General Information
Directions
The University of Bremen is a campus university. It is located on the edge of the city, near a park (the Stadtwald) and a lake (the Uni-See).
More information:
Public Transport
Bremen has an efficient public transport system. Buses and trams (BSAG) are usually on time and reliable. Students can use all buses and trams free of charge with the Semesterticket (valid area).
With the semester ticket students can also go to Hamburg, Hannover, Osnabrück, Oldenburg and other cities with regional trains (no IC or ICE).
Close to the city center is the Bremen city airport, from where destinations all over Europe can be reached: Airport Bremen
Rent a car - cambio Bremen
Rent a bicycle:
Swapfiets
wk-bike
Budget and Cost of Living
The costs of living and studying
The standard of living is high in Germany. Currently students should calculate at least 800 euros per month. Since the rent in big cities is increasing, accommodation in particular is rather expensive (at present single rooms are around 300 – 550 euros depending on location, size, and quality).
Costs of study materials
Students should also calculate some money to pay for books and other study materials. Depending on the study program, costs can be around 230 – 370 euros per semester. On top of this, it is impossible to study in any program without a computer or laptop. Some departments and faculties as well as the university library provide the use of communal computer facilities. However, a personal computer would be of advantage.
Travel costs
Students should inquire about special student rates and other discounts from more than one travel agency before they book their ticket to come to Germany.
Social charges (“Sozialgebühren”)
The social charges include the financial support of the "Studierendenwerk Bremen", the "AStA" and the Semesterticket. Every university has its own “Studierendenwerk Bremen” (Student Welfare Services), which finances facilities like the Mensa and other cafeterias, student residences, sport facilities and so on. The AStA is the Student Union of the University of Bremen and supports the rights of all students.
In addition to the social charges, there is also an extra charge for the semester ticket. The semester ticket allows students to use the different means of public transport in and around Bremen free of charge for a period of six months.
All students contribute by paying social charges via the semester fee ("Semesterbeitrag") and are entitled to make use of all the facilities provided.
Working in Germany
Information on earning additional income during studies and working in Germany.
The Career Center of the University of Bremen can provide information on how to find work.
Bank Account
It is recommended to check the account conditions (e.g. management fees) and the location or availability of branches before opening an account. Some banks offer special student accounts free of charge.
Please note: In Germany, it is not customary to send checks by post to the recipient of the payment (for example to the landlord). It is usual to transfer from your own bank account to the payee's account.
Health and Medical Services
In Germany, there are general practitioners as well as specialists in each field (eg. radiologists, optometrists, dermatologists, etc.). In case of illness, it is normal to go to a general practitioner (Arzt für Allgemeinmedizin) first, who will send the patient to a specialist if necessary. It is recommendable to make an appointment before going to the doctor.
Everyone has free choice in the selection of their doctor.
Search portals for Doctors:
- Arzt-Auskunft
- Kassenärztliche Vereinigung
For an appointment, a valid health insurance (e.g. EHIC card), a proof of matriculation at the University of Bremen, and an ID / Passport are needed.
At night or on the weekend, we recommend contacting the emergency medical services (phone numbers below) or going directly to the hospital.
Emergency phone numbers
- Police: 110
- Fire Services: 112
- Emergency Medical Services/ Ambulance: 112
Emergency Medical Care (Nights and Weekends):
- Emergency Doctors: +49 421 / 19292
- Medical Emergency Portal: +49 421 / 116117
- Emergency Pediatric Doctor: +49 421 / 3404444
- "Giftinformationszentrum Nord" (Poison Information Center North): +49 551 / 19240
Emergency Pharmacies Bremen (search by zip code)
First Aid - an illustrated health dictionary (Information brochure by Deutsches Studentenwerk)
Pharmacies and Medicine
In Germany, medicine is only available in pharmacies. There are two types of medicine: available with or without a prescription.
The German law on medicine is strict - most medicine is only available with a prescription (e.g. antibiotics) and pharmacies will not provide them without a prescription from a doctor. In this case, a doctor must be consulted first in order to get a prescription for medicine available in pharmacies. Most health insurances generally cover most of the cost of medicine. There might be an additional fee of around 5 - 10 euros.
At night or on the weekend, we recommend contacting the emergency pharmacy service (Apotheken-Notdienst). Information on which pharmacy to contact in this case can be found in the newspaper or on the Internet.
Psychological and Social Support
The "Studierendenwerk Bremen" offers support to students in situations of psychological or social crisis.
Contact:
Emergency
Contacts für support in personal crisis
What to do in case of an emergency at the University of Bremen
more