Welcome to Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Welcome Centre International reference guide Guide for international researchers, guest professors, post-doctoral and doctoral researchers Science for Society Welcome to Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Greetings from the President and the Vice President for International Affairs Dear colleagues and guests from around the world, We are delighted that you have decided to con- help you settle into your new city and to feel at duct your research or teaching at the University home at our university. That way you can concen- of Würzburg and would like to welcome you to trate on your work and research while also find- our Alma Mater. ing time to enjoy the many leisure and cultural activities which make life in Würzburg and Main- Our university, founded in 1402, has not only franken so enjoyable. a long tradition and a variety of subjects, but also offers many innovative research projects Networking as well as life-long friendships and international cooperation opportunities. In- should not only be established but also cultivat- ternational university rankings, its many special ed and maintained. We would like to invite you to research fields, graduate schools and research join our “Alma Julia” and become a member of teams prove its academic reputation. JMU has our Alumni Network and the associated Alumni recently been awarded a Cluster of Excellence Society. Through our Alumni Association you will within Germany’s Excellence Strategy. always be up to date with important activities and new projects at the university and you can Academic exchange and dynamic contact maintain contact with colleagues on a long-term with excellent international researchers are es- basis. sential for the success of any university. There- fore, we would like to say how pleased we are We wish you and your family a successful and that you have decided to come to our university. enriching time at the University of Würzburg and in our beautiful city. International mobility is connected with ex- citing new experiences and enriching contacts but – at least at the beginning of a stay abroad – also with some organisational challenges. Prof. Dr. Alfred Forchel Prof. Baris Kabak President of the Vice-President for Inter - The goal of this welcome guide is to make University of Würzburg nalisation, Alumni and your stay easier by giving you an overview of the Public Relations of the various consulting and service offers at the uni- University of Würzburg versity. Nevertheless, if you have further ques- tions or should problems arise, please do not hesitate to contact our Welcome Centre. The staff will be more than happy to give you advice and to Welcome to the University of Würzburg 3 Contents The Welcome Centre 6 2.11.2. Applying for Parenting Benefit The Julius-Maximilians-Universität: (“Elterngeld”) 32 A history of success 8 2.11.3. Applying for Child Benefit (“Kindergeld”) 32 2.12. Driving Licence 33 1Before Arrival 12 1.1. Checklist 12 1.2. Cost of Living 12 3Support Services and Facilities 34 1.3. Employment Contract 12 3.1. Service Centre International Affairs 34 1.4. Important Documents 14 3.1.1. International Students Office 34 1.5. Visa 15 3.1.2. Tutoring Services 34 1.6. Social Security and Insurances 15 3.2. Office of the Women’s Representative 34 1.6.1. General Information on Social Security 15 3.2.1. Counselling Services 34 1.6.2. Health Insurance 16 3.2.2. Gender Consulting in Research 1.6.3. Possible Supplementary Insurances 18 Networks of the GermanResearch 1.7. Finding Accommodation 20 Foundation (DFG) 35 1.7.1. University Guesthouse 20 3.3. Office of Family Support 36 1.7.2. Siebold Collegium 20 3.3.1. University Day Care Centre “Campus Kinderhaus” 36 2After Arrival 22 3.3.2. Babysitter Service 37 2.1. Checklist 22 3.3.3. Holiday Programmes 38 2.2. Registration at the Citizens’ Office 3.4. Student Services 38 (“Bürgerbüro”) 22 3.4.1. University Canteens 39 2.3. Setting up a Bank Account 24 3.4.2. Discounts for Visiting Guest 2.4. Applying for a Residence and Work Permit 24 Researchers 39 2.5. Company Pension Scheme (VBL) 26 3.5. University of Würzburg Graduate Schools 39 2.6. Job Ticket 26 3.6. Career Services and ProfiLehre 41 2.7. Rental Contract 27 3.7. Mentoring Programmes 41 2.8. Phone and Internet 29 3.7.1. Mentoring Programmes for 2.9. Television Licence Fees (“Rundfunkbeitrag”) 29 Male and Female Researchers 41 2.10. Taxes 29 3.7.2. Mentoring Programmes for 2.10.1. Tax Identification Number 29 Female Researchers 42 2.10.2. Tax Obligation 30 3.8. Research Funding Support: 2.10.3. Changing Your Tax Bracket 30 SFT and RAC 42 2.11. Bringing Family 31 3.9. Language Centre 44 2.11.1. Applying to Bring Your Family 31 3.9.1. German as a Foreign Language 44 Imprint 3.9.2. Face 2 Face Programme and Editor the Mediothek 45 Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg 3.10. Computer Centre 46 The President: Prof. Dr. Alfred Forchel 3.10.1. JMU User Account (Novell) and E-Mail 46 Editorial Staff Welcome Centre 3.10.2. JMU Card 46 Sanderring, 97070 Würzburg 3.10.3. Computer Courses and Online www.uni-wuerzburg.de/welcomecentre Resources 47 and 3.10.4. IT Support 47 Public Relations 3.11. University Library 47 Julius-Maximilians-Universität Würzburg Sanderring 2, 97070 Würzburg 3.11.1. Ordering and Borrowing Media www.presse.uni-wuerzburg.de (loan service for faculty) 48 and 3.12. Sport and Fitness 48 University of Würzburg Graduate Schools 3.12.1. Sports Centres and Facilities 48 Josef-Schneider-Straße 2, 97080 Würzburg 3.12.2. Courses 51 Photos 3.12.3. Costs and Registration 51 Public Relations More picture credits at the photos in the book 4Life in Würzburg 52 Coverphoto: Elmar Hahn 4.1. Public Transport 52 Layout Barbara Knievel 4.1.1. Trains and Long-Distance Buses 52 4.1.2. Buses and Trams 52 Typesetting 4.1.3. Connecting to the university 52 SatzKorrektur Mechtild Hasse-Riedesel 4.2. Events and Leisure Time Activities 53 Printing 4.3. “Foreign Scientist Uni Würzburg” 54 Schleunungdruck GmbH, Marktheidenfeld 4.4. Museums, Galleries, Music and Theatres 54 4.4.1. Museums and Galleries 54 4.4.2. Classical Music 57 4.4.3. Theatres 57 4.5. Tourist Destinations 58 ID-Nr. 1876689 5Checklist: Before Departure 60 with support from the DAAD program “STIBET Doktoranden” 6Alumni Network 62 The Welcome Centre The Welcome Centre is the central point of ser- tions and provide information on the following vice for newly appointed professors, internation- topics: al post docs and guest professors before and Signing up for health insurance during their stay at the University of Würzburg. Opening a bank account The Welcome Centre strives to make it easier Applying for a residence and work permit, for you to settle into Würzburg, have a good start bringing family to Germany at your job and feel comfortable at the univer sity. Applying for statutory benefits As a family friendly university we consider the (e.g. child benefits) promotion of a good work-life balance very im- portant. The Centre therefore offers assistanc e Accompaniment to the Local Authorities for you and your family with general administra- In case of problems, complex questions or langu- tive and practical issues relating to your employ- age difficulties, someone from the Welcome Cen- ment and your move to Würzburg. The staff will tre can accompany you to the local authorities. also gladly help with individual concerns. Information on Language Classes The Centre can inform you of language classes, Advisory and Support Services relevant events and networking opportunities. Searching for a Flat The Welcome Centre can help you in your flat Support for Dual Career Questions search with information on the local housing mar- The staff offers support for the partners of newly ket. Even though the staff cannot offer any reloca- appointed professors by facilitating orientation tion services, they can help to establish contact to on the local labour market. They cannot offer any landlords and assist you with arranging a place to placement services, but will be happy to provide stay for your first few days in Germany. in formation on potential employment opportuni- ties and establish contact to regional companies. Information on Childcare The staff is well connected with local childcare fa- Online registration cilities and schools and can give advice on differ- To be able to support you efficiently the Welcome ent offers and registration procedures. Centre needs your input. If you are an interna- tional scientist coming to Germany from abroad, Information on Würzburg please send them an e-mail with your questions The Centre provides information on life in Würz- well before the start of your stay and register with burg, leisure opportunities and cultural events. the Welcome Centre online at: www.uni-wuerzburg.de/welcomecentre Help with Administrative Matters In case of questions contact: The staff can help you with administrative ques- [email protected] 6 The medieval Fortress Marienberg located on the shore of the river Main Bild: Jakob Dombrowski Bild: Jakob Welcome to Julius-Maximilians-Universität 7 The Julius-Maximilians-Universität: A history of success The Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) has a Newly-designed degree programmes, a steadily long tradition dating back as far as 1402 and was growing influx of students and many new re- the sixth institution of higher education to be search activities continue to drive the growth of founded in the German-speaking regions of Eu- the institution’s infrastructure.