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Practical Information

Brandenburger Tor_600x200 ©Ina Litterst

Arrival

If you arrive at Berlin Tegel Airport please take the bus “TXL” to the train station Berlin Hauptbahnhof. There is a bus approximately every 20 minutes. From Berlin Schönefeld Airport you can take a train or a S-Bahn to the train station Berlin Ostbahnhof or Ostkreuz. From the train station Berlin Hauptbahnhof or from Berlin Ostbahnhof or Ostkreuz, please take the train “RE1” in the direction Frankfurt (Oder). There is a train approximately every 30 minutes and it takes about an hour to arrive in Frankfurt (Oder). Attention: Please do not get off at the station called Frankfurt (Oder) Rosengarten but the next stop which is Frankfurt (Oder). All the necessary tickets can be purchased from vending machines at the airports and train stations.

 

Your checked luggage can sometimes get lost. Usually it will be delivered within one or two days after arrival. Necessary documents, important things you might need (e.g. glasses, medicine) and some clothes for changing should therefore be packed in your carry-on bag.
If you arrive in Berlin, but your luggage does not, please go directly to the Lost & Found office at Tegel or Schönefeld airport or contact us. Please give them our office address and phone number for delivering your luggage:

 
Europa-Universität Viadrina

Department of International Affairs

Große Scharrnstraße 59

15230 Frankfurt (Oder)

Tel.  0049 (0) 335 5534-2485



Train Tickets

Please use the webpage of the “Deutsche Bahn” (German train company) for directions to get from any German train station to Frankfurt (Oder). Tickets can be bought directly at the airport. There is a counter where you can purchase tickets (BVG) but also several ticket machines. You will need the following ticket: “Berlin AB to Frankfurt (Oder)” ONE way (in German: “Einfache Fahrt”). It should cost around 10,00 €.

 

Accommodation in Student Dormitory

Accommodation in student dormitories consists of apartments with single self-study bedrooms and shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. Bedding and basic kitchen equipment as well as costs for heating, lighting, water and hard wired internet network connection are included in the price. Please let us know the exact date of your arrival so that we can organize the keys to your accommodation and guide you to your student dormitory directly. Please bring your own towels!

 

What to bring along on the first day(s)

Make sure to bring some cash on the first day (train tickets, food etc.). You will get a city map and some general information once you get here but don’t worry: Frankfurt (Oder) is a nice-sized town and you will find your way and understand the transportation easily.

 

Meals

On the European university´s campus you can find a number of restaurants and cafeterias serving tasty and healthy food at reasonable prices. 32 lunch meals are included in the participattion fee. You will be able to choose from different meal options every day including a variety of meat, vegetarian and sometimes vegan dishes. Drinks and dessert excluded.



Internet and Phoning

WiFi is not as common in Germany due to data security reasons. This is why the student dormitories do not offer Wifi connections. However, you can connect to the internet via an ethernet cable. Besides, there are several cafés and restaurants in Frankfurt (Oder) where you have Wifi access. Students also have access to wifi in the lecture halls, library, cafeteria, and language center.



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. 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.


Some advice for things to bring

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Towels: linen is provided in the dorms, but you have to bring your own towels
  • Adapter for electrical devices: Please note that some international (e.g. US, UK) electrical appliances will not work in German electrical outlets