7000. A.

D A GUIDE TO ASPIRING INDIAN STUDENTS

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CONTENTS 1. Prologue -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4 2. Bergische University, Wuppertal------------------------------------------------------------ 5 2.1. International Courses 3. Wuppertal - A happening destination for foreign students in Germany ------ 6 3.1. Wuppertal City Familiarity 3.1.1. Weather 3.1.2. Schwebebahn Wuppertal 3.2. Travel in Germany, VRR and NRW region 4. Pre Departure ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 8 4.1. Visa Processes 4.1.1. Documents 4.2. Pre-Departure 4.2.1. Cooking 4.3. Checklist Items not to be forgotten 4.4. Ideal travel plan 5. Arriving at Wuppertal -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 12 5.1. Student escort 5.2. Accommodation 5.3. City registration (Anmeldung) 5.4. Health Insurance 5.5. University Registration 5.6. Opening a bank account 5.7. Visa Extension 6. General Awareness ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17 6.1. Culture awareness 6.1.1. Practical tips and strategies for coping with culture shock 6.1.2. Time planning 6.2. Food and Hygiene 6.2.1. German Mealtimes 6.2.2. Typical German food 6.2.3. Beverage 6.3. Shopping in Germany 6.4. Communication 6.4.1. Fixed network and Internet 6.4.2. Mobile phone 6.5. Security 6.6. Medical care and first aid 6.7. Waste recycling in Germany 6.8. German Post 6.9. Hygiene in Germany 6.10. Traffic in Germany
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7. Experiences Quotes About BUW ------------------------------------------------------- 29

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1. PROLOGUE Education is the stairway to the realms of wisdom and success. This is much easier said than done. We believe that nothing gets better than pursuing your studies in a foreign land, meet new people, get oriented to a different culture and develop a lateral perspective of things around us. We are a bunch of Indian students studying right now at the Bergische University, Wuppertal in Germany, a few fortunate ones to make it this far. We would not say that the path till here was easy, courtesy the rigmaroles and formalities involved when you have to get to a foreign land for higher studies. Our experiences have helped us to compose this book, which guides a student from India, wishing to study in Germany. We have made and attempt to incorporate all those small things which are of vital importance to smoothly settle in Germany. It makes an attempt to give a one point solution for a student regarding what he wants to know for an easy transit to Germany. We would be delighted if this guide comes of any help.

CHETHAN MOHAN KUMAR NARENDRA KOMARLA SATHISH HANUMANTHAPPA

7000.A.D Team

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2. BERGISCHE UNIVERSITY, WUPPERTAL Detailed information regarding the University of Wuppertal can be obtained from the official website, http://www.uni-wuppertal.de/ The language can be changed to English for your convenience, however the english pages are under construction and currently only limited data is available. Information is available in the University website under the following mains: 01 Universitat & Campus (University & Campus) 02 Studium & International (Study & International) 03 Forschung & Transfer (Research and Transfer) 04 Service & Wissen (University Services) 2.1. INTERNATIONAL COURSES Entering the 02 Study & International offers an insight into the International courses offered at the University (Taught in English). Apart from this, valuable information useful for an international student is available.

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3. WUPPERTAL A HAPPENING DESTINATION FOR FOREIGN STUDENTS IN GERMANY 3.1. WUPPERTAL CITY FAMILIARITY Wuppertal is a city in the North-Western region of Germany in NRW (North Rhine Westphalia) state, which many people may not have heard about. It is the 17th biggest city in Germany in terms of inhabitants. This section attempts to familiarise this beautiful city of Germany. Trivia: There is another Wuppertal in Africa! Information regarding Wuppertal can be accessed through the following links: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wuppertal http://www.travelpost.com/EU/Germany/Nordrhein-Westfalen/Wuppertal/6457562 http://wikitravel.org/en/Wuppertal Follow the link below for the detailed city map of Wuppertal. http://www.hot-map.com/de/wuppertal/ 3.1.1. Weather Located in the north-western part of Germany, Wuppertal has typical German weather. Also due to the high altitude, it rains a lot in this city. Winters are usually severe, with subzero temperatures in the months of December and January. The winter typically lasts for 6 months as any other German city. Summers are warm and pleasant. A thick winter Jacket, gloves, muffler and an Umbrella are the best friends for a resident in this city. Information about the city can be browsed easily; however some quick links to save time are mentioned here: 3.1.2. Schwebebahn Wuppertal The schwebebahn is the monorail train operating in Wuppertal. It has been operating successfully for more than 100 years. It is the pride of the city and a major tourist attraction. More information could be accessed through the following links: http://schwebebahn.com/home.asp http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=7347285891095173881# http://atlasobscura.com/places/schwebebahn-wuppertal 3.2. TRAVEL IN GERMANY, EU REGION Travelling in Germany can be a pleasurable experience. The rail, air and roadway are well organised. For students, the most important mode of transport is by Rail. Trains are predominantly on-time in Germany. Therefore an arrival or departure time of 10:53 means precisely that.
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The website for all travel queries in Germany/EU region is: http://www.bahn.de/ The websites language maybe changed to English. If tickets are booked in advance, discounts may be availed in a special system, known as the Dauer Special. Remember the following while travelling by Train: 1. Tickets can be purchased in the railway station itself in the counters or DB Reisezentrum 2. Trains are usually ON time. Plan your journey well in advance. 3. Note the platform and train numbers well before the journey. 4. Keep tickets handy during travel Apart from this, local transport in Germany is managed by transport regions within each state. VRR (Verkehrsverbund Rhein-Ruhr) is responsible for transport within Wuppertal. Detailed information and journeys can be planned by accessing the following webpage: http://www.vrr.de/en/ During local travel in Germany, following are to be remembered: 1. Always carry the Semester ticket and a photocopy of your passport during travel 2. The stations/stops are announced in advance during journey. Be alert and do not miss this information Apart from the above modes of travel, another interesting and economical mode of travel within and even the European Union is the Mitfahr, which can be roughly translated as Drive-together. If there is an individual driving from one location to another within the EU region, he can broadcast his travel plan in certain websites. Prospective travellers can access this website and get information on the listed possibilities and contact the concerned person. Mitfahr can be accessed through the following websites: http://www.mitfahrgelegenheit.de/ http://www.mitfahrzentrale.de/ Standard charges are 5-6 per 100Kms of travel. Mitfahrers can experience and enjoy the enthralling German Highways known as Autobahns during commuting.

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4. PRE-DEPARTURE 4.1. VISA PROCESSES The procedure to be followed to obtain a visa is common for all the universities in Germany. All students fall under the Long term visa category. The whole visa process can be summarized to have two interviews. It normally takes at the most 40days, in some cases much longer to get the result (acceptance letter).The second interview is brief and in a matter of two to three days, the visa is issued. The following link provides an insight to the procedure that has to be followed for a student visa. http://www.vfs-germany.co.in/south/images/Infochklist/Information%20Sheet%20on%20Visa%20for%20Students.pdf 4.1.1. Documents In most of the cases, students tend to think about the documents required for visa only after they get an admission order from the university. But it is always better to be pro active and prepare everything before the eleventh hour. Some things to ponder before hand: If applying for an educational loan, be ready with all other pre-requisites (for example-All the documents of your collateral security). Spend some time on rearranging all those certificates in your folder. Translate all financial documents and the visa covering letter into German. Hard copies of health insurance with a German Insurance company. Follow the link and register http://www.studentinsuranceguide.com 4.2. PRE-REQUISITES In the midst of all the excitement during the Pre-Departure days, we must just make sure that we have prepared enough for our departure beforehand. Most of the cases, we tend to forget some of the things which makes living much more comfortable in a foreign land. 4.2.1. Cooking It is expensive to go to restaurants which make cooking at home imperative. It is a tad healthier to eat food cooked at home. Almost all houses in Germany are equipped with a kitchen including electric heaters and refrigerators. You can get some spices of your choice from India. Even otherwise, there are a lot of Sri Lankan stores where flavours of Indian spices and other things can be found. The prices of groceries depend on the kind of supermarket you attend. Aldi, Lidl and Norma are discounters. Here you can find only a small number of brand products and a lot of products with cheaper prices but no large assortment of products. Netto offers brand products but they call themselves brand discounter which means that they offer cheaper prices even for brand products. At Rewe you can find a lot of brand products and they offer a large assortment of products too. Products are more expensive at other supermarkets but you can find things for more individual taste there (i.e. Asian or Mexican food and spices). Anyway it is worth while to compare prices.
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And if you are the kinds who never entered the kitchen back home, follow the link to try your hands at cooking some dishes on your own http://72.3.253.187/vahrehvah/ 4.3. CHECKLIST - ITEMS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN Daily use items 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Tooth brush Tooth Paste -2-3 Toilet soaps-3-5 nos Towels -2 nos Daily use clothes Slippers Hair Comb, Deodorant Nail Cutter Bed Spread, Bed sheet, Pillow

Clothes 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. A few formal dresses 4-5 Pairs of Jeans - Clothes which do not get dirty & wrinkle free Thick winter jackets, Muffler, Gloves, Thermal wear 4-5 Pairs of Jeans Casual wear

Footwear 1. Casual thick shoes 2. Sports socks (thick ones) 3. Woollen socks Stationary 1. 3-4 colour pens, preferably blue & 2 more colours 2. Stapler with sufficient pins(small one) 3. Loose paper sheets 4. Pencils with lead 5. Eraser 6. Paper cutter 7. Glue, Cello tape, Scale, Protractor 8. Calculator 9. Rough Sheets (500 sheets) 10. Envelopes 12 x 4, A4 size too 11. Files with folders 12. Needles, Threads, Buttons

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Cooking 1. Fast food for the first few days 2. Curry Powder 3. Bowl to cook rice 4. Rice Cooker (can be bought here too) 5. Plate, Spoons, Tumbler 6. Knives 7. Pans Others 1. Mp3 players, Head phones (Microphone included), Pen drive 2. Laptop 3. CD ROMs 4. Mobile phone with charger 5. Extension box 6. Electric Adapter (Most important) 7. Umbrella

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4.4. IDEAL TRAVEL PLAN

INDIA

Dusseldorf Flughafen (Airport) Sky Train Flughafen Bahnhof (Airport Railway Station DB Reisezentrum (For Tickets) S-Bahn

Wuppertal Main Station (Hauptbahnhof)

Itinerary from INDIA-Wuppertal, Germany It is better to take a flight to Dusseldorf from India since it is located close to Wuppertal. 1. Once you check out from the airport ask for the sky train which is a part of the airport itself and free of cost. 2. The sky train leads you to DB Reisezentrum which is the travel center. 3. Buy the tickets at the DB Reisezentrum for the destination Wuppertal Hbf 4. Then use the inter city train service (Regional Bahn (RB), Regional Express (RE), SBahn) etc as per the ticket issued. 5. In 20-30 minutes, you will reach your destination, which is Wuppertal hauptbahnhof (Main station). 6. Make sure you are carrying a few one euro coins to make a few phone calls.

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5. ARRIVING IN WUPPERTAL 5.1. STUDENT ESCORT Here is a good opportunity for you to use the social networking websites in a constructive sense. Please follow the link for an orkut community which is dedicated to the students, faculty, and alumni of University Of Wuppertal. Its a place to post your queries so that you will get in touch with the current students who are happy to help you regarding your escort when you arrive here. http://www.orkut.com/Main#Community?cmm=56703966 5.2. ACCOMMODATION Accommodation is the major concern when you arrive at Wuppertal. You should be in contact with the course coordinator and seniors who will guide you regarding the same. The university student hostels are called "Studentenwohnheim" and the Hostel organizations are called "Hochschulsozialwerk"(HSW). The hostels are on the university campus. The hostels should be booked well in advance. You can also find Apartments outside the University campus. Following are details of the student hostels and apartments in Wuppertal: Bergische University Wuppertal Furnished apartments for foreign Guest Scientists in the guest house, Rainer-Gruenter-Strae Wuppertal - 3, 42119 http://www.uniwuppertal.de/forschung/wissenschafttransfer/gaestehaus.html/ For Arrival assistance: http://www.wiwi.uniwuppertal.de/alumni/alumni/Newsletter22092004anreise.pdf For reservations please contact Tel.: +49 (0)202 439 2203, E-mail: siebert@uni-wuppertal.de Hochschul-Sozialwerk Wuppertal (HSW) Furnished guest apartments in the residence halls, Max-Horkheimer-Strae und Albert-Einstein-Strae, Wuppertal - 42119 For reservations please contact Tel: +49 (0) 202 2438 178 E-mail:bischoff@hsw.uni-wuppertal.de http://www.hsw.uni-wuppertal.de/hsw
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 Theologisches Zentrum Wuppertal Furnished single rooms, double rooms and Apartments, Missionsstrae 9 a/b, Wuppertal - 42285 For reservations please contact Tel.: +49 (0) 202 28 20 0, E-mail: anfrage@tagen-im-thzw.de http://www.thzw.de/tagungshaus Appartementhaus am Kleeblatt Furnished apartments for short and long term rental Kleeblatt 2a, Wuppertal - 42119 For reservations please contact Tel: +49 (0)202 42 00 24, E-mail: sneuerburg@t-online.de http://www.privatzimmer-wuppertal.de/ Gemeinntzige Wohnungsbaugesellschaft mbH Wuppertal (GWG) Furnished apartments Tannenbergstrae 53 und 57, Wuppertal - 42103 For reservations please contact Tel: +49 (0) 2029311343 E-mail: vquast@gwg-wuppertal.de http://www.gwg-wuppertal.de/ Produkt Idee GmbH & Co. KG. Furnished apartments located close to the university. For reservations please contact Tel.: +49 (0) 20224529-0 E-mail: w.schmidt@produkt-idee.com Haus Honigstal Furnished apartments, Im Honigstal 7, Wuppertal - 42117 For reservations please contact Tel: +49 (0) 202426455 E-mail: wohnen@haus-honigstal.de http://www.haus-honigstal.de/html-site/index01.html WG-Gesuch Rooms and shared accommodation buildings in Wuppertal http://www.wg-gesucht.de/wg-zimmer-in-Wuppertal.142.0.1.4.html
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 Home Company Internet portal for Short Stay Please follow the link below http://www.homecompany.de/ Youth hostel, Wuppertal http://www.jugendherberge.de/jh/rheinland/wuppertal/index.shtml.en?m 5.3. CITY REGISTRATION (ANMELDUNG) Every inhabitant of Germany has to register (Anmeldung) oneself at the resident registration office (Einwhoner Anmeldsdamt) upon arrival as early as possible. You need to carry your original passport and complete residence address with you while registration. If you change your place of residence you have to update your address at the Registration office. Follow the link below for the Wuppertal registration office details http://www.meldebox.de/Einwohnermeldeamt/Wuppertal/ On the contrary, when leaving the country, the individual has to go to the same office and de-register (Abmeldung). Both processes are compulsory. 5.4. HEALTH INSURANCE As a student you are eligible for statutory health insurance at the lowest monthly rate. Per semester (6 months) you will pay around 390 . After registration with the health insurance company, an insurance card will be sent to you. Keep this card safe! You have to show it when you consult the doctor. There are many public insurance companies in Wuppertal. TK and AOKT are the well known ones. The address and details of the health insurance organization (AOK) is in the following link, http://www.aok.de/rheinland-hamburg/ Following documents are necessary to take up health insurance. Bank account details Complete residence address with contact number 5.5. UNIVERSITY REGISTRATION You must register personally at the international office within deadline mentioned in your Acceptance Letter. Please use the link below to get details and address of the International Office at the university. http://www.uniwuppertal.de/studium/studium_international/infosaaaauslaendstud-en.html
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The following documentation is required for the Registration: One passport Photo Certificate of insurance with a German health insurance organization Youre Passport with valid residence permit for study purpose The letter of admission Upon registration you will receive a bank account details for the payment of fee. 5.6. OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT In Germany opening a bank account is a straightforward and fast process. But you need to show some proof of a German address besides your passport and your student Identity Card. For students, all banks offer a zero charge for account maintenance. Necessary Documents for opening bank account are, Original Passport Demand Draft Passport Photograph City registration Certificate (Anmeldung) University Registration Certificate Please follow the appropriate link below for details of bank towards which you have taken the Demand draft. 1. Deutsche Bank 2. Commerzbank 3. Sparkasse Bank 4. Dresdner Bank 5. Post bank http://www.deutsche-bank.de/ https://www.commerzbank.de/ http://www.sparkasse-wuppertal.de/ http://www.dresdner-bank.de/ http://www.postbank.de/

The most common form of account in Germany is the Girokonto (current account). Most financial transactions like paying rent, internet bills, Health Insurance payment are completed using this type of account. In general, a current account allows you to:

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 Withdraw money from your bank using a card Transfer money to pay bills by the use of transfer forms Set up regular fixed amount payments (e.g. your rent) paid by standing order Set up regular payments (even of variable amounts, e.g. telephone bills, Internet bills and health insurance contributions) to be paid by direct debit About 10 days after you have opened your bank account in Germany, first youre PIN Code and few days later your card will be sent to you. This card can be used to withdraw money from the bank account and to get an account statement but also for Payment in many supermarkets and shops. 5.7. VISA EXTENSION The visa issued by the German Consulate General in India will enable you to enter Germany legally in order to take up residence. It does not permit travel in the Schengen Area for vacation purposes, work of any kind or studying right away. Upon arrival in Germany you are required to deposit the Demand Draft into your German bank account. For the visa extension please report to the local Immigration Office (Auslnderbehrd) and take up an appointment. On the scheduled date you have to carry following documents along with the appointment card. Then the German Immigration Office will grant you the final residence permit required for your studies. Usually the visa is issued for depending on the duration of your studies. Original Passport Proof of health insurance (a letter from the Insurance Company) Proof of study (Studiernbeschinigung) German Biometric photograph (Better to carry) Latest Bank Statement (Can be printed from any ATM) City Registration Certificate (Anmeldung) Visa extension Fee (About 60 Euros)

Follow the link below for the address and working hours of the local immigration office (Auslnderbehrde) in Wuppertal http://www.integration-in-wuppertal.de/de/aufenthalt/aufenthaltsrecht/index.php

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6. GENERAL AWARENESS

This section of the script throws light on some general aspects in Germany, which would make living easier. Following the link below gives extensive information on the same. More relevant information is mention ahead. http://www.howtogermany.com/ 6.1. CULTURAL AWARENESS It is very important to be aware of the culture of a new country before we decide to live there. This goes with the well known saying, Be a Roman in Rome. For more information: http://www.germanculture.com.ua The Zentrale for Studien Beratung (ZSB) (Centre for student counselling) at the university campus would provide relevant information. http://www.zsb.uni-wuppertal.de/ The following information is provided by ZSB 6.1.1 Practical tips and strategies for coping with culture shock Realise that culture shock is normal Talk more about difficulties when they arise. Ask people to explain their behaviour or what they actually mean Talk to other foreign students or friends about the effects of culture shock Make new friends, get to know different people Try out new things-food, clothes etc Do things on your own or with friends. Make your own suggestions. Take risks. Be open for new cultural experiences Learn to give and to recieve generously of your own and others thoughts, feelings and experiences Observe, look around and listen Observe the body language of the culture you are living in. Missing the gestures of friendship and goodwill that you are used to can be dissapointing and frustrating Do not think you must or should be liked and accepted by everyone, everywhere
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Seek social acceptance and support where you live and work, not elsewhere Find your own Island of wellbeing, some place of thing that makes you feel good your newspaper from home, a park or an art gallery etc Have positive thoughts. Avoid negative thinking Keep a dairy. Write down your experiences, both good and bad Realise that the relations with German people (both individually and in groups) are often brief, superficial and purpose-oriented Realise that in Germany rank and status are defined according to achievement, not by family and background

LEARN: To take more notice of written agreements, contracts, signatures and regulations To respect peoples privacy in Germany To revitalize your natural frequency to co-operate and to avoid confrontation - adapt your cultural instincts to the individual situation To regularly make the right compliments

6.1.2. Time planning Keep all appointments that you make with Germans. Inform them as soon as possible if you are going to be late or cannot come. Deadline dates and appointments are taken seriously in Germany. To ignore this is unacceptable and can lead to conflict Make an appointment if you want to talk to someone. Do not just start discussing your business when you happen to see them or you will be sent away because they have no time. Instead, simply say I would like to discuss this matter with you. Can I do this now or would a different time be better? If so, when? Take the agenda of meetings seriously. Make sure any matters as you want to discuss are put on the agenda for the appropriate meeting Arrange dates and time with Germans in everyday life, for private visits, meetings, and invitations just like you do for business matters When you have an appointment with a German, he or she gives you their whole attention. Now they have time for you, and it would be very impolite to occupy yourself with something else. This holds for both private and business meetings Do not expect Germans to be particularly flexible. They like doing things in an orderly way, and may often say Not so fast. One thing after another
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Do not expect Germans to be willing to change decisions that have once been made. Make sure your ideas and suggestions are properly discussed during the planning phase

6.2. FOOD AND HYGIENE Non vegetarian food is very prominent in Germany. Red meat (Pork and Beef) is a part of any typical meal in Germany. If you are a vegetarian and desire to eat out, you have very limited choices. 6.2.1. German mealtimes In Germany the norm is three main meals a day. Germans take their breakfast. Main component of the breakfast is bread. There is a variety of 300 sorts in Germany. The preferred sorts of bread for breakfast are buns, pretzels or toasts. With their bread, some Germans prefer sweet things like honey, jam or chocolate cream and others prefer hearty things like cheese or cold meats. The commonly beverages for breakfast are coffee, tea or juice. Nowadays many people mind a balanced diet with cereals, dried fruit and milk. The lunch is for most people the main meal of the day and usually eaten between 11:00 14:00. It consists normally of meat, vegetables and a side dish. The most typical side dishes are boiled potatoes along with fried potatoes, potatoes in their jacket, mash, potato salad, dumplings and potato chips. Of course, the main meal is also often combined with pasta or rice. The favourite vegetables of Germans are all kinds of cabbage, carrots, beans, peas, asparagus and spinach, which are served with different sauces or swayed in butter. Germans eat all kinds of meat. A hot meal without meat is often seen as not complete. For dessert Germans prefer sweets like pudding or ice cream. Most of the bigger companies own a canteen which offers warm meals during lunch time and students take their lunch in the cafeteria. There are also many special offers from restaurants during lunch time. In Germany you are more often invited for coffee (and cake) than for lunch or dinner. Dinner as the last meal of the day is usually taken between 18:00 and 20:00. It is a cold meal like breakfast and again several kinds of bread are the main component. This is served together with salad, cheese and/or fish. Due to their work many Germans do not have time to eat a warm meal at lunch time, and more and more have a warm meal in the evening. 6.2.2. Typical German food If you ask somebody about Germans and their culture of eating, most would probably answer fried sausage or sauerkraut. Maybe it would be extended with hog roast or Sptzle.

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A multitude of specialities exists in Germany which are strongly influenced by the customs of the different regions and federal states. While in Munich (Bavaria) the Bavarian veal sausage is the most popular speciality, in Thuringia it is the Thuringian grilled sausage or in Dresden (Saxonia) the Stollen which is sold and eaten during Christmas time. There are varieties of bread, eaten for breakfast. The Doner is typically from Turkey, but a very popular fast food in Germany. 6.2.3. Beverage Germans often drink coffee, not only for breakfast but also for coffee and cake in the afternoon. In the northern region, tea is popular too. Furthermore Germans love different kinds of beer which is consumed in the whole country. The kind of beer drunk differs from region to region. While people in Cologne prefer the Klsch, in Bayern, people mostly prefer Helles or Weissbier. Also Pils is very popular. Beer is often mixed with soda (so-called Radler or Alster) or with a mixture of Cola and soda (so-called Diesel) Wine is also a popular beverage. There are 16 regions where whine grows in Germany. Riesling and Silvaner are the most famous sorts of wine. In Germany wine is also mixed with water to drink it as a so-called Schorle. Mixtures of water and all kinds of juices are very popular in Germany. Germans also like new creations like Ice Tea. Water without gas is also becoming popular of late.
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6.3. SHOPPING IN GERMANY Shopping in Germany is also a pleasurable experience with huge range of shops and wide choices spread all round. Following are some useful links: http://www.howtogermany.com/pages/shopping.html http://www.destination360.com/europe/germany/shopping http://gogermany.about.com/od/shopping/tp/germanshopping-streets.htm http://gogermany.about.com/od/shopping/tp/discount_outlets_germany.htm Dusseldorf and Cologne are popular shopping areas in the state of NRW Popular shops and eateries which could be found typically in any German city are the following: Saturn - Electronics Mediamarkt - Electronics Galleria Kaufhof Everything (Big supermarket) Karstadt Everything (Big supermarket) Muller - General store

Mc. Donalds, Burger King and Subway are popular eating joints, which could be located in any German city with ease. Aldi, Lidl, Akzenta, Rewe, Plus, Netto, Penny etc. are well known grocery outlets OBI and IKEA are popular furniture and household article outlets C&A, H&M, Espirit, Woolworth and New Yorker are popular clothing shops

During shopping in Germany the following tips are worth remembering: Keep store hours in mind when planning your shopping. Its a German tradition to shut almost every store on Sundays. Almost nothing except restaurants and petrol stations are open, so plan meals ahead and purchase enough food to last through the weekend. If you have no food, the petrol stations usually have small food items, however there are much expensive. Many stores also close between 6.30 pm and 8pm on weekdays, and earlier on Saturdays, and normal bus services stop well before midnight. Remember to carry your own shopping bags to environmentally- and price-conscious stores like the Penny Markt, or you may have to purchase a bag there. You will often be charged a deposit (Pfand) on plastic bottles, which is returned in exchange for empty bottles. German food generally does not include preservatives, so you will generally need to buy food often and in small portions. You will need to walk home carrying your own groceries, so the custom of small purchases works well. International cuisine is less available in grocery stores. That said, you must experience traditional Swabian cuisine. Maultaschen are pasta pockets similar to ravioli, filled with meat, spinach, onions, bread crumbs and spices, and are
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particularly good when fried with oil or served with vegetable stew. They are available for a good price at the local grocery store. Sptzle, a local type of noodle, are very popular, cheap and easy to cook, and are available in most places.

6.4. COMMUNICATION Concerning a telephone connection, there are several possibilities to make use of. Which option is the best for you depends on your usage. 6.4.1. Fixed network and Internet In Germany "Deutsche Telekom" is the main provider for fixed line network, like home telephone and internet connections. The basic fee for a fixed line network will be charged from T-Com (Deutsche Telekom, fixed line network department). You have to pay this charge for the line you are using. Sometimes it can happen that a line already exists, but needs to be re-opened. In this case a single payment will do. Popular internet service providers (DSL) are Alice, Deutsche Telekom, T-mobile, Vodafone, O2 etc. It is also possible to make calls while you surf on the internet. Useful service providers for cheap internet telephony are Jumblo, SmartVoip, Freecall, ActionVoip, Nymgo, etc. Individual websites for these services could be googled and details regarding call-charges can be obtained. Mostly for every new connection an installation fee needs to be paid. However many providers do have special offers, which include a free installation. 6.4.2. Mobile phone Regarding mobile phones, there are also a lot of providers and possibilities. Which is the best for you depends on how you want to make use of your mobile phone. Like in most countries, you have the possibility to choose between a monthly call plan and prepaid. Almost every provider offers these options. If you buy a monthly call plan, you will be asked to sign an agreement for a 24 month minimum period. Your bills will be paid by direct debit. In return you will pay less for your mobile phone instrument. If you already have a mobile phone you also can buy a SIM-only pack. This pack includes only a SIM card, which you just have to insert in your unlocked mobile phone. After that you are able to use the services. SIM-only packs are offered for both options. In case of a prepaid card, you need to buy a SIM prepaid card with calling credits. Once you have to insert it in your unlocked mobile phone and you can start using your phone
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straight away. Once you have used it up, you can upload your calling credits quickly and conveniently using a method that suits you, like for example online, directly from your bank account or by buying the credit at one of the sales points (i.e. petrol stations, mobile shops, kiosks or machines). A lot of providers offer special call and SMS packages. Through these packages you can compose and use your mobile phone in a way which suits you most. As you can see, huge arrays of choices are available when it comes to hand-sets, long and short term contracts and pre-paid card. The GSM 900/1800 system is the network standard for Germany. Note that it is not compatible with North American or Japanese systems (with a few exceptions). GSM coverage is comprehensive, with all major carriers. Please keep in mind, that driving while using a mobile phone without a hands-free kit is against the law in Germany. There are several providers which can be compared concerning prices of basic charge, connections to other mobiles or to fixed networks, SMS, MMS, flatrate and so on. Mobile providers in Germany are for example: O2, E-plus, TMobile, Vodafone, Debitel, BASE, Jamba, Tele2, VIVA and many more. Tip: As there are many different tariffs with special contract conditions it is advisable to compare the different providers and to read the fine print (i.e. conditions of flat rate, minimum volume, basic fee etc.). A lot of students take up the tariff, Genion of the mobile provider O2. It offers the option to have some kind of fixed network through a so-called Homezone. Within this Homezone, the user has to pay prices comparable to normal fixed networks. The mailbox is free of charge if you are present in your Homezone. The homezone area is a radius of about 500 metres from your residence. It can be recognised by a small house symbol in the display of the mobile. Outside of this area the user has to pay the prices for mobile connections. Tip: Ask for student specials. Some provider offer special tariffs for students. 6.5. SECURITY Police The German police are responsible for the maintenance of security within Germany. It is the executive authority to represent the legal system. Although it can happen of course, rowdyish delinquency is relatively seldom in Germany. Particularly in more dangerous areas of the big cities (e.g. near railway stations) there is some risk. Most of these and further small incidents are delinquency in streets like robberies at small shops and smaller thefts. In bigger cities you should pay attention to your bags! In case of emergency call: 110 (Police) Fire brigade

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The fire brigade is an aid organisation. It is their function to provide assistance at accidents, flooding and blasts. They rescue, protect and recover people, animals and material assets. Their major task is to rescue, which is the top priority. In case of emergency call: 112 (Fire Brigade and Ambulance) 6.6. MEDICAL CARE AND FIRST AID Medical care and First Aid are of Utmost importance. Especially in a foreign county, the significance increases especially for students. Germany has a brilliant medical care system, analogous to any developed county in the world. Thanks to the compulsory health insurance mentioned in section 5.4, all medical care is free for the insured individual and his dependents. Pharmacies Apothekes In Germany you can only get medicines in pharmacies. They should not be confused with Drogerien where only cough mixtures and other harmless preparations can be found. There are also some internet pharmacies where you can get medicines sometimes cheaper than in normal pharmacies (i.e. www.Deutscheinternetapotheke.de). There are two types of medicines: freely-available and only on prescription. The latter will only be given to you if a doctor has prescribed them. The German Medical Preparations Act is very strict and some medicines, which may be freely-available in your own country (antibiotics, for example), Always have to prescribed by a doctor. You have to pay the full price for medicine which is not prescribed by a doctor and there are even some medicines the doctor prescribes that you have to pay in full. The additional contributions you have to pay for prescribed medicine you will find under headword health care/health insurance. The on-duty pharmacies on weekends and holidays can be found in the local newspaper "Hofer Anzeiger" or in the internet at www.apotheken.de. Simply fill in "Wuppertal" or the relevant postal code.

This is the sign for pharmacies in Germany:

Doctors If you need a medical treatment call the doctor and make an appointment. If it is urgent you should tell this to the medical secretary. This is necessary for an appointment immediately or at least on the same day. Do carry your health insurance card when visiting the doctor, or otherwise the doctor will not treat you. There are no consultation charges, as the insurance company pays the same directly to the doctor. However, the doctor would charge a onetime fee of 10 . Emergency calls/Hospital
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There are state hospitals (non-profit organisations) and private hospitals. If you are sent to a hospital, the health insurance company will pay for the treatment, but you have to pay a hospitalization fee (see headword health insurance) and 10 consultation fee if you do not have a referral from your doctor, which you usually do not have in case of emergency. In case of emergency call: 112 (Fire Brigade and Ambulance) If you are on a motorway, use one of the orange emergency call boxes which are frequently found.

6.7. WASTE RECYCLING IN GERMANY In Germany, environmental protection is an important topic. People who live in Germany have to take responsibility for the environment by separating their waste and throwing it into the designated containers. As Germany is not a big country, it is important to keep the volume of waste as minimal as possible. There are different containers for the different types of waste:

Green box - Used paper What should be thrown in the container for used paper? Newspapers, journals, prospectuses, correspondences, cardboard boxes (for instance of biscuits) What should not be thrown in the container for used paper? Crinkled cardboard, paper tissues, nappies, sanitary products, dirty paper, parchment paper, photographic paper, coloured tinker paper, carbon paper, What happens with the used paper? Used paper is one of the most important resources of the paper- and carton industry. One fibre can be recycled several times. Yellow box Products with Green dot What should be thrown in the yellow box?
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In the yellow boxes, all packages should be thrown which have a green dot (Der Grne Punkt) on it, i.e. plastic joghurt cans, tins, carton from compound (milk, juices etc.) What should not be thrown in the yellow box? Glass, paper and carton What happens with the waste? The waste will be recycled in special recycling assets Dark Grey box - Residual waste What should be thrown in the container for residual waste? Cooked food, fish and meat, bones, flour and milk products, cat litter, ash, nappies, vacuum cleaner bag, broken electric bulbs, anhydrous emulsion paint, broken porcelain, dirty paper, sanitary towels, paper tissues, condoms, butts etc. What should not be thrown in the container for residual waste? Paper, paperboard, carton, glass, biological waste, pollutants, building rubble, bulky waste What happens with the residual waste? The residual waste will be burnt in a waste incinerator Brown box - Biological waste What should be thrown in the container for biological waste? From the househould: eggshells, food leavings, vegetable leavings, coffee leavings, bones, kitchen rags, fruit leavings, paper tissues From the garden: garden or flower rubbish, wilted posies, greenery, saw dust, grass, potted plants, pest plants. What happens with the waste? Biological waste is valuable. It will be followed up to composted earth. It replaces fertiliser and turf. Coloured boxes for glass - Glass container What should be thrown in the glass container? Empty bottles for which you do not get deposit if you bring them back to the shop or supermarket and other empty glasses (i.e. of groceries or deodorants without cap). What should not be thrown in the glass container? Light bulbs, phosphor lamps, stoneware, window glass and silex What happens with the recovered glass? Only with well sorted glass is it possible to produce high quality glass once again. Glass manufacturers melt the glass at around 1550 degrees and new bottles and glasses will be made out of this. Tip: There is a deposit for a lot of bottles which you get back if you bring the bottle back to the shop or supermarket. If you have to pay deposit for a certain bottle it is normally written on the bottle itself or at the price label. Deposit = Pfand
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6.8. GERMAN POST German post offices and letter boxes could be recognised by the yellow sign with a black post horn on it. The German post clears each letter box individually. Hours of clearance can be found at the sign on each letter box.

Letters within Germany reach the addressee normally within 1 day, letters within Europe take 2-3 days and worldwide letters take 3-8 days. Prices of letters/postcards national: Postcards - 0.45 Standardbrief (up to 20g) - 0.55 Kompaktbrief (up to 50g) - 0.90 Grobrief (up to 500g) - 1.45 Maxibrief (up to 1000g) - 2.20 6.9. HYGIENE IN GERMANY Bathrooms in Germany In a German bathroom you normally find a toilet, shower and a wash basin. Sometimes you also find a bath tub in combination with a shower. More seldom you can find a bidet. A wall closet with mirror provides space for all sanitary products. Using toilets: Germans raise the toilet lid but they leave the toilet seat down After using the toilet Germans use toilet paper to clean themselves They put the toilet paper inside the toilet The toilet is then flushed and if it is still dirty, they use the bog brush (available in the toilet usually) to clean it Afterwards Germans close the toilet lid and wash their hands with soap Most Germans expect men to sit down at the toilet if there is no urinal Beauty care: Hairdressers could be found in every city and even in many smaller villages. Hand and nail care requisites are obtainable at nail studios. Foot care is commonly accomplished by a medical foot care Tip: Please note that in Germany services are more expensive than in many other countries. Moreover there are considerable differences in prices of services. A haircut
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(washing-cutting-styling) usually costs anywhere in the range of 10 to 50 . therefore be advisable to buy hair-trimming machines.

It would

6.10. TRAFFIC IN GERMANY Traffic is Right-handed in Germany unlike India. So there are chances of surprises when you would want to cross a street. Its more confusing and challenging to drive a 4-wheeler here, even if you have experience in driving, thanks to the stringent traffic norms and regulations. Driving License: If you will be establishing residency in Germany, your driver's license is valid for six months from the date when permanent residency is established, which in practice is generally assumed to be the date you enter the country. You will have to obtain a German driver's license in order to continue driving after that six month grace period expires. If your residency will be for longer than six months but less than one year (and you can legally prove it), you can obtain a six month extension to use your existing license. After one year, one has to get the Official driving license from Germany to continue driving. The following link gives extensive information about all modes of transportation in Germany. http://www.gettingaroundgermany.info/verkehr.htm

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7. EXPERIENCE QUOTES ABOUT BUW BUW is a very good University, loaded with technical and educational facilities required for a student RAVINDRA AMBATI (Phd Student)

The statement of emphasis is on quality of education here in BUW PRAKASH RATHINASAMI (MSc Student)

World class education at a low tuition fee. This is Germany for an aspiring student from India SATHEESH PALANISAMI (MSc Student)

German Education system adopts a practical approach towards education NARENDRA KOMARLA (MSc Student)

Youve got to experience this to Believe SHASHIBHUSHAN PATIL (MSc Student)

You get an insight towards the German culture and language in the Sprachlehrinstitut (language center) here at the University of Wuppertal SUKHENDU NANDI (Phd Student)

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