General information
Security
Friedensau is a safe place. You can walk anywhere, even in the woods. However, there have been some problems with theft (bikes, garden furniture…). So, keep your belongings safe and lock your room door and your bike!
Travel in Germany is also very safe. But we will ask you to let us know where you are over the weekend, just in case. Again, please get a phone where you can reach us, or we can reach you. Hitchhiking can be dangerous; we generally advise against it.
Please be careful and follow these steps to increase safety:
- Lock your cars.
- Lock your bike on the campus during the day and night.
- Lock doors after 10 pm and keep them locked.
- Close windows on the ground-floor levels during the night.
Driver‘s License
If you are in possession of a driver‘s license from a country that does not belong to the EU or the EEA, it is valid for six months from the time you establish a regular residen- ce in Germany. After this period, your driver‘s license will no longer be recognized.
For the further participation in domestic road traffic a driver‘s license issued in Germany is then required. The requirements for the issue of a German driver‘s license depend on the country in which you acquired your driver‘s license. Usually, you would have to take classes in a regis- tered driver license school (e.g. Gries, Kahlfuß or City Fahr- schule in Burg) and pass two tests: theory and practical.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance in Germany is compulsory for all students. For further information, please refer to the docu- ment: Health Insurance for students Friedensau Adventist University (issued by the Admissions Office).
Tax ID
The tax identification number is the number that the tax office (Finanzamt) uses to identify you. Your tax identifi- cation number permanent and never changes. You will receive your tax identification number by mail about two weeks after you first register with a German address. This ID number is a 10 or 11 digit number. It is not possible to start work without a tax ID.
Document retention
Important documents must be collected. These include in particular:
- Certificate of registration
- Tax ID
- Social Security number
- Contracts (cell phone, others)
- Health insurance
- Payroll documents
Mobile Network
In Friedensau we have a mobile network antenna for D1-mobile net. Other mobile networks do not have reception. One low-cost provider is Congstar (part of Telekom), which offers connections on the D1 network.
As in many countries, when it comes to choosing your mobile phone connection in Germany you have two options: a prepaid SIM card or a mobile phone contract.
Prepaid SIM cards are generally the quickest and easiest way to get yourself a working phone number without the commitment of a contract. They’re also a great option if you just need a quick and simple way to make calls, send text messages, and use mobile data if you’re only staying in Germany for a short time. All German mobile operators offer prepaid SIM cards. SIM cards are available from several resellers, including telecom shops and supermar- kets. You can also order online, although you will still need to provide valid ID and proof of address. Credit is typically available for 5.00 EUR, 10.00 EUR, or 20.00 EUR. To activa- te it, you’ll need to provide the following:
- A valid passport
- Certificate of registration
The alternative to signing up for a German SIM card is taking out a mobile phone contract. This will typically mean you end up paying less for calls, texts, and data, especially if you use your phone a lot. This can be a great option if you’re planning on staying in Germany for a while as contracts tend to be 12 or more commonly 24 months.
Because of this, make sure you read the fine print about breaking the contract early before signing up if you’re not going to be in the country for that long. You will likely also have to pay a small, one-time activation fee at the start of your contract. Fees are typically paid monthly by direct debit, so you’ll need to provide German bank account details when you sign up. In addition to that, your account always needs to be balanced.
Translation
If you need help in translating of documents, forms or phone calls feel free to come to Hanna Arhin-Sam (Office for International Students Affairs) or get in touch with the Renate Dost or SIS.
Electricity
If you live in your own apartment (not a shared apart- ment or the dormitory), then you will have to register with an electricity provider. The standard electricity provider for Friedensau is called “E.ON”. Although other electric companies may be a bit cheaper, “E.ON” doesn’t require a long-term contract. You can cancel E.ON anytime, if you cancel two weeks in advance.
Social Media Groups on Facebook
You can join various Friedensau groups on Facebook:
- University Community
- Mitfahrzentrale Friedensau / Car Pooling Center Friedensau (catch a ride with someone to/from Burg or other places)
- StuZ – Friedensau Student Center (lots of information gets shared here)
- Friedensau Student Body
- Friedensau Adventist University
- Free Your Stuff Friedensau
- Friedensau sells
Holidays
In Germany there are numerous public holidays. Plan well in advance if you want to travel! See schedule for breaks.
Drinking water
Our water is of the highest quality, so feel free to drink it from the tap.
Public roads and parking lots
The whole campus is a reduced-traffic area. This means every driver must go at walking pace (max 30km/h). Students can park their cars in the parking lots available.
Please, don’t park deregistered cars on the parking lots. After arranging with Daniel Winkler and depositing a caution at the administration you can park them on the maintenance area. There will be a reference of the owner’s name.
Bible Garden
The bible garden is in the park, between Otto-Lüpke- House (LÜP) and Sophie-Hoyer- House (HOY). This garden was designed with great care and attention by Dr. Kurt Frantz. It contains plants mentioned in the Bible or growing in Bible countries.
One request: The fruits and flowers are to be enjoyed by all. Please do not pick or touch! The citrus fruits are also treated with a pesticide, which means that the consump- tion of plant parts and fruits is not recommended.
Swimming Pond
Friedensau offers a natural swimming pond for swimming and bathing. The use of the natural swimming pond is free of charge. Restrictions on use are announced on notice boards. Please take note of this information.
The swimming pond and sunbathing lawn must be kept clean and tidied up after use. Changing cubicles and a toilet are available.
Entering the ice rink in winter is only permitted after prior approval. Please pay attention to this information.
Biotope
The grounds of Friedensau are secured by fences. Please inform your children to respect these boundaries. The water in the creek and ponds on campus is quite deep, and children could drown there!
