Castra Regina, as the town was known in Roman times, still has some of its ancient town wall standing, and you just need to walk around the town to take in some of it's two thousand years of history. The town is particularly famous for it's bridge the 'Steinerne Brücke', the cathedral and it's boys choir, the 'Domspatzen'. Another place to visit (or take parents/friends) to, is the 'Turn und Taxis' Schloß - (The family are very rich and influential, brew beer and started the first German postal system!) The 'Altstadt' (now the city centre) is filled with little alleys and courtyards containing little shops and cafes, and you will still be discovering new ones, even after a year of living there. There are several 'squares' which all have different markets and stalls in them at some time of the year.
There are very few large shops in the city centre (rather like Norwich) although there is a large shopping centre just a bus or cycle ride away, to the north of the city. There is one large 'department store' called 'Horten' in Neupfarrplatz, which seems to sell just about everything you could ever want, sometimes at bargain prices, although it is always worth checking out some of the smaller shops just to make sure! Supermarkets in Germany come as a bit of a shock, if you are expecting something as organised and well laid out as Sainsburys! You will find everything there, if you look hard enough, although some of the Fruit and Veg leaves a little to be desired. If you go to the early morning Saturday market, or one of the Fruit 'n' Veg shops you'll get something much better. Don't forget that opening hours are not a lax as in England - you must shop from 0800 to 1800 hrs during the week, 0800 to 1200 (or 1300) hrs on a Saturday. There are 'Langer Samstag's' once a month, when the shops are open until 1600, but if you don't get to the shops on time on a Saturday, then you have to wait until Monday morning or pay extortionate prices for bread, cheese, chocolate and crisps from one of the few 24 hr garages.
The city is surrounded by lots of pretty countryside, to which it is possible to walk, cycle or take a bus, train or boat (if you're feeling lazy!) There are lots of interesting places along the 'Donau', including 'Walhalla' - seemingly a folly, built to exactly the same dimensions as the Acropolis, with lots of 'busts' of brave and intelligent Germans inside; 'Weltenburg' - the oldest cloister brewery in the world, where they brew good beer..... and it is drunk in great quantities!
A little further away is the 'Bayrischer Wald', which is beautiful for walking, and has a few small ski resorts. Further still, is the Alps which are easily accessible if you fancy doing some serious skiing!
There is an excellent bus system in and around Regensburg. Buses run to time, and cost about 80p for each journey, which can be a bargain if you don't just go two stops down the road. You can make bus travelling cheaper by buying several tickets in advance from a machine in town, or from the bus 'office'. It is also possible to buy cheap week and semester passes (about £50 for the semester) which are a bargain if you plan to use the bus a lot. The last buses out of the city go about midnight, so getting home from a 'Kneipe' or club involves walking, cycling or a taxi. You can also use bus tickets on the local trains (not IC or ICE!) This is not well publicised, but it is possible to travel up to about 50km out of Regensburg, with an all-zone bus ticket. This is normally cheaper than buying a train ticket!
Taxis are about the same price as in Norwich, and so are a good idea for a group of people after a 'night on the town' - you could end up staying in 'Kneipen' as late as 5 am!
The best way to get around the town is by bike - it's quite flat, and there are ample cycle paths. Cycling in Germany feels much safer, as cars and buses do actually give way to you, and cyclists have right of way at junctions. New bikes are very expensive in Germany, but there is a shop called 'Stadler' in the town centre that has lots of second hand bikes. Also ask around your residence, and you might find someone who is willing to lend or sell you one for a cheap price. Taking your own bike with you is not really advisable, as it will cost you loads to get it there and back.
Travelling further afield is best done by train, as there is no German equivalent of National Express. That is, if you can't find a friend with a car .........! It might still be possible to buy a 'Bahn Card', which costs DM 110 (about £50) and gives you half price travel for the year. If you anticipate visiting other parts of Germany and other countries, then it is well worth your while! Also look out for any other special offers that may appear whilst you are there - if you aren't fussy what time of day you travel, you could save yourself a fortune!
Another way to get about is to go with the coach trips organised by the 'Akademisches Auslandsamt'. These trips are well organised, and a cheap way of travelling - also a good way of meeting up with all the other 'Ausländer'. It is important to book up early for these trips, as some, such as the trip to Prague can be very popular.
A word of warning - dealing with red tape in Germany can be incredibly frustrating when you aren't used to it! Allow three times as much time as you think it ought to take, count to ten and have a go!
An important tip for starters, is always take a dictionary and all the bits of paper any other office has already given you, as you can guarantee if you leave one at home, someone will want to see it! Also remember that most offices are only open 8 - 12, Mon - Fri.
Here is a rough guide as to how to become a temporary German citizen:
o Firstly, go to the Auslandsamt, near the central 'square' in the university. You will probably meet lots of other confused foreigners here, but the people working here are friendly and patient. They will tell you where you are living, give you the key, and give you your first lot of paperwork.
o Secondly, go to the AOK in the city, to sign more paper for your 'Krankenversicherung'. You will need your passport, an E111 that is less than two years old (due to some weird rule in this particular office) and the papers you were given in the Auslandsamt.
o Now go back to the University, pay your DM 35 for the students union (upstairs somewhere in the Studentenkanzelei) then go downstairs, and officially register at the University. You need all the pieces of paper you have collected so far, and some proof of financing (ie council grant form, or letter from your parents etc. - something with lots of numbers on that looks as though you have some money!)
o Nearly there! Go back into town to the 'Einwohnermeldeamt' to register as an Ausländer. You will have to hand your passport in for about a week, then return to pick it up, along with your 'Aufenthaltserlaubnis'. (Piece of green paper with your name and picture on, to say that you are a foreigner living in Germany.) Also important here are the pieces of paper you obtained at the Uni, and your proof of financing.
o You should now think of opening a bank account. You must pay your rent by direct debit, so get it done before your first month's rent is due. DON'T open an account at the 'Sparkasse' (The bank at the Uni) unless you want to get ripped off! They will charge you for everything, including opening and closing your account. The best seem to be 'Citi Bank' or 'Deutsche Bank'. Although these only have branches in the town, you will save a fortune in bank charges! NOTE: You won't be allowed to go overdrawn in Germany.
o Last but not least, go and get your library card, if you intend taking any books out of the library. (This is another nightmare in itself, but I'll leave it for you to work out, as they were going to change the system!)
This is all just at the beginning of the first semester......... don't forget to 'Ruckmeld' at the end of the semester, and Anmeld again at the beginning of the next! At the end of the year, you have to Abmeld (unregister yourself) at the Uni, the AOK, and the Einwohnermeldeamt, or someone will try to charge you for not doing so!
Anyway enough of this official talk!
Check that nothing is damaged when you move in. If you do have any problems, report them to the Hausmeister. (He should have an office somewhere in the hall.) Ensure that everything is spotless before you leave, or you may be sent a cleaning bill.
There is normally a television and radio in each kitchen, belonging to one of the students. In each hall, there is a TV room (with cable TV), washing facilities and a communal 'Bar Raum' where there will be at least a once weekly 'Bar Abend'. There may be other things organised, such as aerobics, dancing lessons, quizzes, language lessons, etc. etc. If you feel like organising something yourself, it is possible to rent out this room cheaply.
The University and Mathematics
The University is a campus one, much like UEA, just with residences further afield. The Maths Dept is easy to find and, unlike UEA is the closest to the 'Mensa' (like 'The Diner', only better) and the main coffee shop.
The academic year
The academic year is divided into two semesters, one from 1 Nov - 28 Feb, and the second from 1 May - 31 Jul. This means that there is a two month holiday in between semesters. Plan well to make the most of it! - all the German students do. The holiday for Christmas is only just over a week, but it is possible to return to England for longer if you feel the need.
Mathematics at Regensburg University
The university system in Germany differs radically from that at UEA. There is practically no supervision and it is almost entirely up to the student to devise his/her study plan. You will be shown the 'Vorlesungsverzeichnis' and asked to choose some courses. DO ask other students what they think of the different lectures/lecturers - some courses are notoriously difficult, and are best avoided! Each course normally involves four hours of lectures per week, some of which will be at 0800 hrs! Mathematics at Regensburg is well known for being very pure and theoretical - the words 'Satz' and 'Beweis' (Theorem and proof) will come in very handy! During the semester, you will be given sheets to hand in, much like you are here. Normally you have to hand these in before the 'übungsklasse' (seminar), where the sheet is worked through. The students have to work through the examples on the board - but don't worry, you'll only be asked if you got the question 100% right.
At the end of each semester, there is normally a 'Klausur' (exam). This could be a' written exam like the ones we have here, or an oral exam (don't worry, it's not that bad!)
Assessment of the 'Year Abroad'
Before going to Germany, you will be told that you have to do a 'Seminar', which will be assessed, and count for your mark for the year (1/6 of your degree). This involves preparing a piece of work and giving a presentation of about 3/4 hour (rather like giving a lecture). If you are interested in statistics (with a very pure approach) then this will be no problem for you, as this is Dr Bierlein's subject. To do one of the organised 'Seminars' in the summer semester, you have to put your name down at the end of the winter semester. Ask the German students which seminars are available, as it can be very difficult to find out what is on offer! There is no list of the seminars anywhere. Don't panic if you feel like you don't know how your year abroad will be assessed. You will find that everyone else from other Uni's in England will have completely different criteria to work by.
'Deutsch als Fremdsprache'
The University also offers several 'Deutsch als Fremdsprache' courses. These are very good, and recommended if you want to improve your German whilst there. The courses vary from grammar and vocabulary, to phonetics and post 1945 German history.
The Library
The Uni library is well stocked, but the system used to actually take books out of the library leaves a lot to be desired - you even have to fill in a form to photocopy something out of a book! There is separate maths library in the maths dept. This has lots of useful books, in German and English (also French, Russian and Czech if you think you could cope with this!) The only problem is, that none of the books may be taken out of the library, so you have to work in the library, if you need the books.
Other facilities on campus
On Campus, there are two book shops; one for arts subjects, and one for science. These are good, although books seem to cost even more in Germany (in general). There is also a newsagents/paper shop, a copy shop, a travel agents and a small supermarket (like UEA).
There are lots of places to meet for a coffee and a snack on campus - each department has its own cafe. (NOTE: Coffee is cheaper if you take your own mug.) For main meals, there is the 'Mensa', where 5 or 6 main courses are set each day, these are really cheap, (you won't pay more that £2 for a 2/3 course meal and a drink) but sometimes you won't be sure what you're eating! (it does however taste nice, and is a really good option if you can't be bothered to cook for yourself!). There is also an Italian 'restaurant' which is relatively cheap, and does really good pizzas. Both places are open at lunch time and in the evenings all week.
The university sports centre is much larger than UEA's, and there are many more sports on offer, most of which are free, e.g. badminton, fencing, karate, judo, aerobics, dancing and diving. There is also a swimming pool and sauna which are really cheap (but you must wear a swimming hat!) and ice hockey, canoeing, riding, skiing lessons, etc........ which are also reasonably priced. Information is available in the foyer of the sports centre.
Regensburg is a town riddled with different 'Kneipen' and places to purchase alcohol. Lets hope you like beer if you intend living in Bavaria! There are three Irish bars, if you fancy listening to Irish music, talking English and paying a lot for 400ml of Guinness. There are several traditional large 'Brauhäuser', where beer, sausages and sauerkraut are served by buxom Bavarian ladies. Near to the Uni is a place called 'Drüber Drunter' which is friendly, has cheap beer and nice (but not traditionally German) food, and is on the way home from the Uni! They even sell a decent plate of chips, although you have to take your own vinegar! They also have a bit of a dance floor downstairs, which is normally free and open quite late. There are loads of other places that have to be tried out. One which stays open late is 'Miloo' (near the Steinerne Brucke'). There are also loads of beer gardens, mostly along the river, to be visited in the summer. The nice thing about going for a beer in Regensburg, is that it is such a relaxed atmosphere, it is always possible to sit down somewhere, and other people are willing to talk to you.
Clubs
Clubs in Regensburg can be quite amusing. If you like going to Ritzy's then you will have a whale of a time dancing to the latest 'chart' music. The entrance price to most clubs us quite cheap, and if nothing else, it is interesting to see how people from different countries dance! There is a place called 'Qu' which is close to 'Gesserheim (one of the halls) which also does live music, although it is a little more expensive.
Cinemas
There are lots of small cinemas in Regensburg, normally showing films about a month or two after they come out in England. Going to the cinema costs about the same as in Norwich, but the seats are a lot more comfortable, and it is possible to buy food and drink (inc. Bier!) to take in with you.
Theatres
There is a large 'Stadttheater' in the city, and at the Uni, the 'Audi Max' - the largest lecture theatre, which is used more for concerts and plays etc. There is normally a student reduction, but some plays, operas, or musical events, can be expensive. In good weather, there is an outdoor theatre in a square off Haid Platz which is free - normally on Saturday or Sunday morning. There is also a student theatre at the Uni, which shows plays performed by students - so if you fancy a bit of amateur dramatics, a real English accent is always in demand!
Gigs
Concerts by well known bands in Regensburg are few and far between, but travel to Nuremberg or Munich is easy, and gigs there are frequent.
Eating out in Regensburg
There is an almost unlimited number of places to eat in and around the city centre. There are the typical Bavarian places, including the 'Historische Wurstkuche' (near the bridge) and the 'Knodel' restaurant (near the Rathausplatz), which must be visited at least once whilst you are there. If you like Italian food, you can find pizza, pasta, etc at lots of places, for very reasonable prices. Lots of the pubs do food, which is also cheap and filling.
'Fests'
There are lots of festivals at the Uni, and in the town, in fact every excuse possible is used to have some sort of party. For the whole of December, there is the 'Christkindlmarkt', a Christmas market, selling lots of decorations, presents, food, and 'Glühwein' (like mulled wine). In the cold December days, it is really warming to meet in the market for a warming mug of 'Glühwein'. During May is the 'Maidult'. This is the town festival, and involves lots of fairground rides, food, and beer ....... (recognising the pattern yet?). There is also live music from some classic thigh-slapping 'lederhosen'-clad Bavarians during this particular fest!
At the Uni, are a stupid number of parties, which substitute things like 'live in the Hive' and L.C.R's. Every school organises a 'Semesteranfangsfest', and then one to finish the semester - and there are lots of schools to get around!
Above all, you should never be bored in Regensburg. There is always something different to do if you are willing to try it out.
Don't forget to find out who else is going to Regensburg from other schools. You might find that you already know some people who will be there at the same time as you! Students from PHY and EUR also go to Regensburg.
Getting to Regensburg
The language course
The language course at the university is in the month of October, for four weeks. This gives you a chance to find your way around the university before all the other 20,000 students turn up. The aim of the course is not to give an intensive German lesson (although they do encourage you to speak), but to give you a general introduction to the city and the Uni; and to let you get to know all the other foreign students - of which there are many. Tours are organised around the city centre, the cathedral, and the pubs etc. and also around the library, where the complex lending system, and archaic microfiche search system are explained. The people running the course are helpful, and are willing to help with any problems you may have, with all the official forms you have to fill in on arrival. If your German is quite good, then you won't have any problems. If you feel, once you are there, that your German really needs some serious work, then you might be able to do a course at the 'Volkshochschule'. In the year I was there, a short afternoon course was run, at quite a cheap price.