Sights, activities, museums, galleries, shopping opportunities, restaurant recommendations, and weekend trips in Reutlingen and the surrounding area.

As credit cards are less widely used in Germany than in other countries and are not always accepted in shops or restaurants, we recommend opening a current account (Girokonto) with a bank in Reutlingen. Most banks offer free accounts for students under the age of 25, including a debit card (EC card), which is accepted at most locations and ATMs across Europe. To open an account, you will need your passport, student ID, semester address, and a telephone number. Some banks may also require proof of registration with the local authorities. There are several banks in the city centre. The closest to the campus include Volksbank (e.g. on Alteburgstraße) and Kreissparkasse Reutlingen (e.g. on Alteburgstraße or in the city centre).

During your stay in Germany, you are legally required to pay the broadcasting fee. You can register online easily, or wait until you receive a letter from ARD, which you can then complete by hand. The ARD/GEZ Rundfunkbeitrag is a mandatory household fee in Germany that funds public broadcasting services like ARD, ZDF, and Deutschlandradio, regardless of whether you actually use them. Here you can find further information on the broadcasting fee.

The Intensive Course “German Language & Culture” is aimed at students from all degree programmes in the winter semester, as well as international and already enrolled students who wish to improve their German language skills. The course takes place over a two-week period in September.

The intensive course is much more than a language course and provides an ideal introduction to life in Germany. You will improve your German language skills, gain insight into German culture, and meet students from all over the world. The programme includes German classes at four proficiency levels, campus and city tours in Reutlingen and Tübingen, intercultural training, and information about studying in Germany and at Reutlingen University. In addition, you will receive support with administrative procedures, take part in excursions (for example to Heidelberg or similar cities), and can enjoy a varied evening programme with activities such as bowling, film nights, and baking workshops.

The course awards 4 ECTS credits, with an additional 1 ECTS credit for completing the intercultural training. The participation fee is usually around €250 and includes materials and the accompanying programme. The cost of the Saturday excursion will be additional.

Further information can be found on the Institute for Foreign Languages (IfF) website.

Students may wish to consider the public transport ticket options. We recommend comparing prices carefully to determine which option best suits your needs. Further information on the semester ticket Naldo or train tickets can be found here. You can also use your CampusCard as a free Naldo ticket at certain times.

Information about the university’s support services and resources can be found on the “Services & Offers” page.

Further information about Students4Students can be found here: Students4Students. Please ask your study coordinators whether you will automatically be registered through your degree programme. If not, please register yourself. Find a buddy who can show you around Reutlingen and take you on great trips in and around the city.

Activate your university accounts, set your passwords, and collect your student ID or the confirmation for your student ID. Using the registration form provided together with your matriculation number, you can create a personal password and set up your accounts forcampus Wi-Fi, email, RELAX, and BSCW.

If you are taking part in the Intensive Language Course, the RIO will provide you with dedicated support on the “Orientation Day”.

Further information about studying in Germany.

Students staying in Germany for longer than three months are legally required to register with the city of Reutlingen at the Citizens’ Office (Bürgeramt) within 14 days of arrival. Please note: if you are taking part in the intensive language course, the RIO will complete this process for you. Otherwise, you must arrange the registration independently. The form “Registration of Residence with the Registration Authority (accessible PDF)” can be downloaded here from the City of Reutlingen as a PDF.

Required documents:

• Passport or identity card (EU citizens only)
• Completed registration form from the city
• “Confirmation from the landlord” (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung). If you are living in the GWG student halls on campus, this confirmation will be sent automatically to the city by the Studierendenwerk together with your tenancy agreement. If you are renting privately, please ask your landlord for this document.

When leaving Reutlingen (returning home or moving elsewhere in Germany), you must also deregister at the Citizens’ Office one week before departure. For this, bring your passport or identity card (EU citizens only) and the completed deregistration form from the city.

Here you can book an appointment with theCity of Reutlingen.