The University of Regensburg
The University of Regensburg, a modern institution founded in 1962, has its own campus at the southern edge of the city, about 20 minutes on foot or a short bus or bike ride from the center of town. The library of more than two million volumes serves about 17,000 students in 23 disciplines. Some of the student residence halls are located in the Altstadt, some are on campus. Vanderbilt students can use a modern language lab as well as an extensive computer facility. Likewise, a recreation center is open to all students. Useful information for exchange students can be found here.
Housing
Students are provided with a place in a residence hall (Studentenheim) or a room in a Wohngemeinschaft. There is access to a communal kitchen in which to cook dinner, host parties, etc. Besides purchasing their own food, students will be allowed to use the University cafeteria (die Mensa) at a reasonable price. Noon meals are generally taken in the Mensa, while the evening meal (Abendbrot) is usually prepared at home. For more information go to the VIG-site or directly to the University of Regensburg.
One of Regensburg's Dormitories
Language Program
The language program lasts eight weeks – from January to March. The courses are held in conjunction with the language-instruction section and the language laboratory of the University of Regensburg. The student’s skill level will determine the entry level for classes. Successful performance on the final exam is a precondition for enrolling in courses offered by the University during the following semester. It is possible for students to take the language examination administered by the university (PNDS). An extensive cultural-events-calendar will accompany the language course, including films, theater, and museum visits, as well as excursions to nearby places of interest.
Courses
Resembling an American graduate school, German university courses offer a variety of subjects on an often more sophisticated level. Nonetheless, Vanderbilt Students attend regular courses, normally lectures and proseminars, at the University of Regensburg. Students will be supervised and supported through tutorials, usually conducted by advanced graduate students or post-doctoral fellows. In small groups questions about the course’s content or the discipline in general will be discussed weekly. German universities announce their schedules only a few months prior to the beginning of the semester. Thus, students will be choosing their courses while in Regensburg.
Picture © Dr. Rudolf Dietze
Universität Regensburg
