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# Wiki for Pakistani Students at UdS

 

*A collaborative **FAQ** and **information hub** for students in Saarbrücken*

**Collaborators:** Feel free to fill in with advice!
**Students:** Feel free to comment with any questions or answers. :)
___

# Guidelines

- Date your answers to keep things current. [Feb. 7, 2024] :wink:
- Keep it true, respectful, and kind, kids. :sparkles:
- Comment for new topics as needed. :mag:
- This is in **beta phase**, so suggestions are encouraged, and evolutions are expected. :dolphin:
- Helpful links are welcome. [I'm a teapot, but you know how links work.](https://http.cat/418)
- If you would like to *upload* a public document to the web to link here, consider resourceful options (e.g., Google Drive link), or reach out to the PSA admins, who may be able to add a link to the PSA Google Drive account.

___

# Table of Contents

| [Living in Saarbrücken](#Living-in-Saarbrücken-🌆) 🌆 |
|----------------------------------------------------|
| Get to Know Saarbrücken |
| Get to Know Saarbrücken Through Maps |
| How to Reach Saarbrücken? |
| What to Bring When Coming for the First Time |
| Monthly Income and Expenses |
| Deutschland Ticket and How to Buy It |
| Applying for City Registration |
| Applying for Residence Permit |
| Applying for Fiktionsbescheinigung |
| Importance of German |
| FAQs About Living in SB ❓ |

<br>

| [Accommodation & Living](#Accommodation-and-Living-🏘) 🏘 |
|--------------------------------------------------|
| Finding Accommodation |
| Cold Rent vs. Warm Rent |
| Suitable Price of the Apartments |
| FAQs About Accommodation |

<br>

| [University-Related Stuff](#University-Related-Stuff-🏫) 🏫 |
|----------------------------------------------------------|
| Enrollment Guide |
| Thesis Submission Guide |
| FAQs About Admission Process |

<br>

| [Program-Specific Information](#Program-Specific-Information-📚) 📚 |
|----------------------------------------------------------|
| Computer Science / Informatik |
| Data Science |
| Media Informatics |
| Language Science and Technology |

<br>

| [Jobs Advice](#Jobs-Advice-🏢) 🏢 |
|---------------------------------------------------------|
| Technical Jobs During Studies |
| Part-Time (Odd) Jobs During Studies |
| Jobs After Studies |
| FAQs About Jobs |

<br>

| General FAQs and Tips |
|------------------------------|
| [General FAQs](#General-FAQs) |
| [General Tips](#General-Tips) |

<br>

| External Links |
|------------------------------|
| [Video: German Visa Application Guide for New Students](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_PE0_2a3rM4) |
| [PDF: German Visa Application Guide for New Students](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/visa-application-form-dummy-1.pdf) |
| [CS Master's Degree Regulations](https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/study/programmes/master/informatics.html) |
| [Enrollment Guide Document](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/enrollment%20guide.pdf) |
| [Facebook PSA Group](https://www.facebook.com/groups/psa.saarland) |
| [Things to Bring When Coming to Germany for the First Time](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/PSA%20-%20what%20to%20bring%20list.pdf) |
| [English-Speaking Doctors in Saarbrücken](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/Doctors%20In%20English.pdf) |
| [iTAN Guide](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/iTAN_Guide.pdf) |
| [Semester Re-registration Guide](https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/study/organisation/more/reregistration.html) |
| [SIM Portal: Re-registration / Enrollment Certificates](https://sim.uni-saarland.de/) |
| [Guide for Thesis Registration and Submission](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/Thesis%20Registration%20and%20Submission.pdf) |
| <br> |
| Course-Related External Links ⤵️ |
| [LSF: Course Registration](https://bit.ly/49rFNuv) |
| [CMS CISPA Portal](https://cms.cispa.saarland/system/courses) |

___

# Content

### Before You Land 🛫
<details>
<summary>A Few Tips Before You Come Here</summary>

* Start learning German as soon as possible. While it is possible to **survive** without it, it will make your life much easier if you can speak some German. Not only will it help with daily life, but it is also required for many jobs, and a B1 level is a requirement when applying for permanent residency later. Some useful platforms to learn German are [Duolingo](https://www.duolingo.com) and [Busuu](http://busuu.com).
* Start looking for accommodation as soon as you can, preferably around 6 months in advance.
* Delete all torrent software and related files from your computers. (More details in the [General Tips](#general-tips) section.)
</details>

___

### Living in Saarbrücken 🌆


<details>
<summary>Get to Know Saarbrücken</summary>


Saarbrücken (SB) is a nice, small city in Germany near France and Luxembourg. It is the capital of Saarland, and the majority of the population here is young. There are many Turkish people, so the city is generally Muslim-friendly, with abundant halal options. The university is fairly good, but your experience will vary depending on your course.

There are two main areas of Saarbrücken you should know about: Dudweiler and SB City Center. SB City Center, as the name suggests, is the heart of the city. Dudweiler is a town on the outskirts of Saarbrücken. The university is located between SB City Center and Dudweiler. Most students live in these two areas, which are around 15-20 minutes from the university. You can find more details about accommodation in its own section.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Get to Know Saarbrücken Through Maps</summary>

Below are links to two custom maps with all the important locations marked. I have added the locations of shops, dorms, main bus stops, masjids, etc. [here](https://bit.ly/3OzxaFM). Refer to it for all relevant queries. The other map shows the names of areas and what each area is known for. Refer to that map [here](https://bit.ly/3w1Mgxm).
</details>

<details>
<summary>How to Reach Saarbrücken?</summary>

The suggested airport is Frankfurt, which is around 3 hours from Saarbrücken by train. Airports and big train stations usually have free Wi-Fi; connect to them. Check [https://www.bahn.de](https://www.bahn.de) (DB: Deutsche Bahn / German Railway) for train connections. There is an RE train that runs directly from Frankfurt to Saarbrücken every 2 hours; make that your priority. Ask someone already in Saarbrücken if they can pick you up from the Saarbrücken train station and take you to your accommodation. This way, you won’t have to worry about local buses.

There are other options for reaching Saarbrücken, such as arriving in another German city and then taking a train to Saarbrücken, or landing in Paris and taking a FlixBus to Saarbrücken. Explore your options, seek advice, and decide for yourself.

Note: You can enter Germany through any other European country. To quote the visa office:
> National visa holders enjoy the same right to free movement as national residence permit holders.
</details>

<details>
<summary>What to Bring When Coming for the First Time</summary>


What to bring varies from person to person and depends on the airline's weight allowance. [Here is a list to guide you in the right direction](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/PSA%20-%20what%20to%20bring%20list.pdf).
</details>

<details>
<summary>Monthly Income and Expenses</summary>


Income depends on the number of hours you work per week. The average hourly rate is around 13 to 15 euros. If you work 16 hours per week, you will earn approximately 900 euros per month.
Expenses depend on many factors. You can get a general idea using this [website](https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Saarbrucken).
</details>

<details>
<summary>Deutschland Ticket and How to Register/Unregister for It</summary>


The Deutschlandticket, often shortened to D-Ticket or referred to as the 49-Euro-Ticket, is a subscription-based public transport ticket valid for all **local** public transport throughout Germany. It costs 49 euros per month for non-students and 26 euros for students.
From the winter semester of 2024, the D-Ticket is included in the semester fees, so students no longer need to pay separately.
**Important:** You cannot use the D-Ticket for ICE, IC, or EC trains. When using the DB website or app, select the "local transport" option to see only the transport options available with the D-Ticket.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Applying for City Registration</summary>

Do the following steps at 8 AM, as more appointments are available then. At 8 AM, you can usually find an appointment within a few days, whereas at other times, you might not find one for a month.
[**This link**](https://bit.ly/3OAbp8U) takes you to the page for making an appointment. It is in German only and can be a bit complicated, but we will guide you through it (you can also use a web-based translator to translate the page). Follow these steps:

1) Under "Auswahl der Funktionseinheit," select "**BÜRGERAMT**" (the office you need to visit).
2) Choose what you need to do during your appointment. For city registration in Saarbrücken, select "**Meldeangelegenheiten**." This opens several options. Select the "+" symbol next to "**Wohnsitzanmeldung Zuzug aus dem Ausland**" (for registering your residence after moving from abroad), then press "**WEITER**" at the bottom of the page. You’ll get an overview of your selection and the documents you need to bring (your passport, a document from your landlord verifying your address, and an identification document like a birth or marriage certificate; originals are required). Then, press "**OK**" at the bottom.
3) Choose the office location. A map on the page shows where each office is, so pick the closest one or one with available time slots. Then, select a time slot.
4) Enter your personal information: first name in "Vorname," last name in "Nachname," email in "E-Mail" and again in "E-Mail - Wiederholung," and phone number in "Telefonnummer." Check the box allowing your data to be used for the appointment, then press "**TERMIN RESERVIEREN**" at the bottom.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Applying for Residence Permit</summary>

If you have a 6-month visa, apply for a residence permit in your 2nd or 3rd month. Email the university welcome center to process your application, as it gets done faster this way. Usually, the permit is granted for 2 years, but this depends on your Visa Officer (VO).
If you want to apply yourself, call the VO at the office’s opening time (8 AM), as they rarely pick up otherwise.

**Detailed information for applying through the Welcome Center:**
Use the Welcome Center as a last resort in these cases:
1. Your visa has expired, and you haven’t secured an appointment.
2. Your visa is about to expire, and you want to travel.
3. No one from the Ausländerbehörde is responding to you.
4. Even without these issues, the Welcome Center may sometimes help secure an appointment, depending on luck. Email them at [e-mail] to ask about the procedure for visa extension or if they can request a residence permit issuance on your behalf.

For all other cases, you’ll receive a visa appointment letter when your visa is nearing expiration (for first-timers and renewals).

Write to the general email address of the Ausländerbehörde, and they’ll assign you a VO. Send the email to 3-4 people and keep the general contact ([e-mail]) in CC.

**Email Template:**

Dear Sir/Madam,

I hope this email finds you well.  
I, <first_name> <last_name>, a master's student at Saarland University, kindly request an appointment slot for a residence permit - visa extension.  
The following documents are attached (in order):  
- Passport (Identity/Front and Data/Back Page)  
- Current Student Visa (valid until dd.mm.yyyy)  
- Meldebestätigung  
- Immatrikulationsbescheinigung  
- Health Insurance Confirmation  
- Blocked Account Confirmation  

Thank you,  
Regards,  
<Name>

</details>

<details>
<summary>Applying for Fiktionsbescheinigung</summary>

The Fiktionsbescheinigung is proof that you can stay in Germany without a residence permit. It’s a temporary document issued while you wait for a new residence permit.
With a Fiktionsbescheinigung, you can:
- Stay in Germany after your visa or residence permit expires.
- Continue your work, studies, or self-employment.
- In some cases, travel outside Germany.

**How to get it?** Ask for it. Call or email your VO, preferably during early office hours.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Importance of German</summary>

As with any country, the native language is important for finding a job. While it’s relatively easy to find IT jobs that don’t require German, knowing German helps significantly. Roughly 50% of jobs (both student and full-time) in computer science require German, and the percentage may be higher for other fields. German is almost always needed for non-technical, part-time jobs, except in rare cases where you don’t interact with customers.
Knowing German also helps with daily life, such as socializing.
The university offers free language courses. Take them every semester. After two years, you can reach around B1, which is sufficient and the minimum required for permanent residency applications.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)</summary>

<details>


<summary>Can I Arrive in Germany for the First Time Through Another European Country?</summary>
You can enter Germany through any other European country. To quote the visa office:
> National visa holders enjoy the same right to free movement as national residence permit holders.
</details>
</details>

---

### Accommodation and Living 🏘


<details>
<summary>Finding Accommodation</summary>

- **Start applying/looking as soon as you can, preferably around 6 months in advance.**
- **Before signing any contract or making any payment, request someone in Saarbrücken to visit the place on your behalf. If someone insists on payment without a visit, it’s a clear red flag. Try to convince them you’ll pay the deposit and rent in person when you arrive.**

Most students live in dorms. There are two types of dorms:
1) [University dorms](https://tl1host.eu/SWSB/#admission) (See the list and apply on this link.)
2) [Private dorms](https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/global/welcome-center/accommodation/private-dormitories.html)
- University dorms are usually the best option in terms of cost and living conditions, but the waiting list is long, so apply as early as possible.
- Private dorms have shorter waiting times and are relatively easier to get into. As of February 2024, university dorm applications can take up to a year.
- Refer to Map A in the Living in Saarbrücken section to see where dorms are located.
- For private dorms, visit their respective websites for application details. Some may only require sending an email to the manager.
- A faster way to find a private dorm can be to conduct a contract transfer with someone leaving their dorm. In this case, the previous tenant wishes to leave their apartment before their contract has expired and can transfer the contract to you. In this case you enter into a brand new contract with the private dorm owner. You can often find these offers on WG websites or WhatsApp groups for the specific dorms or for accomodation in general.
[SBT GBS WhatsApp Group](https://chat.whatsapp.com/GGqxWOhNZ8IAwTuHFtuU20)

<details>
<summary>Applying to SBT</summary>


SBT is a private dorm in Saarbrücken near the city center, offering studio apartments. See its exact location on the map in the Living in Saarbrücken section. To apply:
1. Visit the SBT [homepage](https://www.gbs.saarland).
2. Download the appropriate application form from the [download page](https://www.gbs.saarland/index.php/studentenwohnungen/downloads).
3. Fill out the form and send it to the email address listed at the top of the form.
You’ll receive a response within 2-3 days. As of February 2024, the cold rent is around 350 euros, and the warm rent is around 400-500 euros.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Applying to Cusanushaus</summary>


**Update (18 Dec 2024):** Cusanushaus has recently had severe management issues and is no longer recommended. The main problems include the kitchen being located only on the first floor and issues with emergency exit compliance. Avoid it or consider it only as a last resort.

Cusanushaus is a private dorm in Saarbrücken near the city center, offering three types of rooms (details on the website below). See its exact location on the map in the Living in Saarbrücken section. To apply:
1. Visit the official website: https://cusanustreff.de/
2. Explore the room types (three categories, each with variants with or without a private toilet).
3. Download the form from the website, fill it out, and send it to the listed email. The landlord will add your name to the queue.

Cusanushaus offers one of the most convenient and affordable locations in the city center. There are three bus stations within a 3-minute walk, three grocery stores within 10 minutes (one just 2 minutes away), and the Saar River is visible from rooms facing the road. The city center is a 5-minute walk, and the main train station is 8-10 minutes away. Rent starts at 290 euros for the smallest rooms without a private toilet, with an additional 30 euros for added features.

**Note:** The main issue is the shared kitchen and bathrooms. The kitchen (including the main fridge, though tenants often buy a small fridge for their room) is shared among 12-15 tenants per floor. According to Pakistani tenants, it’s rare for the kitchen to be too busy, but this can vary. There are two toilets and a dedicated shower area at each end of the hallway, shared among 6-8 people. Cleaning staff clean the shared spaces (toilets, showers, kitchen, and hallway) every weekday morning.

If you have questions, reach out to seniors living there for clarification.
</details>

You can also look for a Wohngemeinschaft (WG – pronounced "Vay-Gay"), which are shared apartments where you live with roommates, sharing a kitchen and bathroom. Find WGs on [WG-Gesucht](https://www.wg-gesucht.de), [Ebay Kleinanzeigen](https://www.kleinanzeigen.de/stadt/saarbruecken/), or [Immobilien Scout](https://www.immobilienscout24.de/).
</details>

<details>
<summary>Cold Rent vs. Warm Rent</summary>


**Cold rent** is the basic rent for the residence, excluding additional costs.
**Warm rent** includes the basic rent plus additional costs (called *Umlagen* or *Nebenkosten*), such as utilities.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Suitable Price for an Apartment</summary>


Dorm prices are fixed unless sublet, in which case some people sublet for cheaper or higher rates. Check the PSA group for current prices.

For WGs, prices depend on factors like room size, WG or studio apartment, area, and facilities. As of March 2024:
- In the city center, where most WGs are available, a studio apartment with warm rent of 500-600 euros is reasonable. SBT dorms are cheaper, with studio apartments around 450 euros.
- For a WG/shared apartment (typically shared with 3 people), the average price is 350-450 euros, depending on room size and overall apartment size.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓</summary>

<details>


<summary>When Looking for a Room Online, What Are the Key Points to Look For?</summary>
It depends on your priorities. If you prefer a quiet area away from noise, consider Dudweiler. If you want proximity to bus connections, shops, and social places, choose an area near the city center. Both have pros and cons:
- **Dudweiler:** Cheaper accommodation, peaceful, and many Pakistani students live in dorms there. The university is closer, but you may need to walk 10 minutes to reach a bus stop.
- **City Center:** Nearby shops (including late-night fast food), more social opportunities, and bus stops, but rent is higher (50-100 euros more per month, at least).
</details>

<details>


<summary>What Coverage Area of the Room Should I Look For?</summary>
This depends on your preferences. Refer to the two maps linked in this guide. Other deciding factors are discussed in other FAQ questions.
</details>

<details>


<summary>How Do I Know Which Property Will Allow Me to Use It for City Registration and Bank Account Opening?</summary>
Ask the landlord. Usually, all dorms and long-term sublets allow city registration. If a property (or a room in a WG) is in your name, you can register it. Note that short-term sublets by students may not allow city registration. Always confirm with the landlord.
</details>

<details>


<summary>How Will the Agreement Take Place?</summary>
The process is: You see pictures → you like the place → you contact the landlord → both parties agree → the landlord sends a contract → you ask someone in Saarbrücken to visit the place in person → you sign the contract → you pay the money.
</details>

<details>


<summary>How Will I Know the Place Is Reserved for Me for a Specific Date?</summary>
The contract ensures this. Issues arise only when the contract isn’t finalized.
</details>

<details>


<summary>What If I Haven’t Found Accommodation and My Arrival Date Is Approaching?</summary>
If possible, secure accommodation before arriving. If you have family or other commitments requiring travel:
- Start applying/looking at least 6+ months in advance.
- If there’s little time between admission and arrival, consider deferring your admission.
- If the university insists you arrive regardless of enrollment or won’t allow deferral, request extensions. Missing a lecture or two in such situations isn’t critical, as attendance is generally not mandatory.
If you must arrive without accommodation, ask in the PSA group if a senior can host you or find a temporary private sublet. Remember, many seniors are students managing their own affairs, so hosting is an act of generosity and should not be taken for granted.
</details>
</details>

---

### University-Related Stuff 🏫


<details>
<summary>Enrollment Guide</summary>


New students can refer to [this guide](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/enrollment%20guide.pdf) for filling out the enrollment form. It’s detailed and answers most questions.
There’s also an updated guide created with student input, addressing additional questions: [Updated Enrollment Guide](https://github.com/UmerTariq1/General-Documents/blob/main/UdS/updated%20enrollment%20guide.pdf).

<details>
<summary>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Enrollment</summary>
<summary>What Should I Choose for the Question "Please Specify the Classification Assigned to Your Higher Education Entrance Qualification"?</summary>
Choose the first option: "HEEQ for all types of HEI and for all subject areas." This question is irrelevant for enrollment, so select it and proceed.
</details>
</details>

<details>
<summary>Thesis Guide</summary>


[To be written]
</details>

<details>
<summary>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓</summary>

<details>


<summary>For CS, Are the Courses Practical for Future Field Jobs, or Are They Theoretical and Research-Oriented? Is the Degree Hectic, and Is It Easy to Manage a Part-Time Job?</summary>
The MS CS courses are optional, meaning you choose courses to meet credit requirements in specific categories. Multiple courses are offered each semester, and you can select any.
The workload, difficulty, and practicality depend on your course choices. You can select challenging courses for a tough semester or choose more straightforward or interest-based ones for a manageable experience. Overall, the course quality is good, requiring effort, but your course selection significantly impacts the experience.
</details>

<details>


<summary>How Important Is It to Attend the Orientation Meeting?</summary>
The orientation covers city registration, banking, waste separation, piracy, accommodation, and AStA. It’s also held online, so if you can’t attend in person, join virtually.
</details>

<details>


<summary>In the MS Program, Are Courses Assigned Each Semester, or Do We Select Them Ourselves?</summary>
You select your courses yourself.
</details>

<details>


<summary>How Do I Register for Courses?</summary>
Course registration is done through LSF (link in the External Links section). Each course has a description or an external link. If no information is available and the semester is approaching (1-2 weeks away), email the professor or ask seniors.
Note: Registering for a course allows you to attend classes. To sit for the exam, you must register separately, typically 3-4 weeks before the exam, as announced by the instructor.
</details>

<details>


<summary>How Do I Transfer Enrollment Fees from Pakistan?</summary>
You can pay using Wise or a German bank account. Alternatively, ask in the PSA group if someone can transfer the amount on your behalf, and you can send money to their Pakistani account (some students need PKR when traveling to Pakistan). If neither option works, use an FTT from a Pakistani bank, which takes about a week. Swift details may take longer to appear on the portal.
</details>
</details>

---

### Program-Specific Information 📚


<details>


<summary>Computer Science / Informatik</summary>

The Computer Science department is one of the largest at UdS. Find more information [here](https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/study/programmes/bachelor/computer-science.html), including deadlines. As of February 2024, the GPA requirement is 3.0.

**Course Requirements:**

| Course Type | Required Credits |
|-------------|------------------|
| Core | 27 (each course is 9 CP) |
| Advanced | 27 (each course is usually 6 CP) |
| Seminar | 7 (each seminar is 7 CP) |
| Master Seminar | 12 |
| Thesis | 30 |
| Ungraded | 17 (can include core, advanced, seminar, or language courses) |
| **Thesis Total** | 42 |
| **Courses Total** | 78 |
| **Total** | 120 |

You need 3 core courses and 5-6 advanced courses. You can place any course in the ungraded section (e.g., if you’re unhappy with a grade). There’s no restriction on the order of completion.

**To see courses offered in a semester:**
1. Go to [this link](https://bit.ly/49rFNuv).
2. Select the semester.
3. Click **Vorlesungsverzeichnis** (first option on the left).
4. Select **Master** → **Master (konsekutiv)** → **Informatik**.
5. View course categories offered that semester. Click a category to see the course list.
</details>

<details>


<summary>Data Science</summary>
[To be written. If you have information, contribute by clicking the "Collaborate on HackMD" button at the top of the article.]
</details>

<details>


<summary>Media Informatics</summary>
[To be written. If you have information, contribute by clicking the "Collaborate on HackMD" button at the top of the article.]
</details>

<details>


<summary>Language Science and Technology</summary>

The Language Science and Technology (LST) department focuses on NLP and linguistics, combining computational and linguistic aspects. Find more details [here](https://www.uni-saarland.de/en/department/lst.html). There’s no specific GPA requirement, but you need a background in NLP or linguistics. It’s a small, international, and fun department. As of February 2024, there are only two Pakistani students, including the original author (Umer). It’s highly recommended for those interested in NLP or linguistics. Many student job opportunities are available in research groups.

**Course Requirements:**

| Course Type | Required Credits |
|---------------------|------------------|
| Core | 24 (each course is 6 CP) |
| Seminar | 14 (each seminar is 4 or 7 CP) |
| Courses from CS or Cognitive Psychology | 6-18 |
| Others | 19-31 (graded like normal courses) |
| Master Seminar | 12 |
| Thesis | 30 |
| **Thesis Total** | 42 |
| **Courses Total** | 78 |
| **Total** | 120 |

**To see courses offered in a semester:**
1. Go to [this link](https://bit.ly/49rFNuv).
2. Select the semester.
3. Click **Vorlesungsverzeichnis** (first option on the left).
4. Select **Master** → **Master (konsekutiv)** → **Language Science and Technology**.
5. View course categories offered that semester. Click a category to see the course list.
</details>

---

### Jobs Advice 🏢


<details>
<summary>Technical Jobs During Studies</summary>

Technical jobs can be divided into two categories:
- **Werkstudent (Working Student) in a Company:** These can be harder to get and may require referrals. They often pay well, especially at non-Saarbrücken-based companies. Some, particularly in security, may require German.
- **Hiwi (Student Research Assistant):** These are university-based research jobs. You can secure one by performing well in a professor’s course and asking about open positions, though a good academic record or prior work experience can also help. Pay is typically between Werkstudent and odd jobs.

Many research groups exist in each department, and finding a job is relatively easy, especially for CS students with experience. Contact professors or PhD students in research groups via email or after class. The two main CS research centers affiliated with UdS are DFKI and MPI. Visit their websites, identify relevant groups, and email professors or PhD students with a short 5-6 line introduction asking about open positions.
</details>

<details>
<summary>Odd Jobs During Studies</summary>

Part-time jobs are available, but most require German, especially customer-facing roles. Non-customer-facing jobs (e.g., in retail stores, restaurants, bakeries, or warehouses) may not require German, but warehouse jobs are rare. Learning German significantly increases opportunities, especially for odd jobs.
[More details to be added.]
</details>

<details>
<summary>Jobs After Studies</summary>
[To be written]
</details>

<details>
<summary>Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓</summary>
<summary>No Questions Added Yet</summary>
If there are no questions, there are no answers.
</details>

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### General FAQs
All questions that don’t fit specific categories go here.

<details>


<summary>Is It Okay to Arrive After the "Last Date to Arrive"?</summary>

While it’s acceptable to arrive late, the education system here requires self-discipline, as attendance is not mandatory. Arriving late may make it harder to settle in while managing classes. It’s recommended to arrive before classes start to get settled beforehand.
</details>

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### General Tips
All helpful tips that don’t fit specific categories go here.

- Download the **DB** and **Saarfahrplan** apps. DB is for intercity travel, while Saarfahrplan is for intra-city travel in Saarbrücken. Always check bus/train platform numbers if available.
- For Frankfurt to Saarbrücken, take a train from any station at **Frankfurt Airport** starting with **Frankfurt(M)Flughafen** to **Saarbrücken Hbf**.
- To access your blocked account, you need a bank account, which requires **city registration**. Follow this order: City Registration → Bank Account → Get SIM. You can get a prepaid SIM with your passport initially.
- Suggested banks: Sparkasse, N26, Commerzbank. Suggested SIM: O2 (requires city registration). Initially, buy an Aldi SIM from any Aldi store (a grocery chain).
- Choosing a bank is subjective. Sparkasse is often recommended, but as of 1 Jan 2025, its monthly fees will increase, potentially making it less ideal for students. N26 is another common choice.
- Have your student card delivered to someone in Saarbrücken before you arrive to travel free within Saarland immediately. If you don’t know anyone, ask in the PSA group.
- If you don’t know German, use Google Translate for text, Google Lens for images, and browser-based translators for websites.
- The university has a **[pinboard](https://www.stw-saarland.de/de/Kommunikation/Pinwand)** listing apartments, jobs, and more.
- **[Ebay Kleinanzeigen](https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de)** is like OLX, offering various items, some even free (check the last category). Prices are usually reasonable, so heavy bargaining isn’t needed.
- **DO NOT use TORRENTS.** Torrents are actively monitored in Germany, and you risk hefty fines, legal hassles, and hiring lawyers. Delete all torrent software and related files from your computers. This is strictly enforced, unlike in Pakistan.

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### Comments

Hey, how’s the organization? Anything you want to suggest, critique, include, or exclude?
What are we missing? Write a comment on this page to let us know.

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### About

This wiki began as a 2024 PSA student effort by Umer, inspired by [Aria](https://hackmd.io/@ariabee)’s similar effort for the LST department. It aims to serve as a central hub for answering questions from incoming students.

For questions about this operation in general: [For now, ask Umer, but PSA management may take over in the future.]

If this becomes useful, yay! If not, at least I learned a new tool.