Hagenberg campus exchange guide

HAGENBERG CAMPUS
Guide for International
Exchange Students
Upper Austria University
of Applied Sciences
www.fh-ooe.at/campus-hagenberg

Guide for International Exchange Students
Contents
Life as an International Student in Austria
General Information about Hagenberg .................................................................................................. 4
Universities of Applied Sciences in Austria - Hagenberg Campus ....................................... 5
Our Degree Programs
Bachelor Programs:
Bioinformatics ........................................................................................................................................ 6
Communication and Knowledge Media ................................................................................................ 6
Computer and Media Security ............................................................................................................... 6
Hardware/Software Systems Engineering ............................................................................................. 6
Media Technology and Design ............................................................................................................... 6
Mobile Computing .................................................................................................................................. 6
Software Engineering ............................................................................................................................. 6
Masters Programs:
Digital Media .......................................................................................................................................... 7
Embedded Systems Design ................................................................................................................... 7
Information and Engineering Management (part time) ........................................................................... 7
Mobile Computing ................................................................................................................................. 7
Secure Information Systems .................................................................................................................. 7
Software Engineering ............................................................................................................................. 7
Internationalisation
International Office Hagenberg / Contact ............................................................................................... 8
Arrival Dates ............................................................................................................................................ 8
Grading System ...................................................................................................................................... 8
ECTS ....................................................................................................................................................... 8
Hagenberg Campus Services and Facilities
Internet and Intranet / Student ID-Card / Library .................................................................................... 9
Pick-up Service / Accommodation ......................................................................................................... 9
Academic Information
Academic Calendar / Types of Classes ................................................................................................ 10
Attendance Policy / Examinations ........................................................................................................ 11
Hagenberg Campus Events/Free time activities
Sports & Leisure ................................................................................................................................... 12
Do’s and Don’ts .................................................................................................................................... 13
Essential Practical Information
Survival German for Student Life .......................................................................................................... 14
Registration with the local authorities ................................................................................................... 14
Climate and Clothing ............................................................................................................................. 15
Currency / Monthly Living Costs in Hagenberg .................................................................................... 15
Banking Hours / Credit Cards ............................................................................................................... 15
Medical Services and Pharmacies / Emergency Numbers .................................................................... 16
Health Insurance Coverage / Non-emergency Medical Treatment ........................................................ 16
Infrastructures ....................................................................................................................................... 17
Public Transport - Railways/ Discount Rail Travel ................................................................................ 17
Getting to Hagenberg ........................................................................................................................... 17
HAGENBERG CAMPUS 2

Statements
International Students in Hagenberg
I have no words to describe this experience,
these months have been one of my best experiences.
Hagenberg is a nice village, the people are
quite friendly, and academically Hagenberg is a
very recommendable place to study, I have learned
so much. I miss the landscape, the Austrian
food, the people… I will not forget Hagenberg in
my life...
3
Oscar Conde O‘Donnell,
University of Malaga, Spain
I heard great things from some friends about
Hagenberg before I came: studying, playing,
partying - it‘s a cool place to study. They have
professional equipment for the students to use,
industry standard software and people who are
there to help out at anytime.
Shayna Quinn,
Wanganui School of Design, NZ
Nice people, great atmosphere – I really enjoyed
my stay in Hagenberg.
Sonja Chèvre,
FH Bern, Switzerland
Hagenberg is the best combination between
fun and studying. There are a lot of great people
ready to help you or to party with you.... If you
want to have fun, you defi nitely need to come to
Hagenberg! I will not forget this experience and
neither will you!
Popescu Cosmin Valentin,
University Babes-Bolyai Cluj-Napoca, Romania
I absolutely loved studying in Hagenberg and
would highly recommend the Upper Austria
University of Applied Sciences to any anyone
considering studying there. The teachers and staff
were both very friendly and professional and as
an international student I instantly felt comfortable
on campus. What I loved most about the school
was the way that the native Austrian students
really made an effort to make me part of other
student events and activities and often helped to
solve any problems I had.
Johnson Witehira,
Wanganui School of Design, NZ
When I chose Hagenberg as my destination
I didn‘t know I was going to one of the most
beautiful landscapes just in the middle of Europe.
It is on a great location as you can travel to
many countries which are relatively close (Czech
Republic, Germany, Poland...). They have a great
College here with the newest technology and nice
and helpful people.
You will also fi nd a lot of student parties at the
Fachhochschule or in Linz where you’ll meet
really awesome people.
For me the best thing from coming here was getting
to know all the different cultures I had around:
Polish, Turkish, Spanish (!), German, Romanian...
and of course Austrian!
Carlos Alonso Pena Osorio,
University of Málaga, Spain
Hagenberg is a very quiet and peaceful village
where you can really focus on studying. The
University is professionally equipped so new
opportunities and challenges are available. But
of course it‘s not only about studying - you can
meet wonderful and friendly people here and
learn something about their culture and beautiful
country. I will never regret spending my time here!
Wojciech Kaczmarek,
Wroclaw University of Technology, Poland

Studying in Austria
Life as an International Student
in Austria
Congratulations on your decision to embark on one of life’s great adventures: a period of residence and
study abroad. We hope that your stay here will be a wonderful, unforgettable experience for you.
International exchange students the world over usually experience different phases of adjustment during
their stay abroad. At fi rst you will probably see everything through the eyes of a tourist. Everything is new
and exotic. After this stage you get down to the business of living your everyday life, which for some
people is accompanied by a sense of disorientation or culture shock. This is a quite natural phenomenon
when someone is in completely unfamiliar surroundings where everything is new.
If this affects you, please do not hesitate to speak to one of the staff involved in internationalisation. We
have been through this ourselves and will be more than willing to listen and talk with you about it. You
may also fi nd it helpful to bear in mind that this is a phase that will pass and in the meantime try to keep
an open mind and seek contact with other people.
General Information about Hagenberg
Hagenberg is an idyllic town in the beautiful
Mühlviertel, in the heart of Upper Austria. In the
last decade, Hagenberg has established itself as
an internationally recognized center for computing
and software development. Several high-tech
companies and research centers have chosen to
settle in the Software Park in Hagenberg.
An outstanding mix of the most modern technology
combined with the picturesque setting of
the Hagenberg castle gives the town its unique
fl air. Located just 20km north of Linz, Hagenberg
offers focused degree programs in the fi eld of
Information Technology away from the bustle of
the big city, yet with easy access to the resources
of the provincial capital.
The University of Applied Sciences is housed in a
futuristic building equipped with the most modern
technology. More than 1300 students are currently
attending the campus in Hagenberg to complete
a degree in the fi elds of Information Technology
and Media.
HAGENBERG CAMPUS 4

Studying in Austria
Universities of Applied Sciences
in Austria
Universities of Applied Sciences – in German “Fachhochschulen” (FH) – are relatively new in Austria: the
law authorizing their introduction was passed in the early 90s and the fi rst degree programs were launched
in autumn 1994. Currently over 100 different degree programs are offered at Universities of Applied
Sciences in Austria. The aim of Austria’s Universities of Applied Sciences is to provide a more practiceoriented
education to complement the range of courses offered by traditional universities. Education is
founded on academic, research-based principles; Universities of Applied Sciences are required to carry
out applied research and development, which are integrated into the curricula. Students are involved in
R&D projects at an early stage of their studies.
Keeping in line with the Bologna Declaration, however, the transition to the bachelor/master system at the
Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences has already been completed in nearly all degree programs.
The transition does not only serve to improve international comparability and recognition, but also leads
to a greater degree of fl exibility for the students.
Hagenberg Campus
The academic programs in Hagenberg are divided
into three main fi elds:
>> Software, Systems and Media
Each program has a clearly defi ned and industryoriented
focus. These focuses include such areas
as software development, hardware and software
interfaces, applications in the fi eld of mobile
devices and security-related aspects of modern
communication, in addition to the technical, organizational,
and design-related issues in the fi eld
of media. Courses in business administration and
project management complement the curricula,
resulting in graduates who are highly qualifi ed for
leading positions within the IT and media industry.
5
The Structure of our Degree Programs
The Bachelor Programs (three years, 180 ECTS)
require a one term professional internship during
which students work in companies or research institutes
in Austria or abroad. Training in soft skills
is an additional feature of our programs.
The Masters Programs (two years, 120 ECTS)
offer in-depth specialization in specifi c fi elds with
emphasis on strategic thinking and problemsolving
skills.

Hagenberg Campus
Our Degree Programs
Bachelor Programs:
Bioinformatics
This undergraduate degree program offers a modern and industry-oriented education in the fi elds of
software development, database technologies, 3D modeling/simulation of biological processes and a
basic understanding of processes in the fi elds of biology, genetics and biopharmacy.
Communication and Knowledge Media
This undergraduate program teaches the design and use of media in corporate communication,
computer-enhanced learning, and knowledge management. Graduates plan the use of media in processes
of information, communication, learning, knowledge, creation and work and are responsible
for quality management concerning the effective use of media in these processes.
Computer and Media Security
The undergraduate degree program Computer and Media Security provides an education in all forms
of security measures in connection with the organization and operation of computer systems and
networks as well as the transfer, storage and archiving of electronic data.
Hardware/Software Systems Engineering
Graduates of this degree program are highly skilled in the computer-aided design of integrated VLSI
circuits, in applying microcontrollers and peripherals, in writing effi cient software, and in optimizing
systems as a whole. A further focus in this program is the knowledge in electronics, computer architecture,
communications engineering and software development.
Media Technology and Design
Achieving the perfect combination of the latest technology, content and design is essential for success
in the fi eld of digital media. This program provides students with the technical expertise, design
knowledge and communication skills to face this challenge. A solid education and experience with
professional equipment enable students to realize innovative concepts.
Mobile Computing
The goal of the undergraduate program Mobile Computing is to educate people who, equipped with
substantial knowledge in the fi elds of communications technology, informatics and application development,
can professionally manage projects in this future technology both technically and organizationally.
Software Engineering
In this undergraduate program students are trained to recognize, analyze, model, implement or improve
business and technical processes in terms of appropriate software. The aim is to enable them
to develop software with the most modern methods of software technology for all areas of application.
HAGENBERG CAMPUS 6

Masters Programs:
7
Digital Media
The Masters program Digital Media allows students to apply an individual focus to their studies of
media technology and design. In addition to obtaining an education on a professional level, students
are encouraged to develop their capacity for independent work, perfect their methodology, and hone
their communication skills.
Embedded Systems Design
This Masters Program is an interdisciplinary educational and research program which covers all
aspects of embedded systems. Embedded systems are ubiquitous in daily life, covering for instance
products such as handheld devices, medical devices and automobiles. They combine hard and
software in real-time applications. The complexity of such a system requires skills in system design,
verifi cation and simulation in addition to embedded software development, communication engineering
and VLSI chip-design.
Information and Engineering Management (part time)
The goal of this Masters program is to give graduates of typical information technology studies –
especially those in software engineering, informatics, etc. – the opportunity to further develop themselves
in the area of IT management (Department Head of EDP, IT Manager, CIO, etc.), with particular
emphasis placed on the new circumstances inherent in such positions of management.
Mobile Computing
The Masters program “Mobile Computing” offers the opportunity to specialize in different areas
dealing with software development for mobile applications. Key aspects of the education are the guidance
towards a systematic approach to problem solving, an autonomous working style, and further
training of social skills.
Secure Information Systems
This program offers a chance for individual in-depth studies and specialization in varied areas of IT
security. Its main focus is on practical training as well as independent and systematic work with an
emphasis on the development of communication skills. The modules Computer & Network Forensics,
Cryptography, Advanced Networking and Law & Experts can be combined individually.
Software Engineering
The Masters program Software Engineering offers students a profound and modern education in all
aspects relevant to complex software systems (e.g. architecture, security, and fault tolerance) and to
the main instances of such systems (e.g. heterogeneous, distributed, and mobile).

Hagenberg Campus
Internationalisation
The International Offi ce is in charge of international
relations within our Hagenberg Campus.
The Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences
maintains contacts to partner universities on
almost all continents. Our International Offi ce
facilitates exchanges of students and academic
staff.
Internationalisation is changing the face of business
today and must therefore play an integral
role in the education of future business people.
Hagenberg Campus therefore has a fi rm commitment
to providing its students with opportunities
to broaden their horizons on an international level,
not least by encouraging them to complete part
of their studies abroad, either at a partner institution
or by doing their internships abroad.
In addition to this, courses in various foreign
languages and cultures taught almost exclusively
by native speakers, frequent international
faculty exchanges, and the increasing number of
courses in other subjects held in English, encourage
students to accept English as a language
of everyday communication while gaining insight
into different cultures.
The presence of foreign exchange students also
makes an important contribution to the internationalisation
of the campus environment and
students are encouraged to benefi t from this to
the full by taking part in the Buddy System and
generally seeking contact with students from
other cultures.
Contact
>> International Offi ce Hagenberg
Christina Huber-Beran
Head of the International Offi ce
Phone: +43 (0)7236 3888-1601
Fax: +43 (0)7236 3888-2199
christina.huber-beran@fh-hagenberg.at
Arrival Dates
Exact arrival dates for specifi c semesters can be
found on the incoming students’ pages of our
website and are also given in the welcome letter
that we send to students whose applications have
been accepted.
Grading System and ECTS
The Austrian education system works with 5
grades:
Austrian Grade Equivalent
sehr gut (1) excellent
gut (2) very good
befriedigend (3) satisfactory
genügend (4) sufficient
nicht genügend (5) fail
Usually 50% of available points have to be obtained
to pass an exam, but professors can define
their own assessment criteria.
ECTS
ECTS (“European Credit Transfer System”)
credits are a numerical value (between 1 and 60)
allocated to course units to denote the student
workload required to complete them. They refl ect
a quantity of work required by each course unit
in relation to the total quantity of work necessary
to complete a full year of academic study at the
institution that includes, lectures, practical work,
seminars, tutorials, fi eldwork and private study as
well as assessment activities. The ECTS is thus
based on a full student workload and not limited
to contact hours only. The basic allocation of academic
credits in ECTS is 60 credits for a full year
of study, 30 credits for a semester, or 20 credits
per term.
Credits are awarded only when the course has
been completed and all required examinations
have been passed. In other words, students do
not get ECTS credits simply for attending classes
or spending time abroad, but must fulfi l the
assessment requirements of the host institution
to demonstrate that they satisfy the specifi ed
learning objectives for the course unit.
HAGENBERG CAMPUS 8

Hagenberg Campus
Services and Facilities
Internet and Intranet
Students have unlimited free access to the Internet
from numerous computers throughout the
University building. Every student is also linked to
the intranet and given a personal e-mail account.
Student ID Card
At the secretary´s offi ce, you will get your student
ID card which contains your student number. The
ID card also works as a key to the rooms where
students have free access.
These are: student working rooms, the computer
labs as well as other labs in which you might be
working throughout the semester.
IT information
Login Procedure
Before you can log in for the fi rst time, you need
to register with the campus IT system. After registration
you will receive your student ID.
In order to log in to your personal account, you
have to enter a user name and a password.
Web Mail System
Each student is provided with a defi ned e-mail
address. It is a combination of your registration
number and “@fh-hagenberg.at”.
In order to log in to the web mail system, you
have to start the browser fi rst and then link to
http://webmail.fh-hagenberg.at.
Pick-up Service
Students who arrive by train or airplane can be
picked up by our students.
9
Library
All students will be issued student ID cards enabling
them to withdraw books from the library at
Hagenberg Campus. Further information on the
use of the library will be provided during the fi rst
days in Hagenberg.
Accommodation
Student housing is available nearby, ranging from
on-campus halls of residence to private on-campus
as well as off-campus accommodation. If you
would like assistance arranging accommodation
please contact the International Offi ce (the accommodation
form can be downloaded from our
website). More information about the student hall
of residence is available at www.studentenwerk.
at. There you will fi nd information about current
rates and facilities. Please note that a security deposit
in the amount of the monthly rent has to be
paid in advance. The fi rst month‘s rate will have
to be paid within the fi rst days after arrival!
There are also private rooms and apartments
available for rent in Hagenberg and the surrounding
area. For more information contact the
municipality:
>> Marktgemeinde Hagenberg
A-4232 Hagenberg, Kirchenplatz 5a
Phone: +43 7236 2318, Fax: +43 7236 2318-3
gemeinde@hagenberg.ooe.gv.at
www.oberoesterreich.at/hagenberg

Hagenberg Campus
Academic Information
Although the primary language of instruction at Hagenberg Campus is German, as part of our commitment
to internationalisation an increasing number of courses are offered in English. Courses in German
are available to foreign exchange students with suffi cient command of the German language. A catalogue
of courses currently taught in English is available on request.
Academic Calendar
Hagenberg Campus has an academic year
divided into two semesters.
>> Fall Semester:
Beginning of October to the middle of
February
>> Spring Semester:
Beginning of March to the middle of July
>> Examination period:
End of January to Mid-February (Fall
Semester)
End of June to Mid-July (Spring Semester)
>> Breaks:
Christmas (2 weeks), February (1 to 4 weeks),
Easter (1 week), Summer holidays in July/
August/September (12 weeks).
January 1 New Years Day – Neujahrstag
January 6 Epiphany – Hl. Drei Könige
May 1 Labor Day – Tag der Arbeit
October 26 Austrian National Holiday –
Nationalfeiertag
November 1 All Saints’ Day - Allerheiligen
December 8 Immaculate Conception –
Maria Empfängnis
>> The following church holidays are also public
holidays in Austria:
Ascension Day Christi Himmelfahrt
Whitsuntide Pfingsten
Corpus Christi Fronleichnam
Assumption Maria Himmelfahrt
Easter Monday Ostermontag
Types of Classes
While some subjects are presented as traditional
lectures, others are taught in the form of seminars,
project work and skills practice or a combination
of these methods
Seminars and Workshops
These are classes in which students research
topics and present and discuss them within a
relatively small group. These can, in some cases,
augment project work.
Block Instruction
In some cases – primarily in the case of seminars
and workshops – instruction does not take place
weekly, but is instead delivered in blocks of more
intensive instruction (e.g. one block every two
weeks or even one block per term). Blocks can
also be held as immersion courses on weekends.
Excursions
Some courses occasionally include excursions,
and attendance is generally obligatory. Any costs
that arise for entrance fees, accommodation or
other expenses are paid by the students.
Project Work
These are not theoretical projects but “real” work
– with all the responsibilities that go along with
it and have therefore proven popular with our
exchange students in recent semesters.
HAGENBERG CAMPUS 10

Students are supervised and guided by a faculty
member but most of the time they work on their
own. Finally, the teams have to present their
results to both their supervising faculty member
and the company.
The main aim of these projects is to train the
students in teamwork. Teamwork and team spirit
are key elements of our University’s philosophy
– students learn to work together rather than
competing with one another.
Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend and participate
fully in all lectures, seminars and projects in which
they have elected to take part. Attendance lists
may be kept at the discretion of the individual
faculty members.
The examination period is from the end of January
to mid February in the fall semester and from
the end of June to mid July in the spring semester.
Students will be informed of the date, place
and time of examinations, and given details of the
examination procedure by the course instructor in
due course.
The lectures are assessed by a fi nal course examination.
A number of individual exams are also
permissible should the didactic concept render
11
this possible. The academic achievement for
tutorials, seminars, projects, integrated courses,
laboratory and behaviour training is usually subject
to continuous assessment during the course
(course immanent examination).
Examinations
In general, registration for a course at the beginning
of term counts as registration for the examination.
The only exceptions are changes made
to the Learning Agreement within the prescribed
period. To complete a term successfully, students
must be examined for every course they have
attended. Examinations may take various forms:
formal written or oral examinations, assessment
of coursework, a combination of the two or other
means such as presentations during seminars,
etc.
Students are expected to be present to sit exams
here in Hagenberg. However, in exceptional
cases (e.g. clashing semester dates between
home university and Hagenberg, urgent appointments,
illness), when a student needs to leave
Hagenberg Campus earlier, it is possible to take
an exam by fax. However, this solution is not the
norm and if there is such a necessity, we need to
have confi rmation of it from the student’s home
university or employer. Moreover, all details have
to be discussed with the respective professor
here in Hagenberg before leaving.

Hagenberg Campus
Events/Free Time Activities
Hagenberg Campus organises a varied program of events ranging from the legendary “Summer Fest”, the
“Bierkistenrennen” (beer race) or the “Hagenberg Highland Games” and to more formal events such as
the “Study Abroad Fair” (incoming students have the opportunity to present their home universities) and
“Hagenberg Campus Ball” in the fall semester to which formal evening dress must be worn. Staff versus
students soccer matches are also very popular on our campus!
Sports & Leisure
Of course there’s more to student life in Hagenberg
than just studying – there are plenty of leisure
time activities to pursue here as well. Movie
nights and student parties regularly take place on
campus.
Especially those interested in sports can fi nd a
variety of suitable facilities in Hagenberg. - You
can register at the FH-Sports Club (FH-Sportverein)
which offers the following sports activities:
Dance, Football, Ultimate Frisbee, Volleyball,
Basketball, Climbing, Fitness Center, Running,
Kickboxing and Back-strengthening Exercises.
Registration for the Sports Club is possible
during the fi rst two weeks of each semester. More
information about registration and prices can be
obtained from the FH-Sports Club at
>> www.fh-ooe.at/sportverein.
In the winter, the mountains offer wonderful
slopes for skiing and snowboarding in the Mühlviertel
as well as in the south of Upper Austria
(Salzkammergut) and in the neighbouring provinces
Salzburg and Styria. In the fall semester we
usually organize a skiing day with our exchange
students.
There are bus connections to Linz, the capital of
Upper Austria, on a daily basis. A bus trip to Linz
takes about 40 minutes, by car it only takes about
20 minutes. There are a number of museums and
other cultural landmarks in Linz, which will be the
offi cial European Cultural Capital in 2009.
HAGENBERG CAMPUS 12

Living in Austria
Do´s and Don´ts
Austria is a German speaking country. The current
students’ generation is the fi rst that received a
good general education in English from primary
school onwards. However, many of the older
people don’t speak any foreign languages. In tourist
areas many people do in fact speak English
but elsewhere most shop assistants and waiters
speak very little English if any. Especially the older
generation may consider it arrogant to expect
everyone to speak English. Showing respect for
Austrian culture by learning a few key words of
German can help make everyday communication
run more smoothly.
13
“Bitte” please
“Danke” thank you
“Entschuldigung” excuse me /
pardon me
“Guten Morgen” good morning
“Grüss Gott” hello (formal)
“Guten Abend” good evening
“Auf Wiedersehen” goodbye
When entering shops, especially smaller ones,
but even larger ones, greet the salesperson. A
“Grüss Gott” is simply expected of well-mannered
persons. This even applies to outdoor markets.
In Austria it is traditional that academic degrees
and some professional qualifi cations are used as
titles. Especially in academic environments many
Austrians are quite sensitive about this and feel
insulted if not addressed by their titles. Although
many of the academic staff at Hagenberg Campus
prefer to be addressed simply as “Herr A” or
“Frau X”, this is not the norm. Whenever you are
in a company, doing some project work however,
always pay attention to the company culture.
When in doubt, it is always better to use the title
than to omit it. If it is not common in the company
to use titles you will be told so. Whenever talking
to staff of a traditional university never forget to
use their title.
Austrians usually take their shoes off as soon as
they enter someone’s home. Most of the time the
host responds by telling you not to do so; it is
however better to take them off nevertheless as
the host’s request to leave them on might be just
politeness. If other guests are present the easiest
way is to do as they do to get it right.
Austrian waiters generally expect tips. This applies
not only in restaurants but also in cafés and
pubs. It is not customary to leave the tip on the
table when leaving but to inform the waiter when
paying what he should keep. For example, if the
bill comes to € 9.20, you should round it up and
tell him “make it 10”. In good restaurants Austrians
tip 10% for particularly good service.
When invited to someone’s home for a party or
a meal it is always wise to bring along a little
present. Austrians usually bring along a bottle of
wine, sweets, fl owers, etc.
Never take purchases you have made elsewhere
into shops selling similar products in Austria. You
may be asked to show the contents of your shopping
bag or backpack at the checkout and it can
lead to diffi culties if you have products in your
bag that are also sold in the shop concerned.
Many large stores provide lockers in which you
can leave your shopping before you enter.
Under Austrian law it is compulsory to separate
your rubbish for recycling. Special bins are provided
for glass, metal, plastic packaging, organic
waste, recyclable paper and remaining non-recyclable
waste. Additionally, all packaging materials
have to be washed before being thrown away.
In order to maintain a harmonious relationship
with your neighbours, landlord and even to avoid
problems with the authorities, it is important that
you comply with this law.

Living in Austria
Essential Practical Information
Survival German for Student Life
This short glossary of German terms related to life
at Hagenberg Campus should help you in your
orientation as a student here.
Bibliothek library
Endnote final mark / grade
Fachbereich academic department
Fachbereichsleiter head of department
HBL full-time professor
Hörsaal (HS) lecture hall
IF student union at
Hagenberg Campus
IT / EDV Raum IT room (computer
room)
Jahrgangssprecher student representative
of each course and year
Klausur written examination
Labor laboratory (room)
Laborübung laboratory (class)
Lehrveranstaltung
(LVA)
course
Mensa university cafeteria
Mündliche Prüfung oral examination
NBL part-time lecturer
Note mark / grade
Prüfung examination
Sekretariat administrative
assistant’s offi ce
Seminarraum (SR) seminar room
Standortsprecher student representative
of Hagenberg Campus
Studiengang academic program
Studiengangsleiter head of studies
Stundenplan timetable
Studienplan learning agreement
Übung practice class
Vorlesung (VL/VO) lecture
Registration with the local authorities
EU Citizens:
For students from EU countries and Switzerland,
a valid passport is suffi cient.
Non-EU Citizens:
Non-EU citizens have to contact the local Austrian
Consulate/Embassy in their home country
for details regarding current visa regulations for
Austria. In order to enter Austria and to live here,
you have to apply for a residence permit. The
following documents are required:
>> Passport (has to be valid for at least one more
year)
>> Certifi cate of Birth
>> Letter of Confi rmation issued by the university
>> Proof of health insurance coverage (confi rmation
of registration with the Upper Austrian
Health Insurance Company (OÖGKK)
>> Bank statement (Austrian bank account
required)
>> Police clearance certifi cate
>> 1 Passport-sized photo
Please note that the residence permit is NOT a
work permit for Austria. The Letter of Confi rmation
for the embassy will be sent to you by the
International Offi ce.
Under Austrian law all changes of address have
to be registered with the local authority within
three working days; of course this also applies
to foreign exchange students. In order to register
you will need to take your passport (with a valid
visa if applicable) and an offi cial registration form,
“Meldezettel” which will be distributed and fi lled
in directly at your arrival at the dormitory.
After registration you will be given an offi cial
print-out of your registration details which should
be kept safely and will be needed along with
a second “Meldezettel” when registering your
departure.
HAGENBERG CAMPUS 14

15
“Anmeldebescheinigung“
– Confirmation of Registration
(For Nationals of EU/EEA countries only!)
If you are staying in Austria for longer than 3
months you have to register with the competent
municipal authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft
Freistadt) within the fi rst 3 months of
your stay and you will receive a confi rmation
of registration.
This registration is necessary in addition to
the registration according to the registration
act (Meldezettel). In case of non-compliance
with this regulation a fi ne may be imposed.
The International Offi ce will assist international
students in this registration process.
Climate and Clothing
Austria gets very cold in the winter with temperatures
sometimes dropping below -10˚C, so
we recommend that you bring warm clothes
and shoes with good sturdy soles for the winter
semester. However, although you may associate
Austria with winter sports, we often enjoy warm
summers with temperatures sometimes up to and
even above 30˚ C.
Currency
Since the beginning of 2002, Austria’s currency
has been the Euro (€). 1 Euro = 100 cents
Monthly Living Costs in Hagenberg
A student needs about € 400-560 per month.
For example:
Rent (inclusive) ........................... € 170 - 280
Food .................................................... € 155
Entertainment ....................................... € 75
Other expenses .................................... € 40
Total € 495 - 555
Typical Prices of Everyday Products
1 liter milk .......................................... € 1.00
1 loaf of bread .................................... € 1.80
100 g cheese ...................................... € 1.20
1 yoghurt ............................................ € 0.50
½ liter beer (supermarket) .................. € 0.80
150 g ham .......................................... € 1.30
1 kg apples ........................................ € 1.80
1 liter of orange juice .......................... € 1.00
500 g pasta ......................................... € 1.00
375 g cereal ....................................... € 2.20
Banking Hours
Banking hours in Austria vary, but as a general
rule banks open between 8:00 and 16:30 Monday
to Friday and often close for one or two hours
at lunchtime. Many banks also close on Friday
afternoons.
You will need to check the exact opening hours
of the bank of your choice, as the above is just a
general guideline.
Student accounts usually are free in Austria, for
opening an account you will need your passport
and a confi rmation from our university.
Credit Cards
An increasing number of businesses in Austria accept
major international credit cards such as Visa
and Mastercard, although many companies only
accept these for purchases above a certain price.

© Photos: OÖ.Tourismus,
www.bilderbox.com,
Upper Austria University of
Applied Sciences,
Michael Frühmann,
Andrea Groisböck
Medical Services and Pharmacies
Austria boasts an excellent network of pharmacies
and medical practitioners. Pharmacies
operate a rota system for night and Sunday duty.
When a pharmacy is closed a notice is displayed
giving details of the nearest pharmacies that are
open.
Emergency Numbers
Ambulance (Rettung) /
Emergency Doctor (Notarzt): ....... Phone 144
Fire Brigade (Feuerwehr): ............ Phone 122
Police (Polizei/Gendarmerie): ...... Phone 133
Mountain rescue service
(Bergrettung): ............................... Phone 140
Information on local medical emergency services
is available from local police stations as well as in
telephone directories and daily newspapers.
Health Insurance Coverage
Austria has an excellent public health care system.
If you are staying in Austria for less than one
year, you should fi nd out if there is an agreement
between your home country and Austria regarding
health insurance. Between EU countries there is
reciprocal health insurance system. You need to
bring a proof of health insurance coverage of your
own insurance company or your health insurance
card before coming to Austria in order to ensure
that you will be treated in Austria in the event of
any illness without having to pay anything yourself.
At any event, international exchange students
who are non-EU citizens must obtain full health
insurance in Austria with the Upper Austrian
Health Insurance Company (OÖGKK) for a fee of
currently € 22.29 per month. Students can insure
themselves for as long (or as short) as necessary.
To register for insurance with OÖGKK you need
the following:
>> Confi rmation of enrolment at Hagenberg
Campus (Inskriptionsbestätigung)
>> your Residence Registration („Meldezettel“)
>> proof of health insurance coverage in your
home country during the last 12 months
The insurance covers hospital stays, medical
attention and service all free of charge (with a
medical insurance record card available at the
OÖGKK), reduced prescription charges of currently
€ 4.70 each.
Non-emergency Medical Treatment
If you need non-emergency medical treatment
and are from an EU country that has a reciprocal
health insurance agreement with Austria, you
must take your passport and a proof of health insurance
coverage of your own insurance company
or your health insurance card from your home
country to the general medical practitioner or the
medical specialist whom you like to see. These
documents entitle you to receive most medical
treatment free of charge from doctors that have a
contract with this regional public health insurance
organisation. Such doctors usually advertise with
the words “alle Kassen” on the wall plates outside
their offi ces and it is to them that you should go
for non-emergency medical treatment during
consulting hours.
If you are from a country that does not have such
a reciprocal health care agreement with Austria,
you must take your passport and your health
insurance card (e-card) to the general medical
practitioner or the medical specialist whom you
like to see. After your registration with the Upper
Austrian Health Insurance Company (OÖGKK
in Pregarten, near Hagenberg) it usually takes 2
weeks until you receive your e-card, in case of
medical attention is required before you have got
your e-card, use the confi rmation of registration
(Meldezettel) as a substitute for the e-card.
HAGENBERG CAMPUS 16

Important Vocabulary
17
Praktischer Arzt general medical practitioner
Facharzt medical specialist
Zahnarzt dental surgeon
Frauenarzt gynaecologist
Augenarzt eye specialist
Urologe urologist
HNO Arzt ear, nose and throat
specialist
Ordination medical practice
Sprechstunden consulting hours
Termin appointment
Nach Vereinbarung by appointment
Schmerzen pains
Behandlung treatment
Rezept prescription
Apotheke pharmacy
Infrastructure
Post Offi ce Hagenberg
Opening Hours Monday – Friday: 7.30 am - 12 am
and 2 pm - 5 pm, Tuesday afternoon closed
Townhall
Marktgemeinde Hagenberg
4232 Hagenberg, Kirchenplatz 5a
Phone: +43 (0)7236 2318, Fax: -3
e-mail: gemeinde@hagenberg.ooe.gv.at
Pharmacy
Hauptstraße 90, 4232 Hagenberg
Phone: +43 (0)7236 20683, Fax: -15
Opening hours: Monday-Friday 8 am - 12.30 am
and 2 pm - 6 pm, office@apothekehagenberg.at,
>> www.apothekehagenberg.at
General Practitioner
Dr. Tanja Reichel
Phone: +43 (0)7236 60 98 or +43 (0)664 4386561
Hauptstraße 90, 4232 Hagenberg
Dr. Wolfgang Fürlinger
Phone: +43 (0)7236 24 62 or +43 (0)676 4056715,
Tragweinerstraße 29, 4230 Pregarten
Public Transport
Railways
For information on Austria’s Federal Railway
services see their homepage: >> www.oebb.at
Discount Rail Travel
ÖBB customer card “ÖBB-Vorteilscard

FH OÖ - Upper Austria University of Applied Sciences Hagenberg Campus
Softwarepark 11 4232 Hagenberg/Austria Phone: +43 (0)7236 3888-1601
Fax: +43 (0)7236 3888-2199 international@fh-hagenberg.at www.fh-ooe.at