Student Handbook Guidelines for Incoming Exchange Students
International Office
Welcome
Dear Exchange Student, Congratulations on your admission to the Berlin School of Economics and Law! We would like to give you a very warm welcome in our university and wish you a happy and successful stay in Berlin. Studying abroad is a wonderful experience that will help you discover more about yourself and others. We hope that you will enjoy everything that the BSEL and Berlin have to offer. It is however, perfectly normal that you may encounter some difficulties when you live in another country. We at the International Office are fully aware of that. Therefore we compiled this guide, a Student Handbook, to give you all the practical information you need to know. Please read it carefully and keep in mind that we are here for you to answer all your questions, so that you can quickly find your way at the BSEL. The International Office Team
Herzlich willkommen…
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Table of contents
Student Handbook Content Getting to the BSEL ........................................................................................................................ 4 International Office ........................................................................................................................ 8 First steps........................................................................................................................................ 10 Academic procedures .................................................................................................................... 19 Course registration ........................................................................................................................ 21 Student facilities ............................................................................................................................28 Activities ..........................................................................................................................................31 Last steps ........................................................................................................................................ 33
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Getting to the BSEL
How to get to the BSEL? The Berlin School of Economics and Law has two different campuses, located in different parts of Berlin: Campus Schöneberg and Campus Lichtenberg.
Campus Schöneberg Campus Schöneberg is the central campus of BSEL. The campus houses five buildings, all in the immediate surroundings of the Badensche Straße, where the main building is situated. ADDRESS:
Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin School of Economics and Law Campus Schöneberg Badensche Straße 52 10825 Berlin Germany
Street map Campus Schöneberg
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Getting to the BSEL
AT SCHÖNEBERG CAMPUS YOU FIND:
HOW TO GET THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
Building A, Main Building, Badensche Straße 52, 10825 Berlin
Bus
University Management Research Funding and Coordination University Development Marketing Department / Press Office International Office Student Counselling and Career Service Finance and Controlling Facility Management / Central Services (Post Office) Human Resources Library Cafeteria Seminar and lecture rooms
Building B, Badensche Straße 50–51, 10825 Berlin Management and Administration
Bus 104, Kufsteiner Straße bus stop (directly on campus) Bus 104 Berliner Straße U‐Bahn station Bus M48, M85, 187, 248, Innsbrucker Platz bus stop (approx. 10 min walk) U‐Bahn, subway
U4, U7, Bayerischer Platz U‐Bahn station (approx. 5 min walk) U4, Rathaus Schöneberg U‐Bahn station (approx. 5 min walk) U7, U9, Berliner Straße U‐Bahn station (approx. 8 min walk) S‐Bahn, city railway
S41, S42, S44, S47, Innsbrucker Platz S‐Bahn and U‐Bahn station (approx. 10 min walk)
Department of Business and Economics Academic staff Department of Business and
Economics Seminar and lecture rooms Dining Hall
Building C, Badensche Straße 50–51, 10825 Berlin
Management and Administration IMB Institute of Management Berlin Seminar and lecture rooms Building D, Babelsberger Straße 40–41, 10715 Berlin
Business Incubation Centre
Building E, Babelsberger Straße 14–16, 10715 Berlin
Academic staff Department of Business and Economics Seminar and lecture rooms Harriet Taylor Mill‐Institute
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Getting to the BSEL
Campus Lichtenberg The Lichtenberg Campus of the Berlin School of Economics and Law is part of the education and administration complex in Friedrichsfelde (BVZ). The buildings 1, 5, 6a, 6b and 6c house several departments and institutes of the Berlin School of Economics and Law. ADDRESS:
Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin School of Economics and Law Campus Lichtenberg Alt‐Friedrichsfelde 60 10315 Berlin Germany
Street map Campus Lichtenberg
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Getting to the BSEL
AT LICHTENBERG CAMPUS YOU FIND:
HOW TO GET THERE BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
Building 1, on BVZ
Bus
Management and Administration of Departments 3, 4, 5, IMO, and FSI Offices of academic staff and lecture rooms Dining Hall and Cafeteria IT‐Centre Audimax
U‐Bahn, subway
Building 5, on BVZ Management and Administration of the
Department of Cooperative Studies (Dept. 2) Academic staff Dept. 2 Seminar and lecture rooms
U5, Friedrichsfelde station (approx. 12 min walk)
S‐Bahn, city railway
S5, S7, S75, Friedrichsfelde Ost station (approx. 15 min walk)
Straßenbahn, tram
Building 6a, on BVZ
Bus 108, 194 Bildungs‐ und Verwaltungszentrum bus stop (directly on campus) Bus 192, Alt‐Friedrichsfelde or Gensinger Straße bus stop
Seminar rooms
Metro‐Tram M17, Tram 27, Alt‐ Friedrichsfelde or Rhinstraße station (approx.. 15 min walk)
Building 6b, on BVZ Seminar rooms Laboratories (Dept. 2) Offices of academic staff and lecturers (Dept. 2) Passage to building 6C
Building 6C, on BVZ
Library
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International Office
Incoming Office The International Office at the Berlin School of Economics and Law coordinates all aspects of student and staff mobility both within the University and abroad. The Incoming Office is the most important information centre for Incoming Exchange Students.
Why should you come to the Incoming Office?
To get general information. To get information about accommodation in Berlin. To apply for the Welcome Money. To have your Certificate of Arrival signed. To solve problems with courses. To have your Learning Agreement signed. To have your Certificate of Departure signed.
Consultation CAMPUS SCHÖNEBERG
CAMPUS LICHTENBERG
Monday: 10:00 – 12:00 Tuesday: 10:00 – 12:00 Wednesday: 14:00 – 16:00 Thursday: 10:00 – 12:00 Friday: closed
Monday: 10:30 – 12:30 Tuesday: 10:30 – 12:30 Wednesday: 10:30 – 12:30 Thursday: closed Friday: closed
Location:
Location:
Building A, third floor, room 2 (B3.02)
Building 1, ground floor, room 66 (1.066)
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International Office
Incoming Office team KATRIN HECKER CAMPUS SCHÖNEBERG
Function: Work area:
Contact:
Incoming Officer Overseas Students Exchange Students from Turkey, Serbia Double Degree Programmes Tel. +49 (0)30 30877‐1260 incoming@hwr‐berlin.de
ANTJE TRETTAU CAMPUS SCHÖNEBERG
Function: Work area: Contact:
Incoming Officer Erasmus Exchange Students Tel. +49 (0)30 30877‐1354 incoming@hwr‐berlin.de
Function: Work area:
Incoming Officer Overseas Students Erasmus Exchange Students Tel. +49 (0)30 30877‐2986 katrin.mahnkopf@hwr‐berlin.de
KATRIN MAHNKOPF CAMPUS LICHTENBERG
Contact:
STUDENT ASSISTANTS
Several enthusiastic student assistants also work at the International Office. They will be entirely at your service. Campus Lichtenberg: intoff‐lichtenberg@hwr‐berlin.de Campus Schöneberg: internex@hwr‐berlin.de
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First steps
Your first steps in Berlin When you live and study abroad for several months, there is quite a lot that you need to do and check. In this section you will find practical information on what needs to be done once you have arrived in Berlin.
Checklist Housing Health insurance German bank account Official registration Aliens registration (for students from NON EU Member States) Student ID Card Welcome Money Emergency telephone numbers
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First steps
Housing The Berlin School of Economics and Law does not have its own on‐campus accommodation and therefore we cannot guarantee rooms to Exchange Students. However, we do offer several alternatives to find accommodation during your stay in Berlin. FINDING ACCOMMODATION THROUGH THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE The International Office can arrange limited student accommodations throughout Berlin. These accommodations are provided by either Studentendorf Schlachtensee or Studentenwerk Berlin. The Studentendorf Schlachtensee is a student dormitory village, which offers several options concerning accommodations: shared flats and small apartments. It is located on an international, multicultural campus in the South‐west of Berlin and characterized by grand scale common areas and green spaces. Check www.studentendorf‐berlin.com/schlachtensee to see a specific overview of the accommodations and extras they offer. Please note that for all rooms a deposit of €500 or €650, depending on the room category, shall be paid when entering into contract. This will be refunded after moving out, if the room is left in perfect condition.
Single room, Flat share, Apartment in Studentendorf Schlachtensee (Fotos: Copyright Mila Hacke, Berlin)
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First steps
Studentenwerk Berlin is another provider of the BSEL’s student accommodation. It is a public organisation that rents out rooms or flats in dorms and provides social, economic and cultural services to students. The reservation process is entirely run by our cooperation partner ERG GmbH. If you want to know more about this organisation, please check www.erggmbh.de. The room size depends on the residence. In general, kitchen and bathroom facilities are shared with other students, but bear in mind that bed sheets and pillows, as well as dishes and cutlery, are not included in the price. You do have the opportunity to buy all this as a full package at the housing administration office. You can rent a fully furnished room at a reasonable monthly rate, from €200 to €270. Here a deposit of 1.5 monthly rent shall be paid upon signing a rental contract as well. The deposit will be refunded when moving out, provided the flat or room is left in a clean and proper condition. Another important thing to know is that there are two rental periods: the Summer Semester, from March until August, and the Winter Semester, from September to February. This time span is not negotiable, which means that you need to pay the rent for the whole six months, even if you need the accommodation for a shorter period. Please check www.studentenwerk‐berlin.de to find detailed information on the student dorms run by Studentenwerk Berlin.
Single room, dorms, laundry and kitchen facilities (Fotos: Copyright Studentenwerk Berlin)
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First steps
FINDING ACCOMMODATION YOURSELF Of course you are also free to find accommodation on your own. If you want to ensure a more central location, we suggest that you check the other options and tips we give below. The Bürgermeister‐Reuter‐Stiftung is a nonprofit organization that provides housing services for international young people who are temporarily in Berlin. They have several houses all over Berlin with well‐furnished rooms and flats. If you are interested or would like to know more about each residence, please go to the following Website: www.house‐of‐ nations.de.
Residence of House of Nations (Fotos: Copyright Bürgermeister‐Reuter‐Stiftung)
PRIVATE HOUSING MARKET The housing market in Berlin offers flats and rooms in all price categories. Here you find a list of housing agencies and relevant Websites for shared apartments:
www.city‐wohnen.de www.homecompany.de www.freiraum‐berlin.com www.zeit‐raum.de www.rooms‐in‐berlin.com www.fineandmine.de
www.wg‐gesucht.de www.zwischenmiete.de www.immobilienscout24.de www.studenten‐wg.de www.immobilo.de www.easy‐living4u.de
YOUTH HOSTELS You can also make temporarily use of an inexpensive accommodation in hostels. Here you find a small selection of hostels available in Berlin:
www.aletto.de www.globetrotterhostel.de www.generatorhostels.de www.baxpax.de www.hotel4youth.de
www.citystay.de www.hostel.de www.sun‐flowerhostel.de www.eastseven.de www.diefabrik.de
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First steps
Health insurance It is very important that you, as an international student, have a good and suitable health insurance in Germany. Each Exchange Student has to provide either proof of unlimited health insurance cover for Germany or has to register with a German health insurance company for students in Berlin. STUDENTS FROM EU MEMBER STATES You need to have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or an EHIC Provisional Replacement Certificate. If you do not have an EHIC yet, please request it from your insurance company and make sure that you are fully covered in Germany.
European Health Insurance Card
If you use a private insurance, you need to provide a confirmation of the area of application, duration and services. Generally speaking, the private insurance has to be almost identical to the compulsory health insurance. The following services must be included: medical and dental treatment
medicines, medical accessories, and curative care hospital treatment medical services for rehabilitation no high co‐payment pregnancy and delivery services all services must be possible every time, not only in medical emergencies no exclusion of services to a great extent no limit of costs of services that are to be deducted
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First steps
STUDENTS FROM NON EU MEMBER STATES According to the German law, you must provide a health insurance with an unlimited coverage. The easiest way for you to fulfil this requirement, is to sign up for German public health insurance. The International Office works together with several insurance companies, such as the Techniker Krankenkasse (TK), a well‐known German public health insurance company, which offers students health insurances with an unlimited coverage for all medical treatments that might occur during their stay. The health insurance also covers costs for medical emergencies in other EU Member States. During the Orientation period, you will have the opportunity to talk to someone from the TK and have your health insurance looked into. Please note that travel insurances usually only cover medical emergencies and are for a limited period of time. As these insurance plans do not cover particular services, they are not valid health insurance for a study visit. If you have specific questions about your health insurance or want to sign up for health insurance from TK, please contact the International Office at Campus Schöneberg or go to the following Website: www.tk.de, so that you can make the necessary arrangements.
German bank account We advise you to open a German student bank account at one of our many banks in Berlin. You can do that very easily, because most banks do not charge any fee for opening a student bank account. For example, banks to go to in Berlin are Deutsche Bank and Berliner Sparkasse. If you go to the bank to open a bank account, you need to show your Student ID Card, which you can pick up at the International Office, your passport, and your official registration certificate, which we will discuss later in this handbook. As you will need to pay your semester fee and, if necessary, your health insurance, you need to have a German bank account. You can find a Deutsche Bank and a Berliner Sparkasse in the surroundings of the Berlin School of Economics and Law. The Deutsche Bank is located on Bayerischer Platz and the Berliner Sparkasse is located in Grunewaldstraße.
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First steps
Official registration There is a legal requirement for everybody living in Berlin to make an official registration of their residence. Exchange Students need to do this as well. In order to do the official registration, you need to go to the resident registration office (Bürgeramt) in a city hall of Berlin. It does not matter which city hall you go to. The closest one to the BSEL Campus Schöneberg is the Rathaus Schöneberg at the John‐F‐Kennedy‐Platz. Please come and get a registration form at the International Office, so that you can fill that in beforehand and do not forget to bring your rental contract. During the Orientation period you will also have the opportunity to make use of our registration service. Just bring a copy of your passport and your rental contract and we will do the registration for you. Once you have registered you will receive a proof of residential registration. Please bear in mind that you also need to deregister when you go back to your home country.
Aliens Registration Office FOR STUDENTS FROM NON EU MEMBER STATES Exchange students from non EU Member States, whose visas expire during their stay in Germany, need to obtain a student visa or a residence permit at the Aliens Registration Office (Ausländerbehörde). You can also collect this application form at the International Office. You need to hand in a number of documents to comply with the application procedure: your passport a biometric photograph of yourself (35 x 45 millimetre) your Student ID and your Acceptance Letter of the BSEL proof of your health insurance
a current bank statement, a confirmation of scholarship or a letter of financial support from your parents your application form for a residence permit a proof of residential registration (confirmation of the official registration)
If you obtain your residence permit, you are allowed to work 120 days a year, 8 hours a day or 240 days a year, 4 hours a day. You only need to make sure that you do not work more than 20 hours a week during a lecture period, but you are allowed to work 40 hours a week during the semester break. As for internships, you are permitted to conduct an internship that is included in your studies. If you want to do an additional paid internship, you need to go to the Aliens Authority and ask whether it is possible or not.
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First steps
PRACTICAL INFORMATION The Aliens Registration Office:
Friedrich‐Krause‐Ufer 24 13353 Berlin S‐Bahn: S41 and S42 Westhafen U‐Bahn: U9 Westhafen or U9 Amrumer Straße Bus: 142
Opening hours:
Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday:
Online appointment:
www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender/dienststelle/auslterminverei nb_de.html
E‐mail address:
[email protected]
Telephone:
030 90269‐0
Website:
www.berlin.de/labo/auslaender
7:00‐14:00 7:00‐14:00 only with appointment 10:00‐18:00 closed
Another important thing you should keep in mind is that you need to pay a fee of €100‐€110. If you have a scholarship you might have to pay less or nothing at all. Should you have any specific questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at the International Office.
Student ID Card SEMESTER FEE Before you can collect your Student ID Card, you need to pay the semester fee. This fee contains several contributions such as the student union Fee, the general student committee, the semester ticket (your transport ticket) and the enrollment fee. The latter is only charged for the Double Degree and Free Mover Students. The semester fee costs about €250‐€300 (please check with the International Office for the exact amount). Please make sure that you transfer the money as soon as you have arrived in Berlin. Bank details:
Payee: Hochschule für Wirtschaft und Recht Berlin 10825 Berlin Name of Bank: Deutsche Bank Berlin Swift code: DEUTDEBB IBAN number: DE 50 1007 0000 00 68 599 000 Purpose: Matriculation Number – xx FEE FOR your name (xx: your Application Number)
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First steps
YOUR STUDENT ID CARD You can collect your Student ID Card at the International Office from the beginning of October for the Winter Semester and from the beginning of April for the Summer Semester. Please bring a proof of payment and proof of your health insurance. The Student ID Card is only valid for one semester, so if you study at the BSEL you will get one for each semester. The Student ID Card consists of: 1 semester ticket (your transport ticket) 9 enrolment confirmations 1 payment overview The most important part is your semester ticket, which enables you to use all the facilities of the public transport in Berlin. You can also use it to get a student discount at cultural events and restaurants. The enrolment tickets are just proof that you study at the Berlin School of Economics and Law. If your home institution asks for a proof of enrolment, you can give one of these tickets.
Semester Ticket
You may be asked at all times to prove your identity, so make sure that you sign your semester ticket and always have a picture on you. Please bear in mind that you cannot laminate your semester ticket. Should you lose your semester ticket, please contact the International Office.
Welcome money We have a unique opportunity for all new students in Berlin. You are entitled to Welcome Money or as we call it in German, Begrüßungsgeld. The Welcome Money is €50 and is paid on submission of an application form, which you can get at the International Office. If you want to receive the Welcome Money, you will need to fill in that application form and bring it to the Bürgeramt, the official registration office in the city hall. They will put a stamp on it and then you can bring it back to the International Office. The money will be transferred into your bank account. Please note that you must have a German bank account to receive the Welcome Money and you need to bring proof of residential registration.
Emergency telephone numbers Police: Ambulance: Fire brigade:
110 120 120
Find an English‐speaking doctor in your neighbourhood: www.doctorberlin.de
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Academic procedures
Academic Calendar Academic year The academic year at the Berlin School of Economics and Law is divided into two semesters, six months each called The Winter Semester and the Summer Semester. The Winter Semester starts 1 October and lasts until 31 March. The Summer Semester starts 1 April and lasts until 30 September. The Berlin School of Economics and Law is closed on the following holidays: German Unification Day (3 October) 2 weeks of Christmas break Easter Labour Day (1 May) Ascension Day Whit Monday
Orientation period Each semester is preceded by an orientation period, which starts with an Orientation Day, during which you will get all the information you need to know about your stay and study period in Berlin. During the orientation period you can also take part in the Intensive German Language Course to brush up your German. This course takes two weeks and afterwards you receive a certificate and get academic credit for it. In case you have not registered yet, please contact the International Office as soon as you arrive in Berlin, so that we can register you for this course. Please note that the registration is free of charge. At the end of the orientation period there will be a Red Tape Day. On this day you will have the opportunity to complete all the necessary forms such as your health insurance, official registration, application for the Welcome Money, etc. with assistance of the International Office and ask specific questions.
Specific dates If you want to find out the exact dates of the current academic calendar, please check the BSEL’s Website (www.hwr‐berlin.de) or ask for a copy at the International Office.
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Academic procedures
Study period Lecture period The lecture period in the Winter Semester starts in the beginning of October and lasts until the beginning of February. The lecture period in the Summer Semester starts in the beginning of April and lasts until the beginning of July. Please keep in mind that there are no other holidays than those indicated on the Academic Calendar mentioned on the previous page.
Examination period Both Winter and Summer Semesters are immediately followed by an examination period of approximately three weeks. The examination period is binding, which means you need to be present until the end of the examination period. When the examination consists of combined assignments (a written exam, a presentation, a term paper …), you have to pass all the assignments, otherwise you fail the entire course. There are some extra remarks that we would like to make regarding the examination period: ask your professor for the exact date and time of your examinations check beforehand if there are any clashes of your examinations make sure you always take your Student ID Card and passport to the examination hand in your term paper on time, by 12 a.m. on the submission date, at the post office (building A, room 37)
Re‐examination If you fail an examination, you can register for the re‐examination that will take place a few weeks later. If you cannot attend an exam because of illness, you have to hand in a medical certificate within three days from the exam date. For the registration forms please check with the examination office in building B room 1.
Grades You will be able to see your grades online on the Campus4U and Finca platform (which we will refer to later on) and we will send a transcript of records to your home university in the beginning of the next semester. The transcript of records will contain the courses that you took, your grades and your acquired credits. If you stay two semesters at the BSEL, we will send one transcript of records at the end of your second semester. The grading scale is as followed:
A = (1,0 – 1,5): B = (1,6 – 2,0): C = (2,1 – 3,0):
Excellent Very good Good
D = (3,1 – 3,5): E = (3,6 – 4,0): F = (> 4,0):
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Satisfactory Sufficient Fail
Course registration
Course registration procedure The Berlin School of Economics and Law disposes of a wide range of courses that you can take in English as well as in German. We also offer some interesting business language courses such as Chinese, Russian, Spanish, French, and of course German. We have two campuses where you can take courses, but the registration process is different for each campus. Please follow the following guidelines bearing in mind where you are registered and where you want to take your courses.
Courses at Campus Schöneberg STUDENTS REGISTERED AT CAMPUS SCHÖNEBERG Students registered at Campus Schöneberg can find a course overview of all the courses taught at Campus Schöneberg in the English Stream or on the Campus4U platform.
Campus Schöneberg
The English Stream contains all the English courses available for Exchange Students. You will receive a copy from the International Office. This small booklet is divided into five different kind of courses: Studium Generale: These courses are general studies that deal with a general business topic. This type of course will usually take place 2 hours a week and you receive 2.5 credits for it. Normally you do not have any exams or get any credits for the Studium Generale courses, but please inform your lecturer if you, as an Exchange Student, need the credits anyway. In that case, you might have to do extra work.
Bachelor Programs – first stage: First stage means that these courses have the same level as the courses that you take during your first, second and third semester in your home university. This type of course will usually take place 4 hours a week and you receive 5 credits for it.
Bachelor Programs – second stage: Second stage means that these courses have the same level as the courses that you take during your fourth, fifth and sixth semester in your home university. This type of course will usually take place 4 hours a week and you receive 5 credits for it.
Themenfeld: These courses are a combination of several courses, which means three courses form one course. This type of course will take place twelve hours a week and you receive 15 credits for it. Please bear in mind that you need to participate in all four parts of the course in order to get your credits.
Special English courses: These courses deal with vocabulary used in specific topics. This type of course will usually take place 2 hours a week and you receive 2.5 credits for it.
Please note that you only receive credit, if you pass the course. Page 21 | International Office
Course registration
You can also find an overview of the courses taught at Campus Schöneberg on the Campus4U platform. Please go to the following link: www.campus4u.hwr‐berlin.de and click on the English flag in the upper right corner of the Website. Click on Courses and then on Search for lectures. Select the term (semester). Click on Curricula and then select number 1 BA Exchange Student. Select your language of instruction (English or German) and click on Start Search. Now you will have a clear overview of all the courses available.
Screenhot: how to search for courses
You will notice that you cannot find any language courses in the overview mentioned above. You can find the language courses by clicking on Courses and then Course Overview. Click on Fachbereich 1 and then on Vorbereitungskurse Erstsemester und Sprachen and again on Sprachen.
Screenshot: how to search for language courses
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Course registration
If you want to find out when a course is held, click on that course and scroll down to Dates / Times / Location. Then you will see when the course takes place, how long it takes, in which room it will be and who the lecturer is. In case a certain course has been cancelled, you will also be able to check that here and see when the make‐up day will be.
Screenshot: how to find date, time and location
If you want to see the contents of a course, go to the module descriptions. Click on a course and scroll down to Exams / Modules and click on the module. You will see the contents, prerequisites, recommended literature, credits, and the type of exam of your course.
Screenshot: how to see the module descriptions
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Course registration
You will be able to apply for and cancel your courses online on the Campus4U platform. The online registration period usually starts three weeks before the start of the semester and the online cancellation period starts three weeks after the semester begins. Please note that if you are registered for the course you are automatically registered for the exam as well. Before you can apply for or cancel your courses, you first need to generate a password for your Campus4U account. In order to do so, go to the Campus4U Website and click on CampusKey. You will be forwarded to the following Webpage.
Screenshot: how to generate your password
This Website is only available in German. Please click on Neu registrieren!. On the next page, you will be asked to give some personal details:
Nachname Vorname Geburtsdatum Matrikelnummer Geheime Frage Geheime Antwort E‐Mail‐Adresse Telefonnummer
last name first name date of birth (according to the following notation: DD.MM.YYYY) matriculation number secret question (in case you forget your password) answer to the secret question e‐mail address telephone number
Finally, click on anmelden. Now you will receive your password. Go back to the main page of the Campus4U Website and type in your username (your matriculation number) and your newly created password. Click on login. Once you have logged into your Campus4U account, go to the course for which you want to apply. Click on it and then click on the apply button. Follow the same procedure to cancel a course by clicking on the cancel button instead. Page 24 | International Office
Course registration
Click on My Functions and then on My Lectures to see the courses for which you applied, which ones were accepted or rejected and which ones you cancelled. The Campus4U platform also allows you to check your course schedule, to receive an overview of your grades with your module descriptions and the contact information of the lecturers.
Screenshot: additional facilities of Campus4U
STUDENTS REGISTERED AT CAMPUS LICHTENBERG Students registered at Campus Lichtenberg are allowed to take courses at Campus Schöneberg as well. It is the same procedure to find courses in the English Stream and on the Campus4U platform as mentioned on the previous pages. The only difference is the application procedure. You need to fill in a paper application form, which you can get from the International Office, and we will register for you. You will get another matriculation number for Campus Schöneberg, so that you can also create a Campus4U account.
Courses at Campus Lichtenberg STUDENTS REGISTERED AT CAMPUS LICHTENBERG Students registered at Campus Lichtenberg can find a course overview of all the courses taught at Campus Lichtenberg in the English Stream. The International Office will also provide a copy, which states date, time, location, credits, and the lecturer.
Campus Lichtenberg
You can also take some interesting courses in German at Campus Lichtenberg. You can only find them in German on the Website. Please go to the BSEL’s Website (www.hwr‐berlin.de) and click on Studium. Then click on Studienorganisation / Arbeitsmittel and select Vorlesungsverzeichnis. Now you can select courses of Fachbereich Allgemeine Verwaltung and Fachbereich Rechtspflege. Select the one you want and then choose which topic you would like to take. Once you have done that, you will be forwarded to a Webpage containing all the courses available within that topic. Page 25 | International Office
Course registration
Screenshot: how to find
There is no online application procedure, so if you want to take courses at Campus Lichtenberg, you can do so by filling out a paper application form, which you can get from the International Office. If you want to cancel courses, please contact the International Office at Campus Lichtenberg. STUDENTS REGISTERED AT CAMPUS SCHÖNEBERG Students registered at Campus Schöneberg are also allowed to register for courses at Campus Lichtenberg. Please go to the International Office and ask for a paper application form, so that we can register or cancel courses for you.
Application forms for Exchange Students to take courses at Campus Lichtenberg
If you are interested in taking some courses at Campus Lichtenberg, please go to those courses when the semester has started. After two weeks you will have the opportunity to register, so you will be able to check first whether you like the course or not.
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Course registration
FINCA Finca is the online service platform for students registered at Campus Lichtenberg. You can use it to see your course schedule, your grades and your personal details. Students from Campus Schöneberg that take courses at Campus Lichtenberg do not obtain access to the Finca platform. Go to the following link: https://finca.hwr‐berlin.de and log in. Your username and password should be on your matriculation papers. In case you cannot find this information, please contact the International Office.
Screenshot: Finca platform
Important information We would like to make some extra notes regarding course choice and course registration: The minimum number of courses that you need to take is 2. The maximum number of courses that you can take is 8, which means 40 credits. You are free to combine courses taught in German and in English. You may choose your courses freely. Just make sure that it is according to your Learning Agreement, which means that your home institution agrees to your course choice. Most of the courses require constant attendance, so in order to obtain your credits you should participate regularly. We try to make sure that you get all the courses that you applied for. Please take into account that you might be admitted to another group of the same course at a different time. Once you are registered for a course, you are also registered for the examination. If you do not show up for the exam, you fail the course. Page 27 | International Office
Student facilities
Campus facilities at the BSEL Library The Berlin School of Economics and Law offers students comprehensive library services, which include a stock of books and journals for loan and reference as well as information on specific topics. You will even have access Library Campus Schöneberg to numerous online databases with a wide collection of e‐books and e‐journals and make use of the printing service in the library. During the orientation period we will introduce you to the library service and facilities. Please go to the BSEL Website (www.hwr‐berlin.de), click on Service and select Library. Now you will be able to go through the online catalogue and databases of the library. CAMPUS SCHÖNEBERG Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Location: Contact:
CAMPUS LICHTENBERG
10:00 – 21:00 10:00 – 19:00 10:00 – 19:00 10:00 – 19:00 10:00 – 19:00 10:00 – 15:00 Building A, fifth floor, Tel. +49(0)30 30877‐1284 hsb.cs@hwr‐berlin.de
Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Location: Contact:
9:00 – 20:00 9:00 – 19:00 9:00 – 19:00 9:00 – 19:00 10:00 – 17:00 12:00 – 14:00 Building 6C, ground floor, Tel. +49(0)30 30877‐2582 bibliothek‐lichtenberg@hwr‐berlin.de
IT Service HOW TO GET FREE WI‐FI ACCESS? The university is equipped with hotspots all over the two campuses, which means you have access to wireless internet. We make use of the Eduroam system, so if your home university also has Eduroam, you can use your login and password to connect to the Wi‐Fi. In case your home university does not have Eduroam, please follow the next guidelines. Students at Campus Schöneberg: Your username is 77210 + your matriculation number + @hwr‐berlin.de, so for example: your matriculation number is 123456, your username is 77210123456@hwr‐berlin.de your password is the one that you generated in CampusKey. Students at Campus Lichtenberg: Your username and password are the same as for your Finca account. Page 28 | International Office
Student facilities Student facilities
PC POOL The Berlin School of Economics and Law also houses PC pools. These spaces are equipped with computers and printers, where you can work quietly. You can switch over Microsoft Office into English on all the computers. At Campus Schöneberg: o Room B1.29 o Room B1.42 o Room B1.43 o Room B1.51 o Room B1.53 o Room B1.55
At Campus Lichtenberg: o Room 123 o Room 124 o Room 125 o Room 126 o Room 127 o Room 129
HELPDESK Should you experience any kind of problems with the Wi‐Fi connection or with your laptop, please contact the IT Hotline. At Campus Schöneberg: o Tel. +49(0)30 30877‐1310 o hotline@hwr‐berlin.de
At Campus Lichtenberg: o Tel. +49(0)30 30877‐2525 o hrz_hotline@hwr‐berlin.de
E‐Learning MOODLE Moodle is the E‐Learning platform for students and lecturers at both Campus Schöneberg and Campus Lichtenberg. This is the communication centre between you, your lecturer and other students. The lecturer may post here course material, assignments, messages or tests. You can discuss on a forum with your lecturer or with other students or ask questions. Go to the following link: moodle.hwr‐berlin.de and log in: Students from Campus Schöneberg: Your username consists of 77210 + your matriculation number. For example, your matriculation number is 123456, which means that your username is 77210123456. Your password is the one you created in Campuskey. Students from Campus Lichtenberg: Your username and password are the same as for your Finca account.
Screenshot: E‐Learning platform Moodle
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Student facilities
University cafeterias and dining halls The University has a number of cafeterias on both Campus Schöneberg and Campus Lichtenberg. The facilities are run by Studentwerk Berlin. You can only pay cash‐free with a Mensa Card. This card is a loadable chip card, on which you put money by using the uploading terminals in the cafeterias. It is very easy to use. The International Office will provide you a Mensa Card and you will get information about the reloading system of your card during the campus tour. DINING HALL ON CAMPUS SCHÖNEBERG The Schöneberg Campus dining hall is located on the top floor of building B. It is open from Monday to Friday and offers a selection of hot and cold meals and drinks, and a varied lunchtime menu. There is also another cafeteria on Campus Schöneberg on the top floor of building A. Here you can buy filled sandwiches, cakes, pies, fruit, and coffee. You also have the opportunity to pay cash as well as with your Mensa Card.
Cafeteria building A on Campus Schöneberg
CAFÉ GESCHMACKLOS Café Geschmacklos is a student café run by students. It is located on Campus Schöneberg on the ground floor of building B. This café also organizes parties and events, and offers a catering service. DINING HALL ON CAMPUS LICHTENBERG The Lichtenberg Campus dining hall is located in building 1. The cafeteria is open during the week and offers a varied menu of hot and cold meals and drinks. Page 30 | International Office
Activities
Activities for Exchange Students at the BSEL Buddy Program It takes a while to get used to studying at a new university in a foreign country, as you may not be familiar with the general lifestyle or academic expectations. The Buddy Program is designed to bring international and German students together. It is not only useful for you, as an Exchange Student, but also very enriching for the Buddies. WHAT DOES A BUDDY DO? Your buddy may help you on several aspects: Get to know the campus during your first days in Berlin. Help you find a place to stay in Berlin. Assist you with the official registration in Berlin or in the Aliens Department. Explain academic procedures of the BSEL. Give you tips about parties and events in the area. Suggest further contacts and meet new people. … In case you have not been assigned to any Buddy yet or should you have any problems with your Buddy, please contact the student assistants at the International Office at Campus Schöneberg, so that they can find a solution for you.
Activity Program Each semester, the student assistants at the International Office set up an Activity Programme for the Exchange Students, which contains lots of typical sightseeing events of Berlin. The activities differ from year to year, but it always contains some of the most interesting monuments that you must have seen during your stay in Berlin, such as the German Parliament, the Brandenburger Tor, and a boat trip on the Spree. We also offer several recreational events like a pub‐crawl or a cocktail night. You will receive a leaflet with an overview of all the activities from the International Office. To make sure everything goes smoothly, we ask you to register beforehand for each event. You can do so at the International Office at Schöneberg or contact one of the student assistants. Please remember that we only have limited spaces for each event, so be the first in line and sign up in time. You will be frequently informed about the events by e‐mail.
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Activities
Sports The Berlin School of Economics and Law offers their students a sports programme too. This contains football, basketball and volleyball for beginners and advanced players. Please go the BSEL Website (www.hwr‐berlin.de/en/) to find out more information about the programme. First click on Study at HWR Berlin. Then on Student life and Sports. There are also a lot of nice and well‐known gyms in Berlin: www.fitnessfirst.de www.apollo‐sports‐berlin.de www.mcfit.com www.american‐fitness‐center.de www.greengymberlin.de
International Day The International Day is an event organized by the International Office, on which German students can be informed about the study possibilities abroad. You, as an Exchange Student, will be asked to set up an international market with fellow students to represent your home country and home institution. German students will come to you and ask specific questions regarding housing, study facilities, customs, and so on. The BSEL will provide you a small budget to make an attractive and fun market stand. You can use flags of your home country, folders and posters of your home institution or bring some food and drinks that are typical in your home country, but please no alcohol of course. You will be informed well in advance about the exact date and time. Participation of Exchange Students is required, but please bear in mind that you will get 1.5 credits for it in return.
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Last steps
Your last steps in Berlin When your time here in Berlin has come to an end, you need to do slightly more than just pack your suitcase to head home. Exchange Students also have to deal with some final administrative matters before leaving Germany. Please keep the following things in mind when you go back to your home country:
In case you have a German health insurance, give notice by sending back your health insurance card to the insurance company and stop by the International Office to fill in a deregistration form.
Inform your landlord well in advance that you are leaving and make an appointment to give back the keys and check if everything is still in a good state, so that you can get your deposit back.
If you have a German bank account, you need to close it before you go home. You need to deregister from Berlin by filling out a deregistration form, which you can do at the International Office at the end of your stay.
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Notes
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International Office Berlin School of Economics and Law
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