New to Siegen
To help you become familiar with University of Siegen, please see the information below. The International Office at University of Siegen assists guest researchers with questions concerning preparation of their stay in Siegen as well as life and work in Siegen in general. As a visiting scientist please register at the International Office if you wish advise in non-academic matters. Registration Form
Accommodation: Housing for short-term or long-term stays
It is often difficult for guest researchers to find a cheap apartment shortly before the beginning of the semester. Our recommendation: Take care of it in advance - a few months before your stay in Siegen. The International Office accommodation service can advise you to find a suitable room and give you other useful tips.
If you have already started the semester and have not found accommodation yet or if you are planning on staying only for a short time period, you can stay in a youth hostel in the region (Jugendherberge Hilchenbach or Jugendherberge Freusburg). In addition, don’t hesitate to contact Hotels und Pensions in Siegen in the surrounding area "Siegerland".
Entry and stay: "Regulatory framework"
An extensive overview will be given to you on the DAAD Information Sheet and the websites of BAMF.
As an EU Citizen you don’t need a visa to enter Germany. In Germany, all citizens must register at the registration office at town hall "Rathaus" in the city where they live. You must register within one week of your arrival to Germany.
Non-EU-Citizen: Check the list of the countries whose citizens require a visa to enter Germany. If your country is on this list, make sure to apply for a visa at the German Embassy or Consulate in your country before your departure.Take care of it in advance - preferably immediately after receiving the admission letter. To get the visa, you need the admission letter as well as documents that prove you can fund your studies in Germany.
After your arrival you must convert your visa to the residence permit and you must register at the registration office. In Germany, all citizens must register at the registration office at town hall "Rathaus" in the city where they live. You must register within one week after your arrival in Germany.
The electronic residence permit (eAT) started on September 1st, 2011. Please use the information sheet of the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees!
Insurance
Social insurance is generally a legal requirement. It covers health insurance, pension, unemployment insurance, accident and nursing insurance. If you sign an employment contract for your stay at University of Siegen, you will be liable to make legal social insurance contributions.
Once you have begun working, University of Siegen will take care of the steps required to register you for social insurance. This means that you will be registered with the health insurance organization of your choice, which will be responsible for notifying other social insurance bodies. Your employer is responsible for paying your contributions, which will be deducted from your salary. We recommend you take out a private (family) third party liability insurance, as in Germany anyone can be held liable for damaged caused to third parties. This insurance provides cover for claims resulting from accidental damage.
Language classes, Education and Training
Knowledge of the German language is indispensable for your stay in Germany, not only to make yourself understood in everyday life, but also to communicate in the faculties and institutes of University of Siegen – even if you can also use English there. We therefore recommend that you acquire a basic working knowledge of the German language prior to starting your stay or to at least learn the absolute basics of the language. The Kompetenzzentrum der Universität Siegen (University of Siegen competence centre, KoSi) can advise you about language classes.
In addition to thematic workshops, personalized advice and organization development, scientists may be interested in participating in our training programme "Professional teaching competence for Universities" where they can acquire in-depth didactical qualifications. Successful participants are awarded a diploma.
Leisure, sports and cultural activities
At Siegen, living costs are moderate compared with those in other German cities. Everything you need to prepare meals is available from the various supermarkets in the city of Siegen, which are generally open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. or sometimes 10 p.m.
The Siegen-Wittgenstein region offers a broad range of leisure and cultural activities. The low mountain range of Siegerland and Wittgenstein, together with the Rothaargebirge nature park and the headwaters of Eder, Lahn and Sieg are an ideal setting for hiking and adventure. The nearby ski resorts offer winter enjoyment for you and your family as well as numerous attractions in the summer.
Driving licences issued in member states of the European Union and the European Economic Area have unlimited validity in Germany. Please note that driving licences from a country outside Europe (with German translation) will expire after six months. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to take another test. You can also use an international driving licence in Germany.
You may bring your own car. Please note that you can import your car free of customs duty if it has been used by you abroad for a minimum period of six months and if you only bring it for your personal use and take it back with you at the end of your stay. If you plan on staying in Germany for longer than one year, you will have to register your car. For more information, please visit the website of the district of Siegen-Wittgenstein..
Siegen has a well developed public transport network. For information on tariffs and routes, please visit www.vgws.de and Deutsche Bahn.
Checklist: Arrival and stay
Arrival: How to find University of Siegen
After arrival:
1. Buy yourself a bus ticket. Then you can get around in Siegen on your first days.
2. Open the bank account.
3. For Visa requirements: Please register at the foreigners department office.
4. Register your place of residence at the Registration Office at town hall.
During your stay:
Use the advise of your host and the International Office for any questions you may have.