Mobile Phones

Is it necessary to have a mobile phone at Jacobs?

No, certainly not, because for some people it’s enough to have the phone in their rooms or just use any chat software. However, sometimes you will have some urgent matters to discuss and taking into consideration the complex scheduling of Jacobs University it gets nearly impossible to manage it using the methods mentioned above. Moreover, the more friends you have, the more connected you might want to be, and the more you will need a mobile phone. You can bring a phone from home and purchase a local sim card or or buy the phone at any local distributor in Bremen.

What is the best SIM option for students?

There are several mobile phone companies which offer different call options for students (T-Mobile, O2, Vodafone, Simyo). There are various price ranges and call-sms packages to choose from. This is highly subjective and depending on the extent of usage, one can make their choice. Its best to take one's time, analyse the cost-benefit ratio of all packages and then choose the best contract

How can I talk to the people from home by phone? (Except them calling me)

One FREE alternative is www.peterzahlt.de, but the only disadvantage is that you can call from Germany only to the countries listed there. Another way is to go to The Pulse (the shop on campus) and grab a Go Bananas calling card which you can use with your room phone. You will be provided a code that will permit you to call people outside the campus. The third alternative is quite expensive but straight forward—you can call them from the mobile phone. The fourth alternative is to use Voice Over Internet Protocol. The connected can be obtained through the internet for one's mobile phone (this is probably the cheapest alternative). The last alternative is to use Skype calling (by loading one's account with some credit).

Can anyone call me on my room phone from the outside?

Yes, and in fact it’s quite easy. You have to dial: 0421 200 xxxx if you are in Germany and 0049 421 200 xxxx if you are calling from outside of Germany. xxxx is the individual intercom number for the phone in your room. (There should be a sticker with your number on the phone in your room)

I know someone from the campus. How can I find his/her number?

This is very easy. You just go to http://ircitweb.irc-it.jacobs-university.de/ldap-search.php (Note: this website is only available under Jacobs internet connection). There you have the option to search for part of the person’s name, campusnet username, Jacobs e-mail, room number if member of the faculty. This search is also good in case someone calls you and leaves you a message and you don’t know whose number it is; then you can search for the number on LDAP. Note: you can only do this when you are connected to the internet on campus or signed in via VPN.