University of Konstanz

About: 

Founded in 1966,  The University of Konstanz is one of the top institutes in Germany, considered to be part of the German Ivy League (the "Universities of Excellence").  There are around 11,500 students from over 100 countries, bolstering the international culture of the University.  There are 13 departments that are split into the 3 main faculties of study: Sciences, Humanities, and Politics, Law and Economics.

Highlights: 

This university is situated only 4km away from the German-Swiss border, the main campus is located on the shore of Lake Constance and lies within the Mainau forest. The architecture is a real feature of Konstanz as there are many artworks incorporated into the buildings

Location: 

Konstanz, Baden-Württemberg, Germany

Courses / Modules: 

Check the course catalogue to look at the potential modules you could be studying.  

Credit (Full-time Load per semester): 

You must take a full credit load while on exchange.  University of Konstanz uses the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) to show credit values.  30 ECTS is the equivalent to 60 York credits, and 60 ECTS is the equivalent to 120 York credits.  

Teaching Periods: 

The university works on a semester structure,  with Winter Semester running from mid October to mid February with an exam period in Feb/March and Summer Semester from April to mid July with an exam period in July/August.  Have a look at their calendar to check holiday times.

Language: 

Teaching and assessment at Konstanz may be in  German or English.  Check the Course Catalogue for details.   There may also be opportunities for exchange students to take part in German classes  through the Language Institute - check with your department at York if you are able to take such courses for credit. 

Accommodation: 

The housing application is included in the online exchange application. Students apply and pay a deposit and accommodation in the Seezeit student residences are usually guaranteed.

The University of Konstanz does not recommend that students look for private accommodation as it tends to be more expensive and the university does not provide assistance in finding this.  Check out the University of Konstanz's information on living expenses.

Orientation / Welcome week:  

Exchange students can choose between two different Orientation programmes: 

1)  Go-Konstanz is a four week programme that takes place in either March or September (subject to which semester you are starting in) and is an intensive German language course. Groups of around 15 participants are taught by instructors up to level C1.   There may be a cost for this programme

2) OriPro is the general orientation programme that is held should before the start of the semester. It includes activities and advice to aid opening a bank account, sorting out health insurance, and applying for residency permits for Non-EU students. 

Support Services: 

Check out the student services centre pages for advice on study issues and department specific advisory services. 

University of Konstanz also provides guidance and support on a range of  issues with details of how to contact the relevant services on its student support pages.

Visas: 

You may need a visa to study in Germany.  If you are a UK National you must refer to the  Travel Advice page for Germany and its Living in Germany guide to check on any visa requirements, and raise any queries directly with the relevant embassy/consulate.   If you are not a UK national you should check equivalent advice for your home country.

Travel insurance:  

If you complete the Travel Authorisation process and are approved by the University of York to participate in this programme, you will be covered by the University's Travel Insurance Policy. This is a complimentary policy to cover you for the duration of your University of York mobility experience. Please refer to the Insurance website for all travel insurance queries.  You may be required to obtain health insurance valid during your exchange. 

Health insurance: 

Students travelling to Europe may be able to apply for a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or in some circumstances a new UK-issued European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), which gives the right to access state-provided healthcare during a temporary stay in the EU. You are strongly recommended to obtain a GHIC / EHIC if eligible. To check your eligibility and find out how to apply if you are eligible, go to the NHS page on Applying for healthcare cover abroad (GHIC and EHIC).

It is important that you check health insurance requirements ahead of your stay, and information about health insurance in Germany is provided by the University of Konstanz.

Isabelle, Year Abroad at University of Konstanz, 2019/20

'My year abroad has been an amazing experience that has undoubtedly changed my plans for the future. Throughout the year I have been able to meet and become close friends with many other international students and have had the opportunity to travel to many cities within Germany and abroad. It has been a valuable experience in terms of improving my German but it was also fascinating to gain insight from other international students while studying and to be able to learn about many different cultures. I really hope to be able to return to Germany once I have finished my studies in York.' 

Have a look at some more student stories on the Global Opportunities website. 

Please note: these tips have been provided by students who have studied abroad - Global Opportunities recommends that you use these as a guide only and do your own research on what is best for you.

Money and Banking: 

• You can find a guide to living expenses in Konstanz here.

• Revolut/Monzo: these are online bank accounts that you control via an app in your phone. It means you don't have to set up a bank account in your host country, and can just transfer money from your main account to your Revolut/Monzo account. There are no fees for card transactions and the exchange rates are usually very good.

• Sparkasse: this is simplest bank account to set up in Germany. There are no fees and it is easy to close when the placement finishes.

• Contactless: In Germany, contactless and cards are not used as often as we're used to in England, so it's worth bearing in mind to withdraw cash especially for a lot of bars and restaurants which don't always accept credit cards/cards. 

Staying Connected: 

• SIM: Check with your SIM provider that you can use data roaming abroad. Most students find that they don't need a new SIM and can just use their phone as normal. If you do need a new SIM, ALDI/LIDL pay-as-you-go and German O2 are recommended.

• WhatsApp: this is the most common messaging app in Germany and it means that you can contact people in other countries free of charge.

• Make plans: Making plans to meet up with your friends from York who are also in Germany keeps you connected to that bit of familiarity, especially good if you are missing home. It also means you have something exciting to look forward to, which always helps.

• Post: A little thing like sending a postcard to your friends or family back home can make all the difference! Not only is it a thoughtful touch, but it keeps you connected to anyone you might be missing. 

Food: 

• Supermarkets: shops such as ALDI and LIDL are the best shops for affordable, everyday cooking and eating. REWE and Edeka also come highly recommended as they are not expensive, they sometimes even have Cathedral City cheddar!

Paperwork and bureaucracy: 

• Be organised: Create a list of all the things you need to complete and when. This will make it more manageable and easier to work through.

• Supervisors: Don't forget to contact your supervisors both in your host institution and in York if you need help with any of the paperwork - they are there to help you.

What I wished I'd known...: 

• Facebook groups: Join social media groups for students travelling to your institution/city. This will make it easier to reach out to people, find events and settle in once you have arrived.

• Language: German people love when someone from abroad makes an effort to learn and speak their language, and they will be very patient to help out. Don't be frightened of giving it a go.

• Exchange studies - Konstanz webpages 

• Student experiences from Konstanz 

• FCO : Germany 

• Global Graduates

• Numbeo - cost of living comparison site

• Expatistan - cost of living comparison site

• Living Expenses in Konstanz - a guide to costs throughout the year

If you find any broken links, please email us at global-opportunities@york.ac.uk

Global Opportunities - Find us in Derwent College

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter @GoGlobalUOY

Click here to make a virtual appointment to speak to one of our advisors