Fachhochschule Dortmund

Getting the accomodation was quite simple but the staff wasn't particularly trained to deal with foreign students, which led to misunderstandings.

Mockefuc, café off Ledermann Strasse, very laid back atmosphere, nice terrasse. The best night life happens in other people's houses and German students at always glad to invite newcomers. Don't miss the market in the city center on Thursday and Saturday and the flee market near the main campus on Saturdays

It took a while to adjust to the german lifestyle because of the rather unflexible attitude most of them have. But once I got over that I really enjoyed the fact that they make themselves accessible and don't discriminate. You might find the Germans a little brash but do not give up on trying to participate to the social life. If you fail to make friends there, you will at least be amazed by the transport system and the general organisation of things (maybe not by the administration).

Drinks like beer and fruit juies are sold by the crate and you will have to pay a deposit for the crate and the bottles, but it works out to be very cheap in the end. Accomodation is widely available but you really have to be careful what you sign. Make sure to specify when you intend to leave or you may have to pay for a period longer than your stay.

Frustrating at times. German isn't an easy language and a course should have been available at the host institution