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FAQ

Getting ready for Marburg

Internet Access & Telephone

  • Do I have internet in my room? 

    In your room

    Be warned: Not all dormitories have internet access within the university net.

    Those which have also have internet tutors. Any questions concerning Internet access in your room should first be directed to them. You will find an overview of the tutors on the homepage of the student union.

    UMRnet/Internet access

    Internet access is possible with several Windows versions. It also works with Linux, MacOS and other system softwares. Please have the MAC address of the Ethernet interface of your laptop ready when you come here.

    Access via telephone network

    In the two dorms without LAN access you would have to order a conventional telephone network at the "Deutsche Telekom" with a DSL or ISDN/Modem option. Because of the shortness of your stay we can not recommend this alternative. Unnecessary expenses for the telephone extension arise.

    More information by the university computer centre.

  • How does the internet on campus work?

    WLAN/Wifi
    On campus, there is a wide net of hotspots to log on via WLAN/Wifi. The logon is part of the worldwide eduroam federation, so that participants of one institution can also use the access at all other institutions. You can find more information on the eduroam wifi access on the website of the computer center.

    Using LAN
    Almost all institutions on campus are equipped with so-called cable networks where you can hook up your laptop. The laptop is to be used as a "client". The use of servers (especially WWW-/MP3-Upload-Server) is strictly forbidden. Your Internet account will be blocked at misuse.

    The usage is temporary (maximum of 4 hours); the IP address will be assigned dynamically. Access information will be recorded like using a modem/ISDN access. The information will be kept for a maximum of six months.

    For the LAN access via laptop at the University the HRZ (university computer services) operates a LAN access server (Cisco Router). The server also controls computer access in the dormitories and is connected to the UMRnet by Gigabit-Ethernet (1 Gbit/s, full duplex). To use the LAN access, the laptop owner has to sign on to this server.

  • Where can I get a cell phone & how does it work?

    Cellular phones

    Since a regular telephone extension from the "Deutsche Telekom" is not feasible due to the brevity of the stay, we suggest that students buy a cheap cellular phone or sim card here.

    We would like to suggest a few opportunities:

    There are some possibilities to get a cell phone (Handy). If you already own a T-Mobile carrier cell phone, bring it with you to Marburg. T-Mobile is one of the only companies that can convert between European and American frequencies, so a T-Mobile cell phone can be used in both places. You have to make sure that the SIM card (the card inside the phone) is "unlocked" so you can purchase and insert a card in Marburg.

    Pre-Paid Phones

    Many cellular phone providers offer well-priced pre-paid phones. These phones come without a contractual commitment. However, the pre-paid calls are typically more expensive. Depending on the provider, the prices vary (phone, per-minute rates, etc.) – it is worth while to ask around in various shops once in Marburg.

Every Day Life

  • How do we get around in Marburg?

    The public transportation system in and around Marburg works very well. There are frequent buses from the different dorms to university buildings and the city center. Once you have worked out their schedules, you should be fine.

    There is also the possibility to rent a bicycle, e.g. Nextbike. 

    Marburg has two train stations (Hauptbahnhof and Südbahnhof), so you can easily travel to other cities like Frankfurt.

  • Do I have to pay for public transportation within Marburg?

    No, you don’t. You will receive your student ID from us upon your arrival. It can be used as a bus and train ticket from March 1/Sept. 1 onwards. You will receive a separate bus ticket (for Marburg) for the weeks from your arrival until the student ID is valid. Please carry your bus ticket and later your student ID (the so called “Semesterticket”) with you at all times. Your student ID is only valid in connection with a picture ID. Please do not lend your student ID to anyone! This can be considered fraud!

  • Where can I go shopping in Marburg? What about opening hours?

    There are different supermarkets, hardware stores, drug stores etc. in Marburg. We will show you some and you will receive an extensive list of them when you arrive here.

    Please note that all stores are closed in Germany on Sundays except for gas stations!

  • Where can I find the cafeteria?

    The University of Marburg does not consist of a central campus, but its administrative buildings and faculty buildings are situated in different locations. For this reason, the Studierendenwerk runs multiple canteens (Mensa) and cafeterias. Please check Studierendenwerk site for more detailed information.

    There is one big canteen in the city center (Mensa Erlenring) and another one on the Lahnberge Campus (Mensa Lahnberge). The Mensa offers warm lunch and you can choose between different meal options. The cafeterias on the other hand offer baked goods, drinks and coffee. There are two cafeterias in the city center: in the Central Lecture Hall (Café Leonardo) and in the Central Library (CoLibri).

    Don’t forget to put money on your Ucard to be able to pay in the cafeterias. See the question below for learning how to do so.

    You want to know what’s on the menu? Check the Instagram profile of the Studierendenwerk, their website or find the offered menus in the entrance area of each Mensa.

  • Does the university offer a meal plan?

    There are no meal plans at German universities.

    There are several cafeterias in university buildings where you can purchase beverages and snacks. In town there are several snack bars, bakeries, restaurants and fast food facilities.

    Breakfast is available in the bistro in the nearby university cafeteria (Mensa). Lunch and dinner are served in the Mensa as well, where prices range from approx. EUR 2.50 to 4.50 for a full meal. The bistro and the Mensa are located in the student services center (Studentenhaus).

    Please note that there are no cafeterias in the dormitories.

    Included in the program fee is a small meal subsidy/food allowance: upon arrival you will be given a cafeteria debit card (Ucard), and the card will be credited with EUR 50 per month. It can be used in the university facilities (cafeterias, the Mensa) to pay for food. We will explain to you how to go about using the card.

  • How can I pay at the Mensa/cafeteria?

    For paying you need an Ucard. You will receive your Ucard during the orientation program. 

    To put money on your Ucard you can bring cash with you and upload it at one of the Ucard uploaders (“Aufwerter”). One can be found in the entrance area of the central library and one in the entrance area of Mensa Erlenring. If you have a German bank account, you can also activate “Uload”: via bank transfer new money is automatically uploaded to your card.

    Find all information on the Ucard here.

    The Ucard also serves as a library card and as a copy card for copying machines at the university. For use as a library card, you must have your card activated at the University Library Infodesk.

    When you are leaving Marburg please hand in your Ucard. You will then receive the deposit of 5 Euros back.

Health and Insurance

  • I feel a little under weather/really sick, where do I go?

    If you have a cold, sinus infection, etc., you may first try to get over-the-counter medicine from a pharmacy (“Apotheke”). If you decide to see a doctor, you will be insured with a statutory health insurance (PDF) for your stay in the IUSP.

    Advantages of the statutory health insurance:
    - Unlimited
    - No prepayment with doctor needed. The doctor settles the bill directly with the health insurance company.

    You will receive a list of available doctors and the emergency room in Marburg in your welcome materials when you arrive. We can also provide you with additional information should you need it. 

  • I have to take a specific medication regularly. Will it be available in Germany?

    You can get most medication in the various pharmacies located in Marburg, sometimes you might need a doctor’s note for it. However, it is possible that the identical medication is not available, e.g. because the medication is subjected to specific regulations and therefore not available in Germany.

    We recommend to take the medication with you for the entire duration of your stay (if possible). For large amounts of medication, there are specific customs regulations, so please inform yourself before starting your travels.

    If you are uncertain about this and as this varies case by case, please get in touch with us as soon as possible before your departure.

  • I am struggling with anxiety, loneliness or am overworked - who can help?

    Please do not hesitate to contact any of the listed consultants, they are there to help you with your problem or can forward you to the right contact person.

    The university has a psychological counselling center with experienced staff from our department of psychotherapy. For all personal conflicts, e.g. study problems, learning and work difficulties, examination problems, contact difficulties, family or partner conflicts, you can seek advice at the Psychotherapeutic Counselling Centre for Students (PBS). If you take advantage of counselling at an early stage and even on minor occasions, you can usually avoid greater stress and more costly treatment. More information can be found on the website of the psychological counselling center. Their Email address is:

Dorms

  • Do I get my own room in a dorm?

    All IUSP students have single rooms in one of the university dorms when staying here in Marburg. They are all mixed gender dorms. On IUSP arrival day you will receive your dorm room information and your key. Please do not lend your key to a third person! You will have to pay for it if your key is lost and locks have to be exchanged.

    The IUSP team has no influence on where participants are being placed. This is subject to availability. (The assignments are a service by our colleagues of the dorm department (Studierendenwerk).)

    Accommodations are covered by the program fee. Private accommodations cannot be organized through the IUSP.

    You can get some information and impressions of the dorms on the Studierendenwerk website, e.g. dorms in Studentendorf.

  • Are there women only dormitories?

    No, the residence halls and shared flats are not divided by gender. Be prepared to share the kitchen and bathroom with male and female students. Please let us know in advance (by email) that you would like to live together with other women. It is not guaranteed that this preference can be fulfilled, but the Studentenwerk will consider it within the scope of its possibilities.

  • How are the dorms organized? Are there kitchen supplies, laundry rooms, and bed linens?

    All dormitories are equipped with kitchens and laundry rooms. The kitchens on your floor are communal. Therefore, you can use the refrigerator, stove, and sink at any time. You will probably have to bring or purchase your own kitchen utensils (plates, pots, pans, etc.). In your welcome materials, you will find a list of stores that hold such items.

    Each dorm has a housekeeper. She is responsible for keeping the communal areas of the dorm clean, providing you bed linens and is the person to contact if there are damages or other problems in the dorm. Her office is usually on one of the lower floors of the dorm and her phone number is posted at the entry. She is usually there in the mornings.

    Laundry rooms can be found in every building, although some may be more difficult to find than others. Take this opportunity to get to know other students by asking students in your hall for assistance. You may also explore your dorm on your own. Make it an adventure!

    Bedding and linens will be provided for you. The housekeepers have assigned times when you can exchange the used linens for a new set.

  • Will I have television/telephone in my dorm room?

    Please be warned, the rooms do not have television or telephone.

  • I require a specific kind of accommodation because of a medical condition (e.g. fewer stairs, personal fridge for the storage of medication, etc.)

    If this is your case, the IUSP and the Department of Student Housing (Studentenwerk) can analyze different options for you. Indicate this in your online application under “Special needs” and also get in touch with us in advance, so that this process might start as soon as possible.

Classes

  • When will the classes be posted online?

    Generally speaking, class descriptions are posted online later than what many colleges and universities outside of Germany are accustomed to. The reason for this lies in the differing academic calendars. The classes for the spring semester in Marburg are published in January; classes for the fall semester in Marburg are published in July.  We recommend looking at classes from the previous academic year to get a feel for what classes will be offered in the corresponding semester of the current academic year. In most subject areas, similar courses are offered on a rotating basis one time each academic year.  We do not offer the same classes every year/semester. Introductory-level courses, however, are generally repeated. Browsing through past catalogues can be helpful in giving you an idea of what courses may be offered and what courses may be counted towards your degree.

  • How can I register for classes?

    We are adding classes as they come in from the professors. As soon as the list is complete, we will notify all students and ask for their class choice in an email. We will ask for your final decision after your arrival in Marburg.

  • How does the organization of the tutorials work?

    A tutorial (obligatory!) will be offered with each course. It is being held in English to help students with the material that was covered in class. Course and tutorial are one inseparable unit.

    After we have all the final class choices, we will write your professors an email asking them to name a tutor. Then, we will get in touch with the tutors and find free time spots for the tutorials. Once we found the day and time for your tutorial, your tutor will get in touch with you with further information.

    One week before the regular semester starts, we will have a schedule session where we will give you your final schedule, and explain where the classes will take place.

  •  Can I change classes once the semester has started?

    Since the IUSP is a short term program, there is no drop/add period.  

  • What is the regular course load?

    First six weeks (before the regular semester starts):

    1 Intensive German Language Class with 120 contact hours & 6 ECTS

    1 German Culture Class with 56 contact hours & 6 ECTS

    Regular Semester:

    2 classes from our IUSP course catalogue with 48 contact hours/each & 6 ECTS/each

    optional: German Conversation Class with 36 contact hours & 2 ECTS

    It is possible to add a third/fourth class for an extra fee of 230 Euro/each.