This brochure will inform you about the following: page - COMMAS
This brochure will inform you about the following: page - COMMAS
This brochure will inform you about the following: page - COMMAS
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University of Stuttgart<br />
International Affairs<br />
Pre-departure<br />
Information<br />
for new <strong>COMMAS</strong> students<br />
Winter Semester 2012/2013
<strong>This</strong> <strong>brochure</strong> <strong>will</strong> <strong>inform</strong> <strong>you</strong> <strong>about</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>following</strong>:<br />
What <strong>you</strong> need to think of prior to coming<br />
to Stuttgart<br />
First steps after <strong>you</strong>r arrival in Stuttgart<br />
The Welcoming Service<br />
The Intensive German Course<br />
The <strong>COMMAS</strong> office<br />
Academic calendar<br />
The city of Stuttgart<br />
(including temporary accommodation)<br />
<strong>page</strong><br />
How to find <strong>you</strong>r way 8 8<br />
Map of Campus Vaihingen<br />
Map of City Centre<br />
3<br />
4<br />
5<br />
5<br />
5<br />
6<br />
6<br />
9<br />
10<br />
2
What <strong>you</strong> need to think of prior to coming to Stuttgart<br />
What <strong>you</strong> have to do before coming to Stuttgart:<br />
� Immediately: Apply for a student visa at <strong>the</strong> German embassy of <strong>you</strong>r home-country<br />
with <strong>you</strong>r Letter of Admission from <strong>COMMAS</strong>. If <strong>you</strong> are a citizen of an EU-country, of <strong>the</strong><br />
USA, Canada, Brazil, Israel, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand, <strong>you</strong> do NOT need a visa<br />
to enter Germany. Make sure that it is a student visa <strong>you</strong> apply for, not a tourist visa!<br />
� As early as possible: Register for <strong>the</strong> “Welcoming Service” including pick-up service<br />
and/or help with authorities (see <strong>page</strong> 5 of this <strong>inform</strong>ation). After having registered, exact<br />
arrival dates must be communicated to <strong>the</strong> Welcoming Service at least three weeks of <strong>the</strong><br />
planned arrival date in Stuttgart.<br />
� Until June 8, 2012: If <strong>you</strong> wish to rent a single dormitory room in one of <strong>the</strong> student<br />
halls on campus from September 1, please <strong>inform</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>COMMAS</strong> office. We strongly<br />
advise to reserve a dormitory room. To find a room in Stuttgart on <strong>the</strong> private market is<br />
extremely difficult and considerably more expensive than a dormitory room. (Until July 6,<br />
2012 if <strong>you</strong> wish to reserve a room from October, 1, 2012 onwards).<br />
� Until August 10, 2012: Your deposit and part of first month’s rent (EUR 600) MUST<br />
HAVE ARRIVED IN THE BANK ACCOUNT mentioned on <strong>the</strong> housing reservation letter<br />
which <strong>will</strong> be sent to <strong>you</strong> by <strong>the</strong> Studentenwerk Stuttgart (landlord of <strong>the</strong> student dorms)<br />
by e-mail which means that <strong>you</strong> should make transfer WELL IN ADVANCE OF THIS<br />
DATE IN ORDER TO BE CERTAIN OF MEETING THIS DEADLINE). (Until Sept.14,<br />
2012: deposit must have arrived on <strong>the</strong> bank account if <strong>you</strong>r move-in date is October 1,<br />
2012)<br />
The <strong>following</strong> papers and documents have to be brought with <strong>you</strong> to Germany:<br />
� Letter of Admission<br />
� Your passport with <strong>the</strong> entrance visa (see above).<br />
� 6 passport photos<br />
� Proof of transfer of <strong>the</strong> housing fees (EUR 600)<br />
� Students from NON-EU-Countries who do NOT need an entrance visa: Proof of sufficient<br />
financial resources (EUR 670,-/month for a period of at least one year), e.g. a scholarship<br />
letter, bank statement or savings book at a German bank.<br />
� Students from EU-COUNTRIES ONLY: European health insurance card (EHIC) for <strong>the</strong><br />
proof of <strong>you</strong>r health insurance, available at <strong>the</strong> health insurance company of <strong>you</strong>r home<br />
country.<br />
� Students from NON-EU-COUNTRIES ONLY: we urgently ask <strong>you</strong> to purchase a private<br />
travel health insurance before travelling to Stuttgart. <strong>This</strong> insurance should be valid from<br />
<strong>the</strong> beginning of <strong>you</strong>r journey until September 30, 2012. From October 1 on <strong>you</strong> have to<br />
purchase German statutory health insurance in case <strong>you</strong> are under 30 years old. If <strong>you</strong><br />
are older than 30 years of age, please contact International Affairs for more <strong>inform</strong>ation on<br />
a private health insurance.<br />
Items of practical use:<br />
� Make sure that <strong>you</strong> have enough cash available, e.g. <strong>you</strong> <strong>will</strong> need <strong>about</strong> EUR 5 for <strong>the</strong><br />
S-Bahn ticket from <strong>the</strong> airport to <strong>the</strong> Vaihingen campus. You <strong>will</strong> also need some cash to<br />
buy food and drink in <strong>the</strong> first few days.<br />
� Do not forget to bring <strong>you</strong>r sleeping bag. If available, it is possible to buy bed linen and<br />
coverlets from <strong>the</strong> Hausmeister for EUR 35. Also bring clothing for rainy and cold wea<strong>the</strong>r<br />
and any medicine <strong>you</strong> might regularly need to take.<br />
� For all electrical appliances <strong>you</strong> <strong>will</strong> need a 220 volt adapter.<br />
Please note:<br />
3
Living expenses including rent for a dormitory room amount from EURO 650 - 750 a<br />
month.<br />
First steps after <strong>you</strong>r arrival in Stuttgart<br />
� Moving into <strong>you</strong>r dormitory room: If <strong>you</strong> have booked a dormitory room in one of <strong>the</strong><br />
student dormitories and have paid <strong>the</strong> deposit and part of first month’s rent in time (EUR<br />
600), please go to <strong>the</strong> office of <strong>the</strong> Hausmeister (caretaker of <strong>you</strong>r dormitory) during <strong>the</strong><br />
office hours mentioned on <strong>the</strong> housing reservation letter. Take along this letter as well<br />
as <strong>the</strong> proof of having paid <strong>the</strong> EUR 600 in order to receive <strong>the</strong> key for <strong>you</strong>r room. Please<br />
note that <strong>you</strong> can only move into <strong>you</strong>r dorm room from Mondays to Fridays, not on<br />
Saturday, Sundays or bank holidays.<br />
First check-in day for students arriving in September:<br />
Monday, September 3, 2012<br />
First check-in day for students arriving in October:<br />
Monday, October 1, 2012<br />
On <strong>the</strong>se check-in days <strong>the</strong> Hausmeister’s offices are usually open all day<br />
(from 7.30 a.m. to 4.00 p.m.)<br />
In case <strong>you</strong> have registered for <strong>the</strong> Welcoming Service/pick-up service (<strong>page</strong> 5), <strong>you</strong>r<br />
host-partner might be able pick up <strong>the</strong> key for <strong>you</strong> beforehand, meet <strong>you</strong> at <strong>the</strong> Stuttgart<br />
airport or railway station, and take <strong>you</strong> to <strong>you</strong>r dormitory room. Please ask <strong>you</strong>r hostpartner<br />
to do so and give him an authorization as well as a copy of <strong>you</strong>r housing<br />
reservation letter and a copy of <strong>the</strong> proof of having paid <strong>the</strong> EUR 600.<br />
In case <strong>you</strong> arrive before <strong>the</strong> first check-in date (September 3 or October 1, 2012) we<br />
suggest <strong>you</strong> to stay at one of <strong>the</strong> <strong>you</strong>th hostels (addresses see <strong>page</strong> 7). In case <strong>you</strong> have<br />
registered for <strong>the</strong> Welcoming Service/pick-up-service it might be possible to move into<br />
<strong>you</strong>r dormitory room a couple of days earlier depending on <strong>the</strong> availability of <strong>the</strong> room.<br />
Please contact <strong>you</strong>r host-partner <strong>about</strong> this approx. one week before <strong>you</strong>r arrival.<br />
� Go to Ms Raphaela Diel at <strong>the</strong> International Affairs (address and office hours see below).<br />
She <strong>will</strong> give <strong>you</strong> a Welcome package containing a list of <strong>the</strong> formalities which <strong>you</strong> have<br />
to complete during <strong>the</strong> first few days.<br />
International Affairs<br />
International Education Services<br />
Campus Vaihingen<br />
Internationales Zentrum (IZ)<br />
Ms Raphaela Diel<br />
Tel. ++ 49 (0) 711 685-68545, Fax: ++49 (0) 711 685-68600<br />
e-mail: diel@ia.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
Office hours<br />
Mon - Fri 10.00 – 12.00 a.m.<br />
Mon/Wed 1.30 – 4.00 p.m.<br />
4
The Welcoming Service<br />
The first step is always <strong>the</strong> most difficult. <strong>This</strong> is true, too, when <strong>you</strong> start <strong>you</strong>r studies at <strong>the</strong><br />
University of Stuttgart: a foreign culture, a new language and a different study system. With<br />
our Welcoming Service <strong>you</strong> <strong>will</strong> be given <strong>the</strong> help with initial difficulties like completing <strong>the</strong><br />
necessary formalities (residence registration, foreign registration, enrolment at university,<br />
etc.). If <strong>you</strong> wish, one of our students <strong>will</strong> offer <strong>you</strong> assistance. You <strong>will</strong> be contacted before<br />
<strong>you</strong>r departure and – if <strong>you</strong> arrive between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. – met at <strong>the</strong> Stuttgart airport or<br />
railway station and taken to <strong>you</strong>r accommodation. Your host-partner <strong>will</strong> also show <strong>you</strong>r way<br />
around <strong>the</strong> campus and Stuttgart, too.<br />
Participation is free of charge. Please apply online as soon as possible.<br />
www.ia.uni-stuttgart.de/internat/studierende/services/welcoming/index.en.html<br />
Please do not forget to communicate <strong>the</strong> exact date and time of <strong>you</strong>r arrival three weeks<br />
before <strong>you</strong> come to Stuttgart. O<strong>the</strong>rwise we cannot process <strong>you</strong>r application!<br />
The Intensive German Course<br />
The Intensive German Course is designed specifically for <strong>the</strong> needs of Master’s students<br />
and is taught by <strong>the</strong> staff of <strong>the</strong> department “Interkultureller Unterricht” of International Affairs.<br />
Classes from level A 1 to B 2 according to <strong>the</strong> Common European framework of Reference<br />
for Languages are offered. The course starts on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 with an<br />
official welcome and ends Friday, October 12. The obligatory placement test <strong>will</strong> take<br />
place on Wednesday, September 5.<br />
You <strong>will</strong> be <strong>inform</strong>ed <strong>about</strong> <strong>the</strong> exact time and place of <strong>the</strong> official welcome and <strong>the</strong><br />
placement test through e-mail by <strong>the</strong> department “Interkultureller Unterricht” Please note: If<br />
<strong>you</strong> do not participate in <strong>the</strong> obligatory placement test (even if <strong>you</strong> are a complete<br />
beginner, <strong>you</strong> have to take this test), <strong>the</strong>n <strong>you</strong> cannot participate in <strong>the</strong> course!<br />
The <strong>COMMAS</strong> Office<br />
<strong>COMMAS</strong> Office<br />
Campus Vaihingen<br />
Institut für Mechanik (Bauwesen)<br />
Mr. Gautam Ethiraj, M.Sc.<br />
Pfaffenwaldring 7, Room 3.168 (third floor)<br />
70569 Stuttgart<br />
Tel. ++ 49 (0) 711 685-66131, Fax: ++49 (0) 711 685-64909<br />
e-mail: mscinfo@commas.uni-stuttgart.de<br />
5
Academic calendar with current dates<br />
Monday, September 3 Students’ arrival<br />
Tuesday, September 4 Official Welcome of <strong>the</strong> Intensive German Course<br />
Wednesday, September 5 Obligatory Placement Test for <strong>the</strong> Intensive German<br />
Course<br />
Friday, September 7 Information Session on Living and Studying in Stutttgart<br />
From October 1 -12 Student’s arrival in October<br />
Friday, October 12 Last day of <strong>the</strong> Intensive German Course<br />
Winter Semester 2012/13<br />
Classes start: October 15, 2012<br />
Classes end: February 09, 2013<br />
Christmas holidays: December 24, 2012 until January 06, 2013<br />
Summer Semester 2013<br />
Classes start: April 08, 2013<br />
Classes end: July 20, 2013<br />
Whitsun holidays: May 20 until May 26, 2013<br />
Classes do not usually take place from mid February to mid April and from mid July to mid<br />
October. However, many examinations and block courses take place during <strong>the</strong>se periods.<br />
The city of Stuttgart<br />
Stuttgart, <strong>the</strong> state capital of Baden-Württemberg, is with <strong>about</strong> 600,000 inhabitants <strong>the</strong> sixthlargest<br />
city in Germany. The metropolitan Stuttgart region has a population of <strong>about</strong> 2.7<br />
million people. Situated in <strong>the</strong> valley of <strong>the</strong> Neckar river, between <strong>the</strong> hilly environments of<br />
<strong>the</strong> Swabian Alb and <strong>the</strong> Black Forest, it is often called "<strong>the</strong> city between forest and<br />
vineyards". Being one of <strong>the</strong> most prosperous centres of industry in Europe, many renowned<br />
companies such as Daimler, Porsche, Bosch, IBM, have <strong>the</strong>ir factories in <strong>the</strong> greater<br />
Stuttgart area. In addition, numerous smaller companies which produce machine tools,<br />
textiles, precision instruments and luxury items are also situated in and around Stuttgart.<br />
Stuttgart offers a large variety of cultural highlights including <strong>the</strong> state opera, ballet, <strong>the</strong>atres,<br />
concert and musical halls, art galleries, <strong>the</strong> Mercedes-Benz Museum with an exhibition of<br />
160 fascinating vehicles, <strong>the</strong> Porsche museum, museums of ethnology, natural history and<br />
viticulture. Stuttgart hosts <strong>the</strong> Wilhelma, <strong>the</strong> largest zoological and botanic garden of Europe,<br />
and mineral ba<strong>the</strong>s famous for <strong>the</strong>ir medicinal effects. The Weissenhofsiedlung which was<br />
erected in Stuttgart in 1927 is one of <strong>the</strong> most significant landmarks left by <strong>the</strong> movement<br />
known as Neues Bauen and <strong>the</strong> Fernsehturm is <strong>the</strong> world's first TV tower built from concrete.<br />
For those who prefer peace and tranquillity, <strong>the</strong> extensive parks offer <strong>the</strong> ideal opportunity for<br />
walks and relaxation.<br />
Stuttgart hosts every year top-level sporting events and Stuttgarts major football club VfB<br />
Stuttgart is one of <strong>the</strong> top German teams and won <strong>the</strong> German football championship in<br />
2007. Stuttgart experienced an unforgettable sporting world event in <strong>the</strong> summer of 2006 -<br />
<strong>the</strong> 2006 FIFA World Cup. For four weeks millions of fans from all over <strong>the</strong> world<br />
celebrated a happy, gripping and unforgettable football festival.<br />
The state capital also welcomes thousands of visitors to its annual festivals - <strong>the</strong> elegant<br />
Summer Festival, <strong>the</strong> convivial Stuttgart Wine Village, <strong>the</strong> traditional Cannstatt Beer Festival<br />
and <strong>the</strong> nostalgic Stuttgart Christmas Market. The magnificent castles and palaces, historic<br />
towns and splendid vineyards in <strong>the</strong> Stuttgart region entice visitors to enjoy wonderful walks,<br />
cycle tours and boat trips on <strong>the</strong> River Neckar and <strong>the</strong> many idyllic lakes.<br />
6
Temporary accommodation for <strong>you</strong>ng people<br />
Should <strong>you</strong> come to Stuttgart at a time when <strong>you</strong> can not move into <strong>you</strong>r dorm room in one of<br />
<strong>the</strong> student halls immediately, <strong>you</strong> can stay a couple of nights at one of <strong>the</strong> <strong>you</strong>th hostels or<br />
low-budget hotels.<br />
Jugendherberge Stuttgart<br />
Haussmannstr. 27<br />
Phone: ++49 711 664 74 70<br />
E-mail: info@jugendherberge-stuttgart.de<br />
www.jugendherberge-stuttgart.de<br />
Jugendherberge Stuttgart Neckarpark (Bad Cannstatt)<br />
Elwertstr. 2<br />
Phone: ++49 711 664 74 70<br />
E-Mail: info@jugendherberge-stuttgart-neckarpark.de<br />
www.jugendherberge-stuttgart-neckarpark.de<br />
Alex 30 Hostel<br />
Alexanderstr. 30<br />
Phone: ++ 49 711 83 88 95-0<br />
E-mail: info@alex30-hostel.de<br />
www.alex30-hostel.de<br />
Inter-Hostel<br />
Paulinenstr 16<br />
Phone: ++ 49 711 66 48 27 97<br />
E-Mail: info@inter-hostel.com<br />
www.inter-hostel.com<br />
Internationales Studentenhotel<br />
Neckarstr. 172<br />
Phone: ++49 711-41 43 00<br />
E-mail:studi-hotel@sws-internet.de<br />
www.studentenwerk-stuttgart.de/wohnen/internationales-studentenhotel<br />
Addresses of fur<strong>the</strong>r hotels and hostels in Stuttgart can be found at:<br />
www.stuttgart-tourist.de<br />
7
How to find <strong>you</strong>r way<br />
How to get to <strong>the</strong> dormitories in Vaihingen<br />
By train:<br />
You <strong>will</strong> arrive at <strong>the</strong> Central Railway Station in Stuttgart called Hauptbahnhof. Buy a ticket<br />
at one of <strong>the</strong> orange ticket machines: 2 zones. Go to <strong>the</strong> S-Bahn station which is on <strong>the</strong><br />
bottom floor. Take <strong>the</strong> S-Bahn S1 travelling in <strong>the</strong> direction of Herrenberg or <strong>the</strong> S2 or S3<br />
travelling in <strong>the</strong> direction of Vaihingen or Flughafen. Get off at <strong>the</strong> stop marked Universität.<br />
Take <strong>the</strong> exit Universitätszentrum. See <strong>the</strong> map of Vaihingen on <strong>page</strong> 9 for fur<strong>the</strong>r<br />
assistance.<br />
By plane:<br />
In <strong>the</strong> Arrival Hall at Stuttgart Airport <strong>you</strong> <strong>will</strong> see <strong>the</strong> sign directing <strong>you</strong> to <strong>the</strong> S-Bahn. It is a<br />
white S on a green background. Buy a ticket at one of <strong>the</strong> orange ticket machines: 2 zones<br />
(EUR 2,45). Go to <strong>the</strong> S-Bahn station which is on <strong>the</strong> bottom floor. Take <strong>the</strong> S-Bahn S2<br />
going in <strong>the</strong> direction of Schorndorf or <strong>the</strong> S3 travelling in <strong>the</strong> direction of Backnang. Get off<br />
at <strong>the</strong> stop marked Universität. Take <strong>the</strong> exit Universitätszentrum. See <strong>the</strong> map of Vaihingen<br />
on <strong>page</strong> 9 for fur<strong>the</strong>r assistance.<br />
By car:<br />
If <strong>you</strong> are arriving from Munich or Karlsruhe, take <strong>the</strong> motorway A 8 to Stuttgarter Kreuz.<br />
Then, follow <strong>the</strong> sign to <strong>the</strong> City Centre Zentrum/Vaihingen via <strong>the</strong> A 831/B 14 till <strong>the</strong> exit<br />
showing Universität. Turn left at <strong>the</strong> first traffic light and <strong>you</strong> are now in <strong>the</strong><br />
Universitätsstrasse. See <strong>the</strong> map of Vaihingen on <strong>page</strong> 9 for fur<strong>the</strong>r details.<br />
If <strong>you</strong> are arriving from Zurich/Singen, take <strong>the</strong> A 81/A 831 till <strong>the</strong> exit Universität. Turn left at<br />
<strong>the</strong> first traffic light and <strong>you</strong> are now in <strong>the</strong> Universitätsstrasse. See <strong>the</strong> map of Vaihingen on<br />
<strong>page</strong> 9 for fur<strong>the</strong>r details.<br />
If <strong>you</strong> are arriving from Mannheim/Heilbronn, take <strong>the</strong> A 6/A 81 till <strong>you</strong> reach<br />
Autobahndreieck Leonberg. Then take <strong>the</strong> motorway A 8 in <strong>the</strong> direction of Munich until <strong>you</strong><br />
reach <strong>the</strong> Stuttgarter Kreuz. Follow <strong>the</strong> sign to <strong>the</strong> City Centre Zentrum/Vaihingen via <strong>the</strong> A<br />
831/B 14 till <strong>the</strong> exit showing Universität. Turn left at <strong>the</strong> first traffic light and <strong>you</strong> are now in<br />
<strong>the</strong> Universitätsstrasse. See <strong>the</strong> map of Vaihingen on <strong>page</strong> 9 for fur<strong>the</strong>r details.<br />
How to get to International Affairs in <strong>the</strong> International Centre (IZ)<br />
and <strong>the</strong> <strong>COMMAS</strong> Office on Campus Vaihingen<br />
International Centre (IZ): From <strong>the</strong> underground S-Bahn station “Universität”: When <strong>you</strong><br />
leave <strong>the</strong> S-Bahn take <strong>the</strong> exit “Universitätszentrum”. When <strong>you</strong> get out of <strong>the</strong> underground<br />
station walk towards “Pfaffenwaldring”. You <strong>will</strong> see a small pond and stairs to its left. Cross<br />
<strong>the</strong> street and walk up <strong>the</strong> stairs. Then go over <strong>the</strong> shaky bridge in front of <strong>you</strong>. Once <strong>you</strong><br />
have crossed <strong>the</strong> bridge <strong>you</strong> <strong>will</strong> see a building on <strong>you</strong>r left hand side, this is <strong>the</strong><br />
Internationale Centre. Enter <strong>the</strong> building and go to Floor 1 where <strong>you</strong> <strong>will</strong> find <strong>the</strong> department<br />
International Education Services.<br />
<strong>COMMAS</strong> office: From <strong>the</strong> underground S-Bahn station “Universität”: Take <strong>the</strong> exit<br />
“Universitätszentrum” and above ground follow <strong>the</strong> sign “Pfaffenwaldring 7”<br />
(Bauingenieurwesen). Enter <strong>the</strong> building Pfaffenwaldring 9 (just across <strong>the</strong> S-Bahn station)<br />
and turn right. Walk through <strong>the</strong> cafeteria which <strong>will</strong> take <strong>you</strong> to <strong>the</strong> building Pfaffenwaldring<br />
7. Then take <strong>the</strong> stairs or <strong>the</strong> elevator to <strong>the</strong> third floor. Look out for room 3.168. See also<br />
<strong>page</strong> 9 for directions.<br />
8
Student<br />
dormitories<br />
„Allmandring“<br />
Map of Campus Vaihingen<br />
Student<br />
dormitories<br />
„Pfaffenhof“<br />
Student<br />
Dormitories<br />
„Straußäcker“<br />
International Affairs<br />
Internationales<br />
Zentrum (IZ)<br />
Pfaffenwaldring 60<br />
1st floor<br />
Tel. 0711/685 68545<br />
<strong>COMMAS</strong> Office<br />
Pfaffenwaldring 7<br />
3 rd floor, room 3/168<br />
Tel. 0711/685 66131<br />
9
Map of <strong>the</strong> City Centre<br />
Hauptbahnhof<br />
Main train station<br />
Office of Admission<br />
(Enrollment)<br />
Geschwister-Scholl-Str.<br />
24, ground floor<br />
10