if you're considering it...
yet another post:
for those of you who might be considering studying here in duesseldorf, here are some helpful tips:
(i will edit and update this post as necessary)
vocabulary:
anmelden/einschreiben:to register
das Konto: (bank)account
pumpen: to lift weights (there exists some controversy as to whether or not this is an official german word; however it is understood. the official phrase is Sport treiben)
geil: "cool" but with sexual connotations, used very frequently
registering at the Uni:
1. Go to the Akademische Auslandsamt; they will tell you exactly what to do (in English!)
2. You have to pay $150 at at the secretary's office on the first floor of building 16.11. take the receipt with you.
3. You have to present proof of insurance to the local Versicherung Buero. It is called AOK (funny, i know) and is located in the same building as the Mensa. You just take your insurance card that you received from the Study Abroad office before your trip (CMI-insurance). emphasize that you have international coverage. they will issue you a letter of exemption (normally you have to have german health insurance coverage). take this with you.
4. Go back to the Akademische Auslandsamt. Give them the receipt, letter and your ISIC (international student id card). You might also need to supply postage but i didn't so i don't know how much it is.
5. You'll have to fill out an application form, but they'll help you any questions you have. One important fact, they'll want to know how many semesters you've been studying at college and how many months you've been studying. don't ask me why, i have no idea.
6. That's all you have to do. You'll receive your Ausweis within 10 business days.
Moving into your dorm
1. Ahead of time, make sure that you're NOT living in Strumpelstrasse. Unless you like the idea of sharing a kitchen with 40 other people. Shared toilets and showers, too. It's very loud and everyone speaks English. It's not that they're native English speakers, it's just the lingua franca among non-Germans. I would strongly reccommend asking to live in Campus Sued. It's slightly more expensive (285E instead of 220E) but very much worth it.
2. It is very likely that you'll be placed with someone of the opposite gender. If you need to avoid this, plan ahead and try to make arrangements ahead of time. That's all I can suggest. I tried to do the same and I was still placed with a guy. They don't consider it "living-with" because everyone has their own single rooms. Lots and lots of things get lost in transation.
3. More coming later...
for those of you who might be considering studying here in duesseldorf, here are some helpful tips:
(i will edit and update this post as necessary)
vocabulary:
anmelden/einschreiben:to register
das Konto: (bank)account
pumpen: to lift weights (there exists some controversy as to whether or not this is an official german word; however it is understood. the official phrase is Sport treiben)
geil: "cool" but with sexual connotations, used very frequently
registering at the Uni:
1. Go to the Akademische Auslandsamt; they will tell you exactly what to do (in English!)
2. You have to pay $150 at at the secretary's office on the first floor of building 16.11. take the receipt with you.
3. You have to present proof of insurance to the local Versicherung Buero. It is called AOK (funny, i know) and is located in the same building as the Mensa. You just take your insurance card that you received from the Study Abroad office before your trip (CMI-insurance). emphasize that you have international coverage. they will issue you a letter of exemption (normally you have to have german health insurance coverage). take this with you.
4. Go back to the Akademische Auslandsamt. Give them the receipt, letter and your ISIC (international student id card). You might also need to supply postage but i didn't so i don't know how much it is.
5. You'll have to fill out an application form, but they'll help you any questions you have. One important fact, they'll want to know how many semesters you've been studying at college and how many months you've been studying. don't ask me why, i have no idea.
6. That's all you have to do. You'll receive your Ausweis within 10 business days.
Moving into your dorm
1. Ahead of time, make sure that you're NOT living in Strumpelstrasse. Unless you like the idea of sharing a kitchen with 40 other people. Shared toilets and showers, too. It's very loud and everyone speaks English. It's not that they're native English speakers, it's just the lingua franca among non-Germans. I would strongly reccommend asking to live in Campus Sued. It's slightly more expensive (285E instead of 220E) but very much worth it.
2. It is very likely that you'll be placed with someone of the opposite gender. If you need to avoid this, plan ahead and try to make arrangements ahead of time. That's all I can suggest. I tried to do the same and I was still placed with a guy. They don't consider it "living-with" because everyone has their own single rooms. Lots and lots of things get lost in transation.
3. More coming later...