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FAQ
- FUBiS
- Registration
- Arrival
- Orientation meeting and the first days of class
- Accommodation
- Studying at Freie Universität Berlin
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Studying at Freie Universität Berlin
- Where is Freie Universität Berlin located?
- How can I get to Freie Universität Berlin?
- Where can I eat on campus?
- The Mensa
- Student cafés
- Italian restaurant "Galileo"
- Where can I go to eat or shop near Freie Universität Berlin?
- Will I have access to computers and to the internet at the university?
- Should I bring a laptop with me?
- Where can I print and copy?
- Will I have access to the libraries?
- What do I need my FUBiS student identity card for?
- Can I study for an extended period of time in Germany?
Where is Freie Universität Berlin located?
The campus of Freie Universität Berlin lies in the quiet and green southwest of Berlin, in the district of Dahlem. The main building distinguishes itself by the remarkable architecture and the silvery and copper appearance and is thus colloquially called “the silver and rust bower” (Rost- und Silberlaube). The main entrances lie in the Habelschwerdter Allee 45 and the Otto-von-Simson-Straße 26.
How can I get to Freie Universität Berlin?
Thanks to Berlin’s well structured public transportation network, Freie Universität Berlin is easy to reach. You can reach the main building by metro (U3 line, stations Thielplatz or Dahlemdorf) and by bus (line M11 or X11, Hittorfstraße stop). You will find detailed directions to the main campus in the FUBiS student guide, which you will receive before you arrive.
Where can I eat on campus?
There are several dining options in the main building of Freie Universität Berlin:
The Mensa
For lunch FUBiS recommends the student cafeteria which is called "Mensa" at German universities. There are many choices, including vegetarian, vegan and pork-free options, a salad and antipasti bar, fresh juices, desserts, and sweets. A warm meal costs between 1.30 and 3.00 euro. A warm lunch is served between 11:15 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
How can I pay in the Mensa?
To allow a quick and smooth payment, Mensa meals are paid for using the mensa card (also used in other cafeterias and some cafés on campus).
Where can I buy a Mensa card?
You can buy a Mensa card at the FUBiS orientation meeting or from the cash desks in the Mensa. The machines to put money on your card are located in the entrance hall outside the Mensa as well as in the Mensa.
Student cafés
In addition to the Mensa there are also various student-run cafés in the main building of Freie Universität Berlin. Here you can purchase beverages, sandwiches, cakes, sweets and other types of food at low prices and enjoy them in a cosy atmosphere.
Italian restaurant "Galileo"
In the main building there is also the Italian restaurant "Galileo." It offers Italian food at reasonable prices. Galileo also offers some meals at special student prices of approximately 3.00 euro.
Where can I go to eat or shop near Freie Universität Berlin?
There are a number of restaurants, cafés, snack bars and bistros off campus, particularly near the metro station Dahlem-Dorf. You will also find a supermarket, post office, bank, pharmacy, travel agency and other shops in this area.
Will I have access to computers and to the internet at the university?
At Freie Universität Berlin you will have access to the ZEDAT PC pool (university computer labs). At the orientation meeting you will receive a user name and a password with which you can log in to the computers and to the internet network of Freie Universität Berlin. In addition, on campus you will have access to the university Wi-Fi network which you can use with a Wi-Fi equipped laptop. Off campus there are many internet cafés where you can access the internet for a reasonable price.
Please note that you will not have access to the internet in most accommodations.
Should I bring a laptop with me?
If you have a laptop, we recommend you bring it with you because it will be easier for you to do your homework and other assignments. If your laptop is equipped with Wi-Fi you can access to the university internet network available on campus. If you do not bring a laptop, you can use the computer facilities of Freie Universität Berlin (ZEDAT).
Where can I print and copy?
You can print in the ZEDAT (university computer center of Freie Universität Berlin) for a small fee. You will find copy machines in the different university libraries and in copy shops nearby.
Will I have access to the libraries?
With your FUBiS student identity card you will have access to all Freie Universität Berlin libraries and can use the books shelved there in the reading rooms. Unfortunately, you may not take books out of the libraries because they require you to have a permanent address in Germany.
What do I need my FUBiS student identity card for?
The FUBiS student identity card identifies you as student of Freie Universität Berlin and entitles you to various discounts. You need it in the Mensa to get your meal at the student price. You also need it to use the libraries. In addition, you can receive the student discount in many cinemas, theaters, museums and other venues if you show your student ID. Please note that there are no discounts on Berlin public transportation tickets/passes for short-term student.
Can I study for an extended period of time in Germany?
You can find useful information on how to study at Freie Universität Berlin here.
