pforzheim student survival guide

PFORZHEIM STUDENT
SURVIVAL GUIDE
2016 Digital Enterprise Management Version
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THE Digital Enterprise Management- TEAM
It is our goal to help our students feel welcomed and well prepared for
our program. To that end, we encourage you to contact us with any
questions or concerns.
Prof. Dr. Rer. Pol. Stephan Thesmann
Program Director
[email protected]
General E- Mail Address
[email protected]
Alexandra Wicke
Program Coordinator
[email protected]
Emma Schlosser
Office Management
[email protected]
Office ISP Business School Phone:
+49 (0)7231-28-6447
[email protected]
Jochen Ebert
Coordinator International Programs
[email protected]
GETTING TO PFORZHEIM
Rail travel within Germany is convenient and relatively inexpensive.
Whether you fly into Frankfurt or Stuttgart, it will take up to two hours to
get to Pforzheim by train. From Frankfurt Airport, the long- distance
intercity train (ICE) takes one hour to Karlsruhe, where you change to
continue on to Pforzheim (in the direction of Stuttgart). Less expensive
regional trains depart from both the Frankfurt Hauptbahnhof (main station)
and Mainz Hauptbahnhof, which can be reached via the local S8
commuter line. This option takes longer and may require more
connections. From Stuttgart Airport, you can take the local S2/S3
commuter line to the Stuttgart Hauptbahnhof from which regional or
intercity trains travel through Pforzheim (in the direction of Karlsruhe). You
can check out the Deutsche Bahn for detailed information, prices and
point-to-point schedules.
From the Pforzheim Hauptbahnhof, the University is reached by bus route
#5 “Hochschule/Wildpark”. The bus leaves from bus station #5 just outside
the station’s main entrance. Buses run every 15 minutes during the day,
and travel time to campus is about 14 min.
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THE CITY OF PFORZHEIM
In the busy city center, students will find plenty of restaurants, cafés, fast
food, shopping, the theatre, library and other attractions.
Just south of the city center is the river confluence; three rivers, in fact,
meet in Pforzheim – the Enz, Nagold and Würm. Numerous walking and
biking paths meander along the rivers and out of the city from here.
Combining nature and sports is a favorite for Germans.
THE UNIVERSITY
The Business School is located high on a hill 2 km south of the center,
overlooking the entire city. The campus has four buildings for classrooms
and administration, plus a cafeteria and a library. Classrooms are easy to
find and come equipped with projectors and WiFi. There are also
computer labs on campus for those not carrying a laptop daily.
The cafeteria, known as the Mensa in German, has a dining hall serving
daily hot lunch options and a la carte from 11:00 am until 2:00 pm Mo - Fr
and a café-style snack bar with lighter fare, such as sandwiches, fruit and
beverages, open from 7:30 am until 5:15 pm Mo-Th and 2:30 pm Fr.
The library, or Bibliothek, has a fair number of books in English and offers
access to the EBSCO database for further research. It is open from 7:30
am until 10:00 pm Mo-Fr and 2:00 pm until 7:00 pm Sa- Su (check-out not
available on Su or holidays). The view of the city from the library is quite
nice.
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Pforzheim overhead view
Old and new combine in & near Pforzheim
The School Library and overlook
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WEATHER & PACKING TIPS
Southern Germany enjoys a relatively mild climate. Summer temperatures
range from 20º to 35º C. Unfortunately, it can also be rainy, and
temperatures drop at night into the teens. In the winter, temperatures
remain around freezing, and snowfall in the area is usually not excessive.
On the other hand, conditions up on the hill where the university is located
can be colder, windier and snowier than in the city center, and the weather
can be affected by its proximity to the Black Forest. For more information,
take a look at About Germany.
Most of the time, casual clothing choices will be appropriate for classes
and daily life, but “business casual*” selections may be necessary for
some activities. It may also be helpful when considering footwear options
to know that cobblestone walkways are rather common in Germany,
including on our campus.
While there are very few personal care items that you won’t find in
Germany, be aware that you may not have access to favored brands or
familiar forms. You may consider bringing enough supplies of important
items such as vitamins, body care, makeup and feminine hygiene if exact
brands are important to you. These items can usually be carried in
checked luggage.
See current carriage regulations and travel restrictions at the TSA website
for U.S. travelers or European Commission. Also, be sure to check your
airline’s size and weight restrictions for luggage before packing.
*There is no official dress code; however, generally speaking, overly casual clothing,
such as tattered jeans, flip flops and tanks tops are not appropriate for special activities
and presentations – see tips from About.com.
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HOUSING
For international exchange students throughout the world, finding
adequate housing is a challenge. This is also true at Pforzheim, and as in
most cities in the State of Baden-Württemberg, it can be difficult to find a
furnished room or apartment that is available for renting on short notice.
Since most of the German students like to live in a shared apartment
(Wohngemeinschaft or WG) we recommend looking for this kind of
accommodation, that will help you to integrate faster and better within the
culture of the country, at the time that you can enhance your Germanlanguage skills. You can search a WG-room with the following link
http://www.wg-gesucht.de/en/ (Some German- language knowledge
would be helpful).
Another alternative is to live in a student residence. Rooms are available
in the student dormitories of the Studentenwerk Karlsruhe- Pforzheim (not
run by the university), in private halls and from individual landlords. Quite
often, students choose to share an apartment rented from a private
landlord. Check the following link of the Studentenwerk Karlsruhe
Students can also apply directly for rooms in the dormitories, but the
number of rooms is very limited. For more information, visit the
Studentenwerk (English option available). For private dormitories, please
check the following link for Studentwerk Karlsruhe. (http://www.swka.de/en/)
Students need to sign and receive a copy of a rental contract for their
accommodations (“Wohnheim”/apartment). This will be used as proof of
address for all future communication.
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Most international students will have to find a room on their own. An
updated list of available housing can be obtained from the International
Office ([email protected]), which will also work to assist the student
in case serious difficulties are encountered. Students can also try to
contact a local real estate agency that is experienced in working with
international students, such as Förster Immobilien. Apartments can also
be located on Internet sites such as ImmobilienScout24 (in German).
Housing costs should also be considered. In Pforzheim, the average cost
of a student room is about €250 – 350 per month and can be more
depending on how amenities, location, living standards, and if you decide
to have roommates or not. When you do find an available room, it is
normal that the landlord will collect a Kaution (deposit) for the room. The
amount of the deposit can be up to 3 times the amount of one month’s
rent. The deposit must be returned to you when you move out unless you
have caused any damages to the property which need to be fixed. Plan
ahead so that you have enough money to cover your rent and the
expected deposit.
You may also consider ordering Haftpflichtversicherung which is a
private insurance to cover liabilities and accidents that may occur in your
apartment. The cost in normally only about €40 – 80 per year and can
save you a lot of money if an accident were to occur in your apartment.
The insurance however is voluntary and not required by the Hochschule
or to stay in Germany. Insurance options can be easily found online at
sites such as check24.de where you can compare insurances or by
searching using engines such as google.
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ENROLLMENT PROCESS AT THE UNIVERSITY
Registration is done in person at the StudiCenter located in building W1
of the main campus. Or you can provide another person with the power of
attorney to complete the registration on your behalf. This should be done
as soon as possible upon arrival. Contact information for the
StudiCenter is as follows:
Tiefenbronner Str. 65
75175 Pforzheim
Tel. +49 7231 28-6940
Fax +49 7231 28-6185
E-Mail: [email protected]
Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 09:00-16:00
Friday: 09:00-12:00
Closed on holidays.
StudiCenter in Buiding W1
Requirements for enrollment:
•
•
•
•
•
•
A valid visa for Germany.
Proof of medical insurance (for all students under 30).
Proof of payment of the German Student Union Fee.
A copy of the letter of acceptance
Completed enrollment application form
Passport-sized photo (German biometric format)
More detailed steps for each requirement are found below.
ORDER OF STEPS:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Housing (signed contract)
Visa & Registration of address
Bank Account (if needed)
Health Insurance
Payment of Student Fee
Enrollment Application
StudiCard
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REGISTRATION OF ADDRESS (Required for Visa)
Registration of your address is required in Germany. It is recommended
you do this immediately, because you will need the proof of registration to
complete your visa application, insurance, student registration, and much
more.
To complete this process, take your passport and a copy of your rental
agreement to the Rathaus (City Hall) and register in person. In Pforzheim
it is done at the Bürgercentrum. You will need to take a ticket and wait in
the queue until your number is called. You may then register with an
available agent. The contact information is as follows:
Contact Information:
Altes Rathaus
Östliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 2-4
75175 Pforzheim
Tel. 07231 39-1111
Fax. 07231 39-2801
Open hours:
Mon. 7:30-13:00
Tue. 7:30-13:00
Wed. 7:30-13:00
Thu. 8:00-12:00, 14:00-18:00
Fri. 8:00-12:00
Rathaus (City Hall)
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VISA APPLICATION PROCESS (Should be done ASAP)
Important information: The application requirements and process may
be different depending on the country where you are coming from. Pay
close attention that you fulfill the correct requirements!
Students who are citizens of Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New
Zealand, the Republic of Korea, the United States of America and most
EU nations may obtain any residence permit that may be required after
entering Germany. The student should apply in person within 14 days of
arrival at the Ausländeramt (foreigner’s office) of the city or town in which
they will reside.
Citizens of all other countries planning a stay in Germany must apply
for visas at the competent mission before arriving in the country.
Students should always check their individual visa requirements well in
advance to avoid any problems. More information may be found at
Federeal Foreign Office.
Other important information for applications can be found on the relevant
embassy page for your designated country. Those websites may be found
through a simple search on the internet. However, here are some useful
links:
•
•
•
•
India: German Mission India
China: German Mission China
USA: German Mission USA
Mexico: German Mission Mexico
Application requirements if done in Pforzheim at the Ausländeramt:
To do the application in Pforzheim, you must make an appointment with
the Ausländeramt in advance. You may set the appointment by contacting
them via E-Mail or by telephone. The appointment is scheduled by last
name.
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Pforzheim Ausländerbehörde:
(also found in the Rathaus on the bottom floor)
Contact information for making an appointment
Ausländerbehörde in Pforzheim is as follows:
with
the
E-Mail: [email protected]
Last Name
A - Bol
Bom - Gau
Gav - Kal
Kam - Kur
Kus - Pok
Pol - Sor
Telephone
07231-393160
07231-392123
07231-393161
07231-391032
07231-393158
Days Available
Mon. – Thur.
Mon. – Thur.
Mon. – Thur.
Thur.
Mon. – Thur.
Thur.
Mon. – Thur.
Sos - Uy
07231-392509
Mon. – Thur.
Mon., Tue., Thur.
Mon. – Thur.
Uz - Z
07231-393159
Mon. – Thur.
07231-393162
Time Available
08:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
08:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
08:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 15:00
08:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
08:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
08:00 – 12:00
14:00 – 16:00
08:00 – 12:00
08:00 – 12:00
Required Documents:
1.
Copy of the proof of registration done at the Bürgercentrum.
2.
Two completed application forms
3.
Valid passport (issued within the last 10 years and with at least
12 months of validity left after the scheduled return)
4.
1 copy of your passport’s data page (A4 size copy)
5.
Letter of acceptance from Pforzheim University
6.
Two passport-sized photos (German biometric format)
7.
Proof of Health Insurance
8.
Applicable fee, currently €55 in cash (will be paid upon picking
up the Visa)
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9.
Proof of financial means such as:
•
confirmation of scholarship/ stipend
•
“Verpflichtungserklärung” (formal obligation letter) by sponsor living in
Germany
•
“Sperrkonto” (blocked account) in the name of the applicant showing a
minimum balance of 8640,- Euros and the remark that the account
holder can dispose of a monthly amount of 720,- Euros
A rule of thumb for calculating how much financial support you need to
show is basically 720,- Euros times how many months you are applying
for on the Visa application.
• Example: 720 Euro x 6 months = 4,320,- Euros
After completing the application process, the foreign office agent will
give further instructions on picking up your visa once it has been
processed. You will receive a confirmation letter from the
Ausländerbehörde stating that the application has been made and you
must bring it with you to pick up the visa once it has been successfully
processed. The pick-up location for the visa in by the Ausländerbehörde
and does not require an additional appointment.
The entire process may take several weeks so do it as soon as
possible! You never know when there may be unexpected delays or
more information required. For any doubts/questions always contact
the correct authority to get up to date information on requirements.
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MONEY
Although accepted in most major cities and in some larger establishments,
credit/debit card use is not as widespread in Germany as it is in many
other countries. (You must always double-check for window stickers when
entering stores and restaurants.) When in doubt, assume only cash is
accepted.
A convenient and affordable way to obtain cash in Euros is to simply make
a withdrawal from your foreign account at a Geldautomat (ATM) with a
credit card or bank card in the Plus, Visa, Maestro and/or Cirrus networks.
You can check with your bank in advance for details regarding the fees
and exchange rate policy.
For longer stays, it is best to open a local bank account.
BANK ACCOUNT
Opening a bank account is free in most German banks for students (e.g.,
Sparkasse, Postbank, Targo Bank, Commerzbank, Deutsche Bank).
Requirements:
1)
Passport
2)
Proof of enrollment at Pforzheim University (acceptance letter)
3)
Initial Deposit
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HEALTH INSURANCE (Required for Visa and Enrollment)
Health insurance is required for the entire length of your stay in Germany.
There are two main options for health insurance coverage:
Option 1: Insuring yourself through a private insurance provider from
your respective country (even those without a Social Security Agreement
with Germany). However, on arrival in Pforzheim – you must get a signed
no objection certificate from a state owned insurance provider, for
example: AOK or TK.
Though you may choose this option, it is highly recommended that you
opt for a German insurance to avoid unnecessary expenditures and
complications in case of a medical emergency.
Option 2: Obtain health insurance from one of the German public
insurance companies such as AOK or Techniker Krankenkasse (TK).
You may easily get a student insurance policy with a short visit to the office
of one of these companies upon arrival in Pforzheim. The monthly
premium for a student policy is currently about €80 (2016). Students from
countries that have a Social Security Agreement with Germany that
includes an insurance clause may be able to show proof of insurance from
their home country.
TK
Marktplatz. 4,
75175 Pforzheim
AOK
Hohenstaufenstraße 6,
75177 Pforzheim
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Insurance Application requirements:
1.
Passport
2.
Acceptance letter from University
3.
Proof of residency registration
4.
Bank Account with IBAN (Payments are directly withdrawn)
5.
2 Photographs (German biometric standard)
PAYMENT OF THE GERMAN STUDENT UNION FEE
The total amount for the Student Union Fee must be sent to school’s bank
account and a copy of the receipt must be printed. The current fee per
semester is 148 € and in the 1st semester you must also pay €20 for the
StudiCard.
The bank account information should have been sent with your
acceptance letter. However, here it again:
Recipient: Hochschule für angewandte Wissenschaften Pforzheim
IBAN: DE39660000000066001541
BIC: MARKDEF1660
Bundesbank Karlsruhe
Reason for transfer: 48900100 / blank space / Student- or Applicant
number / blank space / Last Name, First Name
Example for reason of transfer:
48900100 333666 Müller, Alexandra
Amount: 168 €
Verify that all of the bank information is up to date before making the
transaction. Print a copy of the receipt and bring it with you for
enrollment.
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COMPLETE THE ENROLLMENT APPLICATION FORM
The form should have been sent to you in the acceptance documents. If
you do not have the form, you may download it online from the school
website or ask the StudiCenter and they will assist you. Here is the link to
the download the form: Enrollment Form
STUDENT ID CARD
The student ID card contains a chip that carries personal information. It
can be used for several purposes such as using copiers and printers,
accessing the computer labs, borrowing library materials, printing
transcripts and purchasing food in the cafeteria. It can be loaded with
money for printing at machines near the StudiCenter in the Business
building. To load money for the food is done at the machines near the
cafeteria or by the vending machines. Money for printing does not work
for food and vice versa.
StudiCard machine for Printers
The ID card costs €20 and is purchased upon registration at the
Studicenter. To activate the Studicard, you must first scan it at any
Printer and log in using the electronic log in and password that was sent
to you upon your registration. If there are any issues, you may ask the
Studicenter for support. If you lose your card, you must pay for a
replacement.
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Until the time a student gets the identity card, he/she can use the
University acceptance letter as a proof of registration for travelling in the
buses of Pforzheim, where transportation is free for the students of our
University.
WELCOME MONEY FROM THE CITY
Begrüßungsgeld for Students
The city of Pforzheim offers €80 to all new students registered in the city.
To receive the money, an application form must be turned in at the
Bürgercentrum. The form can be obtained by inquiry while you register
your address.
What you will need:
• Passport
• Proof of Enrollment or StudiCard
• Copy of registration of your address
•
PASSPORT PHOTOS
The German biometric standard for passport photos may be different
than that of your home country. If you are already in Germany, the best
option is to find a local photo studio to take the pictures. The cost is
usually about 15 – 20 € and comes with a packet of several photos.
Passport photo guidelines are as follows:
•
The size of the photograph should be 36mmx45mm
•
The height from top to bottom face must be between 32- 36mm.
The photograph should be centrally aligned with a full front view of
the face for German passport and visa.
•
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All the features from chin to hairline and both sides of the face need
to be clearly visible.
•
The whole face is required to be clear, with proper contrast and
sharpness.
•
There should be no reflections, shadows, or red eyes visible in the
photo.
•
The background of the photo must be uniform and light colored,
preferably a neutral grey.
•
There should be no other object or support to the subject in the
photograph. The shadows in the background are also not acceptable.
•
There should be neutral face expressions with closed mouth
avoiding smile.
•
•
The subject has to look straight into the camera.
Head coverings of any type are not permissible in German passport
and visa photographs.
•
The eyes of the subject should be clearly visible, and not covered
by hair or frame of the glasses. Sunglasses, tinted glasses, or reflections
of glasses are not acceptable in the photos.
•
•
Passport photos must be printed on high-quality paper.
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DIRECTIONS IN THE CITY (Bus is FREE with StudiCard)
One of the most frequent methods of transportation throughout Germany
is by train. It is likely you will arrive in Pforzheim using the Deutsche
Bahn (www.bahn.com) at our Hauptbahnhof (Main Station). Until you
received your student ID, you may use the public transport of VPE
(Verkehrsverbund Pforzheim-Enzkreis GmbH) for free by presenting
your statement of admission together with your identity card or passport.
HBF (from Tracks)
HBF (from Front)
To get to the Hochschule, you may take the number 5 bus in front of
the Hauptbahnhof (HBF) at the bus stop. Bus info found online at
http://www.pforzheimfaehrtbus.de/
Bus 5 stop
City Center
Rathaus
Hochschule Pforzheim
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Main Campus
Library Entrance
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CELL PHONES IN GERMANY
In Germany, cell phone service can be obtained through a contract, payas-you-go plan or with a prepaid SIM card for your existing GSM tri-band
phone. It is important to research options carefully as some phones will
not work with an overseas SIM card. It is also possible that your home cell
service provider may offer an international calling plan that will suffice for
your needs.
If you obtain cell phone service in Germany, please note that airtime
minutes are charged only for outgoing calls, but calls placed to cell phones
cost more for the caller.
-
Prepaid phones: The price of phones vary, but they will be functional
within 15 minutes of activation. Incoming calls can be received even when
the card is not loaded. Prepaid cards are typically available in €15, €25
and €50 increments.
-
Contract phones: They are less expensive, and the phone is often
free; however, most contracts require a minimum of 24 months. Many
carriers charge a monthly fee of about €10 plus the cost of calls. Flat rate
plans are now more widely available in Germany and usually start at
around €40 per month. (German bank account is required)
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INTERNET & KEEPING IN TOUCH
The university has wireless internet in all its buildings. Instructions and
downloads for the VPN software are available from the university’s
website. Your student ID code is needed, so note that until you are
registered, there could be a delay.
The Internet provides a cheap and convenient way to communicate with
contacts in Germany and at home. Internet phone service is often the
least expensive way to call overseas, and e-mail and instant messaging
are usually free. If you and your contacts don’t already have accounts
set up, it may be advisable to consider the services offered by
companies such as Skype, MSN, Viber, Yahoo and others.
You can also make use of less expensive pre-dial codes for discount
carriers when making calls outside of Germany. Try a service such as
Verivox to find the cheapest rates.
BRINGING YOUR ELECTRICAL DEVICES
Electricity in Germany is 220V, 50Hz. If you are bringing any electrical
devices, you will need an adapter – and since there are several
“European” types of connectors, you must be sure you have the right
one for Germany. Also, some appliances, such as hair dryers, cannot
handle the additional voltage – even with an adapter. The maximum
allowable voltage should be listed on the appliance’s label.
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Institute of Foreign Languages
During the first three semesters, all courses for the Dem program are
conducted in English. At the same time, »German as a foreign
language« courses as well as tandems of German- and Englishspeaking students will provide international students with adequate
language proficiency for the internship and further semesters. A
compulsive beginner course »German as a foreign language« starts in
September 5th for the freshman WS 16/17. Students with adequate
knowledge of german have to visit another foreign language course or
they have to go to one the courses: “Unternehmensbesteuerung/
European Union/ or offers from Ethics and Social Responsibility” Please
find all the information’s in the study and examination regulations.
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PUBS AND ENTERTAINMENT
There are many pubs and cafés in Pforzheim, including:
Bar Ozon Process
Bahnhofplatz 2 – T-Mobile Hotspot, DJ on Friday night.
Rosenrot
Salierstr. 24 – Café with bar, Italian specialties, Sunday brunch.
Art Café
Ebersteinstr. 18 – Café with large open terrace.
Rooney’s Irish Pub
Zehnthofstr. 5 – Quiz night Tuesday, Karaoke Wednesday, Live music
Friday and Saturday
COMO::CLUB
Am Schlossberg 15-17
Musikpark
Goethestraße 19 75173 - Dance Club, Lounge and Cafe Lounge
Sun Dunes
Hanauer Str. 8 75181 - Night Club
Salt & Pepper , Sägewerk
Östliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 35, 75175 - Music Store, Dance Club
Wolf
St.Georgen-Steige 12, 75175 - Night Club
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SHOPPING
Pforzheim boasts plenty of options for shoppers. Karl-Friedrich-Strasse
spreads out to the west and east from Leopoldstrasse, and shops can be
found in both directions, primarily to the west. Food tends to be less
expensive than in the U.S., while clothing and consumer goods tend to
be more expensive. Note that shopping hours are more restricted in
Germany with some stores closing as early as 7 or 8pm on weeknights
and 1pm on Saturdays; stores are closed on Sundays. Shops in malls
tend to stay open later – some as late as10pm. Options include:
Schlössle Galerie
Westliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 80
An indoor shopping center with several shops and eateries, anchored
by H&M.
Galeria Kaufhof
Westliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 17-19
A department store that sells everything from clothing, housewares and
electronics to stationery and Jelly Belly jelly beans.
Schmuckwelten Pforzheim
Westliche Karl-Friedrich-Str. 56/68
A museum and shopping experience in one, this center boasts the best
from the city’s jewelry and watch-making tradition.
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SURROUNDINGS
Pforzheim itself has many cultural and tourism opportunities to offer, but
the nearby cities also beckon:
Stuttgart
Only 30 minutes away by train, the capital of Baden-Württemberg is
home to many world-class cultural institutions, trendy restaurants and
clubs, and plenty of shopping venues.
Karlsruhe
One of the country’s top arts centers along with plenty of shops and
eateries make this a fun spot for getting away from campus. And it s only
20 minutes by train.
Heidelberg
About an hour north, this romantic town is a favorite among foreigners
with its famous castle, beautiful river, historic university drinking clubs
and modern shops.
The Black Forest
Just minutes away, the renowned region boasts year-round activities for
hikers, bikers and skiers. Historic towns and spas keep ancient customs
alive.
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