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FAQs for exchange students and Freemover

Contact person: For further information, please contact the coordinator of your program directly.

Accommodation

I require a specific kind of accommodation because of a medical condition (personal fridge for the storage of medication, barrier-free etc.)

If this is your case, the International Office and the Department of Student Housing (Studentenwerk) can analyze different options for you. Fill this in on the online application under “Special needs.” However, please also get in touch with Ms. Homann (ERASMUS – Freemover EU) or Ms. Waterplas (Overseas; Freemover Weltweit; Degree-Seekers) before your departure, so that this process might start as soon as possible.

The Philipps-Universität Marburg also has a barrier-free dormitory. This student residence hall provides a mixed-living environment for both people with and without a physical disability: http://www.studentenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/schlosswohnheime/konrad-biesalski-haus.html.
What should I fill in under “preferred dormitory”? (Mobility-Online)

If you have a medical condition, see above.

If you would like, you can read about the different dormitories at http://www.studentenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen.html and indicate your preference. However, there is absolutely no guarantee that you will receive a room in the dormitory indicated. This will be decided by the Department of Student housing (Studentenwerk) and is not always possible.

If you would like to live with a specific person, see below.
I want to live in the same building as my friend, is this possible?

You can mark this preference under “preferred dormitory” (both of you). However, there is absolutely no guarantee that you will be in the same dormitory / place. This is not always possible because the decision is made by the Department of Student Housing (Studentenwerk).
Can I move into the dormitory earlier?

(see section orientation program)
My program (Freemover, Rotary etc.) does not offer a room in the dormitory, what can I do?

Please begin looking for a room in Marburg as soon as possible. Please do not underestimate the difficulty of finding a room in Marburg.

If you are in need of tips or help about the possibilities, please get in touch with us under wohnen-international@verwaltung.uni-marburg.de.

A few options include the following:

You can try to book a room in one of the university dormitories, but the waiting list is of about 10 months http://www.studentenwerk-marburg.de/de/wohnen/online-bewerbung.html. Registering here guarantees you a room in the “emergency dormitory” upon your arrival. This is however a room shared with several other people and you can stay there for a maximum of one month.
Another possibility is to book a so-called “Servicepacket” which guarantees you a living place for 6 months http://www.studentenwerk-marburg.de/de/wohnen/service/servicepaket.html --> we highly recommend this option for Freemover students.
Look for a room on the private market (http://www.marbuch-verlag.de/okaz/okaz.asp?rubrik=63&show=1&PageID=1 ; http://www.wg-gesucht.de/ are two of the possibilities).
Are the rooms furnished/Are there cooking utensils in the kitchen/Which facilities are available?

See http://www.studentenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen.html. The rooms of the university are furnished and there is also bed linen (can be changed regularly).

Concerning the kitchen, it depends on where exactly you live. It is possible that your (former) roommates have bought pans, cutlery, and other utensils which they are willing to share. However, this is not always the case. You may have to buy what you need when you arrive in Marburg.
Is there internet in all of the dormitories?

Unfortunately not. See http://www.studentenwerk-marburg.de/wohnen/faq.html and http://www.uni-marburg.de/international/dat/orientierungsheft.pdf (p.44)

If your room does not have an internet connection, you have three options:

1.) either you can ask one of your roommates if they want to share their internet connection for a small fee (5-10€);

2.) you can register for an internet connection (which might be difficult if you stay only for one semester or for a year); or

3.) you can get mobile internet access by purchasing a UMTS stick.
From what date on and until when will my room be booked?

Beginning: For students who have booked a room through mobility online we book the rooms starting March 1 (summer semester)/ September 1 (winter semester), if you take part in the intensive language class and from April 1 (summer semester)/October 1 (winter semester) if you do not participate in the intensive class.

You can move into your dormitory room at the earliest on the first day of the orientation program you registered for. If you did not register for the orientation program, we will automatically book a room for you on the first weekday of October (in a winter semester) or on the first weekday of April (in a summer semester).

It is unfortunately not possible to move into your dormitory earlier. This is because the dormitories will still be occupied until the end of the month by former residents and the rooms also have to be cleaned; also, the Studentenwerk (Student Housing Department) is not open during the weekends or public holidays (e.g. October 3rd).

Ending: The rooms are booked until the month where the last classes take place (i.e. July 31 in a summer semester; February 28/29 in a winter semester), for one or two semesters, depending on how long you will be staying.

Caution: If you would like to change anything (e.g. want to arrive in April instead of in March and not take part in the language class), please contact Ms. Homann, Ms. Waterplas, Ms. Batbaatar or Mr. Diehlmann. This is important since we will have to adapt your room reservation.

Health and Insurance

Will my health insurance be recognized in Germany?

If you are a European or EEA resident: yes. Please bring your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you. It has to be checked by a German statutory health insurance (possible during the orientation week).

If you are from another country: in this case, the criteria of our local immigration office (Ausländerbehörde) apply, i.e. you are required to get a statutory health insurance. This is possible during the orientation week. A German statutory health insurance costs ca. 90€/month.

If you need to apply for a visa before arriving in Germany: you can already contact a statutory health insurance company before applying for a visa: this company can issue a document stating that you will get into their insurance starting October 1 (winter semester) or April 1 (summer semester). If you would like a list of statutory health insurances that have offices in Marburg, please contact us!

Caution! If you arrive in March or September (to participate in the language class), you will have to be insured by your home insurance or a travel insurance for the duration of this month (March or September). The reason behind this is that if you take out a German health insurance before your arrival or during the orientation week (1st week of March or 1st week of September), it will only be valid starting from the first month of classes i.e. April or October. If you arrive in April or October there will not be a problem.

! Students over 30 cannot get into a statutory health insurance and are therefore recommended to take out a private health insurance ! To get information on private health insurances, please contact us!
My medical condition requires me to have a specific care regularly (disability, psychological treatment). What are the possibilities at the Philipps-Universität Marburg?

As this varies case by case, please get in touch with Ms. Homann (ERASMUS – Freemover EU) or Ms. Waterplas (Overseas; Freemover Weltweit; Degree-Seekers) as soon as possible before your departure.
My medical condition requires a specific kind of accommodation (personal fridge for the storage of medication, barrier-free etc.)

(see section accommodation)
I have to take a specific medication regularly. Will it be available in Germany?

It is possible that the medication is not available under the same form and that it has to be prepared especially for you. It is also possible that the medication is subjected to specific regulations and therefore not available in Germany.

You can also decide to take the medication with you for the duration of your stay (if possible). For large amounts of medication, there are specific customs regulations.

If you are uncertain about this and as this varies case by case, please get in touch with Ms. Homann (ERASMUS – Freemover EU) or Ms. Waterplas (Overseas; Freemover Weltweit; Degree-Seekers) as soon as possible before your departure.

Application form upload (Mobility-Online)

How can I upload both pages of the application form on mobility online?

You either scan both pages at once or use free online tools to combine both scans (e.g. https://www.pdfmerge.com/).
Should I upload an ID-picture?

Not necessarily. The picture will appear on your automatically generated application form. It will not be used for other official documents.

Orientation program

Can I move into the dormitory earlier?

If you made a room reservation through mobility online, you can move into your dormitory room at the earliest on the first day of the orientation program you registered for. If you did not register for the orientation program, we will automatically book a room for you on the first weekday of October (in a winter semester) or on the first weekday of April (in a summer semester).

It is unfortunately not possible to move into your dormitory earlier. This is because the dormitories will still be occupied until the end of the month by former residents and the rooms also have to be cleaned; also, the Studentenwerk (Student Housing department) is not open during the weekends or public holidays (e.g. October 3rd).

Our advice is that you book a room for the night(s) before the orientation program. Our local youth hostel (Jugendherberge) is probably one of the cheapest options ( http://www.jugendherberge.de/en/youth-hostels/marburg495/ShortPortraet). Another possibility is the http://hostel-marburg-one.de/eng which is directly in the train station and also one of the cheapest options. If you decide to do so, it would be a good idea to book in advance since a lot of our exchange students will be staying there as well before the orientation week. Please mind the reception hours of the places you book.

But of course there are many others options available: http://www.tourismus.marburg.de/.
What are the arrival times for the program?

On the first day of the program, the arrival time is 9 am. You can arrive at the latest until 3:30 pm. If you arrive later, see „I will arrive late on the first day or I will arrive on another day”
How can I get to Marburg? (Train/Bus)

You can look up the timetables for trains at http://www.bahn.de/i/view/DEU/en/index.shtml.

Please pay attention while looking for trains: there is a difference between

(1) the ICE;

(2) the “Fernverkehr” (IC/EC -trains) and

(3) the “Nahverkehr” (RE, S, HLB etc.) trains.

They have different prices (ICE is the most expensive, "Nahverkehr" is the cheapest) BUT also, for example, you cannot travel on an IC with a “Nahverkehr”-ticket or the other way round. If you do you will probably receive a fine.

The prices for the “Nahverkehr”-trains, if not available on bahn.de, can be found here: http://www.rmv.de/en/

Please get off at Marburg Hauptbahnhof; NOT at Marburg Südbahnhof.

If you land in Frankfurt Hahn, keep in mind that you will still be 2 hours away from Frankfurt. There are no trains from/to Frankfurt Hahn, so you will have to take the bus http://www.bohr.de/en/scheduled-services/bus-routes (14€/person).
Where will the orientation program take place? How can I get to Marburg/to the "university library" (March) / to the "Milchbar" (April)? (bus/train)

You can look up the timetables for trains at https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml.

Please pay attention while looking for trains: there is a difference between

(1) the ICE;

(2) the “Fernverkehr”/long-distance (IC/EC -trains) and

(3) the “Nahverkehr”/local (RE, S, HLB etc.) trains.

Different prices and tickets apply for the trains (ICE is the most expensive, "Nahverkehr" is the cheapest). Therefore, you cannot travel on an IC with a “Nahverkehr”-ticket or the other way round. If you do you will probably receive a fine!

The prices for the “Nahverkehr”-trains, if not available on www.bahn.com, can be found here: https://www.rmv.de/c/en/start/

Please get off at Marburg Hauptbahnhof; NOT at Marburg Südbahnhof.

If you arrive at the airport Frankfurt Hahn, keep in mind that you will still be 2 hours away from Frankfurt. There are no trains from/to Frankfurt Hahn, so you will have to take the bus http://www.bohr.de/en/scheduled-services/bus-routes (14€/person).

Tip: Marburg (Lahn) = Marburg Hauptbahnhof (main station)

The orientation program from March is in the University library. The address is Deutschhausstr. 9 (https://goo.gl/maps/AA5zTGxB7NS2).

You can get there:

- on foot,

- by bus (get off at the stop “Elisabethkirche” or “Volkshochschule”. The buses are in front of the Hauptbahnhof, Main train station). There are buses regularly. Timetables are available at: https://www.rmv.de/c/en/start/)

- by taxi (there will be some in front of the Hauptbahnhof).

The orientation program from April is in the Milchbar, in the building of the Studentenwerk. The address is Erlenring 5 (https://goo.gl/maps/KtHYNZFMRp82).

You can get there:

- on foot,

- by bus (get off at the stop “Rudolphsplatz”. The buses are in front of the Hauptbahnhof, Main train station). There are buses regularly. Timetables are available at: https://www.rmv.de/c/en/start/)

- by taxi (there will be some in front of the Hauptbahnhof).
I will arrive late on the first day or I will arrive on another day.

Please inform Ms. Waterplas in advance if you know you will be delayed. We will inform the Student Housing Department (Studentenwerk) so that they keep your room reservation.

If you arrive late on the first day of the orientation week (i.e. after 3:30 pm), you have two options: book a ho(s)tel or call the emergency phone [+49 (0) 176 75430606], you can then stay in an emergency dorm (room shared with other students, non-mixed) until the next work day. If you arrive on another day, please contact your program coordinator.

! This service (emergency number) is only available during the orientation week !
I changed my mind and want to come in April instead of March / in October instead of September (or the other way round).

This is not a problem. However, do contact Ms. Homann (Erasmus – Freemover EU) or Ms. Waterplas (Overseas; Freemover Weltweit; Degree-Seekers) and inform them, so that they can cancel/book the language course and keep/adapt your room reservation.
How much does the orientation program cost?

The orientation program is free of charge.
How much does the pre-session class "Studying in Marburg" for international students cost?

The total fee for tuition, class materials, and excursion amounts to 300€.

Exchange students from LLP/ Erasmus pay a contribution of 150 € for the course fee. The remaining fee will be covered out of the Erasmus fund.
Students coming to Marburg through bilateral university partnerships or as so-called Freemovers will pay the entire course fee out of their own pocket (300€).
A few students from a very small number of partner universities in the US which have a special arrangement with Philipps-Universität Marburg will pay no fee (e.g. Hessen-Wisconsin).
Can I arrive later for the language class “Pre-session class “Studying in Marburg” for international students“? (and not participate in the orientation program)

This is definitely not recommended for three reasons:

1)      You will not arrive at the same time as the other students, who will already know each other and have started classes.

2)      If you want to obtain a grade/credits for your participation in the language class, you may only miss class three times. For example, if you arrive on day 4, you will not be able to miss any more classes after that.

3)      You will have to do all the administrative tasks (health insurance checks, opening a bank account, paying the semester fee and language course fee, etc.) by yourself if you do not participate in the orientation week, BUT STILL at the same time participate in the language class…

… but it is possible.

However, if you arrive later, please contact Ms. Binja Homann (ERASMUS) or Ms. Veerle Waterplas (Overseas; Freemover; Degree-Seekers) so that they can keep your room reservation!

Classes/courses

Where can I find the classes for the semester that I will be in Germany?

Vorlesungsverzeichnis anzeigen - Philipps-Universität Marburg - Philipps-Universität Marburg (uni-marburg.de)

You can change the semster via the "Semester" drop-down field on the top left side.
Why are there so few classes for next semester?

Each department puts its classes online at a different period of time. Generally, we recommend checking the classes every week. By the end of January (summer semester) or the end of July (winter semester), most of the classes will probably be online. However, it is possible that some are added later on.

So that you can get an idea of the offer, we recommend that you check out classes from the previous summer and winter semesters. A lot of classes are offered on a regular basis and will therefore probably be available in the upcoming semesters.
Do I have to register for classes?

Yes. However, you normally still have time to do so after arriving in Germany.
We would advise you to register as soon as you can for classes with a limited amount of participants (see below). These are mostly so-called (Pro)Seminars or Übungen.

You can register by clicking on “belegen” (see below). This is only possible after you have received your Matrikel-number from us (approx. end of July / beginning of August for a winter semester; approx. end of January/beginning of February for a summer semester) and registered on the following website: http://uni-marburg.de/r28T0. Please do not forget your username and password! The procedure to apply for a new one is complicated.
I have a specific question regarding a class (Lecturer/ECTS/Test, etc.).

Since there are many different classes and departments, please ask your departmental coordinator http://www.uni-marburg.de/international/aus/stud/aust/erasmus/fbkoord
Are there any classes taught in English?

Yes. https://qis.uni-marburg.de/qisserver/rds?state=change&type=5&moduleParameter=veranstaltungSearch&nextdir=change&next=search.vm&subdir=veranstaltung&_form=display&function=search&clean=y&category=veranstaltung.search&navigationPosition=lectures%2Csearch&breadcrumb=searchLectures&topitem=lectures&subitem=search

In the drop-down menu at the bottom of the page, choose “Englisch” next to “Unterrichtssprache”/”Language of Instruction”
Where can I take German classes?

There are different possibilities:

Sprachenzentrum (Language Center) of the Philipps-Universität
Volkshochschule Marburg (fee-paying, placement test necessary) Caution: the beginning and ending of classes at the Volkshochschule and the university do not match!

Offer for Incomings of FB09 Germanistik (German Department):
(Deutsch für ausländische Studierende der germanistischen Fächer)

Caution! These classes can be attended according to a ranking list: since these classes are financed by the ERASMUS-program, ERASMUS students from the German department have priority to register for the classes "Ausspracheübungen" and "Textlesen". If there are any places left, other incoming students from the German department can attend and in the last place, incoming students from other departments)

You will also find more information on those classes of the German Department here: Courses - Courses - German Studies and Arts - Philipps-Universität Marburg (uni-marburg.de)

Sprachenzentrum

Studienkolleg Mittelhessen

Speak + Write (fee-paying, placement test necessary)
Does the orientation program also offer any special insight for my department?

During the orientation program, there will be a campus rally, where you will get basic information about the department where you will be studying.

During the orientation programs in April and October, a meeting with your faculty coordinator will also be organized. People arriving in March and September are also invited to attend this meeting.

Each department also offers an orientation program for its students (lead by currently enrolled students): http://www.uni-marburg.de/studium/studienanfaenger/oe-uebersicht
What is a Vorlesung/Übung/Seminar?

Vorlesung means lecture in English. During a lecture, a professor presents the subject matter and students listen and take notes. The test will cover the subject matter presented.

An Übung is a class, where you learn things by doing different exercises. An Übung could also be a course that accompanies/complements a Vorlesung/Seminar. The test form may vary.

A Seminar is a class, generally with a small group of students who discuss different subjects with each other and the lecturer. You will generally be required to hold a Referat (a brief oral presentation on a certain topic) and to write a Hausarbeit (A paper generally about 15-20 pages long).
What is an LP? What are ECTS? How does the grading work in Germany?

An LP is a Leistungspunkt; it refers to the credit system.

ECTS means European Credit Transfer & Accumulation System. It is the general system used in the EU.

Concerning the grades, your faculty may use two different systems: from 1 to 5 or from 1 to 15.
Can I obtain a summary of the courses I attend and the grades I got? / Can I get a Transcript of Records? / What is a Belegliste? (mobility online)

Yes. To do so, you will have to complete the Belegliste on mobility online. You will receive more information about the Belegliste during the orientation program. You do not have to fill it out beforehand. Only for ERASMUS students: please do not forget to hand in your Learning Agreement before your arrival here.
Until when do I have to stay in Germany to be able to attend all classes and take all tests?

You can find the beginning ("Vorlesungsbeginn") and ending ("Vorlesungsende") of classes here: https://www.uni-marburg.de/studium/formalia/im_studium/termine
We usually recommend, if possible, to stay 1-2 week(s) after the end of classes, so that, in case you have to take an exam after the end of classes, you will be able to do so. If it should happen that you have to take an exam after your departure (this is however seldom) please talk to the lecturer at the beginning of classes to see if s/he would be willing to let you take the test at an earlier date.
For students with a room reservation: we have booked your room until the end of the month in which the classes end (i.e. July 31 in a summer semester; February 28/29 in a winter semester), so that you should also take this into account for you departure date.

Costs + Information on the Semesterbeitrag (semester contribution)

What costs can I expect in Marburg?

You will find more information about costs you can expect during your stay in Marburg in this brochure (p.8, English version).
Please be aware that this list also includes costs that do NOT recur on a MONTHLY basis, e.g. the deposit for your accomodation (has to be paid once and will be reimbursed when you move out) and the semester fee (has to be paid every semester).

If you take part in the pre-session class "Studying in Marburg" for International Students from the Sprachenzentrum, please keep in mind that you will have to pay the participation fee (see section orientation program).

Please also keep in mind that, as a non-EU member, you might have to open up a so-called "blocked account" (Sperrkonto) to apply for your visa/ residence permit. This will also involve some costs (see the above-mentioned brochure, p.12-13, English version). In order to make sure what kind of proof of financial resources you need to present in order to apply for your visa/ residence permit, please get in touch with the German embassy of your country.
I am an ERASMUS student / an exchange student / a scholarship student / a Hessen-Wisconsin student / an ISEP-student etc., do I have to pay the semester contribution?

Yes. All students enrolled at the Philipps-Universität Marburg have to pay the semester contribution. It covers, amongst others, the price for your semester ticket, which allows you to travel for free on all buses and trains in Hessen (and a few cities close to Hessen).

However, exchange students (i.e. all students not studying to get a degree from Marburg) have to pay 50€ (administrative costs) less than regular students at the university.

You will find the current semester contribution here: http://www.uni-marburg.de/studium/formalia/im_studium/beitraegegebuehren

The only exchange students who do not have to pay separately for the semester contribution are students who purchased a so-called Servicepaket (mostly Freemover students who do not have a room reservation) but only because they already paid for it by purchasing this Servicepaket.
Do I have to pay for the semester contribution (and language class fee) before my arrival in Marburg?

To pay for the semester contribution and language class fee (if you are participating), you have two options:

1) You can pay during the orientation week: we will open a free German student checking account with you during the orientation week (on day 2). It will be active on day 4. It will then work like this: you will go to the bank with your tutors and put money in cash on your German account; then you will give an order of transfer to the university to pay for the semester contribution (and language class fee).

Note: If you don’t want to take this much money with you on your trip to Marburg (which is perfectly understandable), you could ask your bank at home if it would be possible to withdraw the total amount in Germany at an ATM. In this case, it would be a good idea to compare what the costs for a withdrawal in Germany would be in comparison to changing your money to Euros (Caution: not possible in Marburg, closest possibility: Frankfurt am Main). For the rest of your stay, you can transfer any amount you would like on your German account so you don’t have to pay extra for every transaction you make. Since this may take a couple of days for this transaction to arrive on your German account, we advise that you take enough money with you (or withdraw it in Germany) to cover expenses for the first couple of days (e.g. for buying food etc.).

2) Or you can pay from your current account (in that case, please bring the proofs of payment with you during the orientation week) but keep in mind that you will probably have to pay associated costs (especially with non-EU accounts), which might in the end be relatively high, for each transfer you make.

The account information for the transfer of the semester contribution can be found here. The account information for the language class changes every semester; if you want to know this information, please contact Ms. Homann or Ms. Waterplas.

Not advised: Checks are rarely used as a payment method in Germany. Our current experience is that students who try to pay for the semester fee with checks have to wait several weeks for the payment to be effective. Therefore, we do not advise payments by check.

Visa and residence permit

How should I apply for a visa?

Depending on your citizenship, you might be required to apply for a visa before being allowed to travel to Germany. Please refer to our orientation brochure (p.9) to find out whether or not you need to apply for a visa. If you do, please make an appointment with the German embassy as soon as possible so that you have an appointment soon enough. For the documentation required, please refer to the embassy.
How should I apply for a student residence permit?

If you come from a country whose citizens are not required to apply for a visa to enter Germany and intend to stay here for longer than 3 months or if you have a visa but are intending to stay longer than the duration of this visa, you have to apply for a student residence permit. In our orientation brochure (p.17-18) you will find information about the documents you will need to apply for a residence permit. During the orientation program or in the International Office, we can help you to fill in the form for this application.

If you come from a country whose citizens are not required to apply for a visa to enter Germany: please get information before your departure from the local German embassy about what kind of proof of sufficient financial resources you can provide and how to do so.