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Technische Universitt Mnchen

TUM
International
Student
Guide
Contents

Welcome to TUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 04
Greetings from the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 06
TUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 07

Settling downin Munich and at TUM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 08


Arrival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Student Support Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
TUM Schools and Departments and Contacts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Getting Started (Checklist) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
TUM A Home Away from Home . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Homesickness . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Languages and Intercultural Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
TUM Housing Search Assistance and Advice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Administrative Matters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
IT Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Good Online/Email Communication Practice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
TUM University Library . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Costs of Living in Munich and Financial Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Student Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Student Representation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
Sport Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Your Very Personal Impression of Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
Spiritual Life . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44
Food . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
Culture and Leisure Time . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
Experiencing Culture 10 things to do as an International Student . . . . . . 49
Helpful Tips
Practical Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
Typically German? Important Phone Numbers and Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Useful Websites . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Intercultural Hints
Imprint . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

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Welcome
to TUM

TUM City Campus

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Welcome to TUM Welcome to TUM

Greetings from the President The Technical University


of Munich (TUM)

On behalf of our faculty and staff, I warmly welcome TUM was founded in 1868 to provide
a center of learning dedicated to the
you, our international students, to the Technical Uni- natural sciences for the state of Bavaria.
versity of Munich (TUM). Ever since, TUM has played a vital role
in Europes technological advancement

We are delighted that you have chosen to study at our and is renowned for producing a number
of Nobel Prize winners.
university. TUM strives to maintain its international
reputation for quality in teaching and research and
to provide students with an excellent education. The Milestones Social Media at TUM
international students at our university are among the 1868 King Ludwig II founded a Facebook, YouTube and more: TUM
best in their chosen fields of study. As a student at Polytechnic School organized gives you the latest from research and
like a university campus life via its official social media
TUM, you have many options. We not only offer a top- 1901 Granted the right to award profiles
notch disciplinary education, but also promote com- doctorates
1930 Integration of the College of
munity-building activities beyond everyday student life. Agriculture and Brewing in www.facebook.com/
Weihenstephan TU.Muenchen
I hope that you will quickly feel at home as a member 1958 Research Reactor Munich (FRM),

of the university community and that your studies at Garching officially assigned to
the TH Mnchen https://twitter.com/
the Technical University of Munich will be a success- 2002 Offshore-Campus founded in TU_Muenchen
ful and exciting part of your education and personal Singapore
2006 TUM one of three successful uni-
development. versities in Germanys excellence www.youtube.com/user/
initiative TUMuenchen1
With my kindest regards, 2012 Munich Center for Technology in
Society established

Professor Wolfgang A. Herrmann


President
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and at TUM

The slide in the MI building in Garching

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Public transportation
Arrival in Munich

Getting to the TUM Further information on getting to the Getting to Garching Getting around Munich is easy once you
airport understood Munichs public transporta-
City Campus www.munich-airport.de/en/ From the airport tion network provided by the MVV.
From the Airport consumer/anab/index.jsp You can get the S1 to Neufahrn and
The trains (S-Bahn) depart every from there take the bus no. 690 to reach The MVV provides diverse means of
ten minutes from the airport and take
Getting to Freising Garching Campus. Alternatively, you can transportation:
approximately 45 minutes to reach the get the S8 to Ismaning and take the bus
city center. It is recommended to buy an From the airport no. 230. U-Bahn: Munichs underground network
Airport-City Day Ticket, which is valid The city bus line 635 runs directly from mainly runs in the inner circle of the MVV
for the entire transit network. Take the the bus stop at the central terminal From Munich Central Station network. The only line which leaves the
train S1 or S8 to Munich central station of the airport to Freising Station. It is Take the metro lines U1 or U2 to Send- inner network circle is the underground
(Hauptbahnhof). recommended to buy a day-pass for the linger Tor. At Sendlinger Tor, change to line leading to Garching.
entire transit network. the metro line U6 which takes you direct- S-Bahn: You can use the suburban
From Munich Central Station ly to Garching Campus. Exit the metro train network to reach the outskirts of
At Munich Central Station take the From Munich Central Station at the final stop Garching Forschungs- Munich.
metro-line (U-Bahn) U2, destination From Munich Central Station get the S1 zentrum.
Feldmoching, and exit the metro at or the local train to Freising Station. In www.tum.de/en/about-tum/ Bus and Tram: The bus and tram
stations Knigsplatz or Theresien- Freising, take the city bus lines 638 or contact-directions/ system in Munich is well developed.
strae. From both of these, it is only a 639 to Weihenstephan Campus. They are a good alternative to using the
few minutes walk to the main campus. underground.
Alternative ways to get to Munich
Central Station: You can either get the Train: Trains leave from Hauptbahnhof
Lufthansa Airport Bus or take a taxi. The and Ostbahnhof to cities all over
ticket for the bus costs around 11 and Europe.
is valid for the bus ride only. The taxi
ride will cost approx. 60 from Munich MVV-Semester Ticket:
Airport to Munich Central Station. The MVV-Semester Ticket allows you
to use the whole transportation network
More information on public transporta- in Munich (inner and outer circles) for a
tion in Munich (MVV) whole semester, day and night.
www.mvv-muenchen.de/en/ Please note that this offer is only valid
tickets-fares/tickets/day-tickets/ for students.
airport-city-day-ticket/index.html

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Student Support
Services
Are you searching for a seminar
room? Take a look at the TUM Student Service Center Student Advising
roomfinder:
https://portal.mytum.de/campus/ Student Service Desk Our student advisors offer either per-
roomfinder/ The Service Desk of the Student Service sonal appointments or by telephone and
Center is the primary contact point for are happy to give advice regarding such
Room numbering: students. We are here to help you with things as university entrance qualifica-
1. digit floor number issues such as applications, enrollment, tion, choosing or changing your degree
2. digit wing number student cards etc. program, making the transition from
3. and 4. digit (combined) the bachelors to masters, housing and
actual room number Visit us in person: any other questions concerning your
4. Example: Room number 1321 studies. You will also find many answers
Floor 1/Wing 3/Room 21 Student Service Center Service Desk to your academic queries on:
Arcisstrae 21 www.tum.de/en/studies
80333 Mnchen
Appointments must be arranged by
Opening hours: telephone in advance.
Mon Fri: 09:00 12:00 h Tel.: +49.89.289.22737
Buy a bike or make use of the Mon Thu: 13:00 16:00 h
MVV bikes to explore Munich. For detailed information:
E-Mail and Telephone: www.tum.de/en/studies/advising
www.muenchen.de/int/en/traffic/
biking.html Tel.: +49.89.289.22245
E-Mail: study@tum.de

Telephone hours:
Mon: 09:00 12:00 h
Tue Thu: 13:00 16:00 h
Travel through Germany by bus Fri: 09:00 12:00 h
or with the Bayernticket.

www.mvv-muenchen.de

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Student Support
Services Further services

International Center find your way and stay on track. Many


of its activities are also open to German Student Service Center TUM International Center
The Welcome Office of the International students of TUM, as TUMi aims to be a
Application & Enrollment Studies & Internships
Center is the first contact for internation- meeting point between international and
al exchange students at TUM. Germans students of TUM. Scholarships Abroad
It can help and advise you on a variety of Student Advice Welcome Office for
issues from application for an exchange Welcome Office
to various formalities to life as a student
Barrier-Free Education Exchange Students
in Munich. Arcisstr. 21 Housing Search Assistance Orientation Weeks
80333 Mnchen
TUMi is devoted to the support of our E-Mail: incoming@zv.tum.de www.tum.de/en/studies/ www.international.tum.de/en/home
international students and offers a www.international.tum.de/en/
wide range of events throughout the
semester. For example, it organizes
orientation weeks at the start of your Career Service Alumni & Mentoring
studies in Munich to help you quickly
Network and Contacts Alumni Network
Career Orientation TUM Mentoring for
Job Search Students by the Alumni
Application
www.together.tum.de/en/alumni/
International Career
www.together.tum.de/en/career/

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TUM Schools and Departments


Further services and Contacts

TUM Language Center Carl-von-Linde Akademie


Courses in 17 Languages & ProLehre
The Technical University of Munich encompasses 14 schools and departments:
Academic Writing Coaching
Assistance with German Learning to Learn Architecture www.ar.tum.de
Bavarian School of Public Policy www.hfpm.de
English Writing Center Studying Successfully Chemistry www.ch.tum.de
Intercultural Communication Coaching Civil, Geo and Environmental Engineering www.bgu.tum.de
Electrical and Computer Engineering www.ei.tum.de
TUMtandem
www.cvl-a.mcts.tum.de/en/startseite Informatics www.in.tum.de
http://www.sprachenzentrum.tum. Mathematics www.ma.tum.de/Mathematik/WebHome
de/en/homepage/ Mechanical Engineering www.mw.tum.de
TUM School of Medicine www.med.tum.de
Physics www.ph.tum.de
Sport and Health Sciences www.sg.tum.de
TUM Family Munich Student Union TUM School of Education www.edu.tum.de
Finding Suitable Childcare BAfG Advice TUM School of Management www.wi.tum.de/en
TUM School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan www.wzw.tum.de
Holiday Childcare Student Credit Advice
www.dualcareer.tum.de/en/kids-
Psychotherapeutic & The TUM schools and departments are home to a broad range of Chairs, whose
faculty teach and research in their respective fields of specialization.
family-and-elder-care-center/ Psychosocial Counselling
Legal Advice Service If you have subject specific questions about your degree program and related issues
Accommodation Service you may turn to the Departmental Student Advisors:

www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/ http://portal.mytum.de/studium/studiengaenge/fachberatung.
en/
They can even help you with inquiries into career fields.

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TUM Schools and Departments Getting started


and Contacts

Examinations
The office of student affairs in your
department is responsible for organ-
First-semester events organized by
the schools or departments/the stu-
dent council for first-year students
Checklist
izing course work examinations in the Have you already been admitted to a degree program at TUM?
individual degree programs, examination Be sure to attend orientation events We have put together a checklist with the important steps that
registration and cancellation, certifi- held by your school or department or you should undertake when arriving in Munich:
cates and withdrawals, administration of the student council, as this is where
grades and the publication of examina- you can pick up a good deal of valuable
tion results. Each course of study has a first-hand information and advice:
corresponding examination committee www.tum.de/en/studies/international-
within the school of department. The ex- students/studentorientation/ Search affordable accommodation Check orientation activities
amination offices create the Notification
of Examination Results on a semester Take out a health insurance policy Register at the TUM University
basis, as well as degree program doc- Library
uments, preliminary degree certificates Pay the student fees
and benefits statements, such as social From a non-EU country? Apply for
security and family/child allowances. Print out your enrollment documents a residence permit

Contacts and details: Register your address at the Resi- Discover your new home
www.tum.de/en/studies/during- dence Registration Office (guided city tours, student councils
your-studies/examinations/ (Fachschaften),
Open a bank account language tandems, university sport,
Are you an exchange student? Then university orchestra/choir)
contact the International Center or the Pick up your student card
TUM International Affairs Delegate of
your school or department. Find out about courses in your
school or department and register
www.international.tum.de/en/ for classes
contact-and-counseling/international-
affairs-delegates/

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TUM A Home Away from Home

TUM warmly welcomes its international begin? Then TUMs Welcome Summer Tutoring and Buddy Programs
students, who make up 22% of our stu- event is the place to go! Settling into new surroundings can be
dent population. The following services difficult. But its a lot easier if you have
will help you settle in quickly and enjoy www.tum.de/welcome-summer someone to call on for support, whether Try the famous slide in the MI
life at TUM. that be a mentor, a tutor or a buddy. building in Garching.
TUMi Orientation Weeks Nearly all of the schools and departments

Central Services Heads up, all exchange students! at TUM offer support for new students in www.ma.tum.de/Mathematik/
TUMinternational (TUMi) organizes the form of tutoring or buddy programs. Parabelrutsche
at TUM orientation weeks at the start of every International students are usually paired
semester. Use this great opportunity to up with a German partner who can an-
Fit for TUM (Winter Semester) learn more about life at TUM and get to swer study-related questions, as well as
Heads up, first-year students! TUM know other students. give advice on everyday life in Munich.
offers a wide range of services and
support initiatives for students. Find out www.international.tum.de/en/coming-to- www.tum.de/en/studies/ Have a drink or coffee in the
more at the service fair Fit for TUM. tum/tumi/event-program international-students/ Caf Vorhoelzer.
tutoringandbuddyprograms/
www.tum.de/servicemesse-studienstart
Services Offered by www.vf.ar.tum.de/en/startseite/
Leisure Time and Networking
Pre-Study Course TUM Schools and Opportunities
On your marks, get set, TUM! A place Departments: You can network with TUM students
for you at TUM has been confirmed, but from other courses by taking part in
you would like to get a head-start and leisure activities. There are also student
get to know Munich and TUM before Mathematics Prep Courses groups for different nationalities. They
the semester starts? A pre-study course If you are starting a course in Mathematics, are a great way to get valuable advice
might be just what youre looking for! Physics, Informatics, Electrical, Electronic and enjoy a bit of your native culture
and Computer Engineering, Mechanical here in Munich.
www.tum.de/prestudy-course Engineering or Civil Engineering and Sur-
veying, why not refresh your math skills www.tum.de/en/studies/
Welcome Summer (Summer Semester) before embarking on your course and get international-students/
Are you starting at TUM in the summer to know your fellow students? leisuretimeandnetworking/
semester and would like to connect with
fellow students before your courses www.ma.tum.de/Vorkurse/WebHome

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Languages and Intercultural


Homesickness Communication

When I arrived in my new home to Food! Munich is a very international Language and intercultural skills have international students free one-to-one
study, I was very happy. I tried to be city. There are many great restaurants become must-haves for the engineers consulting in English writing. Make an
more German than the Germans. I was with cuisines from all over the world. If and managers of the future. Discover appointment and develop your long-
in love with the new culture, the beau- you enjoy cooking, you can also cook the services designed for TUMs interna- term proficiency in English writing.
tiful sounds of the foreign language, some dishes that you love back home. tional students here.
the people, and the food. Everything Nothing fights the homesickness better www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/
was just perfect. Without any advanced than the tasty home food.
TUM Language Center homepage/
notice, I was overwhelmed by home- Lifan, China
sickness from one day to the other. Sud- The TUM Language Center offers
Further Offers
denly, there was this feeling of sadness, Best way to do reduce homesickness students, staff members and alumni of
loneliness. I started asking myself if it is to make lot of friends. Make a lot of TUM the opportunity to develop and Talk TUM[i:] Language Caf
really was the right decision to move to trips, Munich has plenty of leisure spots improve their foreign language skills and Fancy the opportunity to practice your
this place so far away from home. right from picturesque landscapes to expert language knowledge for academic foreign language in a relaxed atmosphere
crazy party places. Spend more time purposes. Courses and seminars in 17 and get to know students from all over
Does this sound familiar? Many inter- on your hobbies. When you have ample different languages are available each the world? Then why not drop in to the
national students (and sometimes even time, explore your self and inner peace. semester. The program also includes Language Caf in the city-center campus
German students away from home for Babu, India intercultural communication courses or in Garching?
the first time) experience homesickness. and events to enhance intercultural
The overwhelming sense of homesick- Participate in a lot of activities that discourse. www.international.tum.de/en/coming-to-
ness can affect everybody, whether you TUM organizes and go to several of the tum/tumi/event-program/
have experience living abroad or not. events that Munich has throughout the Learning German at TUM
The good news is that there are many year. By attending those events, one for- Living in Munich with English as the only www.in.tum.de/en/current-students/
things you can do to cope with home- gets the idea of home and enjoys more language of communication is possible, student-life/talktumi-language-cafe.html
sickness, even if it might take some the time that is here. but learning German and thus being
time. Octaviano, Mexico able to participate in daily German life at TUMtandem
a deeper level enriches the experience Are you looking for a partner to practice
Take a look at how international TUM Are you looking for inspiration for travel of studying and living in Munich. TUMs communication skills in your foreign
students deal with homesickness: in and around Munich, meeting new Language Centre offers German lan- language? The TUM Language Center
people, discovering the city and spend guage classes at all levels for students, organizes mentored tandem partners.
time on your hobbies? Take a look at both prior to and during the semester.
the chapter Student life (p. 38-49) in www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/
this guide. English Writing Center our-services/tumtandem/
The English Writing Center offers

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Languages and Intercultural TUM Housing Search Assistance


Communication and Advice

SprachDUO Come to Munich Be at Home With high rents and too few rooms in 5 Golden Tips for
SprachDUO gives you the chance to Come to Munich - Be at Home brings the halls of residence, the Munich rental
find a language partner from your cho- international and German students market is one of the most competitive in
Finding Accommoda-
sen country. together in intercultural communication Germany. tion
workshops and leisure activities.
http://muenchen.sprachduo.de/ TUM assists you in your search for 1. Start in good time:
start&form_lang=2 www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/ accommodation by providing personal Nearly all first-year students tend to
our-services/intercultural-communication/ advice, in-house listings and useful in- start looking for accommodation at the
German Hub formation to ensure that you can quickly beginning of the winter semester, i.e.
The Protestant Student Society of come to terms with this challenge. October and November. This may be
Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich too late, as accommodations go fast!
organizes a German hub a regular Further information and tips are availa-
get-together to practice speaking Ger- ble on these websites: Semester dates:
man with different language exercises. Servus, wurscht, pfiat di - www.tum.de/en/studies/application-
learn a little bit of Bavarian. www.tum.de/accommodation and-acceptance/dates-and-deadlines
www.esg.uni-muenchen.de/artikel/271/ www.tum.de/housingmarket
werkstatt-deutsch-konversation- www.tum.de/en/university-life/ 2. Read advertisements carefully:
redeuebungen-in-der-gruppe accommodations/tips-for-finding- It is important to understand the abbre-
accommodation viations used in classified ads to avoid

Intercultural any unwelcome surprises!


Do you need help with German Please remember that TUM does not
Intercultural Communication academic writing? As an have its own halls of residence. Most Bilingual Glossary:
The TUM Language Center offers semi- international student, you can student halls of residence are managed www.researcher.international.tum.de/en/
nars on intercultural communication for receive help with your German by the Munich Student Union (Studen- accommodation-service/faqs-
international students the perfect way academic writing projects. tenwerk Mnchen) or are owned by abbreviations-terminology
to acquire new competencies and get Take a look on how to book an social and private organizations.
ready for your studies. appointment: 3. Be quick to respond: Apply immedi-
www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/ ately when you see a new ad - such as
www.sprachenzentrum.tum.de/en/ languages/german-as-a-foreign- in the TUM housing online exchange:
our-services/intercultural-communication/ language/schreibberatung- www.tum.de/en/university-life/
assistance-with-german-academic- accommodations/tum-apartment-listings
writing

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TUM Housing Search Assistance Administrative Matters


and Advice

4. Make a good impression when you Resident Registration Bank Account


view a flat: Bring guarantees/
references, proof of income and per- All students who move to Munich for We recommend that you open an account
haps even your CV. It is important that more than two months must register at a German bank so that, for exaple, your
the landlord gains trust in you. within one week of their arrival at the monthly rent can be debited automatically.
Resident Registration Office. Major banks in Germany include, for in-
5. Look further afield: Rent on the out- stance, Deutsche Bank, Dresdner Bank,
skirts of Munich is often a lot cheaper If you live in Munich, you must regis- (Stadt-) Sparkasse, Volksbank, Raiffeisen-
(two euros per square meter) than in ter at the Resident Registration Of- bank, HypoVereinsbank, Spardabank and
the city center, especially in the vicinity fice (Einwohnermeldeamt) of the city Postbank. You will need to bring along
of the university itself. Distance is not officel (Brgerbro), which is part of the your passport, proof of resident registration
an issue, however, thanks to Munichs Department of Public Order (Kreisver- and your university enrollment documents.
excellent transport network. waltungsreferat or KVR). To register, you
Residential areas in Munich: will need your passport or identification
www.muenchen.de/rathaus/ card as well as a confirmation in writing
Stadtverwaltung/Sozialreferat/Wohnung- from your landlord or property owner.
samt/Mietspiegel/Wohnlagenkarten.html On presenting these, you will receive a
registration confirmation in written form, Do you need information on
For more information: www.tum.de/ which is often required by other institu- blocked accounts? Major
en/university-life/accommodations/ tions or authorities. German banks provide FAQs
tips-for-finding-accommodation in English for international
Students who do not live in Munich students which may help you
need to register at the offices of the answer your questions.
municipality where they reside (e.g.
Freising or Garching). NB: Before leaving
Munich, please remember to deregister.
Be sure that you pay your GEZ fees.
www.rundfunkbeitrag.de www.muenchen.de/rathaus/home_en/
Department-of-Public-Order/ Please note: Account manage-
Registration-Deregistration ment should be free-of-charge
for students.

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Administrative Matters

Health Insurance Entry Requirements Applying for a


All students in Germany are required to Students from the United States, Aus-
Residence Permit
have health insurance. You must there- tralia, New Zealand, Japan, Canada, the Students from the EU or from Norway, International students in Mu-
fore provide proof of health insurance Republic of Korea, Israel and Switzer- Iceland and Liechtenstein do not have nich who are in Germany on
in order to enroll at a German universi- land can enter Germany without a visa, to apply for a residence permit. How- a student visa need to inform
ty. We recommend you apply for your but need to apply for a residence permit ever, they are obliged to register (see the Aliens Registration Office
health insurance certificate as soon as within 3 months after their arrival. above). (Auslnderbehrde) about any
possible as your enrollment at TUM Students from all other countries need All other students need to apply for a changes to their situation. If
will not be complete until this proof is to apply for a visa at the German Em- residence permit within 3 months after you, for example, change your
provided. bassy of their home country. Please do entering Germany. course of study, graduate etc.,
not travel to Germany on a tourist visa, please do not forget to inform
Check out the different options on how as this cannot be converted into a stu- Required Documents: the Aliens Office.
to show proof of your medical coverage dent visa once you are in Germany! Proof of resident registration
depending on your personal situation: Please contact the German Embassy/ Valid passport
students covered by a public health Consulate in your home country for Proof of adequate funding
insurance plan, students covered by a detailed information. Proof of adequate health insurance
private health insurance plan, students Enrollment documents from TUM
from the EU or from Non-EU countries. Completed application form for the
More information can be obtained on granting/renewal of a residence permit
the following website: A biometric passport photograph
www.tum.de/studium/bewerbung/
krankenversicherung www.muenchen.de/rathaus/home_en/
Department-of-Public-Order/
Exemptions from mandatory health Foreigners-Office/student-visa-
insurance: Students starting their 15th residence/new-students
semester (or higher) of active enrollment
in their degree program [Fachsemester],
students aged 30 or over, as well as
doctoral students, are not required to
have health insurance coverage.

28 29
Settling down Settling down
in Munich and in Munich and
at TUM at TUM

IT Services

TUM Account E-mail TUMonline Your moodle account is created auto-


matically. To enter the platform, log in
Your TUM account is created during the After enrollment it is advised that you TUMonline is the Campus Management with your TUM-ID and your personal
application process. It gives you access set up your TUM-mail account in TU- system. Log in with your TUM-ID and password.
to several IT services at the TUM. Monline under e-mail addresses, as your password.
TUM sends important notifications to Registration for moodle courses occurs
To login you will need your TUM-mail this address. It has the following form Course and exam registration takes automatically after registering for courses
address or your TUM-ID in combination e.g. joe.bloggs@tum.de. You can also place in Study Status/Curriculum. via TUMonline.
with your password. forward these e-mails to your private Choose your course/exam and click the
e-mail account. green letter (T/ P). Then check the box www.moodle.tum.de/?lang=en
Your TUM ID can be found on TUMon- to participate.
line under the heading e-mail address- We recommend you use our e-mail
WLAN/Wi-Fi
es. It consists of 7 characters (2 letters system Microsoft exchange. You are not automatically registered for
2 numbers 3 letters, e.g. gu27cat). To find further information follow the the exam by registering for the course. Internet access runs via eduroam and is
link: If the letter is not green, the course is free for students on campus.
The corresponding personal password is www.it.tum.de/en/faq/it-services/e-mail not open for registration. In Munich eduroam is also available at
the same password as the one you used Marienplatz, Karlsplatz (Stachus), Send-
to register at TUMonline. You can also www.campus.tum.de linger Tor, Odeonsplatz and some other
change your password in TUMonline. highly-frequented places.

Moodle Select eduroam as a network and register


with your TUM-ID and the appendix
Moodle is the central learning platform @eduroam.mwn.de.
at TUM. It provides students with learning Your password is your personal pass-
materials from the lectures and has word.
many other functions, too.
To find further information follow the
Not every school and department uses link:
moodle to distribute their learning mate- www.lrz.de/services/netz/wlan_en/
rials. Your lecturer can inform you of any
alternative platform they may use.

30 31
Settling down Settling down
in Munich and in Munich and
at TUM at TUM

IT Services Good Online/Email Communication Practice

Storage Cloud Free Software When starting your degree program at Some advice for writing emails in an
TUM, you will be able to set up your academic context (especially to profes-
The Leibniz-Rechenzentrum provides The TUM offers a wide range of free TUM email account. Apart from your sors, academic or administrative staff
you with a personal storage area to software including Windows, Office student email, you can use different at the university):
which only you have access. 365, MathWorks, Apple on Campus and means of online communication during
many more. your studies, e.g. the learning platform The content and the formulation of
To use it you will need to download a moodle.tum.de. When using email, your email should be appropriate to
VPN client via asa-cluster.lrz.de. Login You can find available software on learning platforms or social media the addressee.
with your TUM-ID and your personal TUMonline under Services/Software. platforms, it is indispensable to respect Please use a suitable form of ad-
password. You can also access the stor- Use your TUM-ID and your personal certain rules and conventions of good dress.
age cloud via browser using the web- password to register. online communication practice. They are Some responses may sound rude if
disk: https://webdisk.ads.mwn.de (login known by the term of netiquette. they are too short, even though this
with TUM-ID and personal password). Check the IT Guide available at the may be so only because you are
Student Service Desk or access the Common sense tells us to respect our short on time. Therefore, it is highly
If you want to share data with others, following links for further information. fellow students and university staff when recommended that you take the time
you can do this via the web interface communicating electronically to make to think about how your message
\MWNtemp or by using the service www.it.tum.de/en/home sure that the communication is pleasant could sound to the receiver.
Sync+Share: https://syncandshare.lrz. www.it.tum.de/en/it-support for all sides. Ways of communicating considered
de/login www.it.tum.de/en/students to be impolite: e.g. putting several
With a university population of more punctuation marks one after another,
than 20 % international students, using capitals only.
you will be part of a truly international
learning community. This requires a Read more about IT Services at TUM.
high sensibility when communicating (p. 30)
Get free and discounted soft- with others, especially electronically, as
ware. additional information like gestures and Do you want to immerse yourself in the
www.it.tum.de/en/softwarestudents facial expressions are missing. Always fascinating world of intercultural com-
keep in mind that the person you are munication? Read more about intercul-
communicating with may not have the tural training offerings at TUM (p. 24)
same sense of humor as you or might
be offended by certain comments.

32 33
Settling down Settling down
in Munich and in Munich and
at TUM at TUM

Cost of Living in Munich


and Financial Aid
The TUM University Library
In General Monthly Expenses
The university library comprises nine Munich is a beautiful and attractive city Adding up to the 850 are several
branch libraries situated at the TUM which makes living in Munich relatively expenses:
campuses in Munich, Garching, Freising expensive. According to current cal- Rent (including utilities): 350 - 600
and Straubing. culations you will need at least 850 a Food: ca. 300
TUM provides numerous month for living in the Bavarian Capital. Public Transport: ca. 50
As a TUM student, you can profit from e-books and e-journals as Health Insurance: ca. 80
large and extensive collections of elec- learning material for students. This amount covers just the basic Phone/Internet/Broadcasting fees: 45
tronic and printed media that is available To explore the e-media collec- needs, but does not for example include
for loan or online for full-text downloads. tions off-campus or via wireless costs for free-time activities. Because of the high rent in Munich, it
The library also offers numerous study network, please log in with your is important to start early with search-
areas, study carrels and group study TUM ID via eAccess! If you are applying for your visa, you will ing for affordable accommodation.
rooms. www.ub.tum.de/en/eaccess need to present proof that you will have You should also consider looking for
659 per month at your disposal. accommodations in the outskirts of
Your StudentCard serves as your library Munich which are often cheaper than in
card. All you need to do is accept the www.muenchen.de/rathaus/wirtschaft_ the center. TUMs housing search assis-
library regulations in your TUMonline en/international-resources/cost-of-living tance supports students and employees
account and visit one of the branch in their search for accommodation by
libraries to activate your library account. providing personal advice, in-house list-
Your library user ID on the back of your The library offers you free ings and useful information to ensure you
StudentCard is then valid for login into scanning facilities in its branch quickly find a place to call your own.
the online catalogue (OPAC). libraries.
A less expensive alternative to private
Explore more library services: Take part in housing is living in a dormitory of the
a library tour or visit one of the numerous Munich Student Union. The rooms usu-
courses covering topics such as search ally cost 280 to 350 Euros a month.
strategies, citing or reference manage-
ment. Have a look at upcoming events: www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/en/
www.ub.tum.de/en/studying-working Need a place to study? Check accommodation
www.ub.tum.de/en/opening-hours out the different study areas of
www.ub.tum.de/en/branch-libraries the university library. www.tum.de/en/university-life/
www.ub.tum.de/en/first-level-hotline www.ub.tum.de/en/facilities accommodations/international-students
-and-scientists

34 35
Settling down Settling down
in Munich and in Munich and
at TUM at TUM

Cost of Living in Munich


and Financial Aid

Other expenses Financial Aid


Student Fee Payment: Students have Are you looking for a suitable schol-
to pay their student fees in a designated arship? The Scholarship Office can
period before the start of each semester: inform you about the scholarship pro- To save money, you can buy Visit Munichs markets in the
117 in the winter semester 16/17. grams offered by the TUM. things second hand or visit a evening. They tend to reduce
Please note that the amount might rummage sale. Check out the their food prices a lot.
change in the upcoming semester. TUM awards scholarships for interna- rummage sales in different
tional students. Good academic records quarters of Munich.
More information: www.tum.de/en/ and verification of need (e.g. low income
studies/fees-and-financial-aid/ of parents) are required. www.muenchen.de/veranstaltungen/
events/flohmaerkte.html
Basic Semester Ticket: The semester As an undergraduate student you must
ticket includes public transportation have completed at least two semesters
from 6 pm to 6 am on weekdays and at TUM, for graduate students only one
public transportation all day long on completed semester is required.
weekends and holidays. It is included in
the student fee payment. The Germanys National Scholarship
at TUM
IsarCard Semester: The IsarCard se- The Germanys national scholarship at
mester enables students to use all forms TUM supports talented students who
of transportation within the entire public assume responsibility and show out-
transportation network at any time: standing social commitment.
189 / semester.
Do you need any advice regarding
Residence Permit: First time applicants scholarships? Please make an appoint-
must pay 110. Renewing your permit ment for a personal consultation:
costs 65-80. stipendien@zv.tum.de

More information: www.tum.de/en/


studies/fees-and-financial-aid/
scholarships

36 37
Student
Life

In the Caf Vorhoelzer

38 39
Student Life Student Life

Student Representation Sport Activities

Departmental Weihenstephan: Agricultural Sciences, The University Sports Course Registration:


Student Councils Biological Sciences, Forestry and Wood
Center (ZHS) To take part in a course, you need to
Science, Landscape Architecture and obtain a sports pass and purchase
(Fachschaften) Landscape Planning; Brewing and Food the corresponding Semestermarke.
Technology, Nutritional Science, RStV If you are interested in complementing After receiving your sports pass you
The departmental student council con- Weihenstephan- Site representation your student life with sports, take a look can register for all courses you are able
sists of active members who represent at the program of the University Sports to access with your token (Semester-
students vis--vis the faculty of their Center (ZHS). marke). You can register for a course
school or department.
Student Government before obtaining a sports pass. Once
The ZHS is a sports facility for students you have registered for a course, please
Not only do they organize events, in Munich that promotes free, open print the registration form and take it
but they also actively represent the The Student Government discusses and competitive sports for students at to the course together with your sports
students interests when it comes to subjects that concern students from the universities in Munich, Freising and pass.
political matters, such as improving your all schools and departments. They Landshut.
studies, investing your financial means meet regularly every three weeks. The For information on the different choice
and dealing with legal matters. If you meetings are public, so everyone has With more than 600 individual courses in of sport activities or course registration
have any questions concerning your a right to talk in front of the Student more than 100 different disciplines, the check the website of the ZHS:
studies, your student council is the first Government. When decisions need to ZHS offers a professional and diverse https://www.zhs-muenchen.de/en/
place to go. be made, every Student Council has a program. home/
certain number of votes to contribute to
At TUM there are 20 different student the decision. Facilities
councils : The Student Government elects its The sport facilities are located all around
chairmen, speakers and representatives. Munich, Freising and Landshut. The
Munich City: Architecture, Civil and main sports grounds include the TUM
Environmental Engineering, TUM-WIN Elected students form the AStA (All- Campus in Munichs Olympic park, Explore the TUM water sports
und TUM-NAWI, TUM-BWL, Electrical gemeiner Studentischer Ausschuss), the Olympic training pools, the water facilities at Starnberger See to
Engineering and Information Technolo- which meets every Tuesday at 7 pm to sports facilities at Starnberger See and cool down on hot summer days.
gy, TeacherTUM, Medicine, Sport and discuss topics concerning TUM and the Olympic regatta facilities in Ober- You have free entrance with
Health Sciences general student affairs. schleiheim. your ZHS-ID card. Without ZHS
membership, you will need to
Garching: Chemistry, Mechanical Engi- www.asta.tum.de/en/startseite pay 2 as a TUM student.
neering, Mathematics, Physics, Infor- www.asta.tum.de/en/studentische-
matics, MSE-School of Engineering vertretung/fachschaften

40 41
Student Life Student Life

Sport Activities Your Very Personal Impression of Germany

What do you think of when you hear Bavaria? Beer, Dirndl and Lederhosen?
Munich and Bavaria have much more to offer than its history of beer and the typical
Oktoberfest scenarios.
What is the Semestermarke?
The Semestermarke is a token that you can purchase together with your When studying at TUM, you can learn more about Germany and its people. Off the
sports pass. You can choose between different tokens that will grant you beaten track, you have the chance to form your own, in-depth perception of Munich,
access to different kinds of facilities for a semester. To purchase the token, Bavaria and the German people the key to any culture is the people. International
you will need to fill in an online registration form. Print the online form and the students may find it hard to get to know German students in their degree programs
authorization for direct debit and take it with you to get your sports pass and especially in big programs with more than 500 first-semester students. Make the
the token. You will need your StudentCard, passport and a recent passport first step and address your German fellow students. Often, it is easier to make new
photo. There are several service desks where you can pick up the sports pass friends with students who have common interests. University life at TUM has a lot to
and your token. Please note that ZHS only hands out the tokens during a offer apart from academics: University sport, music ensembles, participation in stu-
certain time period at the beginning of each semester. dent councils and groups, languages and much more. You will find lots of inspiration
in this handbook as well. If asked the same question again after two years of study,
what would you say then?

Watch the guys from FC Bayern Mnchen train for their top league
games at their training grounds in Sbener Strae.

42 43
Student Life Student Life

Spiritual Life Food

Munich is home to various religious Food (especially healthy food) is essen- Cafeterias/ Cafs
organizations. Here are the three largest tial for every student. But food is not Stucaf: They offer a variety of meals
ones which offer special counseling for just about nutrition, dining in Munich and additionally sell hot beverages,
students and also cooperate with TUM. Enjoy the Sonntagsruhe. can be a really delicious and delightful snacks and sandwiches.
Relax or go hiking. The shops are experience. Crazy Bean Espresso Bar: Here, you
KHG Catholic Students Association closed. can grab a hot or cold drink and a snack
www.muenchen.de/int/en/restaurants/ or sweet treat in a relaxed and pleasant
KHG offers workshops, trips, activities, eating-out atmosphere.
tutoring, discussion groups and more.
The association additionally hosts a Food at TUM Bavarian Food
popular non-religious get-together The Munich Student union has devel- Everyone has heard about Bavarias fa-
(Stammtisch), especially for interna- oped a canteen and cafeteria system mous Bier, Brezen and Sauerkraut. But
tional students. at the campuses in Munich, Garching have you ever tried a Schweinshaxn or
and Freising to enable students to eat a real Bavarian roast pork with dump-
EHG Protestant Students Association decent food at a reasonable price. You lings? If not, visit of one Munichs many
can charge your StudentCard with mon- Bavarian restaurants and beer gardens!
EHG offers lectures, discussion groups, ey at terminals provided throughout the
social events for all students and a campuses and use it as a credit card to Beer Gardens
special counseling for international pay for your meals. As soon as the temperature rises,
students. everyone in Munich is drawn to their
www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/ favorite local beer garden. Why not find
IHV Muslim Students Association mensa your own personal favorite while living
in Munich? Some of the best known
IHV offers city tours, orientation assis- Canteens beer gardens in Munich include the
tance for the newcomers, workshops, Mensa: They offer a wide variety of Hofbrukeller, the beer garden at the
trainings and much more. meals for a fair price. They even have Chinesischer Turm or the beer garden
vegetarian and vegan food offers. Meals Rosengarten.
Prayer room in Garching: CH53110 with pork are marked with (S), meals
with beef are marked with (R). Restaurants
Prayer room in Munich: N2769 When the weather is bad, you can enjoy
the rustic Bavarian atmosphere in an
www.khg-tum.de indoor restaurant. They are located
www.ehg-tum.de throughout the city, and most beer gar-
www.ihv-muenchen.net dens even have an in-door option.

44 45
Student Life Student Life

Food Culture and Free-time

International Food markt (in Schwabing), Wienermarkt (in Music


No matter where you are from, in Haidhausen) and Pasinger Viktualien-
Munich you can find nearly every kind markt (in Pasing). Whether you are a professional musi-
of restaurant imaginable. Whether you These are traditional street markets with cian or a passionate newcomer who From time to time, there are
like Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Greek, a fantastic atmosphere and exquisite just wants to make music with other free classical concerts in the
Italian or African food, you can be sure food. people - in Munich you can find the right Gasteig. Take a look and enjoy!
to find the right place to dine. university music group for you.
Follow the link for further information on www.gasteig.de/veranstaltungen-
www.sueddeutsche.de/thema/ markets in Munich: There are many orchestras, choirs and und-tickets/gasteig-gratis.html
Internationales_Restaurant www.muenchen.de/int/en/shopping/ bands listed on the TUM website for
markets.html further information.
Cooking/ Supermarkets
Maybe you are a passionate cook or www.tum.de/en/university-life/music- Film
maybe you just want to chill at home and-arts/orchestras-choirs
and have a nice quick student meal. TU Film regularly offers blockbusters for
Either way, you need to know where you Here are a just three of many: students in changing locations and spe-
can get groceries in Munich. Buy organic, live organic! cial atmospheres. You may find yourself
MiO (Munich International Orchestra): in one of your lecture halls or outside
Supermarkets A Symphonic amateur orchestra for under a heap of blankets. Make sure to
Numerous supermarkets are located young people from around the world check out their program regularly if you
throughout Munich. Grocery prices are with the aim to help musicians from are interested in films.
usually cheaper than restaurant pric- other countries make new friends in
es. So grab your bag and head out to Munich. www.tu-film.de
Rewe, Tengelmann, Lidl, Aldi, etc. and Eat Spargel, drink Apfelschorle,
buy some food. try different kinds of German TUMChor- Voices of TUM: A huge
Follow the link to find the nearest super- bread. choir that consists of singers from all of
markets to your apartment: the Munich university choirs practice so
www.kaufda.de/Filialen/Muenchen/ as to sing at the TUM Adventsmatinee in
Supermarkt/v-c11-s6 the philharmonic.

Fresh Food Markets TUM Jazzband: A big band at TUM


If you prefer fresh food, you should head playing classic big band arrangements
to one of Munichs traditional markets: with many different jazz pieces.
Viktualienmarkt (in Altstadt), Elisabeth-

46 47
Student Life Student Life

Culture and Free-time Experiencing Culture -


10 things to do as an International Student
Student Research TUNIX: Is located at Knigsplatz in the
heart of Munich, right by the main cam- 1 Go for a hike in the nearby mountains. With the train (BOB) you can reach
Groups pus of the university. famous touristic places near the mountains Schliersee, Tegernsee, Lengries,
Bayerisch Zell in about one hour.
Do you have a passion for research and www.tunix.de www.bayerischeoberlandbahn.de
want to engage in an exciting new pro-
ject? New student research groups are GARNIX: Is located at the campus in 2 Make German friends and visit someones home
popping up all the time with ideas and Garching. www.gastfreunde-muenchen.de/en/index.html
aims that range from building a space
elevator to getting concrete to float www.garnix-festival.de 3  o to a beer garden and bring your own food. In traditional beer gardens, you
G
through to developing and launching only have to consume drinks.
innovative gliders. These groups always
welcome new recruits with a passion 4 
Celebrate a festival with Germans friends. The KHG invites international
for research. Here is a link to a list of students to celebrate Christmas together regardless of their confession.
groups: www.khg-tum.de
www.tum.de/en/university-life/student- Is it a beautiful day? Go head
life/student-research-groups to the Flaucher and have a 5 Learn how to cook a German dish and invite your friends for dinner.
barbecue.

Festivals 6 Find out what the tradition Wichteln is all about.

Each summer, TUM students organize 7 Try something new.


two festivals in Munich.
8 Join in a Stammtisch.
Once in a while students just need to
escape their study routine. What could 9 
Take part in a running dinner and get to know fellow students from all over the
be more effective than visiting a festival world.
with a buzzing atmosphere and deli-
cious Bavarian food? 10 Try a winter (snow) sport.

Check for the festival dates and drop


by to have a look. If you want to help
during the festival, you can sign up as a
volunteer.

48 49
Practical
Information

Nymphenburg Palace

50 51
Practical Practical
Information Information

Important Phone Numbers


and Addresses Useful websites

Country code of Germany: +49 or 0049 Study in Germany The biggest cinemas are Mathser
Area code of Munich: (0)89 www.study-in.de/en (Karlsplatz), Royal Filmpalast (Goethe-
platz), Maxx (Isartor). English movies are
Emergency Phone Numbers Studentenwerk Mnchen (Student shown in Museum Lichtspiele (Isartor),
Police: 110 Union) Cinema (Stiglmaierplatz) and Mathser.
Fire brigade/ambulance: 112 www.studentenwerk-muenchen.de/en
Medical emergency: 116 117 (24h) Entertainment Guide
089 / 19 222 (ambulance Munich, 24h) Dictionary and Translation What is going on in and around Munich?
http://leo.org (also translations for www.in-muenchen.de
www.muenchen.de/leben/service/notdienste/medizinisch.html German Chinese, Spanish, French and
Italian) You can also find the In Mnchen
Medical Help magazine in some bars, cafes and res-
Meet people taurants as well as in the Mensa.
Emergency Practice (Elisenhof) www.meetup.com
Prielmayerstr. 3 Information about Munich
Tel.: 116 117 Cinemas and Movies www.muenchen.de/int/en
Mo, Tue, Thu 19:00 23:00 h Information on all cinemas and movies
Wed, Fr 14:00 23:00 h shown in Munich on:
Sa, Su, holidays 08:00 23:00 h www.artechock.de

International Pharmacy
Internationale Ludwigs-Apotheke
Neuhauserstrae 11
Tel.: 089/550 5070
Mon Sat: 09:00 20:00 h

52 53
Imprint

Publisher:

Technical University of Munich


Student Service Center
Student Advising & Prospective Student Programs
Arcisstrasse 21
80333 Munich

Tel.: +49.89.289.25544
www.tum.de/en/studies/international-students

Image credits:
Andreas Heddergott, TUM: p. 1, 4, 7, 10, 11, 12, 30, 32, 38
Albert Scharger: p. 2, 28
Astrid Eckert, TUM: p. 8, 18, 21, 32, 42, 53
Uli Benz, TUM: p. 14
Jonas Mrz: p. 26
Thorsten Naeser: p. 29
Tommy Loesch: p. 37
Luis Gervasi: p. 43, p. 48
Vittorio Scios: p. 43
D. Verstl: p. 43
Rudolf Sterflinger: p. 44
J. Lutz: p. 50

Last revision: June 2016

Layout & Design:


Kerstin Gabriel, ReklameKlub

54 55
Technical University of Munich
Student Service Center
Student Advising & Prospective Student Programs
Arcisstrasse 21
80333 Munich

www.tum.de/studies

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