After your arrival

Our International Office offers an orientation week for all international students twice a year (at the beginning of March and mid-September – before the start of lectures). During these exciting days, we are available to give you an insight into our university and your new home in Coburg. International students who are new to Germany first have to sort out a few important bureaucratic matters. The International Office will be happy to help you register with the city of Coburg and apply for a residence permit. During this week, students will

• enroll at the university
• get access to our computer services, including the wireless network
• open a bank account
• register with the city administration and
• take part in various entertaining activities.

Details of this program will be sent to new students by e-mail before the start of the semester.

Once you have found a room or an apartment in Coburg, you must register with the city’s residents’ registration office within one week. Registration or re-registration at the residents’ registration office is mandatory for anyone who moves into an apartment or relocates within Germany. Once you have successfully registered, you will receive a registration form. This confirms that you are registered at the address given. You will need the registration certificate on various occasions, for example when opening a bank account or applying for a residence permit. You will need the following documents to register:

• Identity card or passport, with a visa if necessary
• Rental agreement or confirmation from the landlord that you have moved in

Students from the European Union, the European Economic Area and Switzerland do not require a residence permit. They receive a document confirming their right of residence when they register at the residents’ registration office. In some cases, they must also prove that they have health insurance and can finance their studies. Those who do not come from these countries must register with the Aliens’ Registration Office and apply for a residence permit. The residence permit is issued for a specific purpose, similar to a visa. International students require a residence permit in order to study and only receive one if they have already been admitted to the university. Since September 1, 2011, non-EU citizens have received their residence permit (eAT) in the form of a chip card containing biometric data. Applications and extensions of the residence permit can be completed at the Foreigners’ Registration Office in Coburg.

As part of our welcome program for international students, we also organize German courses for our new students. At the beginning of the orientation course, you will take a short placement test so that we can determine which group is best suited to you. You will then receive specific training that matches your abilities. During the semester, you can also attend German courses at our Studienkolleg, which is located directly on campus.

Every fall, Coburg University of Applied Sciences welcomes students from all over the world. In cooperation with the city marketing department, the International Office matches international students with host families and Coburg students to help them settle into their new home and life in Coburg. The GastFREUNDschaft is a free, voluntary project that involves a network of locals or students who meet up with international students from time to time for meals, “coffee and cake” or short excursions in the surrounding area. The aim is to give students an insight into the way of life here in Upper Franconia and to help them meet people off campus and experience the local culture. Students also share their own culture with their hosts. The participants agree independently how often they want to meet and what they want to do. The initiators will organize some joint events. Visiting a host family is an enriching experience during your stay in Coburg. It is a unique opportunity to get off campus and meet locals/students to learn more about everyday life in this country by sharing it for a short time. The GastFREUNDship is completely free and voluntary! While most hosts speak English, this experience also gives you the opportunity to practice your German!

If you want to improve your language skills and meet new people, then tandem language lessons are just the thing for you. This involves meeting two partners who want to learn each other’s native language. You don’t have to analyze grammar or fill in gaps – you can just talk. One hour in one language before switching to the other so that both tandem partners can benefit. You can arrange to cook together, go to a café or take a walk through the city. This way you learn another language, get to know other people and learn about the culture of a country.

Every semester, the International Office organizes events for all students to explore the city and the region. Bowling and ice skating as well as the traditional Christmas markets are some of the highlights for our students. These events are also a great opportunity to get to know your fellow students.

Whether you need help finding the right German course or the most recommended restaurant in the city, the International Office advises and supports international students and clarifies organizational questions relating to their studies. The International Office also regularly offers seminars and workshops on important topics, e.g. “Financial support for international students”.