Handbook Master Program 2019-20

Student Handbook
Master of Law and Business Program
Class of 2020
WELCOME!!
1
WELCOME and MOIN MOIN!1
Dear LLM/MLB Class of 2020,
We are very happy that you will be joining the LLM/MLB Program Class of 2020. We are confident
that you will not only benefit from the challenging course of studies, but also that you will enjoy
your stay here in Hamburg - one of Germany’s most attractive cities – and build life-long friendships
with your classmates.
This handbook will provide you with important information to help you prepare for your arrival in
Hamburg. It is designed to be used as a reference guide for the duration of your stay. Please read
through the following pages, as the handbook contains the answers to many of your questions.
Although the program is taught in English, we would like to encourage you to immerse yourself in
the adventure of learning the German language which will not only make everyday life in Germany
more enjoyable but is also very useful if you plan to work in Germany during the internship or after
the end of the LLM/MLB Program.
Orientation Program begins on Monday, August 26, 2019, at 9.00 a.m. In order to prepare LLM/MLB
Program students for the intensive academic year and guarantee the highest teaching standards,
preliminary courses in law and business will be offered during the two-week Program. We will also
go over important administrative and academic matters and will offer extracurricular activities both
on and off campus. Whilst the Orientation Program is not mandatory, we highly recommend that all
LLM/MLB students participate.
Our philosophy is to provide our students with the highest level of administrative support possible
so that students can concentrate on the demanding LLM/MLB curriculum and use their free time to
get to know their fellow students and enjoy the city. We are here to assist you with any questions
you may have and we are very much looking forward to welcoming you to Bucerius and Hamburg in
August!
LLM/MLB Team
1
“Moin Moin” is a typical greeting in the North German dialect Plattdeutsch and means „Hello.”
2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section I. General Information
Bucerius LLM/MLB Program Team ................................................................................................5

How to find us.................................................................................................................................6
Program Calendar ..........................................................................................................................8
Section II. Administrative Matters
Housing Information – how and where to find an apartment ......................................................9

Public Transportation ...................................................................................................................14
Residence Permit/ Student Visa...................................................................................................16
Financial Affidavit .........................................................................................................................17
Health and Liability Insurance ......................................................................................................18
Bank Account ...............................................................................................................................20
Section III: Living in Germany and Extracurricular Activities
Introduction to Hamburg ..............................................................................................................22

Living Expenses in Hamburg ........................................................................................................23
Activities organized through Bucerius Law School & the MLB Team .........................................23
Other Activities .............................................................................................................................25
Internet and Computer .................................................................................................................25
Libraries ........................................................................................................................................25
German Language Courses prior to the MLB Program ...............................................................25
Newspapers – German Politics brought to you in English ..........................................................27
Emergency Telephone Numbers .................................................................................................27
Consulates ....................................................................................................................................27
Weather.........................................................................................................................................27
Tipping...........................................................................................................................................28
Household Tips .............................................................................................................................28
Postal Services ..............................................................................................................................28
Religious Services .........................................................................................................................29
Shopping .......................................................................................................................................30
Sports/Fitness ...............................................................................................................................31
Telecommunication ......................................................................................................................31
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Time Change (Daylight Savings) ...................................................................................................32
Getting around in Hamburg..........................................................................................................33
Traveling in Germany and Europe................................................................................................33
TV and Radio Fees; Inspections ...................................................................................................34
Power Voltage...............................................................................................................................34
Child Care....... ................................................................................ ..............................................34
Checklist for the Preparation of your Stay in Hamburg ..............................................................35
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Section I: General Information
Section I. General Information
Bucerius LLM/MLB Program Team
Inga Diercks-Ferm
E-Mail: inga.diercks-ferm@law-school.de
Phone: +49 40 30706-278
Room: 0.53
Magdalena Kaljaj
E-Mail: magdalena.kaljaj@law-school.de
Phone: +49 40 30706-187
Room: 0.50
Jennifer Gay
E-Mail: jennifer.gay@law-school.de
Phone: +49 40 30706-228
Room: 0.50
Maite Schewe
E-Mail: maite.schewe@law-school.de
Phone: +49 40 30706-226
Room: 0.53
Peter Theunert
E-Mail: peter.theunert@law-school.de
Phone: +49 40 30706-2910
Room: 0.49
Balin Loftus
E-Mail: balin.loftus@law-school.de
Phone: +49 40 30706-153
Room: 0.52
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How to find us
The LLM/MLB Program takes place at the Bucerius Law School in Hamburg.
Address: Bucerius Master of Law and Business LLM/MLB Program
Jungiusstrasse 6
20355 Hamburg
Germany
Phone: +49 40 30706-226
Fax: +49 40 30706-169
https://www.law-school.de/master/
Bucerius Law School is located in the very center of Hamburg. The best way to get around is by
public transportation (e.g. Metro U2 to “Gänsemarkt”, Metro U1, Metrobus 4 or 5 and bus 109 to
“Stephansplatz”, train (S-Bahn) S11, S21 or S31 to “Dammtor”) or by bicycle. Public transportation
schedules are available at www.hvv.com
If you arrive by plane, you can take the train S1 from the airport, change at the station “Ohlsdorf” to
the metro U1 and get off at “Stephansplatz.” Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. Purchase a
ticket (€ 3.30, Greater Hamburg Area, fare rings AB) before getting on the train. The information on
the ticket machines is available in English. If you arrive by train
https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml alight at the station “Hamburg Dammtor”, exit the
station through the exit marked "Dag-Hammarskjöld-Platz/CCH/Messe." On your left, take the
pedestrian bridge toward Stephansplatz. You will pass by an entrance to the subway (U-Bahn) as
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well as a memorial sculpture. When you reach the intersection, turn right onto the street Gorch-
Fock-Wall and follow it to the next intersection. Make a right onto Jungiusstraße. The main entrance
to the Law School will be on your right at the end of Jungiusstraße.2
If you arrive by car, take Gorch-Fock-Wall and turn off into Jungiusstrasse. The main entrance of
Bucerius Law School is in the rotunda, located at the corner of Jungiusstrasse and Marseiller Strasse
(Please note that the Marseiller Strasse is closed for traffic due to building work). There are not many
parking places available. Please ask Bucerius staff for affordable options!
Once you are here, we will provide you with a Bucerius Law School student identification card and a
public transportation card (you only need to buy a one-way ticket ). Your student ID card enables you
to enter the main building as well as the library 24 hours a day/7days a week. With this card, you can
also purchase lunch and other food and drinks in our Cafeteria (Mensa) and the coffee lounge or use
the printers.
2
You can find maps at www.mappy.de or www.maps.google.de/maps.
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Program Calendar (subject to change*)
Aug. 26 – Sept. 6, 2019 Orientation Program and preliminary law and business
courses (highly recommended for all students)
Sep. 3, 2019 Bucerius LLM/MLB Graduation Ceremony for the Class of
2019 and Welcome Ceremony for the Class of 2020
Sept. 10 – Oct. 7, 2019 Module 1, including Exam
Oct. 8 – Dec. 20, 2019 Modules 2-4, including Berlin Trip and Exam Week
Dec. 23, 2019 – Jan. 6, 2020 Christmas Holiday
Jan. 7 – Feb. 29, 2020 Elective Modules 5-6, including Exam Week
March and April 2020 Internship
May 4 – June 12, 2020 Modules 8-9, including Exam Week, Master’s Thesis
June 15 – July 24, 2020 Master Thesis Period (no classes)
September 1, 2020 Bucerius LLM/MLB Graduation Ceremony for the Class of

2020 and Welcome Ceremony for the Class of 2021
*We reserve the right to make changes.
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Section II. Administrative Matters
Housing Information
We actively assist participants in obtaining housing in Hamburg. Please have a look at our website for
more details http://www.law-school.de/master/services/accommodation/
Finding housing independently

The monthly rent prices in Hamburg are relatively high especially in central (popular) locations, to
reduce costs, you can share a 2 or 3 bedroom apartment with other people (Wohngemeinschaft
/WG). If you don’t want to purchase your own furniture, you should look for „Möblierte Zimmer/
Wohnung“ (“furnished room/apartment”).
a. Agencies such as “City Wohnen” (https://www.city-wohnen.de/eng/)

This agency offers contacts for interim housing and will bill you for its services. The progressive
commission fee is staggered according to the number of months you contract to rent: up to 1 month
– 30 % of one month’s rent; up to 6 months – 105 % of one month’s rent etc. The legal rate of VAT
(currently 19%) will be added to all commissions. Bucerius Law School has worked out a cooperation
agreement with City Wohnen. Please inform the agency that you are a Bucerius student (customer
number is 25410) to receive a 15 % discount on the commission fee.
b. Internet
https://de-de.facebook.com/groups/BLSmarketplace/ (open facebook group from Bucerius)
https://www.wohnungsboerse.net/Hamburg/mieten/wohnungen
https://www.smartments-student.de/en/start/
www.studenten-wohnung.de (German language only)
www.studenten-wg.de (German language only; only rooms in shared apartments)
www.wg-gesucht.de/en/
www.immobilienscout24.de
www.travellerspoint.com/budget-accommodation-en.html (good for short-term stays)
www.homecompany.de
www.immozentral.com (German language only)
www.wohnung-jetzt.de (German language only)
www.biete-wg.de (German language only)
https://www.meinestadt.de/hamburg/immobilien/wohnungen
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d. Students Lodge Hamburg (http://students-lodge.de/) and ) offers furnished rooms for rent at quite
reasonable prices. Most rooms share a hall bathroom and kitchen, although some have private
toilets.
Look for more options on our website. https://www.law-school.de/master/services/accommodation/
Short stay accommodation: looking for an apartment when you are in Hamburg
Some of you might want to look for an apartment once you are in Hamburg. This would enable you
to make an appointment to view the apartment and meet the landlord in person. In this case, we
would recommend that you stay a few nights in a low-priced hotel or youth hostel (the latter costing
approx. € 20/night) while you are apartment hunting.
Please find some suggestions below. You may of course also take advantage of Airbnb/hostel/hotel
search sites, such as https://www.airbnb.com/stay/hamburg-rentals?locale=en, www.hrs.com,
www.hostels.com, www.hostelworld.com,
http://de.hostelbookers.com/hostels/deutschland/hamburg/ etc.
Please find the addresses of some hostels/hotels in Hamburg:

Hostels:
Auf dem Stintfang Horner Rennbahn
Alfred-Wegener-Weg 5 Rennbahnstraße 100
20459 Hamburg 22111 Hamburg
Tel. +49 40 5701590 Tel. +49 40 5701590
E-mail: stintfang@jugendherberge.de E-mail: hamburg-horn@jugendherberge.de
Generator
(single room from € 80)
Steintorplatz 3
20095 Hamburg
Tel: +49 (0)40 226358460
www.generatorhostels.com
Hotels:
Motel One MEININGER Hotel Hamburg City Center
(single room from € 59) (single room from 69)
Kieler Straße 171 Goetheallee 11
22525 Hamburg 22765 Hamburg
Tel. +49 40 89720690 +49 40 28464388
www.motel-one.de www.meininger-hotels.com
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Instant Sleep Schanzenstern
(single room from € 49, bed in a multiple bed (single room from € 48)
room € 19,50-29,50) Kleine Rainstraße 24-26
Max-Brauer-Allee 277 22765 Hamburg
22769 Hamburg Tel. +49 40 39919191
Tel. +49 40 43180180 www.schanzenstern.com
www.instantsleep.de
Pension am Rathaus
(single room from € 32-42)
Rathausstraße 14
20095 Hamburg
Tel. +49 40 337489
www.pension-am-rathaus.de
In the student halls of residence run by the “Studierendenwerk,” there are also a limited number of
guestrooms available, which can be rented for a period of up to three months. These rooms can be
rented directly from the house administration in the respective halls of residence. We can provide
you with recommendations regarding pros and cons of different student dormitories. Contact data
can be found at http://www.studierendenwerk-hamburg.de/studierendenwerk/en/home/
Common abbreviations you will see in apartment ads

Blk. – Balkon → balcony
ab sof. – ab sofort → available immediately
App. – Appartment → apartment
Ca. – circa → approximately
DG – Dachgeschoss → attic
EBK – Einbauküche → built-in kitchen
EG – Erdgeschoss → ground floor
Gg. – Garage → garage
HK – Heizkosten → heating costs
Hz./Hzg. – Heizung → heating
KM – Kaltmiete → rent not including utilities (heating, electricity etc.)
(kompl.) einger. – (komplett) eingerichtet → (fully) furnished
KT – Kaution → deposit
Lg. – Lage → location
m² → square meters
MM – Monatsmiete → monthly rent
Prov. – Provision → commission to the estate agent
NK – Nebenkosten → additional charges for heating, electricity etc.
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(Inkl. NK – inklusive Nebenkosten = WM-Warmmiete → rent incl. additional costs)
mtl. – monatlich → monthly
(1. OG) – Obergeschoss → one floor up
renov. – renoviert → renovated
v. priv. – von privat → from private owner
Whg. – Wohnung → flat (apartment)
WG → shared apartment with one or more people
ZH – Zentralheizung → central heating
Zi. – Zimmer → room
zzgl. – zuzüglich → plus
Neighborhood Descriptions
The most convenient neighborhoods for commuting to Bucerius Law School and the city centre are
Altona, Eimsbüttel, Schanzenviertel, St. Pauli, Hoheluft, Eppendorf, Harvestehude, Rotherbaum, St.
Georg and Neustadt Neighborhoods located slightly further away include Hamm, Hohenfelde,
Uhlenhorst, Barmbek and Winterhude. You can locate apartments online at
http://english.hamburg.de/mapsearch/; www.mappy.de or www.maps.google.de/maps .
For a room in a WG (shared flat), rent varies from around € 300 - € 500+ depending on the area,
street, house, size in square meters, and transport connection. Private apartments are generally
more expensive. The housing market is very tight in Hamburg and most apartments or rooms are
rented unfurnished.
Altona is known as one of the more multicultural and trendy neighborhoods. Because of its relatively
young population, it has many bars, the legendary “Fabrik” (where various concerts and events are
held), street cafés and night clubs. Though Altona is located further away from Bucerius, it is well
served by public transportation.
Barmbek is divided into southern and northern sections. Its architecture is characteristically red
brick. The area is quite popular among younger people due to the slightly lower rents, though the
neighborhood also has a considerable portion of elderly residents. The shopping area is dominated
by small supermarkets and Turkish grocery stores. A major feature of the neighborhood is the
Stadtpark (city park). There isn’t much night life, but the area is well served by public transportation.
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Eimsbüttel/Hoheluft are known for their green streets and older buildings (high ceiling, cornicing,
wood floors and balconies.) Students favor this area due to its flair and proximity to Bucerius and the
popular area of the Schanzenviertel. There are many cafés, bars, restaurants and parks.
Eppendorf is one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Hamburg. It is central, peaceful and
green. Few students can afford to live in this area, which is inhabited mostly by families and business
persons from the media and advertising industries.
Rotherbaum/Harvestehude is also a relatively expensive neighborhood. It is centrally located in

relation to the University of Hamburg and the Alster Lake as well as downtown and Bucerius Law
School.
St. Georg is located next to the main train station. The area offers a contradictory mix of high society
(luxury hotels on the Alster, exclusive boutiques), culture (the Museum für Kunst und Gewerbe,
Hamburger Kunsthalle, Deichtorhallen), interesting bars in the “Lange Reihe,” as well as prostitution
and drugs. This area is located close to the main Hamburg shopping areas and is well served by
public transportation.
St. Pauli is known for its active night life with its red light district (the “Reeperbahn”) and countless
bars and clubs. The noise factor, especially on the weekends, has been a cause of complaint.
However, inexpensive apartments can be found in this area, especially in older buildings, though
they are often somewhat in need of renovation.
Uhlenhorst is a quiet, peaceful and somewhat grandiose neighborhood. Most of the villas there are
unaffordable and are passed down from generation to generation. However, Uhlenhorst is where
one can enjoy the best views of the Alster. More affordable apartments can be found closer towards
Hohenfelde. Please note students can commute to Bucerius by bus, then transfer to the U-Bahn.
Winterhude is located between the Alster River and the Stadtpark (city park). Apartments range from
affordable to very expensive. The neighborhood contains many beautiful apartment buildings and
villas, as well as a good selection of bars and restaurants. It should be noted that it is faster to reach
Bucerius from Winterhude by bike than by public transportation (no direct U-Bahn connection, but
good bus transfers).
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Public Transportation
Most parts of the city can be easily reached by a very comprehensive public transportation system
called the HVV (Hamburger Verkehrsverbund) including trains (S-Bahn), subway lines/underground
(U-Bahn), buses, night buses and some harbor ferries. Maps of the public transportation system are
posted in every train station and train car. The entrance to the S-Bahn is marked with a white “S” in a
green circle; the U-Bahn is marked with a white “U” in a blue square. A list of routes and schedules is
available at: www.hvv.de or www.hvv.de/en/index.php (English version).
Due to a cooperation agreement between Hamburg’s institutions of higher education and the HVV,
all enrolled students are required to have a student public transportation ticket at a very reduced
price. There is no possibility of opting out of purchasing this ticket. Your ticket will be valid from
August 2019 and will then be extended through September 2020. The tickets cost approximately
€185 for 6 months. Please note that the HVV ticket is not transferable to any other person and is
valid only with your Student ID. It allows you to use all means of public transportation, including
ferries but not the “Schnellbus (Express bus)”) within Hamburg.
Ferries
There are six ferry lines serving the harbour and the River Elbe. These routes have two-digit numbers
starting at 61. You can therefore use your HVV ticket to “put out to sea” and even go on a little trip
around the harbour. More information http://www.hadag.de/english/
Biking
Hamburg is very bike-friendly so you may prefer to do as many Germans do and travel by bike. Most
roads and pavements are marked with a narrow bike lane that is a different colour. Pedestrians
should avoid walking on these paths!!
The city of Hamburg has a bike rental system called ‘StadtRAD Hamburg’
https://stadtrad.hamburg.de/en? The bikes are located at around 80 terminals which can be found
outside central U-Bahn and S-Bahn stations as well as in other local neighbourhood centres. You can
rent a bike from one station and return it to another.
During the first 30 mins rental is free thereafter it costs around 10 cents per minute with a maximum
daily price of € 15. You can also rent out the E-cargo bikes for a daily rate of €24 You can register
using the link above or at a bike terminal and you can pay with an EC (debit) or credit card.
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Car Sharing
Another attractive transportation possibility is car sharing especially for short trips to the beach or
the outskirts of Hamburg. There are several companies offering this service in Hamburg including
Car2go, DriveNow, Cambio, Greenwheels, Share a Star Car. To use these services, you register on
the website, do a driving license check, then book your car either online, through an App or though
the hotline. Costs vary depending on kilometer usage and time.
Taxi Services
Below you will find a list of telephone numbers of taxi companies in Hamburg:
Taxi Hamburg 040 – 666 666 Hansa-Taxi 040 – 211 211

Krögers Taxi 040 – 604 7001 Taxiruf 040 – 441 011
You can also order a taxi through an app: https://de.mytaxi.com/index.html
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Residence Permit / Student Visa
One of the most important issues to organize before coming to Germany is your student visa, your
“Studentenvisum.” As a rule, almost all international students, including those who are allowed to
enter Germany without a visa, have to apply for a residence permit shortly after arrival in the
country. Exemptions apply only to EU and EEA (European Economic Area) citizens and Swiss
nationals. If you are NOT a German citizen or a citizen of the above mentioned states, please contact
your local German consulate or embassy immediately to determine which form of visa is required for
your 12 months’ study program in Hamburg.3 Please note that it is normal to be issued a 3-month
visa. This visa has to be extended within the first 3 months of your stay in Germany and will then be
called “residence permit” or “Aufenthaltstitel”. We have already made appointments with the
Hamburg Welcome Centre to do this during the Orientation Program.
Citizens of Andorra, Australia, Brazil, Canada, El Salvador, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Monaco, New
Zealand, San Marino, South Korea and the USA can apply for a residence permit after they have
arrived in Germany. They do not need an entry visa.4 Citizens of all other countries must submit
student visa applications, together with all necessary documents, in person at the German mission
(German embassy or German consulate) in their home country and must have the visa issued in their
passport before arriving in Germany. During the peak travel season, there may be a waiting period
for visa applications. You must therefore make sure to submit your application on time. In order to
avoid time-consuming requests for additional information or documentation, applicants should
contact the respective mission well in advance of their departure date to inquire about any special
local requirements pertaining to visa formalities. Visa applications will be sent to and must be
approved by the relevant immigration authority in Hamburg. Depending on your home country, the
visa application process can take up to three months.
During the Orientation Program, the LLM/MLB Team will help you to extend your student visa for the
12 months of the LLM/MLB Program at the Hamburg Welcome Center ("Hamburg Immigration
Office"). You will receive the relevant forms before orientation. Please fill them out as well as you
can. During orientation, the LLM/MLB Team will go through them with you to make sure they’re filled
out correctly. The city registration is needed in order to apply for the extension of the visa, which will
then be called residence permit. We have already made appointments for everybody during the
Orientation Program. The LLM/MLB Team will make sure that you have all relevant forms and
documents with you when you go to your appointment. The staff at the Hamburg Welcome Center
3
Check http://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/EN/EinreiseUndAufenthalt/03_Visabestimmungen/Visabestimmungen_node.html
4
Students from these countries should still check the German mission’s website in case there are any changes to this rule.
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speak English. After approximately 6 weeks you will be able to pick up your residence permit, which
is a credit-card sized card. From then on, you should carry it with you at all times.
For the student visa and residence permit application/extension purposes, please make sure to bring
all necessary documents with you. The following documents are required for a residence permit
application:
1. Application Forms (filled out with our assistance during the Orientation Program)
2. 1 German-standard passport-sized biometric photo (when taken in Hamburg: approx € 10 for
4 photos – there is a possibility to have pictures taken at Dammtor Train Station close to the
Law School)
3. A valid passport for the full duration of your stay
4. Financial Affidavit
5. Proof of health insurance coverage during your stay in Hamburg
6. Housing Contract
7. Marriage and/or a birth certificate for accompanying spouse & children (submit upon arrival).
Please also bear in mind that it is possible to extend your residence permit in Germany right after
graduating from the LLM/MLB Program for up to an additional 18 months for the purpose of looking
for a job in Germany. Another option for those who want to work in Germany is to apply for a work
permit that allows you to stay in Germany even longer.
Financial Affidavit
The German diplomatic mission in your home country, as well as the respective Immigration Office in
Hamburg, will require proof (original documents) that you have sufficient funds to meet your cost of
living throughout the duration of the MLB Program. Pursuant to the regulations of the Immigration
Office, the following sources of funds are acceptable: personal savings in a bank account (the
German mission may require this to be a blocked bank account), family support and/or financial
aid/scholarships from other institutions. A combination of these options is possible in order to prove
that you will be able to afford living expenses throughout your stay in Germany. In each of these
cases you must provide the corresponding documentation:
1. Personal Savings:
Enclose an official original bank statement signed by a bank official certifying that you have
sufficient funds for your living expenses in Germany. The amount certified needs to be
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around € 8,700 for your 12 months’ stay in Germany. The German mission will tell you the
exact amount. The German mission may require you to transfer the money to a blocked bank
account (Sperrkonto) in Germany (usually with Deutsche Bank) before they will issue the visa.
The account is called blocked because it will only allow you to withdraw a specific amount
per month. This amount is equivalent to the amount transferred into the account by you
divided by the number of months you are going to stay in Germany. The LLM/MLB Team can
send you the necessary forms. There is
2. Family Support:
Enclose a formal statement from someone in your immediate family who is willing to support
you during your stay in Germany (e.g., parents or spouse). This “Formal Obligation” form is
available at and must be written and signed in front of an official at your local German
embassy or consulate. The person who is willing to support you will need to prove that s/he
possesses sufficient funds, e.g. salary statement, tax declaration etc. The support amount
provided/certified by your family needs to be approx. € 670 multiplied by the number of
months of your stay in Germany. The German mission will tell you the exact amount.
3. Financial Aid/Scholarship from Government Agencies, Private Foundations, Bank etc.:
Enclose an official and original letter specifying the amount and availability of funds. You may
attach more than one document.
Health and Liability Insurance
General Information
In compliance with the regulations of the German authorities, all students in Germany have to
provide proof of health insurance, incl. international students. Usually, the German missions require
proof of sufficient health insurance coverage for the entire duration of the student’s stay in Germany
before they will issue a visa. Please ask for details at your local German mission. EU citizens should
check to see if they have a European Insurance card. Please note: you should bring all medication
that you take and need on a regular basis with you provided that they may be imported.
If you would like to be covered by a German insurance policy, we can assist you in taking out an
affordable health insurance policy, and, if necessary, provide you with documentary proof for your
visa application. There are both public and private insurance providers in Germany that satisfy the
German health insurance requirements for the residence permit. We cooperate closely with two
companies and therefore would like to provide you with an overview of their policies:
Please note that pre-existing conditions may be excluded under both policies. If you have any pre-
existing conditions, please talk to Inga.
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Public Insurance with Barmer
Students under the age of 30, can sign up for a public insurance with Barmer. The premium you will
have to pay is approx. € 90 per month, offers full coverage for you and your spouse and children in
Germany (if they accompany you and do not have a German work contract), within the EU and some
other countries. If you are 30 or above, you can still purchase this public insurance; however, the
premium will then be approx. € 150 per month. As a rule, the insurance company debits the
premium directly from your bank account. In Germany, insurance companies cooperate with all
doctors, so that you can freely decide which doctor you would like to see although there are a few
doctors who will only see patients with a private insurance. If the doctor sends you to a specialist,
you must ask for a written referral. In some cases, you may need to wait a while for a medical
examination, even in an urgent case. If you go for a general check-up, please make an appointment
in advance. Medication for which you have a doctor’s prescription will be paid for partially by the
health insurance. You usually pay around €5 per prescription. You will have to pay for medication for
which you do not have a doctor’s prescription yourself (e.g. aspirin etc.). Medication can only be
bought in pharmacies, not in drug stores (Drogerie). Once you are insured and have your insurance
card with you, the insurance company automatically pays your doctor’s bills. Should you decide to
extend your stay in Germany beyond the LLM/MLB Program without having a work contract, Barmer
will then increase the premium to approx. €150 per month.
PLEASE NOTE: Another important type of insurance in Germany is liability insurance which covers
damage to other people’s (sometimes very expensive belongings) or accidents that happen in your
room/flat. If you opt for public health insurance, we highly recommend that you also purchase
liability insurance through the company HanseMerkur. The cost is approx. € 10 per month.
Private Insurance with Advigon Insurance
Students of any age may apply for a private combined health, accident and liability insurance with
Advigon Insurance https://www.advigon.com/en, which costs approximately € 70 per month. This
contract does not cover an accompanying spouse and/or children. The insurance company will debit
the premium directly from your bank account. This insurance covers only emergencies; it does not
cover general check-ups or non-emergency matters. If you regularly need to see a dentist or
gynecologist, for example, for preventative care, this coverage is very limited and may leave you
paying for expensive visits and treatments. Likewise, the treatment of previous illnesses is only
partially covered by the insurance. After the emergency medical treatment, you will be billed by the
doctor or hospital (via regular mail); you must then forward the original bills, together with a short
letter, to the insurance company (keep a copy of the letter and documents!). If you purchase
medicine at the pharmacy, you must pay for it yourself and send the original bill and a letter to
19
Advigon for reimbursement. If the insurance company is willing to refund the purchase price,
Advigon will transfer the requested amount to your bank account. You may also extend your
insurance after the LLM/MLB Program for another four years; you will then pay about € 20 more per
month than was the case for the first 12 months. Advigon insurance is valid only during your stay in
Germany as well as for short-term stays in your home country and in third countries for up to six
weeks.
If you wish to purchase one of these insurance policies or if you have any questions regarding the
insurance policies, please contact us!
Bank Account
General Information
After you have arrived in Germany, it is helpful to open a bank account with a bank located in
Germany. Having a German bank account will make your life much easier during your stay in
Germany and will help you avoid unnecessary banking fees. If you intend to use your home bank
account, please make sure that your credit card company or financial institution gives you access to
ATMs in Germany. In any case, as all procedures take time, bring enough cash or Traveler Checks to
cover the first couple of weeks of your stay in Hamburg.
Regular Bank Account

We recommend that you open a regular bank account upon your arrival in Hamburg. As soon as you
have done your city registration, you can open a current account (Giro account) at one of the several
banks in Hamburg.
In Hamburg, the HASPA (Hamburger Sparkasse), Deutsche Bank, Commerzbank are popular options
and there are many more alternatives including online banks such as ING, DKB etc Please talk to us
for more advice.
Please Note: The German mission in your home country may ask you to open a blocked
bank account for the visa process.
Blocked Bank Account

In some cases, the German mission requires students from NON-EU countries to open a blocked
bank account in their home country before applying for the visa for entry into Germany. Upon
20
request, we can send you all relevant documents for applying for such a blocked bank account or
you can contact Deutsche Bank directly by Email: db.student@db.com .
Approval of an application for the blocked bank account takes approx. 4 weeks. You will then be
asked to transfer around € 8,700 (the German mission will tell you the exact amount) to that account.
The maximum amount you will be able to withdraw per month will be 1/12 of the total sum you
transferred because you are going to be in Germany for 12 months. You can transfer more money
than required by the German mission in order to raise your monthly maximum withdrawal.
As an alternative to the Deutsche Bank, a start-up called Fintiba is offering blocked bank accounts to
students. Please find more information here https://www.fintiba.com/ . The German embassy in
several countries lists them as an option. The account can be opened online and they claim within
three days. Fintiba charges an account opening fee and a monthly fee.
21
Introduction to Hamburg
Your experience in the MLB Program will be greatly enhanced by interesting extracurricular
activities. We would like to help you integrate in Hamburg and Germany as much as possible. We
offer several activities that will help you to get to know your surroundings and understand German
history and culture.
Hamburg, located in the north of Germany, is the second largest city in country and a city-state that
is one of 16 federal states of the Federal Republic of Germany. Hamburg has the second largest port
in Europe and the seventh largest worldwide. Although the population is almost 2 million, the city is
spread out over a large area and is surprisingly green, with many trees and large public parks. The
Alster lakes and countless canals run through the city. In fact, as local residents will be proud to
inform you, Hamburg has more bridges that Amsterdam, London and Venice combined! The banks
of the Elbe and the Alster rivers are perfect for going for a walk and sightseeing trips in the harbor
are impressive and offer a unique perspective of the city. It is only 120 km from the North and Baltic
Sea and additionally, Hamburg boasts 31 theatres, 6 music halls, 10 cabarets and 50 state and
private museums. The weather should still be relatively warm when you arrive and you will be able
to enjoy the outdoor café scene in the Schanze, Eimsbüttel or in the Portugese district. You will also
have a chance to explore the historical warehouse district (Speicherstadt), which has undergone
many changes in the recent years, and the modern HafenCity area.
The area around Hamburg is especially delightful. The fruit-growing area of the "Altes Land" with its
old farmhouses is especially well-suited for excursions by bus or bicycle. The historic old towns of
Stade and Lüneburg can be reached in just half an hour. A trip to the marzipan capital Lübeck or the
stunning beaches on the Baltic Sea coast take only one hour by car or regional train. Hamburg has a
wide variety of activities for almost every
taste. In addition to the famous
Reeperbahn, those who love nightlife will
really enjoy the Schanzenviertel, a
neighborhood with many bars, cafés,
concert halls and street life! A list of tips
for places to visit in Hamburg can be
found on the following internet sites;
22
some also offer a daily overview of activities in Hamburg.
• http://english.hamburg.de/ • www.prinz.de
• www.hamburg-tourism.de • http://www.geheimtipphamburg.de/
• https://www.newinthecity.de/en/hamburg • https://theculturetrip.com/europe/germany/articles/a-
• https://www.back-packer.org/things-to- hipsters-guide-to-hamburg-germany/
do-hamburg-guide/
If you are looking for a monthly overview of activities in and around Hamburg, we recommend
picking up a copy of the monthly Hamburg magazines “Szene” or “Oxmox” at any kiosk. You can also
find weekly highlights listed every Thursday in the local newspaper, the “Hamburger Abendblatt.” In
order to help you learn more about Hamburg, we will provide you with a map and some directions
on the first day of Orientation Week.
Living Expenses in Hamburg

Hamburg is one of the rather more expensive cities in Germany. Living expenses start at around
€800 + per month, depending primarily upon the type of accommodation desired. Housing and
utilities start at € 300 + for a room in a dormitory or shared apartment. Food costs start around € 120
per month. You can have breakfast (approx. € 2), lunch (approx. € 3) and dinner (€ 3) on campus or
go to a (super)market and prepare food yourself. You will be billed for your public transportation,
German courses and ‘studierendenwerk’ semester contribution in December and in June. Health and
liability insurance are around € 90 per month for public health insurance and
€65 per month for basic private cover. This is a frugal budget and you can
easily spend more. Many students have managed on smaller budgets in the
past but this involves active planning and careful budgeting.
An example budget could be:
Approx. living expenses EUR per month
Accommodation 420
Food 180
Personal 120
Insurance 90
Public Transport 35
Semester Contribution 15
Total 860
23
Activities organized through Bucerius Law School & the MLB Team
We hope that you will take the time to enjoy Hamburg during your stay here. We and Bucerius Law
School in general arrange several activities that you are most welcome to attend:
• Harbour Boat
Trip
• Elbphi tour
• Exhibitions at
the Bucerius Art
Forum (guided
tours)
• Political, cultural
and other
lectures
• Company
presentations
• Networking opportunities
• Sport events (Champion’s Trophy, Euromasters, HSH Nordbank Run)
• Fitness, gym and sport groups
• Choir, Orchestra, Band, Theater and other music activities
• Bucerius Ball
• Stroll through the traditional Christmas Market
• Alumni activities and BBQ
24
Other Activities
The LLM/MLB Team will regularly inform you about conferences, competitions and other activities at
Bucerius Law School as well as at other institutions. In November, students can attend a study trip to
the capital city and start-up hotspot Berlin where we will take a closer look at the entrepreneurial
start-up scene. We will inform you of the exact dates. You will be given the opportunity to sign up in
advance if you wish to participate.
Study Trip Berlin
If you have any ideas and wish to organize something e.g. parties, get-togethers, BBQs, excursions,
etc. please do not hesitate to contact us. We will be happy to provide you with information and
contacts. Whatever you are interested in seeing and doing around Hamburg, the LLM/MLB Team is
there to help you with logistical questions about opening hours, getting there and group rates, etc.
You can also borrow Hamburg guide books from us!
Internet and Computer

Bucerius has an IT Center which is accessible to students 24 hours/7 days a week. There is Wi-Fi on
campus and you will be issued with an eduroam account shortly after arrival. There are also many
cafés with Wi-Fi hotspots around town.
Libraries
At Bucerius you will have full access to the Hengeler Mueller Bibliothek (Library), which has an
extensive selection of law books as well as some German-English dictionaries and encyclopedias.
The library is accessible 24 hours/7 days a week. The Hengeler Mueller Library is a reference library,
which means that students are not allowed to check books out. Students can also access sources at
the University of Hamburg’s libraries. Interested students can register in person at Von-Melle-Park 3,
20146 Hamburg. There will be more information regarding this during the LLM/MLB program.
25
A selection of fiction and non-fiction books in English, as well newspapers and magazines, is
available at the library (Zentralbibliothek) near the central station or at Thalia book shops (the largest
chain of book shops in Hamburg), newspaper kiosks (e.g. at the central station, Dammtor station,
etc.)
German Language Courses prior to the MLB Program
The LLM/MLB Program offers tailor-made German courses for its students throughout the academic
year. The courses are coordinated with the LLM/MLB schedule so that students can take all of the
LLM/MLB courses as well as German courses.
The teachers are all trained as teachers for German as a foreign language and four levels of German
are usually offered:
In past years, we have heard many times from our international students that they regretted not
having learned some German before coming to Germany. Although many Germans speak English
very well, it is advisable to learn at least the basic, everyday vocabulary and to be able to
communicate in simple situations. We would therefore recommend participating in a German
language course prior to the Master’s Program. You may also want to have a look at the free online
German learning tools offered by the Deutsche Welle at www.dw-world.de/dw/0,,2547,00.html.
Bucerius has an agreement with the Colón Language Center, located near Bucerius and one of the
largest and oldest language schools in Hamburg. This cooperation allows you to participate in
intensive German courses both PRIOR to and after the beginning of the Master’s Program at a
reduced price:
• Students with some knowledge of German:

Courses for participants with some knowledge of German run regularly and may be booked
weekly or monthly. You can join a course anytime
• Students without any knowledge of German:
Beginners may start only on specific dates in July and August. We will find out the exact dates if
any of you are interested in this option.
Colón Language Center follows the Common European Framework of the European Commission for
Language Learning and has six course levels. The courses consist of 25 hours per week: Monday-
Friday, 5 hours every day, either mornings (8.50 a.m.-1.00 p.m.) or afternoons (1.30 p.m.-5.45 p.m.).
Participants with prior knowledge of German will be placed in the appropriate course by means of a
placement test. If you have some German knowledge, Colón will send you a language placement test
26
before your arrival. Colón gives Bucerius students and their spouses a 20 % discount. If you are
interested in a German Intensive Course at the Colón Language Center, please register there directly
and explicitly ask for the Bucerius 20% discount.
Colón Language Center

Colonnaden 96
20354 Hamburg
Phone: +49 (0)40 34 58 50
info@colon.de
http://www.colon.de/
Newspapers – German Politics brought to you in English

For those of you who would like to know more about current developments in Germany, here are a
few links to German newspapers and magazines that are published in English:
• www.spiegel.de/international
• www.world-newspapers.com/germany.html (provides links to several newspapers)
• www.magazine-deutschland.de/en/ (plus other languages!)
Emergency Telephone Numbers

Police 110
Fire Department 112
Ambulance 112
Emergency Doctor 228022 and 116117
Emergency Dentist 01805 050518
Poison Control 0551192 40
Canceling of credit cards 116116
When calling these numbers, be prepared to state your name, address, telephone number, where
you are at the moment and a short description of what has happened. All major hospitals offer after-
hour out-patient medical services for non life-threatening illnesses. Have your health insurance card
with you. During Orientation Week, students will receive a list of English-speaking physicians.
Consulates
The embassy of your home country is probably in Berlin. However, Hamburg also has many
consulates that may be able to help you with administrative and consular issues.5 If you need help
arranging an appointment, please contact the LLM/MLB team.
5
Addresses: http://www.hamburg.de/konsulate/50748/konsulate.html, http://www.embassy-worldwide.com/
27
Weather
A very important point about Hamburg is the weather. Please make sure to bring clothes for all four
seasons and be prepared for some wind and rain! During the summer, temperatures can climb up to
30+ degrees however they can fall below zero degrees Celsius during the winter.6
Tipping
Restaurants/Cafés: Although service is included in the price, it is also common to give a tip. The size
of the tip depends on the quality of the service. 10 percent of the total bill is considered to be
sufficient.
Household Tips
Garbage Disposal
Recyclable rubbish should be disposed of in separate bins that are picked up on designated days
which vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. In addition, most grocery stores have containers for
immediate disposal of these items after purchase.
• Glass bottles should be disposed of in a bin called “Altglas-Container” (colors: white, brown
and green glass). These can be found in every neighborhood in Hamburg.
• Old newspapers and magazines are to be disposed of in the “Altpapier-Container” in the
streets (or in the blue bin at your house).
• Other recyclables such as plastic, tins etc. should be disposed of in the yellow bin (for details:
https://www.stadtreinigung.hamburg/international/englisch.html)
Quiet hours
Germans adhere to certain quiet hours within apartment buildings. These are generally considered
to be between 1:00 and 3:00 p.m. and after 10:00 p.m. from Monday through Saturday, as well as all
day Sunday.
Conversion of Weights and Measures

A very useful link to help with any problems in converting Fahrenheit into Celsius, pints into liters,
etc. and any other conversion problems you may encounter is: www.onlineconversion.com
Postal Services
The post offices as well as the post boxes are colored bright yellow. The price for sending letters and
parcels depends on size and weight. The German term used for the costs is "Porto." Stamps are
available at all post offices, at vending machines outside post offices and in some news stands or
tobacco stores (prices in June 2018: letter national € 0.85/1.45/2.60, postcard national € 0.90, letter
international € 0.90/1.50/3.70, postcard international € 0.90). Particularly important letters or
6
Weather forecast: http://www.wetteronline.de/Hamburg.htm
28
documents can be sent by registered post. The recipient must sign for the letter when it is delivered.
This is called "Einschreiben" in Germany and can be done at any post office. The post office closest
to Bucerius is located at Dammtorstraße 43a inside the U2 Subway station Gänsemarkt. It is open
from Monday to Friday, from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m. There are many kiosks that also sell stamps. You
can find the closest post office and mail boxes by entering your postal code on the postal service
website at www.deutschepost.de. Every address in Germany has a five-digit "postal code," which
defines the village, city or local area. The postal code is written before the city, e.g. 20355 Hamburg.
Please remember to put your name on the doorbell

and on your letterbox.
Otherwise, mail cannot be delivered to you
and will be returned to the sender.
Religious Services
You can find a list of churches according to denomination in Hamburg in the telephone book
(“Yellow Pages”) under “Kirchen”. Some churches offer services in English:
Catholic Baptist
St. Elisabeth Church The International Baptist Church of Hamburg
Oberstrasse 65, Harvestehude Michaelispassage 1, Neustadt
http://www.st-elisabeth-hh.de/englisch.html http://www.ibc-hamburg.de/
Anglican
The English Church of St. Thomas Beckett
Zeughausmarkt 22, St. Pauli
http://www.anglican-church-hamburg.de/
In addition, the following communities offer services at the following places. Please contact them to
learn about the time of the service:
Jewish Islam
Synagogue Merkez Camii Zentralmoschee
Hohe Weide 34 Böckmannstraße 40
Phone (040) 44 09 4443 Phone (040) 24 56 29
Buddhist Services Ali Camii Iranische Moschee

Theksum Tashi Chöling Schöne Aussicht 36
Harkortstieg 4 Phone: (040) 22948647
Phone: (040) 38 32 38
Hindi Service
Billstraße 77
Phone: (040) 78 07 92 93
29
Shopping
Opening Hours and Shops
Department stores, grocery stores and malls are generally open between 9 a.m. or 10 a.m. and 8
p.m. on weekdays and between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. (depending upon city location) on
Saturdays. Most supermarkets are open until 10 or 11 p.m. on Saturdays. Please note that in
general, stores are NOT OPEN on Sundays (please take this into account when you arrange your
travel to Hamburg, you will not be able to buy groceries on Sunday). Larger gas stations as well as
small stores in some U- or S-Bahn stations or at the main train station are open longer on weekdays
as well as on Sundays. However, you will be charged a higher price than you would normally pay at
the grocery store.
Chain drugstores include Budnikowsky, DM and Rossmann. Prescription and non-prescription

medication can only be purchased in a pharmacy (Apotheke), not at a drugstore. Grocery
store chains throughout Hamburg include Edeka, Rewe, Penny Markt, Netto, Aldi and Lidl. The last
four mentioned are discount grocery stores which provide a wide variety of mostly generic items at a
lower price. Plastic bags are not usually provided free of charge at supermarkets. Many Germans
therefore bring their own tote bags.
The major shopping district for clothes is located in the Mönckebergstrasse/Spitalerstrasse area with
a wide variety of department stores. For more upscale shopping you might try the area between
Jungfernstieg and Stadthausbrücke on the one side and Alsterarkaden and Gänsemarkt on the other.
A nice area with a variety of fashion, streetwear, music shops, shoes and other more alternative
shopping possibilities is the Marktstrasse, just 5 minutes away from Bucerius. You can also find nice
restaurants and cafés there.
Deposit
Glass and plastic bottles or containers often have what is called a deposit ("Pfand") or “Mehrweg”
(reusable). You pay the deposit on these bottles at the time of purchase and it is refunded when the
empty bottles are brought back. These are called deposit bottles ("Pfandflaschen") or reusable bottles
("Mehrwegflaschen").
Exchanging Products
If you find that you do not want to keep a purchased article (for instance if a shirt is too small or too
big or the wrong color), you can normally return or exchange it within a couple of weeks as long as it
has not been used/worn. You must keep the bill/receipt ("Quittung" or "Kassenbon") and shouldn’t
30
cut off any (price) tags. Swimwear, underwear and products reduced in price normally cannot be
returned.
Sports/Fitness
Hamburg is a paradise for outdoor activities such as jogging, sailing, rowing etc.! There are several
sports-oriented clubs at Bucerius (soccer, basketball, volleyball, rowing and cheerleading).7 In
addition, the Bucerius campus has a small gym that is accessible daily from 6 a.m. until midnight. To
join, you simply need to pay a one-time fee of € 50 and attend a mandatory introductory training
session. As there are showers on campus, you can conveniently work out before or after class
without having to return home to freshen up. More details will be given in the orientation program.
Apart from joining more expensive fitness centers, you may enjoy “Sportspass” www.sportspass.de
an organization that offers several hundred courses in anything from aerobics to functional training,
to Aikido, Volleyball, Yoga, Dancing, Nordic Walking, Pilates, Zumba etc. in locations all over Hamburg.
The registration fee is € 10. And then for € 9.90 per month, you have unlimited access to all courses.
At some centers (e.g. Altona (x2), Berliner Tor, Billstedt, Harburg) there are also fitness studios and
saunas for which the monthly fee is approximately € 27.8
Telecommunication
The country code for Germany is +49. The city code for Hamburg is 040. When dialing a number from
outside of Germany, you have to use the country code and omit the “0” preceding the city code i.e.
004940 then the rest of the number.
Land Line
You may either order or already have a fixed line telephone at your disposal. You will then have to
pay the monthly basic rate plus your calls. There are different agencies (Telekom, O2) offering special
rates, especially for long-distance calls. Since rates and companies vary, you may want to check
www.billiger-telefonieren.de. Rates are frequently announced after dialing, and before your call is
put through. The cheapest possibility is Skype/Google Mail/Whatsapp
Cell Phones
If you have a cell phone, you may want to ask your home telecommunications provider if your
service can be extended to cover you in Germany. However, it is most likely cheaper to buy a pre-
paid card with a local German number instead, which you can purchase without a contract in various
7
More information at http://www.law-school.de/international/prospective-students/while-youre-here/#c1618.
8
More information on other sports: http://www.hamburgsports.de/suche/suche.htm.
31
locations around Hamburg (kiosks, supermarkets, telephone shops, etc.).
IMPORTANT: Please note we do NOT recommend students to purchase a contract. In

Germany, they usually run for 24 months and it is an almost impossible task to cancel
them. If you consider a contract, make sure you are aware of the cancellation policy in
detail before you sign the contract. Also PLEASE DO NOT use those handlers that deal
with lots of mobile phone companies. They are generally not trustworthy and several
MLB students have had long and drawn-out problems with them in the past.
The students of the Class of 2019 recommend the providers O2 (example: € 10 for Internet flat, 3000
sms, minutes are extra, or € 20 Internet, SMS and O2 flat), Telekom (€ 10, 200MB of internet, sms and
phone flat), Blau (€ 10, 200 MB of internet, 200 sms, 200 minutes, additional sms and minutes 9
cents), Vodafone (€ 5 Internet, SMS, phone flat to one provider). Supermarkets and discounters such
as Edeka, Aldi and Lidl also have very good deals on the prepaid sim cards e.g. Aldi Talk. There are
many others and rates change frequently. Please take a couple of days to find out which is the most
suitable provider for you.
Telephone Booth
Since most Germans own a cell phone, telephone booths are gradually disappearing. Most of the
booths still in use are operated by the Deutsche Telekom. To make a call from a booth, you will
normally need a special calling card, which you can purchase at post offices, Telekom-Shops and
kiosks. However, some booths still accept small change as well.
Expensive Dialer Service Numbers

Be aware of 0190-, 0900 and 01805- and other dialer service numbers. Accessing the internet
through or calling these numbers is very expensive. There is a slight possibility of expensive dialers
hooking up to your line while on the internet. Being attentive as to which pages you surf can reduce
the danger of getting billed a higher rate.
Time Change (Daylight Savings)

Europe switches from Daylight Savings Time back to Standard Time in October. Consequently, you
will need to turn your clocks back one hour before you go to bed on October 27, 2019.
32
Getting around in Hamburg

Using public transportation, taxis, riding a bicycle or walking around day or night is generally very
safe and easy in Hamburg. If you find yourself in a dangerous situation, call the police (Phone: 110)
and inform them who you are, where you are and what has happened.
Traveling in Germany and Europe

Traveling throughout Germany and Europe is generally safe and easy. For some transportation,
reductions are available through the International Student Identity Card (ISIC). This card costs € 10
and is available at several travel agencies including STA-Travel http://www.statravel.de/ which
specializes in trips for young people and students.9
Trains
The German rail company, the "Deutsche Bahn" ("DB"), operates trains over longer distances. The
Deutsche Bahn has a complicated pricing system with many possibilities to save money if used to its
full advantage. If you buy your ticket several days in advance, the fare is often cheaper. However,
your single or return tickets will only be valid for a specific train connection. There are also other
offers available such as the Happy Weekend Ticket ("Schönes-Wochenende-Ticket"), the state ticket
("Länderticket") or monthly and yearly tickets ("Monatskarten" and "Jahreskarten"). The "Interrail
Ticket" allows you to travel all over Europe (http://www.interrail.eu/ ).
If you plan on using the Deutsche Bahn for longer trips often, it might be worth purchasing a
"BahnCard." Depending on the type of BahnCard, you can get a reduction of 25% (this card costs €
57 per year) or 50% off the original price (this card costs approximately € 230 per year). The 25%
reduction is in addition to any other discounts, the 50% discount is not. Please note that the
contract will automatically be renewed for the upcoming year unless you cancel it
before leaving Germany. Even the 3-month “Probe Bahn Card/Trial Card” is renewed
automatically if you do not cancel it before the three months are over. You can get more
information at Deutsche Bahn travel agencies (the closest one to Bucerius is located at the Dammtor
station) or on the internet https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml .
Buses
Travel by bus is a cheaper alternative to the train although it can take a little longer to reach your
destination. Buses depart from and arrive at the ZOB in Hamburg located near central station on the
Adenauerallee.The following bus company offers good deals: www.flixbus.de/
9
More information: www.isic.de
33
Car sharing/Mitfahrgelegenheit
One possibility to travel cheaply is the "Mitfahrgelegenheit" or car ride sharing. There are specific
websites where people can offer a ride or look for a ride in order to share the cost of gas. Everybody
participates in this at their own risk.10
Airlines:
Hamburg’s airport is located about 8 km north of the city center in the district of Fuhlsbüttel and is
easily accessible via the S-Bahn. During the day, the S1 line runs every 10 minutes between the
airport and the city center - an approximately 30 minute ride. Additional information can be found at
http://www.hamburg-airport.de/en/index.php or by calling airport information at +49 40 50750.
Some airlines and travel sites in Germany include:

www.lufthansa.de www.ryanair.de
www.airberlin.com www.eurowings.com
www.tuifly.de www.billiger-fliegen.com
www.fly.de www.easyjet.com
GEZ - TV and Radio Fees, Inspections

In Germany, every household is required to pay a fee to support public television and radio. The
monthly fee is € 17.50. Since you have a new Hamburg residence registration, you will receive letters
from the German fees-collection center, the GEZ (“Gebühreneinzugszentrale”, www.gez.de)
addressed to you. Please check whether the fees of the GEZ are included in the monthly rent.
Power Voltage
Power voltage in Germany is 230 V, 50 Hz. Power adapters and overseas voltage converters are
available in every big department store, e.g. Saturn (Address: Mönckebergstrasse 1). Fuse boxes are
usually located in the hallway of your apartment.
Child Care
If you are planning to bring your spouse and children, we will give you more information about Kitas
(nursery schools), Kindergartens and international schools. Bucerius also has its own Kita.
10
You can check offers at: https://www.blablacar.de/
34
Checklist for the Preparation of your Stay in Hamburg
• Please take a little time to read through this handbook
• Contact the LLM/MLB Team, current MLB students or MLB alumni
• Contact your future classmates
• If relevant:
➢ Contact the German embassy about the visa process
➢ Arrange an appointment at the German embassy
➢ Make sure to have a Financial Affidavit
➢ Open a regular or blocked bank account
➢ Take out a health insurance policy
➢ Apply for your visa with all relevant documents and a valid passport
➢ Find accommodation
➢ Book flights, trains, hotels etc.
➢ Register for a German class
A very good preparation for you stay in Germany, apart from reading this handbook and other guide
books, is to check the website https://www.tatsachen-ueber-deutschland.de/en which is run by the
German Foreign Service “Auswärtiges Amt”, as well as the website of the institution broadcast
“Deutsche Welle”: http://www.dw.com/de/themen/s-9077.
Once you have arrived in Hamburg, the LLM/MLB Team will advise you on administrative,
organizational and academic issues and help you to extend your student visa etc.
Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have - the LLM/MLB Team is always
available to answer your further questions!
We are looking forward to meeting you in person and to welcoming

you to the Bucerius family!
35

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Student Handbook

Master of Law and Business Program

Section I. General Information

Bucerius LLM/MLB Program Team ................................................................................................5

Section II. Administrative Matters

Housing Information – how and where to find an apartment ......................................................9

Section III: Living in Germany and Extracurricular Activities

Introduction to Hamburg ..............................................................................................................22

Program Calendar (subject to change*)

September 1, 2020 Bucerius LLM/MLB Graduation Ceremony for the Class of

*We reserve the right to make changes.

Section II. Administrative Matters

Finding housing independently

a. Agencies such as “City Wohnen” (https://www.city-wohnen.de/eng/)

Look for more options on our website. https://www.law-school.de/master/services/accommodation/

Please find the addresses of some hostels/hotels in Hamburg:

Common abbreviations you will see in apartment ads

Rotherbaum/Harvestehude is also a relatively expensive neighborhood. It is centrally located in

Taxi Hamburg 040 – 666 666 Hansa-Taxi 040 – 211 211

Residence Permit / Student Visa

Health and Liability Insurance

Private Insurance with Advigon Insurance

Regular Bank Account

Blocked Bank Account

Section III: Living in Germany and Extracurricular Activities

some also offer a daily overview of activities in Hamburg.

Living Expenses in Hamburg

Study Trip Berlin

Internet and Computer

• Students with some knowledge of German:

Colón Language Center

Newspapers – German Politics brought to you in English

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Conversion of Weights and Measures

Please remember to put your name on the doorbell

Buddhist Services Ali Camii Iranische Moschee

Chain drugstores include Budnikowsky, DM and Rossmann. Prescription and non-prescription

IMPORTANT: Please note we do NOT recommend students to purchase a contract. In

Expensive Dialer Service Numbers

Time Change (Daylight Savings)

Getting around in Hamburg

Traveling in Germany and Europe

Some airlines and travel sites in Germany include:

GEZ - TV and Radio Fees, Inspections

We are looking forward to meeting you in person and to welcoming

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