HANDBOOK. for International Exchange Students

Transcription

1 HANDBOOK for International Exchange Students

2 Publisher: International Office of Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München November 2012 Editors: Jean Schleiss, Susanne Dietrich, Monique Esnouf Nota bene: The information provided has been verified at the time of publication of this brochure. We apologize for any subsequent inaccuracies. This publication has been partly funded by the European Commission. This publication reflects the views only of the authors and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

3 WELCOME TO LMU! Dear ERASMUS and LMUexchange students, We are pleased that you have been given the opportunity to study at Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München and welcome you most warmly. LMU is one of Germany s oldest and most dynamic universities, where students will find ideal conditions for studying. About students are currently enrolled at LMU Munich 14% are international students. This information brochure is not only designed as a predeparture orientation but also as a guide to help you through your arrival and your first days in Munich. The brochure should be your companion throughout your study abroad experience. We hope that it will help to answer any questions that arise right up until it is time to return home. Please read the information carefully. Please also refer to our webpage for more information: The International Office Team wishes you an interesting and successful time studying and above all lots of fun in Munich.

4 INHALT 1 WELCOME TO LMU International Office of LMU 4 2 APPLICATION AND ADMISSION Applying for Admission to LMU Learning Agreement Matriculation (Enrollment) 8 3 FORMALITIES Entry Requirements Registering your Address Applying for a Residence Permit Health Insurance Accident, Personal and Third Party Liability Insurance Opening a Bank Account 17 4 ACCOMMODATION IN MUNICH Student Accommodation Private Accommodation Short Stay Accommodation 21 5 DEUTSCH LERNEN DUO: Deutsch-Uni-Online Language Preparation Courses (IUCM) Intensive Orientation Course before the Start of the Semester (IUCM) Deutschkurse für Ausländer bei der Universität München (DkfA) 23 6 STUDYING AT LMU The Academic Year at LMU Course and Grading System Course Catalogue Enrolling for Classes Transcript of Records 27 2 Handbook for International Exchange Students

5 7 LMU STUDENT LIFE Account: campus.lmu-account LMU-Buddy Program University Library (UB) Studentenwerk München Student Canteens and Cafeterias Sport at the University (Hochschulsport) Student Organizations 30 8 COUNSELING AT THE UNIVERSITY Intercultural Counseling Office for International Students Counseling Services at Studentenwerk Spiritual Life 33 9 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Arriving by Plane Public Transport (MVG) Living Costs in Munich Students with Special Needs Employment LMU-Souvenirs CHECKLISTS Checklist Before Departure Checklist After Arrival Checklist Before Returning Home 43 LMU Munich 3

6 1 WELCOME TO LMU 1.1 INTERNATIONAL OFFICE OF LMU The International Office is responsible for coordinating student exchange and counseling international students. Here you can obtain information about studying at LMU, find out about special courses for international students, leisure activities, language courses, be issued with various letters of confirmation and find out about all issues concerning exchange students. Contact persons Director of International Cooperation and Student Exchange Jean Schleiss Coordinator Incoming ERASMUS and LMUexchange Students Monique Esnouf Admission and Counseling Accommodation Catherine Ubl Claudia Gebhard Christl Kern Admission and Counseling Ludwigstraße 27, G007 Phone: Accommodation Ludwigstraße 27, G007 Phone: Office hours: Tuesday: 09:00 11:30 Wednesday: 13:00 15:00 Office hours: by appointments Postal address Fax Geschwister-Scholl-Platz München The International Office is located at Ludwigstraße 27, U-Bahn lines U-3 and U-6, station Universität. You will find our office in the hallway to the left after entering the red-brick building (room G007). 4 Handbook for International Exchange Students

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8 2 APPLICATION AND ADMISSION 2.1 APPLYING FOR ADMISSION TO LMU ERASMUS and LMUexchange students apply for exchange student status at their home university. The exchange student coordinator then officially nominates exchange students at LMU. When you have been nominated, you should apply for admission to LMU. You will find the application form on our website. > Online application Documents required A printed copy of the online application form, signed and stamped by the exchange coordinator at your home university A transcript of records, documenting your studies at your home university Learning agreement Copy of passport (page with personal data only) Proof of German language skills (this is not necessary if courses are taught in English) Application deadlines June 15 December 15 for the following winter semester for the following summer semester Postal address Please submit the application online, then print and send the completed application form signed and with all supporting documents by post to: Internationale Angelegenheiten Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Geschwister-Scholl-Platz 1 D München 6 Handbook for International Exchange Students

9 Notification of Admission (Zulassungsbescheid) For admission to the winter semester you will receive official notification in July. For the summer semester you will be notified in February. 2.2 LEARNING AGREEMENT Submitting a learning agreement is mandatory for ERASMUS students. In order to help us identify study objectives, we ask LMUexchange students also to fill out the learning agreement which is integrated in the application form. > Learning Agreement, Transcript of Records Please state the courses you would like to attend while studying at LMU (as a guideline full-time LMU students would aim to achieve a semester workload of 30 ECTS credits). Your home university will advise you on the number of credit points you are expected to achieve. Your home and host university must sign the Learning Agreement (ERASMUS students). If the course catalogue is not yet available at the time when the learning agreement is required by your home university, we advise you to choose courses from the course catalogue of the previous year or semester. Also read the information for ERASMUS and LMUexchange students on the faculty websites. The learning agreement can be changed at a later date. Please consult chapter 6.4 Registering for Courses. Important note: By submitting the learning agreement you are not automatically registered for courses. LMU Munich 7

10 2 APPLICATION AND ADMISSION 2.3 MATRICULATION (ENROLLMENT) ERASMUS and LMUexchange students are enrolled as program-students and are admitted for a period limited to a maximum of two semesters. Should you want to continue your studies in Munich after that period, you must apply for admission as a regular student. The application and admission regulations for full-time students then apply (e.g. mandatory German language text). German Language skills As ERASMUS or LMUexchange students you are not required to take the German language test for international student admission. We nevertheless recommend that you have good knowledge of the German language before coming to Munich, as most lectures and seminars at the University are conducted in German. If you are not able to follow the courses, you will not get credit or certificates. Matriculation (Enrollment) at LMU Matriculation for the winter semester usually takes place at the International Office at the beginning of October and for the summer semester at the beginning of April (you will find the exact dates in your notification of admission). Documents and information required for matriculation Notification of admission (Zulassungsbescheid) Proof of health insurance from a German state insurance provider (gesetzliche Krankenkasse) A valid passport or identity card You are required to come to enrollment in person this cannot be done by proxy 8 Handbook for International Exchange Students

11 After enrolling at LMU you have to pay the Student Services Organization fee/ social fee (Studentenwerksbeitrag) of 42. Afterwards you will receive your student identity card. How, where and when this fee is to be paid will be explained upon enrollment. Re-enrolling for the second semester As you are only enrolled for one semester at a time, it is very important that you re-enroll for the second semester, if you are planning to stay for a year. The deadline for payment will be in your student papers. You will also find a paying-in slip/giro transfer form for 42 among your student papers. After this transaction is carried out at your bank you will be automatically re-enrolled for the second semester. Your new student documents will be sent to you in March or September respectively. If you do not re-enroll, you will be automatically ex-matriculated for the next semester! (in German) LMU Munich 9

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13 3 FORMALITIES 3.1 ENTRY REQUIREMENTS Depending on your country of origin, there are different entry and residence regulations: EU and EFTA (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) Valid passport or identity card Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand and USA Valid passport Andorra, Brazil, El Salvador, Honduras, Monaco and San Marino Valid passport, on condition that no employment is taken up Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia and Montenegro Visa exemption for holders of biometric passports Macao and Hong Kong Visa exemption for holders of SAR-passports All other countries Visa from the German Embassy or German Consulate in home country. Please contact the German Embassy/Consulate in your home country for detailed information. Please note that, if you require a visa, it must be issued for study purposes. A tourist visa or a so-called Schengen visa is not enough. It is not possible to change the type of visa after entering Germany. If you intend to enter Germany more than once (e.g. after returning from a home visit), we recommend that you get a multiple entry visa. A visa for study purposes is generally issued for three months. We advise you to apply to the foreigners registration office (Ausländerbehörde) for a residence permit directly after arrival (see chapter 3.3 Applying for a Residence Permit). Required Documents A valid passport Notification of admission by the University (Zulassungsbescheid) Proof that you have the financial means to cover the period of your stay in Germany (further information is available at the German Embassy/Consulate). LMU Munich 11

14 3 FORMALITIES 3.2 REGISTERING YOUR ADDRESS Within a week of arriving in Germany ERASMUS and LMUexchange students should register their new address at the relevant residents registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt). Similarly, the residents registration office must always be informed of later changes of address within a week of moving. You can obtain the relevant forms for registering your new address, any change of address, or your departure from Germany at your local residents registration office or on the Internet. > City Hall > Residence and Business Registration > Residence Registration The relevant authority in Munich is: Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR) Einwohnermeldeamt Ruppertstraße München Underground lines U3 or U6, Poccistraße Phone.: Opening hours: Monday: 07:30 12:00 Tuesday: 10:00 18:30 Thursday: 10:00 16:00 Friday: 07:30 12:00 If you do not live in Munich, please go to your local administrative department (Gemeindeverwaltung). Please do not forget, shortly before the end of your stay in Germany, to inform the residents registration office that you plan to leave the country. You can do this in person or in writing. You will find the necessary form for doing this at: Please inform the International Office at LMU of any change of address per student-exchange@lmu.de Also notify central administration via the online system at: qissos.verwaltung.uni-muenchen.de 12 Handbook for International Exchange Students

15 3.3 APPLYING FOR A RESIDENCE PERMIT All international students from non EU-countries must apply for a residence permit before their visa expires. You can apply for a residence permit at the foreigners registration office (Ausländerbehörde im Kreisverwaltungsreferat). Kreisverwaltungsreferat (KVR) Hauptabteilung II, Einwohnerwesen Ruppertstraße München auslaenderbehoerde.kvr@muenchen.de Phone: Surname (A-G) or Surname (H-O, Q, U) , or Surname (P-Z) , Required documents The completed form Antrag auf Erteilung/Verlängerung eines elektronischen Aufenthaltstitels (available at the foreigners registration office) A valid passport or national passport/id Visa 2 passport photos Proof of matriculation at the LMU Proof that you have adequate health insurance cover (confirmation from the German state health insurance provider (gesetzliche Krankenkasse)) Residence permit fee for first time applicants: 100 Proof that you have registered your address (copy that you received from the residents registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt)). Proof that you have the financial means to cover the period of your stay; for example, a certified declaration from someone who undertakes to support you or proof that you have sufficient assets of your own. LMU Munich 13

16 3 FORMALITIES Auslaenderwesen/Studium--Sprachkurse-und-Forscher/Neueinreisende- Studenten.html (in German) We recommend that EU-students apply to the foreigners registration office for a certificate of free movement of labor (Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung). This certificate is not mandatory but might be needed when applying for a job in Germany. 3.4 HEALTH INSURANCE In order to be registered as a student, you must have adequate health insurance. Depending on your country of origin there are different regulations: I. Students from countries of the European Union (EU): You can obtain a European health insurance card (EHIC) from the relevant health authority in your home country. After arrival in Germany present this card to a German state health insurance provider (e.g.tk, AOK, BEK, DAK etc.). The German state health insurance provider will issue documentation confirming that you have health insurance cover in your home country. Please bring this document with you to enrollment at the International Office. II. Students originating from non-eu countries with which Germany has a social insurance treaty (Iceland, former Yugoslavian states, Norway, Switzerland and Turkey): Please present confirmation of health insurance in your home country (Anspruchsbescheinigung) to a German state health insurance provider (e.g. TK, AOK, BEK, DAK etc.). The German State insurance provider will then issue a document called Bescheinigung zur Vorlage bei der Hochschule, if your insurance status is sufficient. Please bring this document with you to enrollment at the International Office. If the health insurance provider decides that your insurance cover is not adequate, you will need German health insurance cover. See IV for more information. 14 Handbook for International Exchange Students

17 III. Students from all other non-eu countries who are insured in their country of origin: A German state health insurance provider must verify if your home insurance policy is sufficient. If your insurance cover is sufficient, the German state health insurance provider will issue a document called Bescheinigung zur Vorlage bei der Hochschule. Please bring this document with you to enrollment at the International Office. If the health insurance provider decides that your insurance cover is not adequate you will need German health insurance cover. See IV for more information. IV. Students from all other non-eu countries who are not insured in their country of origin: You will require a German insurance (e.g. TK, AOK, BEK, DAK etc.). Costs: for students currently approx. 80 per month. The German state health insurance provider will issue a document called Bescheinigung zur Vorlage bei der Hochschule. Please bring this document with you to enrollment at the International Office. Only for the short period between your arrival in Germany and enrollment at LMU is travel health insurance from your home country sufficient. For enrollment you require proof of insurance with a German health insurance provider. You should take your EHIC or health insurance chipcard with you to every doctor s appointment. The doctor will bill the health insurance provider directly. Students with German health insurance should cancel this before leaving. In order to cancel your insurance you will need to send proof of ex-matriculation to your health insurance provider in Germany. To get this certificate you will have to go personally to the Studentenkanzlei of LMU. LMU Munich 15

18 3 FORMALITIES Students over 30 Students over 30 years of age are exempt from the mandatory health insurance. We do, however, strongly recommend that you take out adequate health insurance cover. Failure to do so will result in unforeseen costs in the case of illness. Students over 30 are normally no longer eligible for the cheaper students rate. State and private health insurance providers offer different rates. The student services organization Studentenwerk recommends insurance for international students. 3.5 ACCIDENT, PERSONAL A ND THIRD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE We recommend that you have accident, personal and third party liability for the duration of your stay in Germany. This we most strongly recommend, particularly if you are going to be working in a laboratory. Comprehensive Insurance offer of the DAAD For the duration of their stay in Germany, the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) offers international students a combined health, accident and personal liability insurance package daad-gruppenversicherung/ 16 Handbook for International Exchange Students

19 3.6 OPENING A BANK ACCOUNT We recommend that you open a bank account here as, if you live in student accommodation, your monthly rent will be debited from your account. Important: The bank should not charge you for the checking account and should not charge extra for using the automatic cash dispenser. Documents required for opening a bank account Official proof of residence which you get as you register your address (Meldebescheinigung) or, if you have student accommodation, your contract of rental Letter of Admission (Zulassungsbescheid), later your LMU student ID (Studentenausweis) A valid passport or identity card LMU Munich 17

20 4 ACCOMMODATION IN MUN ICH As in other German university towns, it is not easy to find small, reasonably priced apartments in the city center. There are also not enough student residences. Please start looking for accommodation early. Rooms in private accommodation cost from 350 to 600 per month. Rooms in student residences cost between 250 and 370 per month. Accommodation assistance offered by the International Office To apply for student housing you should tick the appropriate box in the International Office s online application for exchange student admissions. Unfortunately the International Office of the LMU cannot give an accommodation guarantee to all! If your housing application is unsuccessful, we will try to help you find private accommodation. > Accommodation 4.1 STUDENT ACCOMMODATION If your application for student accommodation is successful, you will receive an about 8 weeks before your arrival. A room reservation form (Annahmeerklärung) and more information about the type of your accommodation will be attached. By signing the room reservation form (Annahmeerklärung) the room will be reserved for you. Your signature is binding and you are committed to take the housing offer at the appointed date and to pay the rent punctually. Rental begin is October 1 and April 1 respectively. Rooms cannot be allocated during the semester. You will be expected to pay a deposit of approx The deposit will be returned to you about three months after the end of your stay on condition that you leave your accommodation in good order. You will have to pay for any damages that you cause. 18 Handbook for International Exchange Students

21 Important notes Please note that special requests for rooms (private bathroom, location and price) cannot be taken into consideration. It is not possible to exchange the room allocated to you for another. Please note that you will only be able to pick up your room key from Monday to Friday at the student housing administration! Take this into consideration when booking your flight. If you do arrive at the weekend, make sure that you have temporary accommodation (hostel/hotel) booked well in advance. > Accommodation Rental contract You will be expected to sign a contract of rental before moving into your accommodation. Please note the following: This contract can only be signed if you have a German bank account! Pay attention to the dates of rental. They should correspond with the length of your stay. Take note of the conditions and deadlines for terminating your rental contract. Please ensure that all items listed on the inventory are in good working order. If any items are damaged or broken, you should report this to the housing administrator. Before Leaving Student Accommodation Make sure that you leave your room in the same state you got it. Make sure you replace broken fitments and clean the room. Failure to do this will result in the loss of your deposit. Arrange an appointment to have your room inspected and signed off by the maintenance supervisor (Hausmeister). Give the housing administration your bank details at home so that the deposit can be transferred to your account. This can take up to 3 months. LMU Munich 19

22 4 ACCOMMODATION IN MUN ICH 4.2 PRIVATE ACCOMMODATION All students, who do not want or do not get accommodation in a student residence, are advised to arrive in Munich well before the start of their course of studies in order to look for private accommodation. On our website you will find some useful information for finding private accommodation in Munich. > Accommodation Tips for finding private accommodation The Student Services Organization in Munich homepage (only useful if you are already in Munich) > Accommodation > Private room rental service Notice boards ( Schwarze Bretter ) with private notices from people offering or looking for accommodation can be found in the: Students canteen (Mensa) of the LMU, Leopoldstr. 13a Students canteen (Mensa) of the TU, Arcisstr. 17 Student Services Organization (Studentenwerk), Leopoldstr. 15 Protestant Students Community (Evangelische Studentengemeinde), Friedrichstr. 25 Important notes The rental prices advertised are usually for the basic rent, i.e. costs for electricity, water, heating and refuse removal are extra. Extra costs are, on the contrary, often included in the price of furnished rooms. Look out for the terms Warmmiete or warm (extra costs included) and Kaltmiete or kalt (extra costs not included). Ask about extra costs when looking for accommodation. 20 Handbook for International Exchange Students

23 Accommodation advertisement abbreviations 5ZKDB = 5 rooms with kitchen and bathroom NK = 400 basic rent plus extras KM = basic rent Wfl = living area (in m ) G-WC = separate toilet OG = Upper floor TG = underground garage 4.3 SHORT STAY ACCOMMODATION For short stay we recommend that you spend the night at a youth hostel (maximum stay is 3 nights, youth hostel card essential), in a youth guest house or youth hotel. Please book well in advance and note that particularly during the Oktoberfest (mid- September to beginning of October) reasonably priced hostels and hotels are very quickly fully booked. A list of hotels and guest houses in Munich can be found at the Tourismusamt München. LMU Munich 21

24 5 LEARNING GERMAN In order to make the most of your experience in Munich and at LMU, we recommend that you start improving your German before you come to Germany. Find out about language preparation courses which may be offered at your home university. Alternatively you could consider participating in the online language module devised at the LMU, DUO: Deutsch-Uni-Online. Different partner institutions of LMU offer reasonably priced language courses for international students before and during the semester. 5.1 DUO: DEUTSCH-UNI-ONLINE This interactive learning program was devised to help students improve their language skills before leaving home. Phase I of this e-learning program is offered at several levels and takes approximately 2 months to complete. The course is done online from home. Students have access to a tutor with whom they correspond regularly and can communicate with fellow students in a virtual classroom. Students can continue with Phase II on arrival in Munich and even take Phase III after departure. The International Office of LMU offers a limited number of free places on this course. ERASMUS and LMUexchange students will receive up to date information about this program well before their arrival LANGUAGE PREPARATION COURSES (IUCM) On behalf of the International Office, the International University Club in Munich (IUCM) offers an intensive German course in March and September for international students. The course is not only a German language course, but is also meant to help prepare students for studying at LMU. The content of the language course is, therefore, heavily focused on academic life. The course is designed for students who have a beginner or an intermediary level in German (A1 to B2, according to the European framework). A price reduction is available for ERASMUS and LMUexchange students. On request, the IUCM can arrange short-term accommodation for your participation in the language preparation course. Application: at least 2 months before you leave your home country Handbook for International Exchange Students

25 5.3 INTENSIVE ORIENTATI ON COURSE BEFORE THE START OF THE SEMESTER (IUCM) In April and in October the International University Club in Munich (IUCM) organizes a two-week intensive orientation program (a total of approx. 50 hours).the program comprises information about studying at LMU, a short language course, as well as an extensive cultural program (museums, opera, excursions). A reduction will be made for ERAS- MUS and LMUexchange students. Application: at least two month before you leave your home country DEUTSCHKURSE FÜR AUSLÄNDER BEI DER UNIVERSITÄT MÜNCHEN (DKFA) The School Deutschkurse für Ausländer bei der Universität München (DkfA) offers intensive courses at all levels. Courses take place all year round even during the semester vacation. There is a price reduction for ERASMUS and LMUexchange students. Dates and prices can be found on the school s website. During the semester the school also offers grammar courses and courses in German academic writing for exchange students. You will find information about this and other German courses at: > Knowledge of German Important Note At the German Department and the Institute of German as a Foreign Languages of LMU you cannot take courses to learn German and improve your language skills. If you choose to study in these departments, you are expected to have a very good command of German. LMU Munich 23

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27 6 STUDYING AT LMU 6.1 THE ACADEMIC YEAR AT LMU Semester Start Date Lecture Start Date Lecture End Date End of Semester Winter 1. October Mid-October Mid-February End of March Summer 1. April Mid-April Mid-July End of September > Academic Year / Lecture Periods The months of March, April, August, and September are officially free of lectures. However, students may have examinations, additional courses, or papers to concern themselves with during these months. During the Christmas and New Year holidays (24 December 6 January) much of the University is closed and no classes take place. The semester dates for the Faculty of Medicine are slightly different. (in German) Many departments offer fresher sessions for ERASMUS and LMUexchange students before the semester begins. We recommend that you attend these sessions. 6.2 COURSE AND GRADING SYSTEM At LMU credit for Bachelor and Master Courses is given in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). We recommend that you aim to take on a workload of approx. 30 ECTS per Semester. Your coursework will be graded in accordance with the German grading system ( 1 6, with 1 being the best and 6 the worst grade. If a course is graded with 4 or above then you have passed. Not all courses are graded (non-graded lectures). If you need to have grades for the courses you take, in order to receive credit for the courses from your home university, speak with your lecturers early in the semester to see if it will be possible to get numerical grades for the courses. LMU Munich 25

28 6 STUDYING AT LMU Types of Courses Vorlesung (Lecture): Lectures are large scale events; attendance is usually not controlled, nor is active student participation required. At the end of a lecture series, assessment can take the form of a graded examination. Grundkurs (Basic course): A basic course focuses on the fundaments of your field of study and the basic investigation methodology. Seminar: In a seminar (Proseminar or Hauptseminar) students deepen their knowledge gained in introductory lectures and basic courses. Students usually have to present a paper which they have to later submit in written form. Übung: In an exercise the lecture content is deepened and students have the opportunity to ask questions. Generally, weekly homework is set which is then discussed in depth in class. Kolloquium (Colloquium): Discussion course Tutorium (Tutorial): Intensive Course or Examination Preparation Course 6.3 COURSE CATALOGUE A comprehensive list of all lectures, seminars and courses can be found in the LMU course catalogue (Vorlesungsverzeichnis) which is published online about two months before the start of the semester. The course contents are also briefly described. You do not have to login to access this site just click on Vorlesungsverzeichnis on the left of the page. A set of English instructions for navigating the course catalogue can be found on our website. > Choosing courses Unfortunately the course catalogue does not always list the ECTS credit point value of each course. You will find that most departments have information especially for exchange students on their homepages. You can, alternatively, contact the departmental coordinators to find out how many credits will be awarded for the courses you have chosen. Alternatively the catalogue can be purchased as a book in book stores around LMU. 26 Handbook for International Exchange Students

29 6.4 ENROLLING FOR CLASSES Procedures for enrolling for classes vary from department to department (i.e. enrolling online or enrolling directly with the lecturer). It is therefore important that you read the information on the relevant department websites or get in contact with your departmental coordinator to find out about the enrollment procedure at your department. > Choosing courses 6.5 TRANSCRIPT OF RECOR DS Which courses you took and how many credits you gained during your study period at LMU will be recorded at the end of the semester in a transcript of records. Please enter all courses you have taken at LMU in the document called Notenspiegel. On completion of the course the lecturer should add the ECTS points, the local grade and sign the Notenspiegel. The lecturer or the student s office of your department (Studentensekretariat) will stamp the Notenspiegel. When you have all your grades, you should bring your Notenspiegel to the International Office, where a transcript of records will be issued. > Learning Agreement, Transcript of Records > Notenspiegel Important Notes If you have attended a language course offered by the university institutions (IUCM or DkfA) please bring your certificate to the International Office, where the ECTS credits will be added to your transcript of records. There may be some exceptions when issuing transcripts i.e. if you take all of your courses in the same faculty (Business Studies (BWL), Economics (VWL) or Law), the transcript will be issued by the faculty. In this case you do not have to complete the Notenspiegel. Please note that in some courses leading to the State Examination (Dentistry, Teaching Degrees) ECTS has not yet been introduced. LMU Munich 27

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31 7 LMU STUDENT LIFE ACCOUNT: CAMPUS.LMU-ACCOUNT At enrollment you will be given a password and a login for your university account. It is important to activate your account immediately as you will receive official s from the university administration and you will be able to use the University s online tools. The University must for example be notified of changes of address, etc. This can only be done online with an activated campus.lmu-account. 7.2 LMU-BUDDY PROGRAM The International Office offers a buddy program which aims to help you find your feet as a new student of LMU. If you take part in this program, you will be partnered with a student of LMU who will help you with the organization of your stay in Munich. Your buddy will also be able to answer questions that you may have about studying at LMU or living in Munich. If you wish to have a buddy, you should tick the box please assign me a buddy on your online application for admission to LMU. Your address will then be forwarded to your buddy so that he/she can get in touch with you about one month prior to arrival. (in German) 7.3 UNIVERSITY LIBRARY (UB) The University Library Munich has an electronic lending system. You may search for publications and make reservations through OPAC (Online Public Access Catalogue), and then pick up the books at the University s Library at Ludwigstraße 27, ground floor. For this you need a library card, which is issued to students of LMU at the library information counter ( Bibliotheksauskunft ). This library card also allows you to borrow books from the Bavarian State Library (Bayerische Staatsbibliothek). Many institutes at LMU also have libraries of their own. At the beginning of each semester guided tours of the library (Bibliotheksführungen) are offered: information can be found on notice boards or in the library LMU Munich 29

32 7 LMU STUDENT LIFE 7.4 STUDENTENWERK MÜNCHEN The Student Services Organization in Munich (Studentenwerk München) provides useful information about accommodation, financial aid, work, public transport, student food services, health and insurances, clubs, organizations and activities, culture, entertainment, sport and travel STUDENT CANTEENS AND CAFETERIAS The Student Services Organization (Studentenwerk) runs eight student canteens and several small cafeterias offering students at the Universities in Munich and Garching several reasonably priced menus at lunch-time. At Leopoldstr. 13a you will find the main canteen. During the semester it is open from Monday to Thursday from 11:00 14:30 and on Friday from 11:00 13: SPORT AT THE UNIVER SITY (HOCHSCHULSPORT) The Universities of Munich sports center is at the Olympiapark and offers a comprehensive range of sports, from badminton, oriental dance and diving to climbing and canoe-polo. Details are published twice a year in the brochure Hochschulsport (Sport at the University). The summer program is published at the end of February and the winter program at the end of July. The brochure is available at the International Office of LMU. (in German) 7.7 STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Munich ERASMUS-Students Association (MESA) MESA is an organization run by LMU students who have studied abroad under the auspices of ERASMUS. The members of the association will be glad to provide you with support and assistance before and during the first few months of your stay in Munich. Each semester a big 30 Handbook for International Exchange Students

33 welcoming party takes place and many interesting excursions are offered by MESA throughout the year. TutoRIA (the LMU Munich tutoring program) TutoRIA is a tutoring program of the International Office. It is run by a group of LMU students who organize trips, information evenings and many other leisure activities for the international students of LMU. Schellingstraße 9, 2nd floor, room 202. Phone: (only during opening hours). AEGEE-Sprachduo Sprachduo is a venture of AEGEE (European Students Forum) to arrange and support language contacts between LMU and international students in Munich through a language exchange. (in German) AkaSIA AkaSIA is a cultural exchange program for all Asian students at LMU and for all students interested in Asian culture. The group offers support for Asian students as they settle in Germany for the duration of their studies. AkaSIA organizes movie evenings, dinners, excursions and other cultural get-togethers. (in German) Nomikai Nomikai is a group of both Japanese and LMU students from all faculties who meet once a month. The activities are supported by DAAD and are mostly informal cultural events where everyone interested in the Japanese culture can meet new people and catch up with old friends. michelmuenchen-nomikai@yahoo.de LMU Munich 31

34 8 COUNSELING AT THE UNIVERSITY 8.1 INTERCULTURAL COUNSELING OFFICE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS The staff of the intercultural counseling office at the Institute of Intercultural Communication advise on intercultural topics which may be of concern to international students during their study period at LMU e.g. how to communicate with lecturers or other students, classroom participation, and preparation of term papers or just the general challenges facing students who have newly arrived in Munich COUNSELING SERVICES AT STUDENTENWERK Some students can find the challenges of living abroad difficult to cope with alone. The Student Services Organization s (Studentenwerk) psychotherapy and psycho-social counseling service may be able to help you. Help with problems related to your studies and / or private life is offered free of charge. Counseling Services Studentenwerk Gemeinschaftszentrum im Olympischen Dorf Helene-Mayer-Ring München Phone: (with answering machine) psycho-beratung@stwm.de Opening hours: Monday Friday: 09:00 12:00 Appointments can be made : Monday Thursday: 09:00 11:30 Wednesday: 13:45 16:45 Thursday: 14:00 16:15 Friday: 09:00 11: Handbook for International Exchange Students

35 8.3 SPIRITUAL LIFE The Roman Catholic and Protestant Student Community of LMU also offer counseling for students. Students of all confessions are most welcome. Roman Catholic Student Community (Katholische Hochschulgemeinde KHG) Leopoldstraße 11, Raum 205 Phone: Protestant Student Community (Evangelische Hochschulgemeinde ESG) Friedrichstraße 25 Phone: (in German) (in German) LMU Munich 33

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37 9 ADDITIONAL INFORMATI ON 9.1 ARRIVING BY PLANE The suburban train (S-Bahn) airport lines S8 and S1 go directly to the center of Munich (Hauptbahnhof). We recommend you buy a strip ticket (Streifenkarte) from the ticket machine. For a single journey from the airport into the city you have to stamp eight strips. If you have to change lines to get to your final destination, you can use the same ticket and do not have to stamp it again. If you plan to make several journeys on the day of your arrival, it may be better to buy a single day ticket (if you are arriving at Munich airport you will have to buy a ticket for the Gesamtnetz). If several of you are traveling together you can buy a partner ticket. This ticket is valid for 2 to 5 adults. 9.2 PUBLIC TRANSPORT (MVG) The Munich Public Transport System (MVG) provides reduced rate monthly passes (Zeitkarte Ausbildungstarif II) for all students registered at LMU. With this travel pass you can use the suburban trains, the underground, the tram and buses. To buy the Zeitkarte Ausbildungstarif II you will first need to register and will be handed out a so called Stammkarte at the MVG-Service Center (MVG-Kundencenter). The MVG travel pass centers will provide you with information about the various options and combination possibilities between the public transport network cards and the zone cards. They will also inform you about ticket prices. MVG-Kundencenter Poccistraße Poccistraße München (U3, U6, Bus 131, Bus 132) Opening hours: Monday Friday: 08:00 18:00 Required documents for the travel pass A completed application form (available at the MVG-Kundencenter) A passport photo An LMU student ID with the MVG sign on it LMU Munich 35

38 9 ADDITIONAL INFORMATI ON 9.3 LIVING COSTS IN MUN ICH Rooms in private accommodation including extra costs: Rooms in student residences: 250 and 370 including extra costs Health insurance approx. 80 Food approx MVV-ticket (S-Bahn, U-Bahn, Bus) approx Mobile phone approx With a valid student identity card, you have access to price reductions for public transport, at the student cafeterias, and at cultural events (e.g. theatre, concerts, museums, etc.). 9.4 STUDENTS WITH SPECI AL NEEDS If you have a disability, you should inform the International Office of your special needs as soon as possible so that suitable arrangements can be made for you. LMU offers services to ERASMUS and LMUexchange students with special needs to help them master the problems of day-to-day university life. (in German) 9.5 EMPLOYMENT EU (with the exception of Romania and Bulgaria) and EEA (Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway): no work permit restrictions but students should apply for the certificate of free movement of labor (Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung). Romania and Bulgaria: you can only apply for a work permit after arrival and enrollment at LMU. Switzerland: you can only apply for a work permit-ch after arrival and enrollment at LMU. Australia, Israel, Japan, Canada, South Korea, New Zealand and USA: you can only apply for a work permit after arrival and enrollment at LMU. 36 Handbook for International Exchange Students

39 All other nationalities must apply for a work permit, when, before arrival, they apply for a residence title. Students from non-eu and EFTA-countries, who are registered at a German public university and are in possession of a residence title in accordance with 16 Abs. 1 and 3 AufenthG at the time of applying, can obtain a limited work permit with which they can work within one calendar year for a total of 120 whole days or 240 half days (max. 4 hours daily. Students from Romania and Bulgaria do not require a work permit-eu if they do not exceed the permitted number of days. Student and university related jobs are exempt from this regulation. If students work more than the limit they will have to apply for a work permit at the Bundesagentur für Arbeit. EU students can generally work for an unlimited period (in accordance with the usual regulations). Students should, however, apply for a certificate of free movement of labor (Freizügigkeitsbescheinigung). Placement Agency of the Studentenwerk The Student Services Organization (Studentenwerk) runs its own job placement agency together with the company Job-Börse. Job-Börse finds practical placements, student traineeships, part-time jobs and permanent positions for students and graduates. This service is free of charge. Job-Börse Leopoldstraße 13a München Phone: Fax: Opening Hours: Wednesday: 9:00 17:00 and by appointment; also during the semester break (in German) LMU Munich 37

40 9 ADDITIONAL INFORMATI ON At LMU students can also work as student assistants in research projects, institutes or administration. Vacant posts are displayed and advertised on the LMU homepage. > Studentische Hilfskräfte (in German) 9.6 LMU-SOUVENIRS If you wish to take some LMU-souvenirs home with you, visit the LMU-shop at Ludwigstr. 13 (ground floor) Handbook for International Exchange Students

41 10 CHECKLISTS 10.1 CHECKLIST BEFORE DEPARTURE Check how long your passport/identity card is still valid Complete and return the online-application/housing form to LMU, keeping to the application deadlines. Do not forget to have the form signed and stamped by the responsible person at your home university For ERASMUS students: Get confirmation of your ERASMUS student status from your ERASMUS office Send your application to LMU Get confirmation of your health insurance from your health insurance provider Apply for an entry visa, if necessary, as soon as you receive the notification of admission to LMU (Zulassungsbescheid) Get proof that you have sufficient financial means for your study period abroad Have a number of passport photos made Take out a personal and third party liability insurance policy (strongly recommended) LMU Munich 39

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43 10 CHECKLISTS 10.2 CHECKLIST AFTER ARRIVAL Before enrollment Pick up health insurance certification at a state insurance provider in Munich If necessary take out a health insurance policy Matriculate at the International Office Register your address in Munich within a week of your arrival Open a bank account Find out about courses and ECTS in your department of study After enrollment Pay the Studentenwerksbeitrag (Student Services Organization fee) of 42 Apply for a residence permit (if necessary) Get a reduced rate monthly travel pass from the MVV Register for classes at the faculties/institutes LMU Munich 41

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45 10 CHECKLISTS 10.3 CHECKLIST BEFORE RETURNING HO ME Fill out the Notenspiegel and have your grades certified by the lecturer Pick up your Transcript of Records at the International Office Inform the Einwohnermeldeamt (in person or in writing) that you are leaving Cancel all standing orders Student accommodation: Compare the state of your room and the inventory with the inventory list; repair any damages, clean your room, have the caretaker sign of your room Check out at the housing administration; leave your home bank account details (for deposit return) Students with German Health Insurance should notify their providers before departure (send your ex-matriculation confirmation to the health insurance provider) LMU Munich 43

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47 Referat Internationale Angelegenheiten Ludwigstraße 27, G München

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