Student Info

  • There are German courses especially offered by the IGSN (if you are interested in taking part please let us know). We would appreciate and welcome it if you decided to learn German.
  • If you need an extra English course you will have to organise it yourself. (Ask other IGSN students or colleagues in the department where you are doing your PhD-project).
  • The University has an "Uni- Sport Centre" where you can do many sports for free. Programmes are available on the University's Website.
  • We have several leaflets about the Ruhr Area and activities in and around the Ruhr Area (please contact a student assistant in room FNO 1/111).
  • If you are planning to come to Bochum for the first time (to start your programme) please do not come on a Saturday or Sunday. Try to make your travel arrangements so that you arrive in the morning (this means before 12:00 p.m.). This is very important, because we have to get the keys for your room/flat.
  • In Germany we have to pay fees (known as GEZ) for radio/television sets (forms are in our standard letter folder). If you own a radio or television (even one you do not use!), you are obliged to pay these fees. Possessing a radio or TV, but not paying GEZ is illegal!
  • There are a lot of different shops from where to call your home country at a cheap rate (for example in the Uni-centre).
  • Neuroscientific books concerning your studies can be borrowed from the IGSN (ask our secretary Mrs Stephan).
  • We have translated some of the standard letters and forms you will receive or need to use (e.g. for making a cash transfer or a letter from your health insurance company).
  • There is a free "Handbook to Germany" (very useful) available to you! (Only for IGSN-students, only one copy per person). You also can find it on the Internet: here
  • Every change of residence has to be reported to the appropriate authorities (Bürgerbüro). This also applies if you move house or flat within Bochum. (Please collect forms from our office).
  • Please alway give your new address to
    - the student assistant (igsnhelp@rub.de)
    - the IGSN office. (gisela.stephan@rub.de)
    - to your bank
    - health insurance
    - Deutsche Telekom (the telephone company , if you have your own telephone).
    - Post office
  • Please always let the IGSN know if you have changed you bank account (so that they can transfer the money to you).