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Life in Berlin
- Where can I get further information about Berlin?
- How high are the living costs in Berlin?
- Is Berlin a safe city?
- How can I protect myself against theft and robbery?
- What should I do in case of emergency?
- What should I do if I get sick during FUBiS?
- What should I keep in mind if I need to bring medication with me?
- How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Berlin?
- What should I keep in mind if I have a disability?
Where can I get further information about Berlin?
Berlin is a very big, complex and culturally interesting city. It disposes not only of a great number of museums, theaters and opera houses, but also of many interesting bars and cafés. You can find current information about Berlin on the city’s official website or on the tourist information website.
How high are the living costs in Berlin?
The cost of living is relatively cheap in Berlin compared to other German and European cities. However, how much money you need depends on your personal life style. According to a study of the German student unions, German students spend on average about 160 euro per month on food (basic groceries, i.e. not including eating out). In addition to the 160 euro, it is advisable to include enough money for cultural events and going out in your budget.
Berlin has a very well structured public transportation network (BVG), for which you will need a transportation pass (depending on the term, a monthly pass (4-week term) or a monthly pass and two weekly passes (6-week term). You will be informed before the beginning of the FUBiS program about the current prices of this transportation pass. Please note that there are no student discounts on Berlin public transportation tickets/passes.
For more information on housing costs, please refer to the section on Accommodation.
You will find valuable tips about student life in Germany on the homepage of the Foreign Office.
Is Berlin a safe city?
Berlin is a very safe city. Moreover, the FUBiS program is located on the campus of Freie Universität Berlin which lies in a very quiet residential area. Still, you should take certain general precautions, especially in new or unfamiliar places:
- Avoid parks and woods as well as dark, desolate streets and places at night.
- Do not get involved in arguments/disputes.
- Do not take any drugs and do not drink more alcohol than you can tolerate.
- Do not leave your drink unattended in clubs and bars.
- Do not get into a car with strangers.
How can I protect myself against theft and robbery?
In Berlin, as in any other city, there are pickpockets and trick swindlers near tourist attractions. To protect yourself, you should:
- always have an eye on your things and always put your purse in a secure place.
- never get involved in bets or games with strangers where you can supposedly win money.
In addition, FUBiS recommends the following precautions:
- Always carry important telephone numbers with you.
- Only take as much cash with you as you need.
- If you lose your credit cards, have them blocked immediately.
- Take your passport with you only when you need it urgently and keep copies of your passport and travel documents in a secure place.
- Keep your valuable articles in separate places.
What should I do in case of emergency?
The emergency telephone numbers in Germany are:
112 – Fire-fighters/ Ambulance
110 - Police
FUBiS has an emergency phone which students can call at night and on the weekends. The emergency number is written on your FUBiS student identity card. During office hours the FUBiS team will also gladly help you in the office (Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m – 4:30 p.m. in room L111, Otto-von-Simson-Str. 26, 14195 Berlin).
What should I do if I get sick during FUBiS?
If you have health problems during your stay in Berlin, you will quickly find a suitable doctor or specialist who can help you. It is very important that you have an international health insurance during your stay in Germany so that any doctor fees are covered. FUBiS offers an insurance package which includes an international health, accident and liability insurance. You will find further information here.
If you regularly take a certain medication, it is advisable to bring it in sufficient amount with you.
What should I keep in mind if I need to bring medication with me?
If you have a medical condition that requires you to travel with medication, you should have your physician write a letter describing your condition and prescription medications and listing any generic names of the prescribed medication. You should leave your medications in their original containers.
You may want to check with the nearest German embassy or consulate in your country to see if any of your prescribed medications are considered illegal in Germany.
You should avoid carrying large amounts of non-prescription medication with you while travelling.
How do I find an English-speaking doctor in Berlin?
In the FUBiS student guide, which will be sent to you approximately four weeks before the program begins, you will find the contact information and office hours of different doctors near the university campus who speak English.
Please bring your insurance documents with you to every consultation!
Practice fee: In Germany a practice fee of 10 euro must be paid once a quarter when going to the doctor. Please keep this in mind and bring the money in cash because not all medical practices accept credit cards.
What should I keep in mind if I have a disability?
If you have a disability, FUBiS recommends that you visit the website of Berlin's tourism organisation. Here you can find tips and information about the public transportation network, places of interest, event locations etc. for wheel chair users, the visually impaired, and for people with other disabilities. Freie Universität Berlin main building is also designed for people with disabilities.
If you have a disability and would like to take part in FUBiS, please contact the FUBiS team. We will do our best to accommodate your special needs.
