Important documents

Its time to buck up and get started with the VISA process. It can quiet tedious at times and depending on your country of origin and stay, the visa process can take between 2 days and over a month. Its best to be safe, and apply early.

Do you need a Visa?

As an international student coming from outside the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland, Australia, Canada, Israel, Japan, New Zealand or USA, it is necessary to get a German student visa from a German Embassy PRIOR to entering Germany.

Important Documents

You generally need the following documents:

• Visa Application

• A Valid passport

• Proof of enrollment ("Immatrikulationsbecheinigung")

• Proof of sufficient funding

• Proof of health insurance valid in Germany

Visa Process

The Visa process differs from country to country. In some, you might need to go through an official interview. In others, you’ll just need to submit your application with necessary documents. It can be fast or slow, depending on your consulate. A list of German embassies can be found here. Contact the respective consulate for more information.

Visa and Residence Permit

The initial Student Visa which is granted by the German Embassy is valid upto 3 months from the time of issue (it permits you to enter Germany). Soon after coming here, you’ll have to apply for a Residence Permit ("Aufenthaltsbewillingung") at the Foreigners' Registration Office ("Ausländerbehörde") on campus. You will be given more information about how to apply during your O-week.

If you have any further questions, feel free to contact the registrar or click here for more information.

20 kgs of Survival

It is always difficult to leave your country/home to go somewhere else for the first time. Apart from all the sentimental baggage, there is a big common worry amongst students - how can I pack all my life's necessities within a 20 kg weight limit?

Dos and Donts:

A common mistake we all make - "Let me take this along, JUST IN CASE" - and many such items remain unused. When you have a weight limit, scrap off that "just in case" and substitute it with "because I really need this" or "because I LOVE this".

Here's an ideal 20kg list:

1) Comfortable clothes for daily use:

• Couple of pairs of comfortable jeans/pants/skirts
• Comfortable t-shirts and shirts
  
• Jumpers, sweatshirts, pullovers that keep you warm
• Warm scarves
  

2) Going-clubbing outfits:
For all those who wish to enjoy the local party scene on campus or in Bremen, bring out those fancy outfits!
Guys: Smart jeans/pants and a couple of smart casual shirts
Girls: A nice dress, nice shirts and pants to suit the occasion

3) Formal dress:
While many students can do without this, it is always useful to have a smart suit or dress for formal events on campus. There will be occasions when you might wear it, such as theme parties, conferences such as BRIMUN, graduation, etc. If you have problems fitting it into your luggage, you can always purchase one here or carry your suit as cabin baggage in the suit bag ;) Don't want to get it ruined now, do we? (its always a good excuse)

4) Traditional Outfit:
Bring one set of traditional clothes. There will definitely be an event when you can put it to use. Don't want to miss out the chance to show off your pretty traditional costume isn't it?

5) Footwear:

• A pair of comfortable rain-proof sneakers
• A pair of formal shoes (to wear with formal clothes)
• A pair of clubbing shoes/heels
  
• A pair of really warm shoes/boots (which can be purchased here locally if you don't own one already)
• A pair to wear in your room
  

6) Rain/Winter Jacket:
Always comes in hand because rain, cold, wind and snow is plentiful in Bremen. If you come from a warm country don't own a winter jacket already, rest assured. You can find really good jackets at reasonable prices here in Germany. (If you don't have a jacket already, it makes sense to buy one locally in Bremen - it will be built to protect you in the local weather conditions). Make sure you carry this on you even if it not cold.

7) Innerwear/socks:

• Bring underwear and socks to last you one week (atleast)
  
• Warmers and thermals (can be purchased locally)
  

8) Gym Clothing:

• Gym pants and tees for the gymmers
  
• Swimming suits and goggles for the swimmers

9) Make up:
For some students make-up prices in Germany may come across as a shock at first. It is best to bring along enough stock to last you for a month. Once you are acquainted with the local prices and brands, you can begin purchasing make up here.

10) Personal-care kit:
Can be bought locally. But bring your nailcutter, twizeers, etc. if possible. It takes no space whatsoever (remember to put it in your check-in luggage) and it is not hygienic to share these.

11) Toiletries:
Bring your first stock. Once you exhaust them, you can purchase everything at lovcal stores. Brands may differ but there is a wide choice available.

12) Bed Sheets:

• Mattress cover - 200 x 90 cm
• Blanket cover - 140 x 200 cm
  
• Pillow cover - 80 x 80 cm
  

13) Towel:
Bring just one. But more locally.

14) Socket Converter:
Very important! Germany has the standard EU socket (check on google) If you come from outside the EU, bring a converter. You can normally find this in all airports.

These things are the ultimate survival items. The rest is optional.

Optional: Still with some space?:

15) LAN Cable:
You need this to connect to the internet. If you already have one, just bring it along (5m or more is recommendable)

16) The rest of your toiletries:
If you left out something from the "just in case" category.

17) Decoration:
Posters, pictures to put in the walls, etc are always great to start feeling at home in your room. Jacobs rooms are nice but they are plain white. Bring SOME of your stuff.

Here are some things you should buy locally:

1) Stationary:
Notebooks, folders, pens, staplers, punching machines etc. They are all cheaply available at the Euro-store.

2) Laundry Stuff:
Detergent, softeners, iron, ironing board etc. are available (in your residential colleges or can be purchased locally)

You have 20 kilos only ;) Use your discretion and use it wisely!