Practical Information

Arrival at BER Airport:

Luggage information:

Your checked baggage may occasionally go astray. Typically, it's returned within one or two days following your arrival. For this reason, it's advisable to pack essential documents, important items (such as glasses, medications), and a change of clothes in your carry-on luggage.

Should your baggage fail to arrive in Berlin upon your arrival, kindly proceed directly to the Lost & Found office at BER airport or reach out to us for assistance. Provide them with our office address and contact number for the delivery of your belongings:

Europa-Universität Viadrina
Department of International Affairs
Große Scharrnstraße 59
15230 Frankfurt (Oder)
Tel.: +49 335 5534 2485

 

From BER Airport to Berlin/Frankfurt (Oder):

Regional Train: A fast and convenient way to reach Berlin's city center is offered by the Airport Express train (FEX), which departs at BER Airport Terminal 1-2 and travels via Ostkreuz to Berlin Hauptbahnhof. This service is enhanced by the regional line RE8 (towards “Wismar, Bahnhof”) and RB23 (towards Potsdam, Golm Bahnhof).

Get off at one of the train stations listed under the section "on the way to the University" and change to the RE1 train to reach Frankfurt (Oder).

 

Berlin ↔ Frankfurt (Oder)

On the way to the University:

Take the Regional train RE1 from one of the following stations in Berlin

• Berlin Hauptbahnhof
• Friedrichstraße Bahnhof
• Alexanderplatz Bahnhof
• Ostbahnhof
• Ostkreuz

in the direction of "Frankfurt (Oder), Bahnhof" (terminal).

Please note that there are also ICE/IC/EC trains on this route, but they are not covered by standard tickets.

 

Ticket Information:

• After you have arrived here, you will get two monthly tickets for Berlin and Brandenburg, which you can use throughout your stay (regional trains, busses, trams)

 

For scheduling information, you can check:

• Berlin Public Transport - BVG
• Google Maps or Apple Maps for directions

 

Accommodation in Student Dormitory

The accommodation for our Summer School students is located in the picturesque town of Słubice, Poland, just across the border from the Europa-Universität Viadrina campus in Frankfurt (Oder). This prime location allows students to reach the university in approximately 20 minutes on foot or conveniently by public transport.

In the Słubice student dormitories, a partnership between Adam Mickiewicz University at Collegium Polonicum and Europa-Universität Viadrina, students can enjoy fully furnished rooms. Each room is equipped with all the essentials including a bed, desk, chair, shelf, and cupboard, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay. Additionally, students are provided with bed linen, adding an extra layer of comfort to their accommodation. Washing machines and dryers are also available.

The rent is a comprehensive warm rent that includes all additional costs such as electricity, water and heating.

Unfortunately, the dormitory does not provide its own Wi-Fi/Internet connection, but there is the option to connect to the Internet via Eduroam. We recommend inquiring at your university about the possibility of using Eduroam abroad. Additionally, we provide a helpful guide on how to easily purchase a Polish SIM card for Internet usage during your stay.

For further details, you can visit this website.

 

Meals

The campus of the European University boasts a cafeteria offering a variety of regional, healthy, and delicious meals. The menu caters to diverse preferences, featuring options with meat, fish, as well as vegetarian and vegan choices. Additionally, a quaint university café provides a selection of sandwiches, snacks, and sweets. Adjacent to the campus, a multitude of restaurants awaits, especially within the nearby shopping centre, providing a wide array of dining choices.

 

Insurances

When coming to Germany we highly recommend you to have a suitable (travel) health insurance. Some students might be able to use the health insurance from their home country (European Health Insurance Card). Germany has concluded a number of social insurance agreements with some countries, including the member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area. Please contact your local health insurance company to find out about your insurance coverage and further possibilities.

In addition to the travel heatlh insurance we recommend you to contract a travelers third party liability insurance to be covered in case of a damage or accident.

 

What to bring along on the first day(s)

It's advisable to have cash with you upon arrival for expenses like train tickets and meals. Upon your arrival, you'll receive a city map and essential information. Rest assured, Frankfurt (Oder) boasts a manageable size, making navigation and understanding transportation systems relatively straightforward.

 

Additional helpful information

• We highly recommend participants in the program to consider obtaining a mobile phone contract or addendum that allows for the use of mobile data (internet) within the EU during their stay. Public Wi-Fi is usually available only at selected public spaces. Therefore, having a reliable mobile data connection can be beneficial for staying connected while on the move.

• Credit Card or ATM Card: Please notify your bank or the credit card company that issued your card and make sure that your card can be used in Europe.

• Bring enough cash (in Euro) to cover any additional expenses during the first days.

• Any medication you may need for the full duration for your stay. It will not necessarily be possible to obtain the identical medication here. If you bring prescription medicine, you should also bring a copy of the prescription.

• Adapters for electrical devices: Please be aware that certain international electrical appliances (e.g., US, UK) may not be compatible with German electrical outlets.