At this point we would like to give you some advice on about how much money you will be needing in Germany. As a general rule, you will require about € 500 per month to live on. From this you can pay your rent, food and other everyday items.

In your first month in Hildesheim in particular, you will definitely be needing more than this (approx. € 800 – 900), for you will have to pay for several things as quickly as possible after your arrival:

• The first month’s rent (a maximum of € 230)
• A deposit for the room if necessary (usually approx. one month’s rent)
• Enrolment fees (approx. € 160, see also "3.2 The introductory week")
• Various personal items such as a bicycle, a television set, money for days out, books etc.
• Approx. € 50 - 60 for the intensive course in German held at the beginning of the semester. (see also "3.3 German courses")

Please bear these costs in mind when planning your finances at home and think about the best way to transfer your money to Germany. There are various options here: you (or your parents) could of course transfer money from abroad, but the charges for this would be quite high. It is better to transfer larger sums to a German bank account (see also "3.2 The introductory week") and make all payments from this account. Another option would be traveller’s cheques or a post office savings book from your home country allowing you to withdraw money free of charge via the German post office.