Universität Trier

Winter Semester 2013/14
Summer Semester 2014
Institution of Higher Education
Universität Trier (Trier University)
D-54286 Trier
Tel.: (+49) *651 201 - 0
www.uni-trier.de
ERASMUS-Code
D TRIER01
EUC reference number
28770-IC-1-2007-1-DE-ERASMUS-EUCX-1
Information for international students
www.incomings.uni-trier.de
www.exchangestudents.uni-trier.de
International Office
Address:
Universität Trier
Akademisches Auslandsamt
D-54286 Trier
Tel.:
Fax:
E-Mail:
(+49) *651 201 - 2806
(+49) *651 201 - 3914
[email protected]
Institutional
ERASMUS Coordinator,
Director International Office
Ms. Birgit Roser
Coordinator,
Outgoing Students
Europe, North America, Australia:
Asia and Latin America:
Ms. Anne Freihoff
Ms. Agnes Schindler
Tel.:
(+49) *651 201 - 2809
Fax:
(+49) *651 201 - 3914
E-Mail: [email protected]
Tel.:
(+49) *651 201 - 3831
Fax:
(+49) *651 201 - 3914
E-Mail: [email protected]
Coordinator,
Incoming Students
Tel.:
Fax:
E-Mail:
(+49) *651 201 - 2807
(+49) *651 201 - 3914
[email protected]
Mr. Carsten Kluger
Tel.:
Fax:
E-Mail:
(+49) *651 201 - 2808
(+49) *651 201 - 3914
[email protected]
Application deadline
for summer semester: January 15
for winter semester: July 1
Application Procedure
www.exchange-admission.uni-trier.de
Overview: www.unitrier.de/fileadmin/international/international/Downloads/incomings/New_
Application_Procedure.pdf
Timetable
(d/m/y)
Orientation Programme
Cost:
19.09.2013 - 11.10.2013
€ 180,00
Winter semester 2013/14
Lectures begin:
Lectures end:
14.10.2013
07.02.2014
Vacation
Christmas:
Other holidays:
Orientation Programme
Cost:
23.12.2013 - 03.01.2014
03.10.2013, 01.11.2013
27.03.2014 - 17.04.2014
€ 180,00
Lectures begin:
Lectures end:
22.04.2014
25.07.2014
Vacation
Pentecost:
Other holidays:
Mr. Carsten Kluger
09.06.2014 - 13.06.2014
01.05.2014, 29.05.2014, 19.06.2014
Timetable
(d/m/y)
Summer semester 2014
Accommodation (for exchange students)
Tel.:
Fax:
E-Mail:
Health Insurance
Social Fee/TUNIKA (mandatory)
Course Catalogue
(+ 49) *651 201 - 2808
(+ 49) *651 201 - 3914
[email protected]
Students from the EU: European Health Insurance Card or E 111
Otherwise: legally required health insurance (Student insurance is
approximately € 75,00 per month)
approximately € 220,00 for initial registration
approximately € 210,00 for registration renewal (for a 2nd semester)
The TUNIKA (student identification) entitles to free usage of public
transport in the city of Trier, of the trains between Trier and Saarbrücken
as well as Trier and Koblenz for a whole semester.
http://vorlesungsverzeichnis.uni-trier.de
The course catalogue is published at the end of July (for the following
winter semester) and in mid-February (for the following summer
semester).
Further information from faculties and departments:
www.faecher.uni-trier.de
Semester Programme
German Courses
During each semester the International Office offers a semester
programme: excursions, cultural events etc. for international but also for
German students.
Optional German courses are available.
Course description: www.unitrier.de/fileadmin/international/international/Downloads/incomings/Trier
_University_-_German_as_a_Foreign_Language_courses.pdf
Class allocation follows the placement test at the beginning of a semester.
International Summer Course
(d/m/y)
04.08.2014 - 29.08.2014
A summer language course for international students is offered every
year in August.
Cost: approximately € 850,00 (fees and accommodation)
www.ifk.uni-trier.de
Welcome to Trier
Dear exchange students,
The city of Trier and Trier University are delighted that you have chosen
to study in Trier for your exchange programme and we look forward to
welcoming­you to one of the most beautiful regions of Germany.
In order to make preparation for your stay easier, the International
Office­ has put together this brochure for you, which contains some
­essential information about studying in Trier.
International Office,
hereafter abbreviated
as AAA: Akademisches
Auslandsamt, frequently
abbreviated as AAA
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the
­appropriate member of staff at the International Office. We will be happy
to help you.
We wish you a safe journey to Trier and a rewarding experience during
your stay, both personally and academically.
Your International Office Team, Trier University
P.S.: You can also find the information in this brochure online, by visiting
www.exchangestudents.uni-trier.de
Your contact person is the Incoming Students Coordinator
Carsten Kluger, M.A.
[email protected]
Tel.: +49 | 651 | 201-2808
Fax: +49 | 651 | 201-3914
Postal address:Visitor address:
Universität Trier Universität Trier
Akademisches AuslandsamtCampus I
D-54286 TrierV-Building
DeutschlandRoom V 20b
1
Table of Contents
1. Before departing for Trier..................................................................................5
1.1 Application process for exchange students��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
Online application procedure������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 5
The application form for exchange students ����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 5
The registration form for the orientation programme����������������������������������������������������������������������� 6
The application form for allocation of accommodation through the AAA�������������������������������� 6
1.2. Entry and visa requirements�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 7
1.3. Health insurance������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 8
1.4. Cost of living and studying in Trier������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
1.5. Important documents that you need to bring��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� 9
2. Travelling to and arriving in Trier............................................................... 10
2.1. The journey����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������10
2.2. On arriving in Trier�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������12
2.3. Overnight accommodation at short notice�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������13
3. Your first few weeks in Trier�������������������������������������������������������������������������� 15
3.1. The orientation programme�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������15
3.2. The student ID card – the “TUNIKA”���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������17
2
4. Studying at Trier University���������������������������������������������������������������������������19
4.1. Trier University �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������19
4.2. The academic year �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������22
4.3. Faculties and departments ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������23
4.4. Courses�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������24
Choice of courses���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������25
Choosing and registering for your courses�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������26
Certificates and ECTS transcripts���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������26
4.5. Language tuition offered by the department for German as a Foreign Language���������������27
4.6. Extra-curricular student activities�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������27
Cultural activities at the University����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������27
University sport�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������28
The International Centre (I.C.)���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������28
The “Campus International” Project����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������28
5. Living in Trier������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ 30
5.1. The city of Trier��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������30
5.2. Historic sights in Trier�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������32
5.3. Free time in Trier�����������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������35
5.4. Important addresses and telephone numbers��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������36
3
4
1. Before departing to Trier
1.1 Application process for exchange students
Important: this information brochure is usually distributed together
with your admission letter, so it is possible that you have already
covered the following points. The information in this section is
therefore only relevant if you or your home university have not yet
sent off the appropriate application forms.
admission letter =
Zulassungsbescheid
Online Application Procedure
Students are required to apply online through the online application
­portal. The application process begins at:
l
l
the end of April for the following winter semester
the end of October for the following summer semester.
Current information regarding applications can be found by going to
www.exchange-admission.uni-trier.de.
The application forms
The following three application forms are available through the online
application portal from the beginning of the application process:
The application form for exchange students
You may only study at Trier University once you have been officially
admitted to pursue a course of study. In order for Trier University’s
­Admissions Office to be able to issue you an admission letter, you must
first apply online. After submitting your application online, you must
print out the application form, and send it by post to the AAA once it has
been signed by yourself and your programme coordinator.
University´s Admissions
Office =
Studentensekretariat
A printed and signed copy of your application must reach us by 1 July for
the following winter semester and 15 January for the following summer
semester.
5
Important: Your application form is only valid if your home university has confirmed your nomination by signing and stamping the
third page of your application form.
Registration form for the
orientation programme =
Anmeldeformular für das
Einführungsseminar
Information about the
content and set-up of the
orientation programme
can be found in the section
“3.1 Your first few weeks".
Application for admission
to study =
Antrag auf Zulassung zum
Studium
Application form for
­allocation of accommodation
through the AAA =
Auftrag zur ­Vermittlung
einer Unterkunft durch das
Akademische
Auslandsamt
www.studiwerk.de
The deposit will be returned
at the end of tenancy provided the room is left in an
appropriate state according
to the terms of the contract.
accommodation application­
form =
Auftrag zur Vermittlung
einer Unterkunft
application for admission to
study form =
Antrag auf Zulassung zum
Studium
Trier Student Services =
Studierendenwerk Trier
The registration form for the orientation programme
Each semester, in the three-and-a-half weeks before courses begin, the
AAA organizes an orientation programme. It offers comprehensive and
varied schedule of events, which helps international students get to
know the University and makes settling to life in Trier much easier.
Participation in the orientation programme is voluntary. If you decide to
take part in the orientation programme, which we strongly recommend
you do, please send the registration form together with your application
for admission to study to the AAA.
The application form for allocation of accommodation through the AAA
For students who are arriving from abroad shortly before the beginning of the semester, it is not often easy to find a room on the housing
market. The AAA has therefore a limited number of rooms available
for international students in the student halls of residence, which are
owned by Trier Student Services . The monthly room rent currently
ranges from Euro 240.00 to Euro 280.00. In addition, a deposit of Euro
350.00 is also payable per room.
We can only offer you a room in the halls of residence if you complete
and send us the “accommodation application” form together with your
“application for admission to study” form.
Important: Exchange programme students can and will be provided
with a room in the student residences of the “Studierendenwerk
Trier” solely through the AAA. Applications made directly to Trier
Student Services will be unsuccessful and are, therefore, pointless!
The allocation of rooms in the halls of residence takes place at the beginning of August for the following winter semester, and at the end
of January­for the following summer semester. The date of receipt of
6
your accommodation application is usually decisive for the allocation of
rooms. This means, the earlier you send off your application, the better
chance you have of getting a room in one of the halls of residence. All
students to whom the AAA is able to offer accommodation in a student
residence will receive an email within the time scale mentioned above
containing all the relevant information about their room.
If the AAA cannot offer you a room due to an exhausted room quota,
you will also be informed of this by email. Although we cannot offer you
accommodation, we will provide you with information about alternative
accommodation options in Trier but you are ultimately responsible for
searching for somewhere to live yourself.
Exchange programme students who wish to rent privately (for example,
in order to share with German students) are also responsible for finding a
room themselves. The AAA does not provide any private accommodation!
1.2 Entry and visa requirements
International students and ­applicants
who are citizens of any of the following countries do not require a visa
to enter Germany: European ­Union
member states, Iceland, Norway,
Switzerland, Australia, Israel, Japan,
Canada, Korea, New Zealand and the
USA.
Applicants from other countries require a visa that entitles the holder
to enter and study in Germany.
Important: Please note that a tourist visa does not entitle you to
study in Germany and a tourist visa cannot be converted into a
study visa after entering the country!
7
admission letter from Trier
University =
Zulassungsbescheid zum
Studium an der
Universität Trier
www.auswaertigesamt.de/EN
> Entry & Residence
In order to apply for a study visa at a German embassy or consulate
in your home country, you must present, amongst other­things, your
­admission letter from Trier University.
For information about further requirements for a visa application please
contact one of the diplomatic institutions representing Germany in your
home country, or alternatively visit the Federal Foreign Office website.
Federal Foreign Office =
Auswärtiges Amt
1.3 Health insurance
residence permit =
Aufenthaltserlaubnis
European Health Insurance
Card =
Europäische Krankenversicherungskarte
In order to be able to enrol at Trier University and to receive a ­residence
permit , you must be able to produce proof of your healthcare coverage.
Exchange programme students from member states of the European
Union, the European Economic Area or countries with which Germany­
has a social security/national insurance agreement can all prove
their healthcare entitlements with a European Health Insurance
Card (EHIC), an E111 form or other appropriate forms. For detailed
­information please contact the respective health insurance agency in
your home country.
Exchange programme students from all other countries can present
­either a state or a private health insurance policy from their home
­country as proof of their healthcare coverage.
Important: When issuing a residence permit, the German authorities will only recognise health insurance policies that guarantee to
provide sufficient insurance coverage and to sufficiently meet the
attributed costs e.g. in the case of illness or hospitalisation. In addition, the health insure policy is required to take liability for treatment and/or operation costs, up to at least ‘lower’ six-figure sums
(upwards of Euro 200,000.00). If your state or private health insurance policy does not cover costs upwards of this amount, you will
be required to take out healthcare cover with a German state health
insurance agency for the duration of your stay. Such a policy costs
around Euro 65.00 per month.
8
1.4 Cost of living and studying in Trier
For your stay in Trier you should budget at least Euro 650.00 per month.
At the beginning of your stay, you will also have to allow for a few oneoff expenses. On top of this are fees for participation in the orientation
programme (currently Euro 180.00), as well as Euro 210.00 in social fees,
which are payable when enrolling.
These ‘social fees’ are not
tuition fees! They are a
contribution towards Trier
Student Services and the
student union (“AStA”) and
also covers the cost of your
bus pass for the semester.
Important: Please ensure you are fully able to finance your studies
for the entire length of your stay before departing for Trier!
1.5 Important documents that you need to bring
Important: At the beginning of your stay in Trier, usually during the
orientation programme, you will need to complete various administrative formalities for different civil authority offices. Please bring
the following documents with you, so that you - with help from the
tutors from the AAA - can do this quickly and easily:
zz 4 copies of your passport or personal identity card
zz 2 biometric passport photos
zz 1 certificate of your healthcare cover from your home health insurance agency, e.g. European Health Insurance Card
zz Should you need a visa to enter Germany: 2 copies of your visa
zz
If you do not come from a European Union member state and are
not receiving a scholarship from Trier University, DAAD or the Fulbright commission: 1 statement of financial status in German or
English, in which either your scholarship sponsor or your parents
confirm in writing that your financial means equate to at least Euro
650.00 per month for the entire duration of your stay.
zz Your admission letter from Trier University
admission letter =
Zulassungsbescheid
9
2. Travelling to and arriving in Trier
2.1 The journey
Travelling by plane and train
If you are travelling from North America, South America, Asia, Australia
and New Zealand or Africa, we recommend that you fly to Frankfurt/
Main (FRA) or Luxembourg (LUX) airport.
Information on train connections can be found at
www.bahn.de
main station =
Hauptbahnhof
You can find information on
this bus route at
www.airportliner-trier.de
From Frankfurt/Main airport you can travel by train to Trier main
station.
Important: There is no direct connection between the train station
at Frankfurt/Main airport and Trier main station. You must change
at least once, depending on your connection.
From Luxembourg airport there is a bus connection – the “airport liner” –
to Trier main station.
Important: The airport liner only operates if reserved in advance. If
you do not make a reservation in advance, you will need to use the
regular city bus service from Luxembourg airport to Luxembourg
train station and then complete your onward journey to Trier main
station by train.
If you are flying from within Europe, we also recommend flying to Frankfurt/Hahn (HHN) or Cologne-Bonn (CGN) airport. Low cost carriers such
as Ryanair (to/from Frankfurt/Hahn) or Germanwings (to/from CologneBonn) fly from all over Europe to these airports.
You can find information
regarding this bus route at
www.flibco.com
10
From Frankfurt/Hahn airport there is a bus connection to Trier.
Important: This bus connection only goes to “Nells Park” bus stop,
which is in the north part of Trier. If you arrive very late at night
or early the morning, it is possible that there will not be any buses
running to the city centre. It is about 2.5km to the main station
and 3km to the pedestrian area in the centre of Trier by foot. You
could also order a taxi by calling + 49 / 651 / 12012 from your mobile phone.
From Cologne-Bonn airport you can travel by train to Trier main
station.
Information on train
connections can be found
at www.bahn.de
Important: There are no direct train connections from the train
station­at Cologne-Bonn airport to Trier main station. You must
change at least once, depending on your connection.
If you are travelling solely by train from within Europe, train connections and general information can be found at www.bahn.de or on the
­corresponding website of the rail company in your home country.
Travelling by car
For students from Belgium, France, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg,
making the trip using your own car may be a favourable option. Please
plan your route beforehand.
11
2.2 On arriving in Trier
On arriving in Trier you should normally go directly to your accommodation.
student hall of residence =
Studentenwohnheim = SWH
If you are allocated a room in student halls of residence by the AAA,
you can pick up your keys from that hall at a pre-arranged time.
Information about student
halls of residence can be
found by going to
www.studiwerk.de
> wohnen
zz SWH Cusanushaus, Zurmaienerstraße 98-100, 54292 Trier:
Take a taxi from the main station.
zz SWH Kleeburger Weg, Kleeburger Weg 100-104, 54296 Trier:
Take bus number 3 from the main station (“Weidengraben”,
“Tarforst”, or “Irsch” direction) and get off at the stop “Kohlenstraße”.
zz SWH Martinskloster, Am Martinsufer 1-3, 54292 Trier:
Take a taxi from the main station.
zz SWH Olewig, Hunsrückstraße 6-6a, 54295 Trier:
Take bus number 30 from the main station (“Pluwig” or “Bonerath”
direction) and get off at the stop “Kleeburger Weg”.
12
zz SWH Petrisberg, Behringstraße 8-16, 54296 Trier:
Take bus number 3 from the main station (“Weidengraben”,
“Tarforst”, or “Irsch” direction) and get off at the stop “Kohlenstraße”. From there it is a short walk along a footpath to the
University’s Campus II.
zz SWH Tarforst, Universitätsring 8-8f, 54296 Trier:
Take bus number 3 from the main station (“Weidengraben”,
­“Tarforst”, or “Irsch” direction) and get off at the stop “Universität”.
Important: The AAA will notify you at the beginning of August for
the winter semester or end of January for the summer semester
whether you have been been allocated a room. This email will
also explain what you need to do in order to pick up the keys to
your room.
You will receive your tenancy agreement via the AAA. This is usually
given to you during the orientation programme.
If you have found private accommodation, it is advised that you make
clear arrangements with your landlord in the days before travelling to
Trier about when and where to pick up your keys.
2.3 Overnight accommodation at short notice
Should you, for various reasons:
zz
still have no accommodation for the length of your study visit in Trier,
zz
have accommodation, but it is unavailable on the day of your
­arrival, or
zz
have accommodation, but you arrive in Trier on a day (weekends or
on bank holidays) or at a time (late afternoon, in the evening or at
night) at which your landlord or other representative – for example
the caretaker – cannot hand over the keys,
it is possible you may then be in need of accommodation for one or
several nights at short notice and at a low cost. Such overnight accommodation is offered at the following addresses:­
13
Jugendgästehaus Warsberger Hof
Dietrichstraße 42
54290 Trier
Tel.: +49 | 651 | 975250
www.warsberger-hof.com
Jugendherberge Trier
An der Jugendherberge 4
54292 Trier
Tel.: +49 | 651 | 146620
www.jugendherberge.de
Hilles Hostel Trier
Gartenfeldstraße 7
54290 Trier
Tel.: +49 | 651 | 7102785
www.hilles-hostel-trier.de
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3. Your first few weeks in Trier
3.1 Orientation programme
Important: This information is also relevant for those students who
are not taking part in the orientation programme!
orientation programme =
Einführungsseminar
You can find the exact dates
in section 4.2.
The AAA at Trier University offers a three-and-a-half week orientation
programme before the start of the semester. The aim of the programme
is to prepare you for studying at the University and to help you settle
into living in Trier.
The orientation programme has four key components:
zz
German lessons
zz
Completion of important administrative formalities
zz
Various information sessions
zz Social and cultural programme
You will receive the full programme schedule on the first day of the course.
15
During the orientation programme, you will have approximately 50-55
hours of German lessons, which are taught by staff from the German
as a Foreign Language (DaF) department for four hours each morning,
Monday to Friday. There are courses for a variety of levels (from A2 to
C1), into which you will be put after taking a placement test. There are
usually about 15 to 20 students in each group.
In the afternoons, especially during the first week, the student tutors,
who will be looking after you throughout the three and half weeks, will
help you complete the following administrative formalities:
Registration Office =
Einwohnermeldeamt
Immigration Office =
Amt für
Ausländerangelegen­heiten
zz
Enrolling at Trier University,
zz
Registering your address in Trier (with the Registration Office) ,
zz Applying for a residence permit (at the Immigration Office),
zz
Opening a bank account,
zz Assessing your health care entitlements with a German health
­insurance agency.
Important: Exchange programme students unable or not wishing
to take part in the orientation programme will have to fulfil these
administrative requirements themselves. The AAA will provide you
with the relevant information but cannot accompany you to the
­respective authorities.
Trier Student Services =
Studierendenwerk Trier
The information sessions deal
with student accommodation belonging to Trier Student Services as
well as issues concerning studying
in Trier. One session will be concerned with helping you register
for classes for the coming semester. Others will talk about clubs
and student initiatives that offer
a range of extra-curricular activities and also opportunities to meet
German students.
The social and cultural programme for the evenings and
16
weekends includes a welcome event, a guided city tour, two excursions, wine tasting, a cookery evening, film nights, social dinners, pub
tours and club nights.
3.2. The student ID card - the “TUNIKA”
About two weeks after enrolment (normally before the end of the orien­
tation programme), you will receive your Trier student ID card, the
­“TUNIKA”. Along with this, you will receive authorisation to use the computers at the University, including instructions on how to access the
­internet and your own email address.
Important: Enrolment and the TUNIKA are initially only valid for
one semester. If you are studying for two semesters at the University, you must confirm your second semester near the end of your
first. More information on this process will be posted on the bulletin
boards of the Admissions Office nearer the time.
Admissions Office =
Studierendensekretariat
The TUNIKA has the following basic functions:
zz You can use it to borrow books from the University Library.
zz You can use it to pay in the canteens on both Campus I and II,
which offer food at cheap student prices.
zz The TUNIKA is your Trier bus pass for the whole semester. You can
also travel as far as Koblenz, Saarbrücken, Jünkerath (Cologne direction) and Igel (Luxembourg direction) for free, as long as you travel
using the Deutsche Bahn (DB) regional trains and not the IC trains
or the ICE.
Information can be found
under www.ub.unitrier.de
University canteen =
Mensa
Information can be found
under www.studiwerk.de
> essen
17
Train connections in the region
18
4. Studying at Trier University
4.1 Trier University
Trier has a long tradition as a university city. The original University was
founded in 1473 before being forced
to close in 1798. It was then re-­
established in 1970. Today, it is home
to around 15,000 students, of which
12% are international students.
Geographically, the University looks
down from its position on the Tarforst mountainside on the Moselle
valley and also the city of Trier.
Connections between the Univer­
sity and city are very regular, with
buses running throughout the day
(on workdays, every 10 minutes,
with the journey taking 15 to 20
­minutes) and in the evening.
Trier University is a campus university, meaning that all of its buildings
and facilities are concentrated in a
relatively small area and are easily
accessible by foot. The main campus (Campus I) and Campus II are
situated about ten minutes walk
­
from each other and there is also a
shuttle bus between the two.
For further information see
www.uni-trier.de
The buildings on Campus I are surrounded by landscaped parkland
and lakes, with sport, leisure and
shopping facilities all available nearby. Campus II also has its share of
greenery and borders onto Trier’s science and technology park.
19
Campus I:
20
Campus II:
21
4.2. The academic year
The academic year is divided into two semesters: the winter semester­
(WS), which runs from the 1st October to the 31st March and the
summer semester (SS), running from the 1st April until the 30th September.
The lecture period for the winter semester starts around mid-October
and finishes mid-February, lasting about 15 weeks. For the summer
­semester, the lecture period starts mid-April, finishes mid-July and lasts
about 13 weeks.
Important: Exams (both written and oral) for exchange programme
students usually take place in the last two weeks of the lecture
­period. You must agree the exact exam dates with the lecturers for
your courses once in Trier.
This time is called
"vorlesungsfreie Zeit".
No courses take place from mid-July until mid-October or from midFebruary until mid-April.
Dates for the winter semester 2012/2013
Application deadline: 01.07.2012
Orientation programme: 20.09.2012 - 12.10.2012*
Lecture period: 15.10.2012 - 15.02.2013
Christmas vacation: 24.12.2012 - 05.01.2013
Dates for the summer semester 2013
Application deadline: 15.01.2013
Orientation programme: 21.03.2013 - 12.04.2013*
Lecture period: 15.04.2013 - 20.07.2013
Pentecost vacation: 20.05.2013 - 25.05.2013
* for new international students only
22
4.3. Faculties and departments
Trier University is subdivided into six faculties and an additional theological faculty. Each faculty is then assigned a range of departments.
Within each department, there are several different study programmes,
e.g. Bachelor and Master programmes.
You can find more information on the individual
faculties and departments
under
www.faecher.uni-trier.de
Faculty I:
Education, Philosophy, Psychology
Faculty II:
English Studies, German as a Foreign Language (DaF), German Studies,
Japanese Studies, Yiddish Studies, Classics (Latin and Greek), Computational Linguistics, Media Studies, Phonetics, Romance Studies, Slavonic
Studies, Chinese Studies
Faculty III:
Egyptology, History, Classical Archeology, Art History, Papyrological
Studies, Political Science
Faculty IV:
Business Studies, Computer Science, Mathematics, Sociology, Economics,
Business Information Systems
Faculty V:
Law
Faculty VI:
Geography, Geoscience
Theological Faculty:
Catholic Theology
23
The departments of Geography, Geoscience, Computer Sciences and
Business Information Systems are based on Campus II, the faculty of
Catholic Theology is located in downtown Trier. All other departments
are found on Campus I.
In your admission letter you will be informed of the departments to which
you have been admitted. You may participate in the courses o­ ffered by
these departments. Yet, if places are available and if you meet the qualifications, you may also have the opportunity to take part in courses on
offer in other departments, which are not stated in your a­ dmission letter.
Please bear in mind, however, that you are not necessarily entitled to
attend master’s courses if you have only been admitted to the University
to study for your bachelor degree.
4.4. Courses
There are three main types of course offered:
zz
lectures
zz
seminars
zz tutorials
In a lecture, the professor is the key player, presenting and discussing important information about the subject. The students play only a
­passive role as listeners, though they can, and even should, ask questions
during or at the end of the lecture.
In seminars, it is the students who take an active role. In the first s­ ession
of the seminar, each student selects a topic from a list given by the lecturer (a professor or assistant lecturer). Students are to then research
their selected topic from specific viewpoints and present it to the other
participants in the seminar at a later date.
A tutorial generally deals the content of the concurrent lectures, going
through it more thoroughly. Active participation is expected from the
participants. The tutorials are led by a lecturer who is a professor, an
­assistant lecturer or an advanced student.
24
For all three types of course, a session usually lasts 90 minutes and takes
place once a week. This counts as two weekly credit hours.
There are, however, courses, which are comprised of four or more hours
and take place several times a week.
Choice of courses
The courses at Trier University usually change each semester. However,
for the bachelor and master degrees, the same modules are usually offered annually so that the courses have the same learning objectives
from year to year.
The course lists for the semester are published in three forms:
zz
an internet version, published as an online course list for all
depart­ments
zz
an internet version, published as an online course list for the
individual departments
zz
a printed list of courses and University staff
You can find the online
course schedule for all
departments under
www.vorlesungsverzeichnis.
uni-trier.de
The printed version is available for purchase for around Euro 5.00 in Trier
bookshops.
Important: The online course list for a winter semester is published
in mid-July and in mid-February for the summer semester. When (or
in some cases, whether) a department places its course lists on the
internet varies, depending on the department.
You can find the online
course schedule for each
department under
www.faecher.uni-trier.de
25
Choosing and registering for your courses
You will not be able to choose or register for your courses in Trier u­ ntil
the fortnight before the beginning of the lecture period. These two
weeks coincide with the last fortnight of the orientation programme in
which you will be informed in detail about the electronic registration
process for University courses (LSF). You will of course receive help from
your tutors.
Important: Exchange programme students who cannot or do not
wish to participate in the orientation programme are asked to
­enquire about the course registration process at the AAA in the first
few days after their arrival.
course certificate = Schein
Certificates and ECTS-transcripts
ungraded certificate =
Teilnahmeschein
At the end of the lecture period, you will receive a certificate to confirm your participation in the respective course. This may be either be an
­ungraded certificate, if you do not take an exam or write an essay, or a
graded certificate if you fulfil the relevant examination requirements.
You need to ask your course lecturer about the exact requirements if you
wish to obtain a graded certificate.
graded certificate =
benoteter Schein
Moreover, the number of ECTS credits the respective course is worth will
also be stated on the certificate. The certificates are usually issued by the
course lecturers.
Important: The amount of ECTS credits a course is worth varies from
course to course, department to department, and faculty to faculty.
Once in Trier, you can ask the lecturers how many ECTS credits their
courses are worth when registering for your courses.
A list of the ECTS coordinators­
for the individual
departments can be found at
www.ects.uni-trier.de
26
An ECTS transcript lists all of your course certificates from a particular
department. The transcripts are issued by the ECTS coordinator from
the relevant department. To get your transcript, you need to collect
all of your certificates from your lecturers and present them to your
ECTS coordinator at the end of the lecture period. If you have obtained
certificates­in a variety of departments, you will need to contact the
relevant ECTS coordinators from each department and you will then
­accordingly receive several transcripts.
Important: ISEP exchange programme students and exchange programme students from North American partner universities will
need to hand in their certificates at the AAA. The transcripts will
then be issued by the AAA.
4.5. Practical language tuition offered by the department for German as a Foreign Language
The department of German as a Foreign Language (DaF) offers up
to 15 different courses every semester. These courses are designed for
different language levels and cover a variety of subject areas. They
range from intensive courses for students with little knowledge of
German (beginner level A2, “Anfängerstufe”), to intermediate courses
(B1, B2, “Mittelstufe”) and there are also specialised courses for students with advanced knowledge of German (advanced level C1 and
C2, “Oberstufe”).
Every semester, you may take up to three language courses, d­ epending
on your knowledge of German. When applying for language courses,
which is usually done during the Orientation programme, you can
submit your preferences to the department for German as a Foreign
­Language. However, it is your placement test result that ultimately
­decides which courses you may take. The placement test takes place on
the last day of the orientation programme.
Exchange students, who cannot or do not want to attend the orientation programme, must contact the department of German as a Foreign
Language in order to make provisions for their admission to language
courses.
Further information can be
found by going to
www.daf.uni-trier.de.
4.6 Cultural activities at the university
Outside of your studies you will have the opportunity to take advantage
of a wide range of cultural activities.
CineAStA: a lively and varied film programme by students, for students.
It includes original versions with subtitles, experimental and mainstream
www.cine-asta.de
27
films as well as the classics. This takes place on Tuesdays and Wednesdays during the lecture period.
www.englishdrama-trier.de
The activities of the English Drama Group Trier include theatre games,
play reading, acting and directing exercises, preparing small scenes to be
presented in lectures and the production of full-length plays. Members
are encouraged to take part regularly and also to take initiative in all of
the above activities.
www.collegiummusicum.
uni-trier.de
The Collegium Musicum, consisting of the university orchestra and the
university choir. Both welcome new players/singers, regardless of instrument or voice type.
University sport
University Sport Federation =
Allgemeiner Hochschulsport
www.unisport.uni-trier.de
So that you don’t miss out on physical exercise, the University’s Sport
Federation offers students a wide range of sports each semester. The
booklet “SportINFO” provides an overview of the indoor and outdoor
sports offered. You will usually be given this booklet by the AAA at the
end of the orientation programme. You can also find information about
the sports activities on offer by visiting www.unisport.uni-trier.de
The International Centre (I.C.)
www.iz-trier.de
The I.C. is a student initiative that offers international students a varied
and intercultural mentoring programme each semester, as well as advice
and guidance. The I.C. is not only there to help with all aspects of your
studies, but also organises international country-themed evenings and
film nights, relaxed language practice evenings and language tandems.
Furthermore, the extensive programme is rounded off by several day
excursions and one short-break excursion per semester to a variety of
German and European destinations.
The I.C. will host a session during the orientation programme, where it
will introduce itself and what it has to offer.
The “Campus International” Project
www.campusinternational-trier.de
28
Through the “Campus International” Project, Trier University seeks to further the integration of international students and to promote intercultural exchange in general.
Programmes offered by Campus International can be recognized by the
following logo:
zz
Buddy Programme: International students are paired with a German student as their own personal contact, their so-called “buddy”
zz
Individualized counseling (sessions) for language learning: Advanced
students of German as a Foreign Language give international students help and advice on learning the language
zz
Fremde werden Freunde - Make
friends in Trier: International students are given the opportunity to
meet with people from Trier to take
part in a range of activities, from
going on excursions, celebrating
public holidays and experiencing
typical German everyday life.
29
5. Living in Trier
5.1. The city of Trier
The city of Trier, founded around 16 B.C. by the Romans as Augusta
Treverorum, looks back on a history of over 2.000 years and thus counts
as the oldest German city. Its long history can be seen and experienced
first-hand, particularly thanks to the many architecturally interesting
sites still standing since Roman times, the Middle Ages and the Re­
naissance. A total of eight of these architectural legacies are designated
UNESCO sites of world cultural heritage.
The geographical significance of Trier can be viewed in a number of ways:
At a local level, Trier is the centre of one of the most famous and wellestablished wine growing regions in Germany. Seen nationally, Trier lies
on the outskirts of Germany, in the most south-western corner and quite
remote from the metropolises that are Berlin, Hamburg or Munich. Internationally, however, Trier is in the centre of Europe, in direct proximity to
Luxembourg, France and Belgium.
30
Trier’s long history, its significance as centre of the Moselle wine-growing region and its proximity to its European neighbours all make the city
a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over the world.
For more information:
Tourist-Information Trier
An der Porta Nigra
54290 Trier
www.trier.de/tourismus
With around just 100,000 inhabitants, Trier is quite a small city so it does
not take long to get to know your way around. The city centre has plenty
of shopping centres, sports facilities, public amenities and civil authority
offices, which are all within a short distance from each other.
31
5.2. Historic sights in Trier
To help you attune to living in Trier, we would like to introduce the city’s
most important historic sights.
The Porta Nigra
The Porta Nigra (Latin for black gate) is the emblem of Trier. It is a large
Roman city gate, built around 180 AD as the north entrance to the city.
The name Porta Nigra, however, originated from the Middle Ages, with
the original Roman name no longer used.
The Cathedral of St. Peter
The Cathedral is the oldest episcopal church in Germany. The most
prominent­relic in the Cathedral is the ‘Holy Robe of Jesus Christ’, which
is kept in a sacred chamber and is rarely opened for public viewing.
32
The Basilica (Aula Palatina)
The Basilica of Constantine was built in the 4th Century AD by the R
­ oman
Emperor Constantine. Today it is a World Heritage Site and contains the
largest existing hall from the ancient world. In 1856 it started being used
by the Protestant Church for holy worship.
The Electoral Palace
The Electoral Palace was the seat of power of the Electorate of Trier.
Nowadays this highly ornamented palace is home to the Supervisory and
Service Directorate of Rhineland-Palatinate.
33
The Kaiserthermen (Imperial Baths)
The Kaiserthermen are the remains of an extensive Roman bath complex,
which was built in the 4th Century AD. Today you can still see the remains
of the east wall and look around some of the underground passages. In
the summer, the ruins are often the site for cultural events.
The Amphitheatre
The Amphitheatre, built around 100 BC, used to form part of the city
wall during Roman times and served as a venue for gladiatorial contests.
After the end of Roman occupation, it began to be used as a quarry. The
Amphitheatre now hosts Germany’s largest Roman festival “Bread and
Games” and is also occasionally used as a venue for concerts, musicals
and other cultural events.
More information can be found by visiting www.hunderttausend.de
34
5.3 Culture and sport in Trier
Below is a list of the main cultural and sports activities that are offered
outside of the university:
Culture:
Rheinisches Landesmuseum
Weimarer Allee 1
54290 Trier
www.landesmuseum-trier.de
Theater Trier
Am Augustinerhof
54290 Trier
www.theater-trier.de
Stadtmuseum Simeonstift
(next to the “Porta Nigra“)
54290 Trier
www.museum-trier.de
Tuchfabrik e.V. (TuFa)
Weberbach/Wechselstraße
54290 Trier
www.tufa-trier.de
Cinemas:
Broadway
Paulinstraße 18
54292 Trier
www.broadway-trier.de
Cinemaxx
Moselstraße 17
54290 Trier
www.cinemaxx.de
Sport:
TBB Trier
National League Basketball (men)
www.trierer-basketball.de
MJC Trier
National League Handball (women)
www.mjc-trier.de
The home games for the basketball and handball teams are held in the
“Arena Trier”, Herzogenbuscher Straße (near the roundabout “Verteilerkreis”), 54292 Trier.
Last but not least, Trier has, despite its modest size, many pubs, cafes,
restaurants, clubs and discos on offer to suit every taste.
You can find further information in entertainments
guides such as “Wohin” or
“Kulturbeutel”, where many
businesses and bars are
advertised.
35
5.4 Important addresses and telephone numbers
City Hall/Citizens Registration Office/Resident Registration Office
Am Augustinerhof
54290 Trier
Department for Foreign Visitors
Thyrsusstraße 17–19
54292 Trier
Main post office (near the main station)
Moltkestraße 21-23
54292 Trier
Lost property office
Hindenburgstraße 2
54290 Trier
Emergency telephone numbers
Police 110
Fire Brigade/Ambulance: 112
Central Medical Service:
Tel.: +49 | 651 | 45555
open Wednesdays 14:00- 16:00, at weekends and holidays 08:00
Saturday – 06:00 Monday (free of charge from all pay phones, German
mobiles and landlines).
“Barmherzige Brüder” Hospital
Nordallee 1
54292 Trier
Tel.: +49 | 651 | 208-0
Elisabeth Hospital
Theobaldstraße 12
54292 Trier
Tel.: +49 | 651 | 2092-0
36
Travel to Trier
The map shows the possibilities of Travel to Trier with the different transport.
Car:
A 48 / A 602 / A 1 of Koblenz A 62 / A 1 / A 602 of Kaiserslautern / SaarbrückenA 64 / B 51 for
Luxembourg A 8 / B 51 from Saarbrücken A 1 / B 51 / A 60 / B 51 from Cologne via Bitburg A 60 / A
61 / B 50 / B 327 / L 150 / A 1 / A 602 of Mainz on the Hunsrückhöhenstraße web:
Trier Central Station:

IC connection from / to North dike / Emden Cologne and Koblenz, as well as to / from
Luxembourg

Regional Express and regional rail connections to / from Koblenz (Mosel route), Luxembourg,
Saarbrücken (Saarland route), Cologne (Eifel circuit on Gerolstein)

Regional train connection from / to Perl (Obermosel route); weekends as Regional Express to
/ from Metz (France)
Other railway breakpoints in Trier (regional train): Quint, Ehrang-place Ehrang, Pfalzel, Trier Süd
www.bahn.de
Bus:

Delux Express from / to Frankfurt / Main ( www.meinfernbus.de ; www.delux-express.de )

about Mainz and Kaiserslautern as well as to / from Luxembourg

Flibco-bus from / to Metz / Luxembourg and Hahn / Frankfurt ( www.flibco.com )

Likaliner from / to Cologne ( www.likaliner.de )

DeinBus from Saarbruecken to Freiburg on ( www.deinbus.de )
Flight:

Luxembourg-Findel airport with European and international scheduled services 30-minute
drive from Trier. From the airport to Trier comfortable with the Airport Liner or taxi.

Saarbrücken Airport (travel time by car about 1:15 hour by bus and train about 2:15 hours)

Hahn Airport (travel time by bus or car approx 1 hour; 100 bus: www.vrtinfo.de or www.flibco.com )

Frankfurt / Main airport (journey time by car about 2 hours, about 3 hours by train via Mainz
and Koblenz, the remote bus about 3 hours)

Cologne / Bonn Airport (travel time by car about 2 hours, about 3 hours by train via Koblenz)
Jacek Nowak
University of Trier
- Accommodation – accommodation offered by the university is your best option.
There are few locations (on and off campus), with the best one being Martinskloster.
It’s less than 10 minutes’ walk from the city centre, where you also get the bus to the
Uni (the bus ride takes less than 20 minutes and won’t cost you anything, it’s
covered by your Student ID Card). When applying, specify if you want a single
apartment (a nice bedroom with a desk, wardrobe, bookcase, small kitchen area with
a sink, two burners, a fridge and presses and your own en-suite shower room) that
costs €240, or a WG type accommodation, for €40 less (in this case you get a
bedroom with your own sink and a fridge, but you share a kitchen and a bathroom
with few other people). There’s also a party room, nice courtyard with BBQ area and
it’s just by the river if you fancy a walk.
- University – the university is completely different than DCU. It’s de-centralised,
which means that each faculty has its own ‘head’ and if you study German, Business
and Psychology, it means you’ll be dealing with 3 different departments, each with its
own regulations. You chose the modules yourself and register online, unfortunately
there is very little information given about the subjects, so register for more, go to
each lecture / seminar and see which ones you’d like and then just drop the others.
You also have to register for exams, few weeks before the end of a semester, and
after the exams you have to collect your ‘Schein’ from different faculties, which is
something like your transcript of records from DCU.
- Leisure – if you sign up for the orientation programme, you will take part in the
intensive language course; the tutors will help you with all the formalities (registration
in the city, opening a bank account, etc.) and they will also organise trips for you. I
was taken to Bonn and Cochem. In both semesters, IZ (international centre)
organises trips for Erasmus students. One day trips cost €15 and 3 day trips €130150. It’s really worth having some extra money for this, because you will never be
able to travel abroad (France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany) for so little.
- Cost of life – it’s much cheaper in Germany compared to Ireland. Groceries,
alcohol, cigarettes, cosmetics, everything is cheaper. There is also no need to bring
any post or pans, cutlery, etc. The IZ also organises a day at the beginning of your
stay, where you can get used cutlery, crockery, pots, etc. free of charge. You just
have to return them when you leave.
Since 1 January 2009, every person in Germany is required to have health insurance. Even those who
will only reside in Germany for a short time must be health insured, otherwise requests for visas will
be denied.
Features of the German health insurance system
The organisation of the German health insurance system is characterised by the dual system of
public health insurance (GKV) and private health insurance (PKV). While almost every applicant is
eligible for public health insurance, different conditions apply for private health insurance.
EU citizens and nationals from countries with whom Germany has made social insurance agreements
can stay in the health insurance of their home countries. Nevertheless, the insurance benefits in the
respective countries could differ significantly from those in Germany, which in turn could make
personal contributions or the purchase of supplemental insurance necessary.
Public health insurance and the solidarity principle
Membership in the public insurance scheme
is obligatory for some groups such as:

Employees (gross income below the income
threshold for statutory insurance)

Pensioners

Recipients of social welfare benefits
Public health insurance is based on the principle of solidarity meaning that everyone insured pays
the same percentage of his income for his or her premium. The current rate is 15.5 per cent, and
determines the actual premium. The premium rate is deducted from wages and transferred to the
health insurance company. Premiums are calculated up to the so-called premium threshold. Every
publicly insured person receives medical care services, the scope of which is determined by the
state. Moreover, insuring children and spouses free within a family insurance plan is only possible
with statutory health insurance.
Individual private health insurance services
The following groups of people typically have private
health insurance:

Employees (gross income above the income
threshold for statutory insurance)

Civil service workers

The self-employed and freelancers
Private health insurance is not available for everyone and is taken out by those who are not insured
by statutory health insurance.
Private health insurance fees are based on income depending on state of health, age and the
insurance tariff of the insured so that fees vary for individual insurance holders.
The scope of services from private insurance companies is not regulated by the state and is often
more extensive than statutory insurance. Services can also be adapted for each policyholder
individually. The insured person first pays all treatment costs. The insurance company will then
reimburse the costs upon submission of the bill.
Supplemental insurance
Supplemental insurance policies serve to close gaps in health insurance. Conclusion of supplemental
insurance occurs with a private insurance company - independent of income. Important types of
supplemental insurance include for instance nursing care insurance, dental insurance, vision
insurance and alternative practitioner insurance.
Students
Health insurance for international students in Germany
All foreign students attending a German university or college must have health insurance. Students
can insure themselves in two systems in the Federal Republic of Germany: statutory health
insurance (GKV) or private health insurance (PKV).
Please note:
In order to enrol in a university, proof of
All students are obligated
current health insurance must be
to take out insurance.
presented.
Without proof of health
insurance, enrolment is not
possible.
Obligation to take out health insurance in Germany
Different conditions apply depending on the reason for the visit, country of origin and the student's
age. Generally, the following five groups are distinguished:

Students from EU/EEA countries* or countries that have a social insurance agreement with
Germany

Health insurance for students from all other countries

Health insurance for students age 30 or older or who have completed their 14th semester
respectively

Individuals enrolled in language preparation courses for university

Foreign doctoral candidates and those receiving scholarships
Health insurance for EU citizens under 30 / after 14 semesters
Students from EU/EEA countries, which have social insurance agreements with Germany can be
exempted from the obligation for health insurance in Germany with proof of health insurance in
their country of origin:
Health insurance in
country of origin
Possibilities for insurance
in Germany
Additional conditions
statutory health
insurance
approval from a state
health insurance company
European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from
health insurance company in country of origin
confirmation from the insurance company in
the country of origin
private health
insurance
private health insurance
no health insurance
statutory or private health
insurance
settlement of treatments and medication with
health insurance company in the country of
origin
from age 30 private health insurance is possible
Caution: Foreign students in Germany who are privately insured, but have not yet reached the age
of 30, often require a waiver from statutory insurance. After this waiver, however, taking out
insurance with a statutory health insurance fund during the study visit is no longer possible.
Obligation to take out health insurance for non EU citizens
Students from all other countries must have either statutory or private health insurance during the
stay in Germany. Students who are age 30 or older or have already finished their 14th semester will
not receive insurance from a state insurance company in Germany. They must take out private
insurance. The same applies for those attending language courses in preparation for studies in
Germany.
Fees for statutory health insurance (as of 2013)
Student insurance for foreigners
Health insurance
fee
Nursing insurance
fee
Total fees
[monthly]
Student without child (from 23
years)
64.77 Euro
13.13 Euro
77.90 Euro
Student with child
64.77 Euro
11.64 Euro
76.41 Euro
The fees for statutory student health insurance for foreigners are the same at all state insurance
companies.
Fees for private health insurance (as of 2013)
A temporary private insurance plan can be taken out in the first 18 months from around 30 Euro a
month. The fees differ, however, depending on the following factors:

Age

State of health

Length of stay

Selecting a tariff
Before studies begin, foreign students should get advice from the Studentenwerk or the
international office of the Akademisches Auslandsamt.
* EEA countries:EU member countries and Liechtenstein, Norway, Iceland
* Countries that have social insurance agreements with Germany: EU/EEA countries as well as Bosnia
and Herzegovina, French overseas territories (French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Reunion),
Japan, Croatia, Macedonia, Switzerland, Serbia and Montenegro, Tunisia, Turkey