What are some websites that have cheap flight to Bremen?

• Cheap deals for students, but you have to register for the service - http://www.studentuniverse.com/fly/
• For international flights, quite helpful, but watch the taxes (especially for US flights) http://www.cheapoair.com/ (also very good to check which airlines have deals on this website and then go directly to that airlines website to buy the tickets)
• For flights within Europe, but please note all the extra charges, especially if you have a bag. The baggage limits are strict with this airline: http://www.ryanair.com/site/EN/?culture=FI

More websites for Europe flights and connections are:

• http://www.airberlin.com/site/start.php?LANG=eng&all=1&MARKT=GB
• http://www.tuifly.com/en/index.html

Which Airport is the best to choose when coming to Jacobs?

You can come directly to the Bremen Airport in which (if you sign up on time) you can pick up your semester ticket and get to Jacobs free through public transport. Student advisors will be at the airport to show you the way. You can also fly into nearby airports like Hamburg or Dusseldorf and take a bus and then train to get to Bremen Hbf (Hauptbahnhof – Main Station). If you ask at these airports (they all speak English) how to get to Bremen Hbf, the directions will probably entail taking a bus from a certain platform (which they will specify, and could cost from 2 to 5 Euro) and this bus will take you directly to Hamburg Hbf or Dusseldorf Hbf (Main Station); from there you will have to buy a ticket to Bremen Hbf, which can cost between 20 to 30 Euros. From there you can get a student advisor to pick you up and show you the way.

You actually can fly into any of the major airports and either get a cheap connection flight from one of the websites above or take a train.

Can I use a train to get to Bremen?

Yes, of course, unless you have a large body of water between your country and Germany you can definitely take a train, although it may not be cheaper than getting a connection flight. Check flights and train options before you book. Also you will have to make train connections, if you have never taken the train it may seem scary but just look at the platform numbers where you get off and where the next platform is in your itinerary. Even with a big bag (or several) you can usually make connections in 10 or 15 minutes.

• A good site to check for German train connections:http://www.bahn.com/i/view/DEU/en/index.shtml.
  
• Here is a good site to tell you all you need to know about the European rail system: http://www.interrailnet.com/interrail_home

Once I am in Bremen what is the best way to get to Jacobs?

Your lovely semester ticket! The once-a-semester fee you are forced to pay for this little piece of paper will definitely be worth it, if you use it! With the semester ticket you can use all the regional trains and get to exciting locations like Hamburg, Osnabrück, Hannover, Bremenhaven, and Leer. But in the end it all comes down to the amount of time you have to go on trips, your preferences and your major. You just have to organise your time efficiently and choose your destination in time so you can get cheap offers. If you really intend to travel more inside Germany, outside the region covered by your semester ticket, than a Bahn Card would be really useful to you. Just check the back of your ticket for the lines you can take. It also lets you take all of the Bremen buses and street cars. So getting around will be no problem. You also use your Semester ticket to get to Vegesack, where you can buy all basic and immediate necessities.

• Here you can find more information about Bahn Cards: http://www.bahn.com/i/view/DEU/en/prices/germany/bahncard.shtml

Should I buy a bike?

Well you can, for relatively reasonable prices, but it is not necessary. With your semester ticket you will have no problem getting around, but if you like riding a bike and would prefer this form of transport for around campus or to go to the park close by, you can get a second hand bike via spams (mass emails sent to all Jacobs students) for somewhere from 35 to 75 Euros. There is also a Bike shop close to campus which sometimes has good deals.

How big is the campus? What is the best way to get around?

Jacobs campus is not too terribly big, you can get all the way around walking in 15 minutes or less. The most common way to get around is definitely by foot, but bike is also a nice alternative.

Do I have to be able to speak German to go off campus on my own?

No, Germans often understand and speak some English. But if you feel better to go off campus with someone, just ask a German speaker or your host family to accompany you.

Do I have to learn German?

It is highly recommended to learn the language as it is a useful asset to have. Some majors make it a mandatory requirement but for the others it is your decision.

What other languages can I learn besides German on campus?

Spanish, French, Russian and Chinese courses are offered at Jacobs. The language lab in the basement of the IRC (library) is equipped with a language lab, where you can learn over 20 languages through self-study. It is highly recommended to learn a language at Jacobs.

Are there languages barriers on campus?

Every student is required to have TOEFL level English, and every member of staff is fluent (i.e. administration, professors, RAs, etc.). Sometimes interacting with catering, cleaning or gardening staff may require some German. However they are very friendly and facilitate communication with their broken English. But it always useful to speak the local language.

Some basic German may be required for off campus interaction. In order to work off-campus knowledge of German is indispensable and always considered an asset.

For more details on the language courses policies see here.

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!