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Contents:
0. Introduction
1. Possibilities for Studying in Germany
2. Types of Universities in Germany
3. Tuition Fees at German Universities
4. Foreign Students at German Universities
5. Visa
6. Counseling
7. Enrollment
8. Health Insurance
9. Studying
10. Exams and Degrees
11. Culture, Leisure in Germany
Finally, we are ready to go. The annoying formalities are a thing of the past, now studying begins.
But also the course through the German university has to be thoroughly planned.
9.1. University Calendar ("Vorlesungsverzeichnis") (sometimes also called "Studien- und Personalverzeichnis"): You can obtain the "Vorlesungsverzeichnis" with not only the international, but all tutorials, lectures, seminars etc. of the university in your city's book stores. Also ask in your institute's secretary's office, if there is a commented "Vorlesungsverzeichnis" for your study subject. Therein, the events are described in detail (this greatly facilitates the selection!). The "Vorlesungsverzeichnis" usually applies for only one semester. Many universities also present their "Vorlesungsverzeichnis" online. Before you - excited about the wide choice - choose too many courses, you should read the study and examination regulations ("Studien- und Prüfungsordnung") of your subject or your subjects.
Students have to structure their course of study on their own. Therefore, make use of the designated study information centers.
9.2. University Library: It is the most extensive library of a university; books and magazines from all fields of study are available there. Information brochures explain the mode of lending; a tour at the beginning of the semester is more instructive, however. In case your university library doesn't own a particular work or it has been lent out for the next weeks, it can be ordered for you from other universities via interlending ("Fernleihe"). Standard works of the study subjects are often made available in greater numbers, but are nonetheless completely lent out fast.
9.3. Computer, Internet, E-Mail
Before you send your computer to Germany, you should inquire at the foreign student office ("Akademisches Auslandsamt"), whether computers are provided at your host institution. Many universities have set up PC rooms in their respective departments, in which students can work with different programs. Furthermore, most university computer centers offer PC work stations to the students - and in addition to that an array of computer courses. Nonetheless, for some students their own PC is indispensable.
On request, students at many universities receive an "S-Mail Account" (S-Mail: Student-Mail), with which they can access internet and e-mail. Partly, the "Akademische Auslandsämter" and even dormitories enable students to access the World Wide Web.
9.4. Cafeteria
Cafeterias are maintained by the student union ("Studentenwerk") of the respective university. Food at a cafeteria is tasty, cheap and varied. Every day, there is a selection of meals, among them a vegetarian option and salads. In addition to that, some cafeterias prepare special meals for members of Muslim or other faith communities. Even in the evening you can get a warm meal in the cafeteria in many places. The subsidized meals are divided into different categories and cost between 1 and 3 Euros.
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