paderborn stands out due to its size: the single buildings of the various academic departments are
concentrated on a campus. A smaller campus for some institutional parts of computer sciences and
engineering is located at “Fürstenallee” about 5 km away from the main campus. A direct bus line, “Uni
Line”, connects the two campuses.
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3. Faculties
Faculty
Homepage
Programs
Faculty of Humanities and the kw.uni-paderborn.de/
Arts
Faculty of Economic and
Business Administration
www.wiwi.upb.de
Faculty of Science
nw.uni-paderborn.de/
Faculty of Mechanical
Engineering
www-mb.uni-paderborn.de/
Faculty of Computer Science, www.eim.uni-paderborn.de/
Electrical Engineering and
Mathematics
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Romance Languages and Literature
(French, Spanish)
English and American Language
and Literature
German Language and Literature
Media Studies
Psychology
Sociology
Theology
Theology of the Religions
Pedagogy
History
Art and Music
Art and Art Education
European Studies
Linguistics
Fashion and Textile Design
Cultural Heritage
Comparative Literature
Popular Music and Media
Business and Economics
Business Administration
Business Computing
Business Education
International Business Studies
Management Information Systems
International Economics
Physics, Chemistry,
Chemical Engineering,
Sports and Health,
Home Economics
Mechanical Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Engineering Informatics
Mechatronics
Electrical Engineering
Technomathematics
Computer Science
Mathematics
4. Courses and Course Selection
Studying in Germany is demanding and requires a lot of self-discipline. You will not get a personal
schedule as it may be common in your home country. You will have to arrange your schedule on your
own. At the beginning of each semester, in some cases even a month before the semester the program
of lectures (“Vorlesungsverzeichnis”) is published on the University Homepage. In the Faculty of Arts
and Sciences – the language departments – courses are offered on their bulletin boards. They publish
their courses usually during the last week of the semester.
You have to register for every course you would like to participate in. In most cases this registration is at
the same time as the registration for final exams. Withdrawal from examinations is possible until one
week before examination date, if you have not participated in a midterm exam, done a presentation or
done some other work which is a component of the final grade.
You are now able to enroll online at the University of Paderborn! There is a new system of online
enrollment called PAUL. The International Office will send out an email explaining how you can use the
PAUL system to enroll in all of your classes this semester.
The link to PAUL is: www.paul.upb.de
Once you have clicked on the link, you should see a page that includes a blue square with PAUL and a
little orange figure in the upper right corner, and "Vorlesungsverzeichnis" as the header. You sign in
using your IMT account login ID (if you do not have one, you will get one at the Notebook café in the
library) in the boxes labelled "Kennung" and "Passwort" right above the PAUL logo.
After you have done this, you need to click on the "Studium" icon at the top of the page, under the
Universität Paderborn logo. Once you're on that page, click on the link "Anmeldung zu
Veranstaltungen" on the far left hand side of the page. Then you should have a list of the different
faculties. Just choose your faculty (i.e. Kulturwissenschaften), then your area of study (i.e.
Germanistik or Geschichte), then what subject within your area you are interested in (i.e.
Sprachwissenschaft). Not every area of study will have this last part. Some go straight to the course list.
After you have gotten to the course list, you will notice that you can click on the name of the course.
This is only so that you can see more detailed information about the course. If you already know you
want to enroll, just go to the far right to the link with the arrow called "Anmelden" and click on it. After
you've clicked on that link, you will be taken to a new page. On this page are two links with arrows:
"Weiter" and "Wechseln zur Höreranmeldung". If you are not taking the class for credits and just want
to sit in and listen, then you can click on the second link, but if you need credits for the class, make sure
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you click on "Weiter"! After clicking "Weiter", you will be taken to a new page, with a link near the
bottom called "Abschicken". After you click this link, you are officially enrolled!
The next page should include a message that reads: "Hinweis: Ihre Anmeldung war erfolgreich".
This means that your enrollment was successful. If you do not receive this message that means that
something went wrong and you will have to try again. Click "Zurück zur Anmeldung" on the right side
of the page to go back to the course list to try registering again. Don’t forget to logout with the button
that says “Abmelden” after you are done registering.
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There are various types of courses offered at German universities:
Vorlesung (V)
Seminar (S)
Einführungsseminar (ES: Einführung)
Proseminar (PS: Basiswissen)
Hauptseminar (HS: Fortgeschritten)
Oberseminar (OS: Sehr fortgeschritten)
Blockveranstaltung/ seminar
Tutorium
Übung (Ü)
Praktikum
Lectures, where the professor talks and the students listen
and take notes. At the end there will be a final exam
Involve the discussion of a topic which will be worked on in
small groups. Homework is often required and sometimes
a presentation as well. In some faculties, the topics of
discussion are announced before the beginning of the
semester, in others you can get this information by seeing
the seminar leader during his/her designated hours or
“Sprechstunde”. You should be sure to know what is
expected of you in a timely fashion, so that you have plenty
of time to prepare for any exams or presentations that may
need to be completed. Seminars are common in the
programs within the Arts and Humanities as well as in
graduate programs of any other courses of study.
Instead of meeting weekly, lectures are only held 3 – 4
times a semester, each meeting being 4 – 6 hours long,
sometimes during the weekend; here, there is often visiting
faculty involved.
Instructors are mostly either older students or professors’
assistants. Here you can ask questions and you will
practice what you have learned in the seminar.
A practical review is similar to a Seminar; however, it
usually requires a written or oral exam and is lead by a
professor or academic staff member.
University Practical Training: In technical and scientific
fields of studies, there is offered a wide range of practical
training opportunities. They are structured so that students
gain individual experience independently. Practical training
can be completed through examination or by gaining a
participation certificate.
Usually classes in Paderborn have the following possible times
7:30 – 9:00 a.m.
9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
2:00 – 4:00 p.m.
1:00 – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch Break
(Mittagspause)
4:00 – 6:00 p.m.
6:00 – 7:30 p.m.
The “academic quarter” means that most classes start 15 minutes late. For example, a class may start
at 9:15 and end at 10:45 (on the schedule this is indicated by “c.t.” meaning cum tempore). But
sometimes classes start exactly on time (indicated by “s.t.” meaning sine tempore), so it is better to
show up on time for the 1st meeting and then you will notice whether it starts on time or with the
“academic quarter”.
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University of Paderborn
5. Exams and Presentations
There are different types of exams, presentations or essays / papers which have to be passed to
complete the course successfully.
Written exams
Paper (Hausarbeit)
Most classes end with a written exam. In most A Hausarbeit is a written essay on a given topic.
cases it is held at the end of the semester in July The lecturer determines the scope, layout and
or February. Sometimes exams take place difficulty of this essay. It may contain anywhere
during the semester break.
between 8 – 25 pages. Please speak to your
professor in person about the details.
Oral Exams (Mündliche Prüfungen)
Presentation (Referat)
For almost all lectures, an oral exam can be In many classes a presentation (10 – 20 minutes)
taken. However, this must be agreed upon with must be carried out during class time. Often this is
the lecturer. If you wish to do this, speak directly to be done as group work.
with the lecturer if an oral exam is possible.
6. Research
The University of Paderborn provides many opportunities for students to become involved in a wide
range of research projects during their studies. The university is committed to the Humboldtian principle
of the unity of research and teaching.
7. Campus Facilities
7.1 Service Center
For questions of any kind (i.e., where do I find this room or that office?), you can go to the Service
Center, which is situated in the entrance hall of the university, near the library.
Opening Hours:
Mon – Thu
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Fri
8:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Phone:
05251 – 605296
[email protected]
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7.2 Library
The university’s library is situated on campus and known as “Bibo”, “Bib” or “UB”. Most of its 1.3 million
books can be borrowed by students and can be taken directly from the shelves. They are organized by
field of study. You can also receive your login at the front desk with your Student ID card acting also as
your library card.
With your login, you can use the library’s intranet (also from your home computer) to search for books,
look through electronic databases or go online at one of the several computers equipped with internet
access.
Moreover, you can read local, national and foreign newspapers, study at single desks or study with a
group in one of the group rooms. The use of the library and the borrowing of books are free of charge.
You can borrow books for thirty days and extensions are possible. Remember to request an
extension in a timely manner; otherwise you will be fined for the additional time. You can find out
the deadline of your book either at the front desk or in your library account. A guided tour through the
library at the beginning of the semester is recommended. The times of these tours can be found in the
entrance hall of the library.
University Library
Mon – Fri:
7:30 a.m. – midnight
Sat:
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Sun:
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Closed on public holidays!
Web: http://www.ub.upb.de
7.3 Center for Information and Media Technology (IMT)
This institution can be found on floors one and two in the H building. The IMT offers media and media
systems at one’s disposal for the purposes of research, teaching, studying and further education.
The film library can be found on floor H1. Films cannot be borrowed but 14 TV sets are offered for
watching the videos. It is also possible to use the TV sets privately. Two cutting stations are available to
record parts of the films on VHS and can be used for academic reasons. There is also the possibility of
recording TV programs.
Furthermore, there are four places for watching satellite television. In case you’d like to watch a program
from your home country, the IMT is the place to go!
IMT
Building H – floors 1 and 2
Mon – Thu
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Fri
7:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Opening Hours may vary! www.imt.upb.de
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7.4 Center for Language Studies (ZfS)
The Center for Language Studies is on the second floor of the H building. There are 15 computers
which can be used to learn a foreign language autodidactically. The Center for Language Studies also
offers language courses: The following languages are currently available: Arabic, Chinese, Danish,
English, Finish, French, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Modern Greek, Netherlands, Polish,
Portuguese, Russian, Swedish, Spanish and Turkish as well as the Old and classical languages such
as Greek and Latin. Students of the university can also take Hebrew courses at the Theological Faculty.
Would you like to practice your German with a native speaker who wants to learn your mother tongue?
Then come and join the tandem course of the Center for Language Studies.
Center for Language Studies
(Zentrum für Sprachlehre)
Dr. Sigrid Behrent
Office: H2.318
 05251 – 602857
For further information have a look at the website
kw.uni-paderborn.de/institute-einrichtungen/zfs/
or contact Dr. Sigrid Behrent:
7.5 Computer rooms
To use the several computer labs on campus you have to register at the Notebook Café, which is
located at the entrance of the library. Having received an IMT login, you can use the computers on the
N5 floor and all other computer labs with Macintosh and IBM compatible computers, an offer for almost
every faculty. Ask your program advisor where the computer labs of your faculty can be found. To check
e-mails, to surf the web or to talk via VoIP with your friends and family at home, you are also welcome to
use the computers in the ASV office.
7.6 W-Lan
Once you have your IMT login you can administrate your account in the Notebook Café. To use the
university’s Wi-Fi with your notebook you need to pick either the network “eduroam” or “webauth” and
then enter your login and password.
7.7 Photocopiers, Scanners and Printers
AStA (see Chapter 9: Student Groups) runs about 30 digital photocopiers on campus (in the AStA Copy
Center (in the Mensa Basement) and in the Library, 2nd and 4th floor). Very few copiers can be paid for
with cash; most of them are paid with the rechargeable copy card that can be purchased either in the
AStA Foyer or at the machine in the Library (2nd floor). You pay 4€ for the card itself and then charge it
(and recharge it at any time) with cash. Each copy (black & white) costs 5 cents.
The printers in the Copy Center and in the Library can also be used with the Copy Card. If it is not
possible to lend a certain book, you can scan it in the library on floors 2 and 5.
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8. Food on Campus
Students decide daily whether they want to eat on campus or at home. The Delicard is a new cashless
mean of payment which is accepted in all dining facilities on campus. It is a chipcard which is
rechargeable and reduces the actual process of payment to 1-2 seconds. The price per card is 15€
where 5€ is for the card and 10 € is the first credit. The card is available if you have a valid student ID
and has to be newly activated every semester.
8.1 Mensa
This is the students’ first choice when eating on campus. The Mensa has recently been renovated and
now offers the students meals (starters, main menu and desserts), a salad bar, pasta, meat, fish and
other offers which change daily. Prices for menus range from 1.20 - 2.50€, salad and noodles will be
weighed at the counter. A normal plate costs about 80 cents / 100 g. The Mensa provides seating for
hundreds of students, however, during the lunch break, beginning at 12:45 p.m. you may have to wait a
little longer.
Mensa Opening Hours
Mon – Thu:
11:15 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Fri:
11:15 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
8.2 Mensula
In case you want to celebrate something, are having nice company visiting or you just want to have a
very good lunch, you can use the Mensula, the restaurant of the Mensa. Students get the three-course
menu for the reduced price of 8€. Of course you can also choose something from the menu. Daily
changing special offers for the main course are also available for about 5€.
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8.3 Gownsmen’s Pub
The Pub is very popular among students, not just to have lunch but also to hang out. It is located next to
the AStA store. It is a very popular meeting place for students to take advantage of snacks, warm
midday meals or a beer in a cozy atmosphere.
Gownsmens Pub
Mon–Thu: 8:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.
Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
8.4 Caféte
If you want to avoid a long line in the Mensa, you can still choose the Caféte, close to the Mensa. Here,
rolls, bread, croissants and at noon, fries and hamburgers can be purchased. The Caféte is quite
attractive with its light and friendly atmosphere.
Caféte
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
During the semester break:
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 a.m. – 3:45 p.m.
Friday: 8:00 a.m. – 2:45 p.m
.
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8.5 Wok ’n Roll
If you like food from the wok, this is the right place for you. All the food is for take away so you can go
there if you don’t have much time. In summer you can even have lunch outside.
Wok’n Roll is situated in the basement of the A building (between Audimax and E Building).
Opening Hours: Monday – Friday 11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
8.6 The Little Store – Lädchen
If you are just looking for something to drink, a candy bar or a magazine you should go to “The Little
Store”, across the hall from the Caféte. The line isn’t usually too long and the selection is big enough to
satisfy a student’s thirst and desire for candy.
Next to the entrance of the Mensa
Monday – Friday
During semester break
7:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
7:15 a.m. – 10:45 p.m.
8.7 One Way Snacks
Directly next to the bulletin boards in the Mensa foyer is One Way Snacks. Here you can get small
snacks like hotdogs or the Turkish dish Lahmacun. It is the perfect place for the small appetite.
- 36 -
9. Student Groups
At the University of Paderborn, a number of student groups exist and meet regularly. Just a few groups
will be mentioned in the following that might be of particular interest for the international students. A
complete list of all social, political and religious groups can be found at the University’s website.
www.asta.upb.de .
9.1 Elected Student Groups
9.1.1 AStA
AStA (Allgemeiner Studierenden Ausschuss) is the board of Student Representatives, who, through
their engagement, have an influence on university politics and organization, and run certain campus
facilities such as the photocopiers. The AStA board is chosen by the student parliament, which is
elected by all students in secret ballot every year. Their room is found in the Mensa’s basement.
Foreign students have the possibility to get involved in the ASV which is a self-initiated foreign student
group to support their interests and needs. They also give financial advice and organize cultural and
political events. Furthermore, there are special groups for Chinese (Chinese Students Union) and
African Students (UNISAS) that can be joined.
9.1.2 Student Faculty Committees (Fachschaften)
The representatives are all members of their particular faculty, and protect the interests of other
students in that department. The “Fachschaft” remains in constant contact with professors and other
lecturers and pass on important information to students. They offer help with timetable planning and is
thus, an important contact for all academic matters. At the beginning of each semester, the “Fachschaft”
organizes an orientation week (usually the first week of lectures) for all incoming freshmen. In addition,
some “Fachschaften” offer other services, e.g. the selling of previous years’ exams.
9.2 Voluntary Student Groups
Many students get involved in voluntary clubs. Below you’ll find a list of some that might be interesting
to you. You can find a student group for any kind of interest, regional group or religion. Some of these
groups offer services, whereas in others you can get more actively involved.
9.2.1 AIESEC and IAESTE Paderborn
These two student groups arrange internships and work experiences for German students in foreign
countries. Both are international groups, and part of the global AIESEC and IAESTE network.
9.2.2 Campus Consult
Campus consult is made up of students in scientific or business faculties who enjoy practical work. They
work as a consulting group for real businesses, creating and executing solutions. They are always busy
with work and the outcome is usually very good.
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9.2.3 International Student Groups
At the University of Paderborn exist a variety of international student groups: Club of Russians and
Russian Speaking People ISKRA: iskra.uni-paderborn.de/blog/, The Club of Chinese Students and
Scientists: www.vcswp.de, Club of Students from Cameroon: (VKS) [email protected], DMMK:
Multinational Club of German Speaking Muslims www.dmmk-paderborn.de, KurdS-PB: Student Union
for Kurdish students: [email protected], HGS: University Club Suryoye Paderborn: [email protected], ADF: African – German Forum for Business and Science, KISS: Cultural Club for
Scholars and Students from Iran, ESG: Lutheran Student Union: [email protected], One
world: [email protected]
9.2.4 International Associations and Circle of Friends outside the University
 African Associations
Union of Students from Cameroon
Frau Eleonore Kengni
Franz-Egon-Str. 24
33102 Paderborn
Phone 05251/ 4022212


Türkish Associations
Türkish Islamic Religious Community
Paderborn e.V.
Abtsbrede 24
33098 Paderborn
Phone 05251 / 75861
Other Associations
Afro-Gospel-Choir e.V.
Catholic Community
Gesellenhausgasse 3
33098 Paderborn
Phone 05251 / 27393

Union of Students from Cameroon
Frau Peggy Mopong
Warburgerstr. 100
33098 Paderborn
Phone 0162/ 4110368
Paderborn ve Cevresi Alevi Kültür Birligi
Geroldstr. 7-11
33098 Paderborn
Phone 05251 / 872125
Regenbogen Bildungswerkstatt e.V.
- Tutoring, Language Courses and Computer
courses Bahnhofstr. 11 a
33102 Paderborn
Phone 05251 / 300391
Circle of Friends between Germans and Foreigners
Arabic-German Circle Paderborn e.V.
German Chinese Friendship Paderborn e.V.
Dr. Riyad Khartabil
Frau Tenge-Erb
Fürstenweg 36 b
Benhauser Str. 23
33102 Paderborn
33100 Paderborn
Phone 05251 / 34230
Phone 05251 / 55992
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9.2.5 ASV (Ausländische Studierenden-Vertretung/ Student Council for International Students)
The Student Council for International Students is a student organization which represents all
international students from the University of Paderborn. The ASV team helps with finding a job or
accommodation. They offer social, administrative and study related advice. Besides this, the ASV
organizes sports courses and cultural events where you can get in contact with other international and
German students.
In the ASV rooms you can use computers with internet access (e.g. for calling over VoIP) or ask the
ASV team all kinds of questions. The office can be found in the Mensa building near the AStA Copy
Center in the basement, ME U 630. Meet the ASV team and have a cup of coffee or tea. Regular office
hours are Tuesday and Thursday from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
International Coffee – Meeting
The International Coffee – Meeting is an offer from the International Office for all language course
participants and international students of the university. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee, tea and
small snacks (for free!) and meet other students in a relaxing atmosphere. You can also exchange
thoughts and experiences and you can plan trips or other activities.
Come and have a look – New people are always welcome!
WHEN?
Every Wednesday between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.
WHERE?
In the basement of the International Office (Gebäude V)
WHAT?
Meet nice people, talk and ask questions
WHO?
All international students of the university
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10. Consultation (Free of Charge)
10.1 AStA Legal Advice
This organization specializes in matters concerning family, study, landlord-tenant agreements, family
law, employment and rights for foreigners. This service can be made use of by any student.
AStA Legal Advice
Room: ME U.209
Tel: 05251 – 60 3688
Tuesday
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
Wednesday
9:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and
1:15 p.m. – 2:15 p.m.
10.2 Central Study Advice Bureau (Zentrale Studienberatung)
The "Studienberatung" is of particular interest to those who wish to change their course of studies, or
those who wish to extend the length of their studies. The "Studienberatung" offers information about
study possibilities, entrance requirements, examination rules and postgraduate studies, as well as study
planning for those changing universities.
Central Study Advice Bureau (Studienberatung)
Office: ME 0.224
Consulting:
Tue & Thu:
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Wed:
4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Thu:
9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. and
1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
 05251 – 602007
http://www.zsb.upb.de
E-mail:
[email protected]
10.3 Psychological Help and Support
This advice center offers help in trying to solve problems of a psychological nature, which one cannot
cope with by oneself. Issues are discussed in one-on-one interviews or in groups. The interviews are
naturally confidential and it is a complimentary service provided by the university.
Psychological Help and Support
Dipl. Päd. Barbara Sawall
Office: ME 0.227
 05251 – 603831
- by appointment only
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11. Sports at the University of Paderborn
The University of Paderborn is equipped with a big gym, track, fields and tennis courts. Therefore, it
offers its students a variety of sports; some of them are free of charge. All courses require registration
(dates for registration are in the beginning of April/October) but some courses you should sign up for
quickly! Some of the courses offered are: American football, soccer, tennis, weightlifting, aerobics,
volleyball, martial arts, belly dancing and gymnastics. The courses are a lot of fun and definitely a place
where you can meet new friends. Get more information about registration and courses in the office of
the “Hochschulsport” close to the insurance companies. All information is also available online at
unisport.upb.de/ahs where registration is done as well.
12. Music and Theatre on Campus
There is a university theatre where students, monitored by professionals, perform plays. Sometimes,
there are also guest plays. The entrance fee is usually inexpensive and the plays are of high quality. It is
a good alternative to the city’s theatre.
Other occasions where music can be heard on campus is during the rehearsals of the University
Orchestra, the Chamber Music Group, the Big Band and the Brass Band. They play old as well as
modern music and perform at university festivals and on other occasions.
13. Parties
What is also quite unique about studying at Paderborn University are the university parties that take
place nearly weekly during the semester. They are organized by different faculties or student groups.
Posters around the university will inform you about the next party on campus. Tickets are sold in the
Mensa Foyer, close to The Little Store (“Lädchen”) and the Caféte. The biggest party on campus is the
University’s Summer Festival which takes place in June each year. Here, German and internationally
known artists perform on several different stages scattered around campus. More than 12,000 visitors
come and enjoy this festival every year.
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VII Language Courses
1. Preparatory German language course
If you do not have the required language knowledge for your degree program, you can apply for a
preparatory German course at the University of Paderborn.
Duration: Depending on your previously acquired language skills, the duration of the preparatory
German course is six months (applicants with level B2 or C1 CEFR = Central European Framework of
Reference for Languages) to 13 months (absolute beginners).
For information on the DSH course contents (curriculum, CEFR level descriptions, learning objectives,
and exams) please check the website of our Faculty of Arts and Humanities
kw.uni-paderborn.de/institute-einrichtungen/deutschkurse/studienvorbereitendessprachangebot/studienvorbereitendes-sprachprogramm-fuer-internationalestudienbewerber/sprachkurse-zur-vorbereitung-auf-die-dsh/
Entry dates and basic language prerequisites
New students are accepted for the DSH courses in April and October. A placement test at the start of
the semester determines at which stage you can enter the course.
Please note: Starting directly with the DSH course is only possible if you already have some German
language skills (150 hrs of German courses and / or an A1 CEFR certificate).
Applicants without any German language skills should take our four week "crash course for beginners
“in March or September before they start the DSH course.
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Participation fees and course structure
The participation fee is 390€ for each CEFR level.
With the exception of the C1 course, each course consists of two CEFR levels and takes one semester
(October to March / April to September) to complete.
The course fee is payable for one semester.
CEFR level
Duration
Cost
Crash course for beginners
A1
1 month (100 hrs)
125,00€
DSH course
A2 + B1
1 semester (465 hrs)
DSH course
B1 + B2
DSH course
B2 + C1
DSH course
C1
780,00€
(including exam)
780,00€
(including exam)
780,00€
(including exam)
390,00€
(including exam)
Application deadlines:
Deadline
May 15
Course start
October
► Generally, the following application deadlines apply:
November 15
April
► Please be aware that obtaining a visa for entering Germany may take several weeks. We therefore
recommend that you submit your application within the regular deadlines (May 15 or November 15).
► Subject to free capacity in the DSH course, related applications will be considered until July 15 for the
course starting in October and until January 15 for the course starting in April.
► If you already hold a valid residence permit for Germany, but missed the above mentioned application
deadlines, admission might still be possible after consultation with the International Office.
► We will advise you of the result of the admission process around 3 – 5 weeks after the application
deadline (see above).
► Please note: An application for the German language course is only possible if you also apply for a
subsequent degree course. Please answer “Yes” to question 11 in the application form.
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Further notes
► For language course participants of the Intermediate and Advanced Stage, the International Office
offers additional, free-of-charge workshops for study preparation.
► Language course participants are enrolled as students at the University of Paderborn and are
therefore required to pay a semester fee which is currently around 210€ per semester. This includes the
cost of a semester ticket that enables students to use local transportation in North Rhine Westphalia for
free. Participants of the four week crash course in September and March don’t have to pay the
semester fee, but they cannot use the semester ticket during that time.
DSH course students won’t have to pay any further tuition fees ("Studienbeiträge“).
If you have any questions concerning the contents of this website please ask Kerstin Ollech.
- 44 -
2. Tandem
Would you like to practice your German with a native speaker who wants to learn your mother tongue?
Then come and join the tandem course at the Center for Language Studies (Zentrum für Sprachlehre,
ZfS). The first step is to look for the right partner on the “tandem market” (www.upb.de/zfs/tandem). If
you want to practice intensively (and not just meet every now and then) you and your partner can enroll
in the tandem course. This course starts with a kick-off meeting where you get a lot of information about
all the activities you can do together and many other useful pieces of advice for your tandem
partnership.
In addition to this, you will get a copy of the “tandem diary”. You will then meet regularly with your
tandem partner, and, after each meeting, write down what you did (i.e. the words and grammar you
learned, etc.) in your tandem diary. This will help you to remember and quickly improve your
competence.
At the end of the term, you are asked to write a short report about your tandem experience. All tandem
teams will meet again twice: once half-way through the term (tandem evening with self-cooked
specialties and a funny language and culture quiz) and once more at the end (farewell party). You
should allow about 3-4 hours per week for the tandem course.
Zentrum für Sprachlehre
Dr. Sigrid Behrent
Office: H2.318
 05251 – 602857
For further information have a look at the
website or contact Dr. Sigrid Behrent:
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VIII Living in Germany
The Federal Republic of Germany is a democratic country in central Europe, covering an area of
357,042 square kilometers. It has a population of approx. 81.8 million (of which 7.2 million are
foreigners) which shows that Germany is a densely populated country. Many residents live in small
towns that offer an active social life.
Germany is divided into 16 states united under the German flag. In some areas, like education, the
states are quite autonomous whereas in most fields national laws and regulations apply. Of course,
German “Hochdeutsch” is the official language which is taught at schools. However, many regional
dialects exist especially in the south and east of Germany that are hard to understand – even for native
Germans. Germans in the Hanover area (not far from Paderborn) are said to speak the best and
clearest German.
The majority of the population is Christian, of which half is Protestant and half Catholic. Nevertheless,
although being members of a church, many people do not go to church regularly. Also, the church is
strictly divided from politics and only has a minor influence on ethical matters. Germany’s capital Berlin
is situated in the East of the country and is the biggest city with a population of about 3.5 million. The
second largest city is Hamburg and the third is Munich.
The biggest metropolitan area is the “Ruhrgebiet”, which stands for a number of cities situated at the
Ruhr River, like Dortmund, Bochum and Essen. This area used to be known for its steel and coal
manufacturing. Today the situation is different, and many of these cities have undergone a tremendous
change and have a very rich and interesting cultural experience to offer. The Ruhrgebiet is just an hour
by train from Paderborn and you can go to all parts for free using your NRW–semester ticket.
The larger towns have a thriving, lively and colorful cultural life, including theatres, orchestras, artistic
academies, art collections and libraries. The freedom of artistic expression is also guaranteed as
freedom of speech. The uncensored and diverse press, as well as other mass media, guarantees a
democratic control of state and society.
After World War II, the western part of Germany was brought together under one flag. The state
structure of that part of Germany was not centrally governed. Simultaneously, in 1949, the German
Democratic Republic was founded in the Eastern part of Germany with a socialist, centrally governed
society.
Therefore, until October 3, 1990, two separate German countries existed, controlled by two different
political systems. East Germany’s status as a separate political state collapsed due to, above anything
else, a massive protest on the part of the population in November 1989. Within a year, political
reunification had taken place. On October 3, 1990, the German Democratic Republic became a part of
the Federal Republic of Germany.
- 46 -
Since the reunification, much (governmental) money has been invested to rebuild the Eastern part of
the country. The reunification of the people has been an ongoing process, but during and after the 2002
flood catastrophe in East Germany, the high amount of funds raised for the flood victims in East
Germany demonstrated how much solidarity exists within the population.
Germany is one of the most highly industrialized and strongest economic countries in the world. It has a
social market economy in which a distinctive sense of competition has developed. However, certain very
severe problems, like the high unemployment rate, do exist. The main areas of the economy are the
production, engineering and service sectors. One other important subject in German politics is the
environment.
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1. General Information
1.1 Store Opening Hours
The average opening hours of supermarkets and convenient stores in Germany are the following:
Supermarkets and Grocery Stores:
Monday – Friday:
7:00 a.m. - 8:00/9:00 p.m.
Saturday:
7:00 a.m. - 8:00/9:00 p.m.
Sunday:
closed
Clothes Shops / Stores in the City Center:
Monday – Friday:
10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Saturday:
10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Sunday:
closed
These hours may vary, though, since by law shops can be open from 7:00 – 10:00 o’clock, but many
stores, especially smaller ones open later and close earlier. Many small shops close around noon on
Saturday. Many offices, banks, etc. have a long Thursday, which means they are usually open until
6:00. Office hours are usually put on the doors of the shops so that you can find them easily. Gas
stations offer longer hours. There you can do some basic shopping on Sundays and later at night. The
downside is that they are very expensive.
1.2 Waste Separation
Waste separation and recycling are big issues in Germany. Each house has several bins to separate
the garbage. Usually there is a green dustbin where you put the organic waste. There is a yellow one
(sometimes there are yellow bags instead) to put all plastic garbage, lightweight packaging and
everything with a Green Point
(“Grüner Punkt”) into. The blue garbage dumpster is for
paper and cardboard while in the
grey dustbin you would put the rest of the garbage. In the
streets and next to the dormitory you will find places were you can dispose of your glass (sorted by clear
or color).
In the student dorms you may not have to follow the strict rules of waste separation because there are
huge dumpsters without separation. However, if you live in a private apartment you should be aware of
the fact that many landlords are very keen on waste separation and you should sort your garbage
carefully.
1.3 Currency
In Germany, as in all members of the European Monetary Union, the Euro is the valid currency.
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1.4 Post Office
The post service in Germany is reliable and privately owned. Post offices and drop-off mailboxes can be
recognized by a bright yellow sign with a picture of a horn (colored black). The times at which specific
post offices are open vary. However, most post offices are open from 8:00 or 9:00 until 6:00 p.m., with
some closing at 5:30 p.m. Most are open during lunchtime and close at 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
If you receive instructions to collect a parcel or specially delivered letter you will need to go to
Ballhornstraße (buses 4 and 9 from the university campus) where the main post office is situated. You
will need to bring the original notification and some form of ID with you. When sending parcels abroad it
is often a good idea to look into private companies such as UPS. Another important matter to note is to
make sure that you put your name tag on your mailbox. Otherwise you will not get your mail!
1.5 Electricity
Germany uses electrical points with 220v, 50 Hz AC and uses 2 pin plug sockets. If required, adapters
can be purchased at shops, but it is often best to be prepared and bring an adapter from home. If you
live in a dorm room provided by Mrs. Müller from the Student Services (Studentenwerk), the bill for
electricity is already included in the monthly rent. Otherwise you have to pay for electricity at the
beginning of each month. There will be a fee set up by the company that supplies your household with
electricity according to what has been consumed the year before. At the end of the year you will then
either get money back (if you have used less electricity than you have prepaid for) or you will have to
pay the difference if you have used more.
1.6 Taxis
Taxis in Germany charge a basic fee, and you then pay for each kilometer according to a taximeter.
There is no difference among the different companies regarding prices. Some of the taxi numbers in
Paderborn are 05251 - 33333, 05251 - 149149 and 05251 - 61111. Within Paderborn the prices for a
taxi ride range from 6 € to 12 €.
1.7 Tip
The VAT is already included in all prices and services as well. But nevertheless, it is very common to
give a tip as long as you have been satisfied with the service (5 – 10 % of the bill is an appropriate tip).
If you have not been satisfied you can also give less or even nothing. As it is well known that students
do not have much money, they have something like a special status, so waiters do not expect a very
high tip from them.
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1.8 Climate
Germany's climate is moderate and is generally without sustained periods of cold or heat. Northwestern
and coastal Germany has a maritime climate caused by warm westerly winds from the North Sea; the
climate is characterized by warm summers and mild cloudy winters. Farther inland, the climate is
continental, marked by greater diurnal and seasonal variations in temperature, with warmer summers
and colder winters. Frequently there are short rain showers but they usually do not last the whole day.
The average temperature varies in winter from 1.5°C (35°F) in the valleys to -6°C (21°F) in the
mountains. But it can also get as low as -20°C (-4°F) and often times it snows. In summer the average
temperature is 20°C (68°F), but there are also very warm periods of 30°C (86°F) with sunshine for a
couple of weeks. In spring and fall the weather changes from warm and sunny to cool and rainy.
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2. Travelling
Germans spend most of their money on travelling. As it is not very common for students to own a car,
other means of transportation have a high relevance. One alternative is flying. Cheap airlines that save
money on service are coming up in Germany as well as in Europe in general. Flights from one
European city to another can be as cheap as 25€. This alternative should always be taken into
consideration and can be checked on the internet. Some very inexpensive airlines like Air Berlin fly from
Paderborn.
Another very common alternative is the train “Deutsche Bundesbahn” (DB). Usually traveling by train in
Germany is very expensive, but there are very inexpensive offers when you travel in groups of up to 5
people. With these groups you can take the Weekend-Ticket (“Wochenendticket”), which does not allow
you to take the fastest trains but only costs around 35€. With this ticket, which can only be used on the
weekends, 5 people can take the same train all day long, no matter where in Germany. Other special
offers exist for certain regions (for example the “North Rhine-Westphalia ticket” NRW–semester ticket)
for up to 5 people traveling through the state of North Rhine-Westphalia) or on certain routes (for
example Hamburg – Berlin).
If you know that you are going to use the train a lot, you should consider purchasing the BahnCard 50.
With this card you will receive a 50% discount on all routes and in all trains. The BahnCard only costs
131€ (for students under 26) for one year and pays for itself if you decide to go on two big railroad trips
during your stay in Paderborn. The BahnCard 25 gives a reduction of 25% on the ticket price and
enables you to take specially reduced tickets for long distances with fast trains. It costs 53€.
Prices are continually changing, so check out www.bahn.de for details and for connections as well. As
fares —as well as discounts— change frequently and new offers come up regularly; it is always
advisable to purchase your ticket at the DB service point where you can ask for the cheapest way to
travel from one city to another. Try this instead of using the vending machine which cannot help you as
much in finding the cheapest route.
Many trips can also be done with the semester ticket and if you travel a longer distance you can buy a
ticket from that train station where the validity of the semester ticket ends.
Another option for how you can explore Germany and Europe is by bus. Many regular bus connections
exist between major European cities and are quite cost-effective. You can check them out on the
internet (i.e. www.eurolines.de ).
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3. Traditional Events / Holidays
January: New Years (Jan 1)
March/April: Easter Sunday and Monday
May: May Day (May 1), Ascension Day and Pentecost
October: National Holiday (Oct 3)
December: Christmas Eve (Dec 24 [half day]) and Christmas (Dec 25 and 26)
In addition, North Rhine-Westphalia celebrates the following holidays:
May/June: Corpus Christi
November: All Saints Day (Nov 1)
During holidays there are no classes at the university and all shops are closed. Public transportation
runs on the Sunday schedule.
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4. Mentality / Habits
To avoid inconvenient situations it is good to know something about the German mentality and some of
the German habits. The common way to address people formally is “Sie” meaning “You”. This is used at
work, with professors or adults you do not know. Even if neighbours or colleagues have known each
other for a long time they often still use the polite “Sie” rather than the informal “Du”.
“Du” can be used for friends and close colleagues and children under 16 years old. Students always say
“Du” to each other. Students would greet each other saying “Hi” or “Hallo” while the more formal way is
“Guten Morgen” until 11 o’clock and “Guten Tag” until 5 o’clock. At night you would say “Guten Abend”
and before you go to bed you say “Gute Nacht”. People greet each other always when they meet or
when they pass each other, students as well as professors. It is common to shake hands when you
meet someone, but this is rather seldom between students. As a goodbye you say “Tschüss” or
“Tschau” to young people and friends, and “Auf Wiedersehen” as a polite goodbye. Hugs and kisses on
the cheek are only common between very good friends. When someone asks you “Wie geht’s” (“How
are you”), the usual answer is “Danke, gut” meaning “Good, thanks”. This question is asked between
good friends and in informal situations.
Punctuality is very important for Germans. One should arrive on time for official meetings, yet it is
normal to arrive a bit late to private invitations or meetings in someone’s house. The “Akademisches
Viertel” meaning “the academic quarter” tolerates a 15 minute delay.
It is normal to invite friends to your house for coffee or for dinner. In these cases it is always good to
bring maybe a bottle of wine, cookies or pralines or something else for the host. For formal invitations it
is considerate to bring flowers for the lady of the house. If it is a private meeting ask if you should take
something along or if you should divide the costs (e.g. for the dinner) when you are among students.
Parties in private homes are allowed but it is always good to ask your roommates beforehand if it is ok
by them. Especially during exam time one has to be careful. If you live in a house with other families it is
always smart to inform the neighbours about the party.
The consumption of alcohol is tolerated in Germany and also allowed in public. The drinking age is 16
for beer and wine and 18 for high percentage alcohol.
Driving a car while you are drunk is very dangerous. Therefore, the blood alcohol limit in Germany is
0.5‰. Riding a bike and having more than 0.5‰ blood alcohol can have consequences and it is
possible that the police will revoke your licence.
Smoking is also a topic which has become more and more important. Since 2008, Germany has applied
the “Rauchverbot” which states that smoking is banned in trains, administrative buildings, in all public
transportation and taxis. The non smoking law applies in all public buildings such as offices, law
- 53 -
buildings and the university. At the University of Paderborn you will find special areas where smoking is
tolerated.
Also many restaurants, discotheques and bars are non–smoking but may offer a separate room for
smokers. Please ask your landlord whether you are allowed to smoke in your room or not.
Another important factor is dropping cigarettes on the streets. It is forbidden to do so. Contraventions
will be punished by a fine from the department of public order “Ordnungsamt”. In the city there are
always ashtrays where you can drop your cigarette.
- 54 -
5. TV / Radio
Aside from TV channels that are run by the state such as ARD, ZDF, Arte, Phoenix and regional ones
such as WDR and HR there are a number of private channels (i.e. RTL, SAT.1, Pro7, VOX). All together
there are around 30 channels available by cable; with a satellite dish you can easily receive over 100
channels. A second-hand TV can usually be bought for about 30€. (Check the bulletin board for offers).
In every case you should register as a viewer at the GEZ (Gebühreneinzugszentrale). They are the
people who control the registrations and appear in front of your door or call in order to see whether you
are watching a TV or not. If you are not registered and are caught watching, it may lead to high fines.
The GEZ fee is about 55€ for 3 months and it is for the state channels. You have to pay for them even if
you do not watch them. There is a special law which regulates this.
Most common radio channels in the area of Paderborn are Einslive (frequency: 105.5 MHz), WDR 2
(frequency: 93.2 MHz) and Radio Hochstift (frequency: 88.1MHz)
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6. Telephones
Since 1998, the monopoly on telecommunications has been lifted, so now many telephone companies
have various rates and offers. You must find out for yourself which is the best telephone company for
you, as rates and offers are continually changing. Nevertheless, fellow students are always willing to
give advice to help you further. Should you have a telephone reconnected, have it done by Telekom. At
the moment it costs 50€, but if you are fortunate you can take over the telephone of your predecessor
and it will cost 25€ to reregister. The basic telephone charge is approx. 15€ per month.
If you make a long distance call, you should dial a cheaper number in front of the destination number.
These calls will be billed call-by-call on your monthly phone bill and you do not have to pay any extra
fee to use them. The cheapest numbers can be looked up on the internet or in newspapers.
Another possibility is buying a calling card. You can purchase a prepaid calling credit and call until the
credit is bailed out. You can use the calling card with every phone. Besides the calling card you will get
a secret digit number (PIN). You use the card by dialling a special number for access and enter your
PIN. Providers can be found here: www.billiger-telefonieren.de/calling-card-anbieter/
7. Mobile Phones
It is very advisable to buy a pre-paid card for your mobile. Make sure to unlock your mobile before you
come to Germany so that a pre-paid card will work in it. Pre-paid cards do not cost more than 5€ and
charge for each call and SMS with no monthly fee or contract.
You can also buy a German mobile phone complete with pre-paid card at any mobile phone shop or
electronics store. These are often very affordable and a good alternative to using your own phone.
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8. Bikes
As mentioned above, not many German students own a car due to the high insurance costs. One way,
however, to keep one’s flexibility and independence is to use a bike. As Paderborn is not too big, you
can get everywhere riding a bike or using public transportation, and you will be surprised by how many
German students use bikes to get around. Even car drivers are obliged to pay high attention to bikers,
who sometimes have their own designated space on the sidewalk or even on the street.
In Paderborn cycling is particularly advantageous as the terrain is mostly flat, and most important
locations are in close proximity to each other. If you plan to stay for a long time, it would be a good idea
to think about getting a bike. Second-hand deals are easy to find, just check the various notice boards
around the university.
On the street the bike is a part of traffic and some rules have to be respected. When going home by
bike at night, after having drank, it is important to know that the maximum blood alcohol level is 1.5
“Promille” and your license can be taken when you exceed this value. Riding on the sidewalk, taking
someone along on the bike or talking on your cell phone while riding your bike is also forbidden and is
finable.
9. Cars
If you want to use your own car in Paderborn you must always carry your driver’s license and the
documentation of your car with you. Note the information given in part II How to get to Paderborn about
the International Driver’s License. Parking where it is not allowed can be expensive. The tickets
(“Knöllchen”) cost anywhere from 10€ – 45€. Driving too fast can also be expensive. Within the city
limits the maximum speed is 50 km/h and outside the city it is usually 100 km/h. On the autobahn the
speed limit is often 100 or 120 km/h, but some have no speed limit. In this case, you should drive
extremely carefully since some drivers drive very fast. The maximum blood alcohol level is 0.5 “Promille”
and there are heavy fees if you exceed this limit (if you’re under 21, the limit is 0.0). They can also
easily take your license due to drinking and driving.
If you want to rent a car there are several car rental shops in the city center. Make sure you have a fully
comprehensive coverage to avoid any problems.
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IX Living in Paderborn
In the last years, Paderborn, with its almost 140,000 inhabitants has converted into a young and modern
city in the heart of the East Westphalia region. At the same time it maintains its history, creating an
interesting contrast.
1. History of Paderborn
The documented history of Paderborn begins in 777, when Charlemagne, after conquering the Saxons,
held the first Frankish imperial assembly on Saxon soil, here in Paderborn. A visit by Pope Leo III to
Charlemagne in 799, led to the founding of a bishopric in Paderborn. Today, Paderborn is the seat of
the Catholic Archbishop and center of ecclesiastical life, far beyond the borders of East Westphalia.
Paderborn had a certain importance in medieval times. Due to the Christianization of the Saxons, the
relics of St. Liborius were brought from Le Mans, France, to Paderborn in 836. The fraternal partnership
between these two cities was then forged. It still exists today as the oldest town partnership in Europe.
In the eleventh century, Bishop Meinwerk, a relative of the Saxon Royal family, had a series of buildings
constructed that still exist today: among them the new cathedral, the Abdinghof monastery, and St.
Bartholemew’s chapel. The importance held by Paderborn for centuries within the empire can be
demonstrated by the rebuilt imperial palace (die Kaiserpfalz). Around 1200, this area was the site of
today’s old part of town (the Altstadt). Trade blossomed, and in 1295 Paderborn became a member of
the trade union “Hanse”, which existed among several cities.
In the sixteenth century, the reformation movement entered Paderborn. Up until 1570, the town council
was mostly Lutheran. In the early seventeenth century, the prince-bishop Dietrich of Fürstenberg carried
through the Counter-Reformation. He established Jesuits in the town, under whose leadership the
University of Paderborn, the first in Westphalia was built in 1614. During Dietrich of Fürstenberg’s reign,
the town hall (das Rathaus), and the Theodorianum, were also built. The latter one was constructed in
the Weser Renaissance style and still exists today, being used as one of Paderborn’s grammar schools.
During the Thirty Years’ War (1618 – 1648) the town was badly affected, trade was destroyed and the
population drastically diminished. Nevertheless, shortly afterwards important Baroque buildings were
built, that still shape the look of the town today.
As a result of bombings during World War II, 85% of Paderborn was destroyed, but the town redefined
itself, after rebuilding, as one of the most important economic areas of Westphalia. During the course of
the last decade, this “young/old town” has developed into a large city and has become the home of
world famous industrial firms. Especially in sectors of the computer and electronics industry, many
companies were started by former students of the university.
Today, Paderborn’s administrative, commercial and service sectors, not to mention its four higher
educational institutions, particularly the University of Paderborn, are of importance to the surrounding
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area. Culturally, Paderborn offers theatres, musical events, museums, art galleries and cinemas as well
as fantastic sporting and free time possibilities. The culinary offers range from an authentic ethnic
experience, to cosy student pubs, bars and bistros.
Square in front of the Dome
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2. Geography
Paderborn is situated in one of Germany’s most populated states (Bundesländer) called North RhineWestphalia (NRW) which is also home to the “Ruhrgebiet”, one of Germany’s biggest and most known
agglomerations of cities. The administrative capital of North Rhine-Westphalia is Düsseldorf.
Distance of major cities from
Paderborn
Berlin 420 km (260 mi.)
Dresden 510 km (316 mi.)
Munich 560 km (348 mi.)
Hamburg 300 km (186 mi.)
Frankfurt 270 km (167 mi.)
Hanover 140 km (87 mi.)
Cologne 180 km (112 mi.)
Düsseldorf 175 km (108 mi.)
Dortmund 100 km (62 mi.)
Kassel 80 km (50 mi.)
Bielefeld 50 km (31 mi.)
Münster 100 km (62 mi.)
Moreover, Paderborn is the home of Germany’s shortest river, the “Pader”. It originates in Paderborn
and has a course of just 4 km (about 2 ½ m) before ending in the Lippe River. The Pader River’s springs
are some of Germany’s most productive. The surrounding areas of Paderborn are also quite attractive.
You can find the mountains in the Teutoburger Wald, the Eggegebirge as well as the Sauerland that
offers skiing facilities in the winter and lakes for swimming in the summer. With the “Ruhrgebiet” just
being an hour away by car, Paderborn is quite close to some of Germany’s most popular cities,
theatres, sites, cathedrals, and shopping facilities. All other big German cities can be accessed quite
easily as Paderborn’s train connections are quite good.
3. Climate
During the winter Paderborn can become quite a cold and dry place, with temperatures dropping below
0°C (32°F). Snow and ice are common during the winter months. During the summer the temperature
can be as high as 35°C (93°F) but usually stays between 25 and 30°C (77 and 86°F). Paderborn is
used to a lot of rain too, but to be optimistic about it: this fact allows the city to have many green areas
even during the hot summer months!
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4. Culture
Paderborn has some art as well as religious museums available. Another very unique museum is also
the Computer Museum, the Heinz-Nixdorf Museumsforum (HNF), which focuses on general information
about computers and technical components. There are also more specific topics (such as artificial
intelligence) which alternate regularly. Other galleries and scientific museums can also be found in the
city.
Furthermore, two theatres are located in Paderborn (“Kammerspiele” in the city center and the
“Studiobühne” at the University). Additionally, the Paderhalle offers room for guest plays and musicals.
Operas can be found in the closer surroundings such as Bielefeld, Detmold or the Ruhrgebiet.
You can see their addresses below!
4.1 Museums
For further information please visit this website: www.paderborn.de/kultur/index.php
Museums in Paderborn:
Heinz Nixdorf Museums Forum (HNF)
Museum in der Kaiserpfalz -
The HNF is the biggest computer museum in the Imperial Palace Museum
world. It contains 5,000 objects depicting the history of The reconstruction of the Kaiserpfalz in the eleventh
counting, writing and office technology, as well as the century, archaeological museum
computer
ADDRESS: Am Ikenberg 2 (north of the cathedral),
ADDRESS: Fürstenallee 7, Paderborn
Paderborn
Tuesday – Friday
9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Tuesday – Sunday
Saturday, Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
First Wednesday of the month: 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
05251 - 30 66 00
www.hnf.de
05251 – 10510
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
www.lwl.org
Reduced fee for students: 3€
Reduced fee for students: 1.50€
Erzbischöfliches Diözesanmuseum
Städtische Galerie - Town Gallery
Church art, collection of sculptures and treasures
Art from the twentieth century; exhibitions vary
ADDRESS: Markt 17, Paderborn
ADDRESS: Am Abdinghof 11, Paderborn
Tuesday – Sunday
Tuesday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
05251 - 125400 and - 125403
05251 - 881247 and - 881673
FREE!
Entrance Fee: 3€ (Free for students who pre-register)
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Museum für Stadtgeschichte im Adam & Eva Haus
Naturkundemuseum - Natural History Museum
Museum of Town History
Presentation of the local landscape.
Depicts Paderborn’s history up until the present.
ADDRESS: Marstallstraße 9 (in Marstall ), Schloß
ADDRESS: Hathumarstraße 7/9 (in “Adam-und-Eva-
Neuhaus
Haus”), Paderborn
Tuesday – Sunday
Tuesday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
05251 - 881052 and - 881044
05251 - 8823501
FREE!
FREE!
www.paderborn.de/naturkundemuseum
Museums in surrounding areas of Paderborn
Kreismuseum Wewelsburg
History of the bishopric of Paderborn in the “Weser Museum Höxter Corvey
Renaissance” castle. In the guard room in the castle Offers various documentations, e.g. the history of
forecourt you can find the documentation on the Corvey monastery, Hoffman von Fallersleben, as well
as other exhibitions
former concentration camp in Nazi Germany
ADDRESS: Burgwall 19, 33142 Büren-Wewelsburg
ADDRESS: Schloß Corvey in Höxter
Tuesday – Friday
From March 31st – November 1st:
10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Sat., Sun. and holidays 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Daily 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
02955 - 76220
05271 - 694402
FREE entry for the documentation “Wewelsburg 1933-
www.schloss-corvey.de
1945”!
Reduced fee for students: 2€
Reduced fee for students is 1.50€ for the other sights
www.wewelsburg.de
Kloster Dalheim
Former monastery
ADDRESS: Am Kloster 9 in 33165 Lichtenau
All museums are closed on Mondays!
Tuesday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
05292 - 9319119
www.kloster-dalheim.de
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4.2 Theater and Opera
Westfälische Kammerspiele
Stadtheater Paderborn
ADDRESS: Rathausplatz (Volksbank building)
05251 – 882634
Studiobühne
Offers various plays performed by students
ADDRESS: Warburgerstr. 100 (on campus)
05251 – 602665
www.kammerspiele-paderborn.de
groups.uni-paderborn.de/studiobuehne
Paderhalle
Offers a wide variety of concerts and events
ADDRESS: Heiersmauer 45-51 am Maspernplatz
05251 - 103940
Freilichtbühne Schloß Neuhaus
ADDRESS: In the garden behind the castle in Schloß
Neuhaus (only during summer months)
05254 - 7598
www.paderhalle.de
www.freilichtbuehne-schlossneuhaus.de
Theater Bielefeld
ADDRESS: Brunnenstr. 3 – 9, Bielefeld
0521 – 515454
See www.theater-bielefeld.de
Landestheater Detmold
ADDRESS: Theaterplatz 1
05231 - 974 60
www.landestheater-detmold.de
English Drama Group (Dr. Andreas Diekes)
ADDRESS: Warburgerstr. 100 (on Campus)
05257 – 602865
[email protected]
4.3 Traditional Events
Every year there are several events with live bands and food & beverages booths, where the people
celebrate in the streets of Paderborn until late at night. The “Frühlingsfest” takes place at the end of
April / beginning of May. The well known “Libori” festival takes place around the last week of July and
includes a carnival, a market and many artists and bands playing. In the fall there is another, smaller
Libori with a market and live music.
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4.4 Cinema
Two cinemas, the UCI and the Cineplex, with 6 and 8 theaters respectively, are also an option for free
time activities. During the week movie tickets cost around 5€, and on the weekend 7€.
See www.paderkino.de/ for what’s showing in Paderborn!
UCI Kinowelt
Cineplex
ADDRESS: Kamp 30 – 32 (Liborie-Gallerie)
Offers 4€ tickets every Tuesday
05251 - 18790
ADDRESS: Westernstraße 34 (Kinopassage)
www.uci-kinowelt.de
05251 - 2306000
www.cineplex.de
4.5 Libraries
City Library
Computer Library
ADDRESS: Am Rothoborn 1
ADDRESS: Rosenstr. 13-15 (Rathauspassage)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday:
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Saturday 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
05251 - 881110 and – 881112
05251 - 881115
www.stadtbibliothek-paderborn.de
Media Center
Erzbischöflich-Akademische Bibliothek
ADDRESS: Am Stadelhof 10
Mainly scientific, theologian and natural history
literature
10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
ADDRESS: Leostraße 21
Saturday 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Monday – Friday
05251 - 22787 and - 88 11 15
9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
2:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
05251 - 290480
www.eab-paderborn.de
4.6 Book stores
Right next to the university on Warburger Street there is a book store called “Universitätsbuchhandlung
Meier”. There you can find almost all the books that you might need for your classes. If they do not have
them in stock, they can order them for the next day. There are also many book stores in the city center,
such as Thalia, Bonifatius and Linnemann.
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4.7 Churches
As the most prevalent religions in Germany are the Protestant and Catholic Churches, you will find
plenty of churches of these religions. Churches of other faiths found in Paderborn are the following:
Evangelische Freikirchliche Gemeinde
Protestant Congregation of Christians
ADDRESS: Riemekestr. 103
05251 - 953807
Freie Christengemeinde
Free Christian Community
ADDRESS: Neuhäuser Str. 12
05251 - 280488
Jüdische Kultusgemeinde Paderborn
Jewish Community
ADDRESS: Pipinstr. 32
05251 – 22596
Neuapostolische Kirche
New Apostolic Church
ADDRESS: Josef – Schröder – Str. 14
05251 - 730400
Syrische Orthodoxe Kirchengemeinde
Syrian Orthodox Church
ADDRESS: An der Talle 2
05251 - 480228
Türkisch – islamische Religionsgemeinschaft
Turkish–Islamic Community
ADDRESS: Abstbrede 24
05251 - 75861
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5. Food
Paderborn offers restaurants for every taste and budget, whether Chinese, Thai, Italian, French, Greek,
Turkish, Spanish, Hungarian, or good traditional German food, you will find what you’re looking for here
in Paderborn!
5.1 Fast Food
As students like to have some internationally known fast food, here are some fast food restaurants in
Paderborn:
Mc Donalds
ADDRESS: Frankfurter Weg 17, Königsplatz 18,
Südring Center (close to the university),
Schäferweg 4, Bahnhofstraße (main train station)
Subway
ADDRESS: Westernstr. 44
Detmolderstraße
Burger King
ADDRESS: Warburger Str. 105 (opposite to the
university), Detmolder Str. 48
Kentucky Fried Chicken
ADDRESS: Borchener Str. 140
5.2 Restaurants
Here are a couple of restaurants listed that you can
for a complete overview.
Gownsmens Pub an der Universität
Right on the university campus. Delicious food is
served after 7:00 p.m. in the University Pub.
During summer you can sit outside in the beer
garden
ADDRESS: on campus
Grüner Frosch
Nice bar for students, inexpensive but very
delicious food and drinks
ADDRESS: Im Lichtenfelde 4
El Mexicano
Mexican Specialties
ADDRESSE: Kilianplatz 4
Paderborner Schnitzelhaus
Friendly and personal atmosphere, special prices
for Schnitzel, beer garden
ADDRESS: Borchenerstr. 100
Pizza Toni
Inexpensive pizza, takeout & delivery service
ADDRESS: Marienstr. 7, Heierstr. 37
Steak – House La Pampa
Steaks, a little pricy, but good quality
ADDRESS: Hathumar Str. 16
Deutsches Haus
Traditional German food
ADDRESS: Kisau 9
find in Paderborn, but check www.gelbeseiten.de
Feuerstein
Drinks and food in a cosy atmosphere, they show
soccer games on TV
ADDRESS: Am Kamp 31
Alex Bistro
Nice bistro with inexpensive prices, a small menu
to chose from with international dishes
ADDRESS: Kamp 20-22
Paderschänke
Spanish Tapas Bar
ADDRESS: An der warmen Pader 13
Paderborner Brauhaus
Food and drinks the German way with a huge
beer garden in the summer
ADDRESS: Kisau 2
China Restaurant Panda House
Chinese food, offer buffet, delicious and nice staff
ADDRESS: Mühlenstr.3
Steak – House Argentina
Steak house with moderate prices
ADDRESS: Borchener Str. 25
Kachelöfchen
German and international food
ADDRESS: Kilianplatz 2
5.3 Ice cream
Piccoli
Nunciata
ADDRESS: Liborigallerie
Venezia
ADDRESS: Am Westerntor 4
Eiscafé Pagganini
ADDRESS: Südring Center
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6. Leisure Activities
Although Paderborn is not exactly the biggest town around, you will never die of hunger or thirst or be
forced to go to the same pub every night. Paderborn offers so many varied pubs and restaurants that
the only problem you will have is deciding which one to go to! In the following we list a few of them (for a
complete overview, check www.gelbeseiten.de ). Names and locations may vary, so ask your fellow
German students which places are advisable.
6.1 Pubs / Bars
The Auld Triangle
Irish Pub, karaoke every Tuesday
ADDRESS: Kasseler Mauer 11
Globetrotter
International bar with American food, soccer
matches are often shown
ADDRESS: Heierstr. 17
Café & Bar Celona
Lunch buffet, Ice cream and cocktails
ADDRESS: Am Rathaus
Highlander
Scottish Pub, soccer matches are often shown,
Scottish breakfast on Sunday
ADDRESS: Ükern 28
Limericks
Irish Pub, extended opening hours
ADDRESS: Marienstraße 2
Markandu
Exchange students meet here every Tuesday
night
ADDRESS: Hathumarstr.16
Zeitgeist
Inexpensive bar with student atmosphere
Kump
Direct view on Westerntor junction, beer garden
ADDRESS: Westerntor
6.2 Cocktail Bars
Havanna
Cocktails and Mexican food
ADDRESS: An der alten Synagoge
www.havana.de
Weekend
Cocktails in a relaxing atmosphere
ADDRESS: Rosenstraße 25
www.weekend-lounge.de/paderborn.html
Hemmingway
Cocktails in a classy atmosphere
ADDRESS: Am Kamp 8
Blauer Engel
Cocktails and other drinks
ADDRESS: Heierstr. 24
www.blauer-engel.com
6.3 Beer Garden
Paderborner Brauhaus
Food and beer with beer garden in the summer
ADDRESS: Kisau 2
bono-gastronomie.de/gastronomie/paderborner-brauhaus
6.4 Discotheques / Clubs
Cube – Discotheque for Subculture
Alternative and electronic Music
ADDRESS: Mühlenstr. 36
www.cube-pb.de
Residenz
Techno and party classics
ADDRESS: Marienstr. 1 – 3
www.r-esidenz.de
Saphho
Rock and alternative music
ADDRESS: Marienstr. 20
www.sappho-paderborn.de
Capitol
party classics, theme nights
ADDRESS: Leostr. 39
www.capitol-musiktheater.de/start.html
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6.5 Sports
Sports are not only pursued at the university, but in and around Paderborn. A very big sport park is the
“Ahorn Sportpark” which offers an indoor and outdoor track, squash fields, an outdoor cross country
track and several courses like aerobics, table tennis, volleyball and dancing. A big 50- meter indoor
swimming pool as well as an outdoor pool can be found within the city limits. Several fitness studios are
also available.
6.5.1 Swimming Pools
Hallenbad Schwimmoper (Indoor pool)
Hallenbad Elsen – Alisobad (Indoor pool)
ADDRESS: Schützenweg 1b (at Maspernplatz)
ADDRESS: Am Schlengerbusch 29
 05251 - 50 23 90
 05254 – 6339
www.schwimmoper.de
Hallenbad Schloss Neuhaus – Residenzbad
Waldbad Schloß Neuhaus (Out door pool)
(Indoor pool)
ADDRESS: Hermann-Löns-Straße 129
ADDRESS: at Schlossgarten
 05254 – 2308
 05254 – 2888
Städtisches Freibad Rolandsbad (Outdoor
Driburg-Therme
pool)
(Indoor and Outdoor pool, Sauna)
ADDRESS: Stolbergallee 20
ADDRESS: Georg-Nave-Straße 24, Bad Driburg
 05251 - 333 27
 05253 - 70 116 www.driburg-therme.de
Erlebnisbad Westfalen Therme
Aqualip
ADDRESS: Schwimmbadstraße 1,
ADDRESS: Georg-Weehrt-Straße 19, Detmold
Bad Lippspringe  05252 – 9640
 05231 - 60 72 50
www.westfalen-therme.de/index.html
www.aqualip.de
https://www.paderbaeder.de/baeder.html
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6.5.2 Other Sports Facilites
Ahorn Sportpark
Gesundheitstrainingszentrum (GTZ)
Racquetball, badminton, athletics and other sports Gym of the university
ADDRESS: Ahornallee 20, Paderborn
ADDRESS: on campus next to the gymnasium
 05251 – 1371111
 05251 – 605306
www.ahorn-sportpark.de
www.unisport-upb.de
Vitalis Sports & Wellness World
Sportpark Bad Lippspringe
Tennis, squash, fitness
Tennis, badminton
ADDRESS: An der Talle 89, Paderborn
ADDRESS: Zum See 76, Bad Lippspringe
 05252 - 938070
 05252 – 3366
www.viatlis-paderborn.de
Water ski
Sailing and Surfing
Water – ski and swimming
Sailing, surfing, swimming
ADDRESS: Sander Str. 160 (an der B64)
ADDRESS: Lippesee, PB-Sande
 05254 – 68660
 05254 - 68 922
www.wasserski-paderborn.de
Golf Court Paderborner Land
Miniature Golf Court
ADDRESS: Im Nordfeld 25, Salzkotten
ADDRESS: Auf der Lieth 5
 05258 – 937310
 05251 – 65060
www.gcpaderbornerland.de
www.minigolf-paderborn.de
Golf academy University of Paderborn
Pader Hiking
ADDRESS: Harsewinkelweg 10 / Ecke Pohlweg
PaderKletterPark
 05251 - 604242
Dubelohstraße, Paderborn
www.golfakademie-pb.de
www.paderkletterpark.de
6.5.3 Bowling
Bowling Park Paderborn
Bowling Center New Orleans
Reduced fees for students on Mondays to ADDRESS: Hohenloher Weg 2, Paderborn
Thursdays 3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Monday – Saturday
from 03:00 p.m.
ADDRESS: Marienloher Str. 103, Paderborn
Sunday
from 11.00 a.m.
www.bowlingparkpaderborn.de
and upon agreement
www.bowlingcenter-new-orleans.de
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7. Bus System
With the NRW–semester ticket the public transportation within the city of Paderborn is free of charge. At
night and on the weekends some bus drivers expect you to get on the bus at the front door so as to
show the ticket without being asked. If you have no valid ticket you are charged 40€ for dodging the
fare. If you have forgotten your NRW–semester ticket they charge you 7€. On Friday and Saturday night
there are night buses driving from the city center to the suburbs and to the university. But everything is
also within walking distance, so there should be no problem when getting home at night.
At the University there are two bus stops:
Bus stop: Universität / Südring (in front of the student dorms: Vogeliusweg):
Line
9
4
58
UNI
Route
Auf der Lieth (Kaukenberg) – Uni – Stadtzentrum - Hauptbahnhof
Dahl - Uni – Stadtzentrum - Hauptbahnhof - SNI Wendeschleife
Stadtheide - Universität - SNI Wendeschleife
Universitätslinie: Hauptbahnhof - Universität – Hauptbahnhof – Fürstenallee
Bus stop: Schöne Aussicht (on Warburger Str., close to the International Office).
Line
68
Route
Schöne Aussicht - Uni – Stadtzentrum – Hauptbahnhof - Elsen
The schedules and bus routes can be downloaded from www.padersprinter.de or for trips to the
surrounding areas check www.nph.de .
Buses in Germany are usually on time (and sometimes early!) so make sure you’re at the bus stop on
time.
8. Regional Day Trips
Day trips to Osnabrück, Soest, Münster, the Ruhrgebiet, Düsseldorf and Cologne (Köln) are
recommendable. That is why every Wednesday at the International Coffee–Meeting, in the basement of
the International Office, there is the possibility to plan day trips and to travel in a larger group.
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X Health and Insurance
1. Health Insurance
International students in Paderborn are obligated to have sufficient health coverage during their entire
studies. Students from within the EU should show their European Health Insurance Card – as shown
below – to obtain the exemption from a German insurance company.
Students from outside the EU who do not already have health insurance that is valid in Germany are
recommended to get German health insurance, as experiences have proven that this is the least
complicated way when you need medical help. The costs (30€ – 70€) are very moderate compared to
the benefit.
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2. Hospitals and Doctors
In Germany, there are specialists (dentists, gynaecologists, etc.) as well as general practitioners. You
do not need special reference in order to see a specialist. For almost all doctors you will need to make
an appointment before, which means in some cases having to wait for a week or so, especially with
dentists and specialists. If you have acute pain, or have had an accident, you will be seen immediately,
or at least be given an appointment on the same day. In the telephone directory you will find the names
of various specialists. It is; however, better to have a doctor recommended to you by a friend. When you
see a doctor, you have to pay a 10€ fee each quarter year. You should get a receipt when you pay the
initial 10€. Keep this receipt! When you go to a doctor a second time in the same quarter, you need the
receipt and an “Überweisung” (a paper that says that you have been sent by the other doctor) to avoid
paying the 10€ again. A dentist charges 10€ regardless of whether you’ve already paid the 10€ fee at
another doctor’s office. This fee is called “Praxisgebühr” and is charged by the insurance companies.
If you should need emergency medical aid on the weekend, at night or on a public holiday, then the
emergency medical service is available to you. It is located on Rathenaustr. / Bahnhofstr. Their number
is 05251 – 19292 but you will also find them under “Ärztlicher Notdienst und Bereitschaftsdienst”.
Additionally, their number should be left on any doctor’s answering machine. Should there be an
accident, or if someone is seriously ill, and cannot be transported by car, then you can call an
ambulance. The telephone number is 112.
If you are sent to the hospital, the health insurance will pay for that. However, get in contact with your
insurance company. You may be charged a moderate fee for your hospital stay.
Close to the university is a house with general practitioners as well as specialists. Next door is also a
pharmacy. You can find the addresses of all the doctors in Paderborn in the phonebook or at
www.gelbeseiten.de.
General Doctors, Specialists & Pharmacy
Warburger Str. 93 – 95
(Offices are usually closed on Wednesday afternoons)
3. Pharmacies
Medication can only be bought in pharmacies, which are not the same as drug stores. Some medicine
can be bought without a prescription from a doctor and others need a prescription. You have to pay for
most medications, but some are free when they have been prescribed by a doctor. The opening hours
are similar to those of the shops, but there is a night and weekend service that operates as a rota
system. Every pharmacy has the duty rota posted to show which pharmacies are open.
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4. AIDS
AIDS and HIV are an important issue in Germany as well as with the rest of the world. Though Germany
is not a ‘high risk’ country, health politics is a politics of prevention. Therefore, the “AIDS – Hilfe
Paderborn” (Paderborn AIDS Help) offers anonymous and free counselling. Free and anonymous HIV
tests are available at “Gesundheitsamt”, Riemekestr. 51). In case of any doubt, do not hesitate to
contact AIDS – Hilfe. Condoms are available in supermarkets, drug stores, pharmacies, gas stations
and in vending machines in pubs.
AIDS – Hilfe Paderborn e.V.
Friedrichstr. 51
Opening hours: Tuesday and Thursday 9:00 – 12:00
Wednesday 3:00 – 6:00
Friday 10:00 – 1:00
(and by appointment)
 05251 - 280298
Anonymous counselling  0700 - 44533525
[email protected]
www.paderborn.aidshilfe.de
5. Private Liability Insurance
Private Liability Insurance (“Private Haftpflichtversicherung” = PHV) is strongly recommended for all
international students who don’t already have a PHV in their home country. It regulates legitimate claims
for damages against you (such as spilling water on someone else’s laptop or your bike falling against
someone’s car) or repudiates illegitimate claims. This insurance will cover these costs.
There are significant differences among the insurance companies concerning their costs. However, the
quality of the numerous companies (what they cover in case of an accident) varies only slightly.
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XI Finances
1. Financial Overview
Just for comparison, the maximum rate of federal aid for German students is at the moment about 643€;
with this amount of money students should get along fairly well. Normal costs of living per students (per
month) are within the following ranges:
Rent 200€ – 300€
Food 150€ – 250€
Leisure 100€ – 150€
Miscellaneous (i.e. books, clothing, travelling) 120€ – 180€
Sum 570€ – 880€
When you arrive in Paderborn, please make sure that you have enough cash on you to avoid any
financial problems. During the first week, you will have to pay a deposit (normally about 200€), the first
month's rent (200€ – 300€), the semester ticket for public transport covering the whole semester
(approx. 210€), and possibly health insurance as well as for a pillow and blanket, dishes, etc. Please be
aware that you may have to spend a little more above the average during the first month.
Furthermore you should be aware of the fact that the University of Paderborn charges 500€ tuition for
each semester. These 500€ for tuition and another fee (at the moment the semester fee for the NRW–
semester ticket is 204€) has to be paid to the university. Please note the period for re-registration. You
will receive the documents necessary for the bank transfer by mail.
2. Bank Account in Germany
It is recommended that you have a bank account with a bank in Paderborn for the duration of your
studies. This will simplify many things, as many payments such as rent, phone bills, and your Semester
ticket can automatically be made through bank transfers. Be sure to have a passport or personal ID with
you when opening a bank account.
After having opened an account, you will receive a cash card, which enables you to withdraw money
and get a statement at any time from cash machines belonging to your bank in any city with in
Germany.
You can, in addition, receive a Euro Check Card; however, you would then have to prove that you will
be regularly putting money into your account.
Different from many other countries, it is not usual to send checks by mail. There are instead other ways
of carrying out transactions such as paying your rent or phone bill.
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Types of payment:
Transfer (“Überweisung”) = An “Überweisung” is used when you wish to transfer money from your
account into somebody else’s bank account. To do this, you have to fill out the relevant form at your
bank or online. Telephone bills, tuition and the NRW–semester ticket and student ID are usually paid
this way.
Standing Order (“Dauerauftrag”) = When making regular payments of a fixed amount, such as your
rent, you can arrange for a standing order with your bank. The fixed amount will then be transferred into
the specific account, on a certain date each month.
Direct Debit (“Lastschrift”) = Direct Debit is useful when recurring bills of differing amounts need to be
paid, e.g. the telephone bill. To use this form of payment, you can give the payee written withdrawal
authorization (“Einzugsermächtigung”), which allows the payee to debit the necessary amount from your
account.
You can terminate this authorization at any time to stop money from being debited. Debiting from your
account is very clearly cited in your statement, so that you have control at all times and can cancel any
false entries.
3. Work Experience / Jobs
You will find that many of your fellow German students work part-time during the semester or the
semester break. In Paderborn the chances of finding a student job are very good due to the high
number of students that e.g. Siemens employs every year. They are always looking for students with
language skills, especially those who study either business or computer science, but also those from
any other area of study.
It is no problem for EU residents to apply for a job. Note, however, that non-EU residents are only
allowed to work 90 days or 180 half days in a year (check with the Employment Office though because
regulations might change). Please take these regulations seriously as you may be expelled from the
country if you do not adhere to them. Scientific work, however, e.g. as a student assistant, can be done
without any restrictions.
In order to find a job, you could apply at some company hoping they are currently hiring. You may also
check the job offers distributed by AStA on the internet (www.padercenter.de) or in the AStA foyer.
You can always check the Citybüro, which is part of the “Arbeitsamt” (Employment Office) and collects
job offers. Moreover, you may find a job as a student tutor or an assistant.
If you decide to take a job, the same general laws apply to you as to other German students. If you have
a job that pays more than 400€ a month, then you have to make many different kinds of contributions
which may lead to a loss of about 40% of the money you have earned.
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If your studies require a subject related internship, and it is as the work of a tutor or student assistant,
you are free from any regulations. Something also to take note of is that internships are usually unpaid.
In order to find an internship you will have to show a lot of self–initiative. You will have to inform yourself
in time and apply for the internship in advance as many jobs are taken a few months before the actual
internship starts. The average duration for an internship is 3 - 6 month. Shorter internships are rare. This
is due to the fact that the period of training takes time. It is advisable to take your internship during the
semester break or to request leave from your studies. Information and request forms are available in the
Service Center.
The opportunity for a leave of absence is not possible for the 1st subject related semester.
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XII Appendix
Abbreviations
University vocabulary or abbreviations used in everyday academic life.
IO
International Office
c.t.
cum tempore; academic quarter. i.e. lecture that “starts” at 9:00 will actually begin at 9:15
n.n.
nomen nominandum: name not yet known
S
Seminar
SS
Summer Semester, from April 1 until Sept. 30.
SWS
Semesterwochenstunden, lectures, etc. per week
s.t.
sine tempora, no academic quarter, i.e. a lecture starts at 9:00 sharp; compare with c.t.
T, Tut. Tutorium, work group in conjunction with a lecture
Ü
Übung, exercise
V
Vorlesung, lecture
WS
Winter Semester, from Oct. 1 until March 31.
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Information for international students

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