CONTENTS

A.

FIRST STEPS AT BOKU ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 4

A 1. Registration at BOKU .................................................................................................................. 4

1. 1.
Registration office................................................................................................................ 4
1. 2.
Course registration & BOKUonline ...................................................................................... 5
1. 3.
Center for International Relations (ZIB) .............................................................................. 6
A 2. Getting around at BOKU ............................................................................................................. 7
A 3. Print Copy Scan..................................................................................................................... 8
A 4. Departments and Institutes ........................................................................................................ 8
A 5. Library ........................................................................................................................................ 12
A 6. Center for IT Services ............................................................................................................... 13
A 7. Austrian Student Union ............................................................................................................ 13
A 8. Tandem Learning ...................................................................................................................... 14
A 9. Eating at BOKU .......................................................................................................................... 15
A 10. Facultas-Shop ............................................................................................................................ 17
A 11. Social life at BOKU .................................................................................................................... 17
11. 1.
BOKU Facebook Exchange Group ................................................................................... 17
11. 2.
Newsletter for international students ................................................................................. 17
11. 3.
International "BOKU Stammtisch" (regular meeting) ........................................................ 17
11. 4.
ESN-Events Events of the ERASMUS Student Network ............................................... 17
11. 5.
TWI association for communication and integration .................................................... 18
11. 6.
Cultural activities ............................................................................................................... 18

B.

FIRST STEPS IN VIENNA ------------------------------------------------------------------- 19

B 1. Registration in Vienna .............................................................................................................. 19

1. 1.
Local registration in Vienna ............................................................................................... 19
1. 2.
Registration in Austria (for a stay longer than 3 months) .................................................. 20
B 2. Transport .................................................................................................................................... 20
2. 1.
Wiener Linien .................................................................................................................... 20
2. 2.
Austrian Federal Railway System (BB) .......................................................................... 21
2. 3.
Bikes .................................................................................................................................. 21
2. 4.
Cars ................................................................................................................................... 22
B 3. Bank account ............................................................................................................................. 22
B 4. Phone and Internet .................................................................................................................... 22
B 5. Shopping .................................................................................................................................... 23
B 6. Sports ......................................................................................................................................... 23
B 7. Cultural activities in Vienna ..................................................................................................... 24
B 8. Illness or personal problems ................................................................................................... 25
8. 1.
In case of illness ................................................................................................................ 25
8. 2.
Psychosocial Crises .......................................................................................................... 26
8. 3.
Problems with Drugs ......................................................................................................... 26
B 9. Safety .......................................................................................................................................... 26
B 10. Foreign representatives in Vienna .......................................................................................... 27

Introduction
Dear International Student,
The team at the Center for International Relations is looking forward to welcoming you to Vienna.
We are certain that you will have an interesting, exciting and enjoyable semester/year at our university
and in our city. At BOKU, like at most of the other universities in Europe, people from different
countries who speak different languages study, live and socialise together. Living with people from all
over the world is a great experience and offers many new and exciting opportunities. We are looking
forward to supporting you during your time in Vienna and we will try our best to make your stay as
comfortable as possible. Your exchange coordinator at the Center for International Relations, as well
as your Buddy and your Austrian fellow students will be a great source of information. Feel free to
contact us!
The first step towards a successful stay as an exchange student is reading our information guides
called Welcome to BOKU.
1) PLAN YOUR STAY: A PLAN YOUR STUDIES AT BOKU (Academic Calendar, Programmes
and Programme structure at BOKU, Course Types, How to look for Courses, European Credit
Transfer System, Thesis, Dissertation and Project Work, Language Courses, Tandem
Language Learning without a course, Buddies, Studying with Children, Facilities for Students
with Special Needs)
B PLAN YOUR LIFE IN VIENNA (Entry & Residence Permits (Visa), Accommodation,
Insurance, Vaccinations, Cost of living, Arrival in Vienna - When and Where)
2) FIRST STEPS: A FIRST STEPS AT BOKU (Registration at BOKU, Getting around at BOKU,
Print Copy Scan, Departments - Institutes, Library, Center for IT Services, Austrian
Student Union, Tandem Language Learning, Eating at BOKU, Facultas-Shop, Social life at
BOKU)
B FIRST STEPS IN VIENNA (Registration in Vienna, Public Transport, Bank Account, Mobile
Phone and Internet, Shopping, Sports, Cultural Activities in Vienna, Illness or Personal
Problems, Safety, Foreign Representations in Vienna)
After having organised everything that you need in advance (see brochure A. PLAN YOUR STAY),
this brochure FIRST STEPS helps you when you arrive. It answers questions such as: Where should
I go to? When are my exams? How can I use the library? What can I do during the evenings and
weekends?
You might also find some cultural differences between your home country and Austria. It is completely
normal to face challenges whilst adjusting to life in a new city. Everyone reacts differently to new
situations as we are all culturally different. The ZIB, your Buddy and your fellow students can help you
to overcome any of these difficulties. Throw yourself into all of the opportunities presented and into
exploring new cultures, both Austrias and those of other international students. Enjoy and make the
most of this fantastic, global experience. Were sure youll have a great time!
We would like to wish you all the best for your stay here, welcome to BOKU!
Center for International Relations
University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
Peter-Jordan-Strasse 82a
A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 2600, Fax: +43 1 47654 2606
http://www.boku.ac.at/international.html

A.

FIRST STEPS AT BOKU

A 1.

Registration at BOKU

1. 1.

Registration office

Please go to the Studienabteilung (Registration Office) immediately after your arrival.

Universitt fr Bodenkultur Studienabteilung (Registration Office)
Gregor-Mendel-Haus, 2nd floor, at the main staircase, room 01
Augasse 2-6, A-1090 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 0, Fax +43 1 47654 1044
Email: studabt@boku.ac.at
http://www.boku.ac.at/en/studieninteressierte/kontakt-beratung/
Office hours:
Mo, Tu, Th, Fr, 09.00 12.00 am, Wed 2.00 4.00 pm

PLEASE NOTE: Before you go to register at the Registration Office (Studienabteilung), you have to
complete the BOKUonline pre-registration.
Please do not fill out the pre-registration for the summer semester before January (registrations
before December count for the winter semester and will be deleted!), or the pre-registration for the
winter semester before June (Pre-registrations before May count for the summer semester and will be
deleted!).
The general deadline is on January 31st (summer semester) and on August 31st (winter
semester), but exchange students are able to pre-register later.

Upload a photo
Fill in your nationality, otherwise you will be asked for an Austrian social security number

Please bring the following documents with you:

Your letter of admission (Bescheid ber Zulassung zum Studium) which was sent to your
home address as soon as the application forms were complete and in order
A valid passport or identity card
At the Registration Office you have to pay the student union fee of 18.50 by bank card (Maestro,
Visa, Master Card ).
If you dont have a cash card, you can ask your Buddy to go with you to the Registration Office and
pay with his/her card. (If you pay online or with a payment form, you can only activate your
BOKUonline account and register for courses approximately 5 days after having paid. Some courses
might be full by then!)
IMPORTANT:
The student union fee is obligatory. Enrolment is only valid after payment. If you do not pay the student
union fee, you cannot register for courses and will not get any certificates.
Please be aware that students doing an internship or working on their thesis must also pay the student
union fee. Otherwise you will not get a confirmation of your stay!
After enrolment you will receive your BOKUcard (= student identity card). Furthermore, you will get an
email address and a user account for the computer labs.
If you are staying in Vienna for the whole academic year, another payment notification will be sent to
your BOKU e-mail address at the end of the winter semester. Then you have to pay the student union
fee of 18.50 for the summer semester.

When you first register as a student in Austria, you will receive your personal registration number
(Matrikelnummer). This number will be yours for the rest of your academic career in Austria, even if
you change universities. Every letter and report will carry this number.
The BOKU card is the official confirmation that you are attending BOKU and it must be given to you
personally. Confirmations of enrolment/continuation (Inskriptionsbesttigung) can be printed via
BOKUonline.

1. 2.

Course registration & BOKUonline

At the admission at the Registration Office you get a pin code for BOKUonline. If you pay the student
union fee with your maestro cash card you can activate your BOKUonline-account immediately
afterwards.
(Information: http://www.boku.ac.at/en/international/themen/wie-plane-ich-mein-studium-an-derboku/nach-der-ankunft/anmeldung-an-der-boku/studienabteilung/ ).
BOKUonline is also the platform where you have to register for courses (For more Information see:
http://www.boku.ac.at/en/center-for-international-relations-cir/themen/plan-your-studies-at-boku/uponarrival/registration-at-boku/courses/ ).
Please consider:
When and where are my courses?
Are there any overlaps (especially for excursions, seminars and practices)?
If yes, which courses can I take instead? See Scheduled Dates at course description at
BOKUonline. It is not always a problem when courses overlap and it is sometimes unavoidable,
particularly for lectures. (http://www.boku.ac.at/int-in-boku-coursetypes.html?&L=1)
If necessary, you can change your learning agreement within the first 4 weeks of your stay.
Attention: Register as soon as possible some courses (excursions, seminars, practicals, ) can fill
up very quickly.
The most important functions of BOKUonline:
Registration for courses
Registration for exams
Further functions of BOKUonline
Course information
Curricula
Class schedule
Timetable for students
Exam information
Certifications/results
Staff
Org. Einheiten (organizational units for the different university departments)
Accounts
Rooms
Please note:
Contents of courses are accessible without having applied, but to register for courses and
exams it is necessary to have an activated BOKU-account.
As part of the Welcome Days for international students a BOKUonline, teaching sessions will
take place.
Attendance at courses depends on the course type:
Most courses are carried out in units of two semester hours per week (90 minutes, 1 unit = 45
minutes). The semester usually lasts 15 weeks. Due to teaching reasons or the content, some courses
take the form of blocks (e.g. 3 hours every two weeks or 2 full days). For most course types the
attendance is compulsory, however not for lectures.

Of course we highly recommend that you attend all classes of the courses for which that you register.
Course overlaps are quite common at BOKU (especially at Master level and if you do not strictly follow
one curriculum). Therefore it is important to check, which courses require absolute attendance
and which dont.
Lectures (VO): If you have to miss classes /leave early or come late regularly, please talk to the
teacher about it in advance!
Lecture (VO)
Usually covers 2 units a week (1 unit = 45 minutes). Registration is not required and there is no
attendance sheet. They are usually held by professors. Grades are based on a written or oral exam at
the end of the term.
Seminar (SE)
The emphasis is on the acquisition of theoretical and practical knowledge. Assessment is based either
on the final exam or a term paper that has to be submitted by the student. Active class participation is
required and attendance is compulsory.
Practical courses (UE)
The emphasis is on the acquisition of practical knowledge. Students are expected to participate
actively in class and therefore, must always attend.
Other Course Types
Excursion (EX)
Project (PJ)
Seminar with Excursion (SX)
Practical Work with Excursion (UX)

1. 3.

Lecture with Seminar (VS)

Lecture with Practical Work (VU)
Lecture with Excursion (VX)
Lecture with Seminar and Excursion (VY)
Lecture with Practical Training and Excursion (VZ)

Center for International Relations (ZIB)

The Center for International Relations (ZIB) will help you with your first steps at BOKU! Please come
to one of our information sessions First Steps right after your arrival. (If that is not possible, you
can also come directly to ZIB).
The Incoming Coordinators at ZIB are looking forward to welcoming you at their office.
At the information sessions ZIB provides you with:
A checklist for the arrival with information about the enrolment to BOKU and the course
registration
The programme of the Welcome Days
Meldezettel and registration form
The form for getting the Semesterticket of the Wiener Linien
Information about Vienna and a city map
In addition you should contact them, if you:
Need a confirmation of arrival /confirmation of stay
Have changes of or questions about your Learning Agreement. (Please only complete the
changes form, when you are really sure about the courses you are taking)
Have questions about prolonging your stay
Have general questions about your stay or want to talk about personal problems
If you have scientific questions about your subjects, please contact your departmental coordinator
List of ERASMUS departmental coordinators:
http://www.mercer.com/newsroom/2014-quality-of-living-survey.html
List of Ceepus programme coordinators:
http://www.boku.ac.at/int-out-c-information.html?&L=1
List of Joint Study coordinators:
http://www.boku.ac.at/int-out-js-howtoapply.html?&L=1

Contact details of the programme coordinators can be found in the programme information at the
Registration Office.
Your buddy can also be a helpful source of information!
During the Welcome Days you will receive information about studying at BOKU and practical issues.
We also offer a guided city tour and a university tour free of charge. Further excursions are offered by
the Referat fr Internationales at the Students Union.
Universitt fr Bodenkultur
Center for International Relations
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82a, A-1190 Wien
https://www.boku.ac.at/international.html?&L=1
Tel.: +43 1 47654 2621
Office hours:
Monday to Friday from 10.00 to 12.00 am
Wednesday also from 2.00 to 4.00 pm

A 2.

Getting around at BOKU

BOKU has 3 main campuses (http://www.boku.ac.at/en/international/themen/wie-plane-ich-meinstudium-an-der-boku/nach-der-ankunft/wo-ist-was/ ):

Wien - Trkenschanze
Wien - Muthgasse: directly at the last station of the subway line U4.
Tulln: reachable by train in 20 mins
You can get a first impression of BOKU with our virtual tours at:
http://www.boku4you.at/studieren-der-boku/start-ins-studium/wo-ist-was?
How to find rooms
You can find rooms in BOKUonline in the "search" select-list on the right. You will also find the room in
every course description including a link to a map of the building.

Transport to BOKU Trkenschanze

Bus Line 40 A
This connects the city centre and the U6 (Whringer Strae stop) with Gregor-Mendel-House (main
building) - Linnplatz stop and with the ZIB and other departmental buildings at the "Dnenstrae
stop.
Bus Line 37
This connects the U4 (Spittelau stop) and the U6 (Nudorfer Strae stop) with the BOKU
headquarters (terminal stop Dnenstrae).
Bus Line 10 A
This connects the S-Bahn (Gersthof or Heiligenstadt stops) and the U4 (Heiligenstadt stop) with
the BOKU buildings. Furthermore, it also connects the BOKU headquarters with the buildings in
Muthgasse (transfer to bus line 11A or use the pedestrian terminal towards Muthgasse).

A 3.

Print Copy Scan

To use the multi-function devices (printers, scanners and photocopiers) at BOKU, you need to use
your BOKUcard or your BOKUaccount login details with your current password. An overview of
locations is available at http://www.boku.ac.at/bokuprint-standorte.html?&L=0.
!!PLEASE NOTE!! You can also print from any workstation in the PC-Pools
(http://www.boku.ac.at/zid/themen/everybodys-needs/druckenplotten/bokuprint/geraete-standorte/?&L=0 ).
In order to print, copy or scan with your BOKUcard, you have to top it up with money at the
payment machines. The payment machines are located in the Exner House (copy room EG/31) and
in the Muthgasse (Aula Muthgasse II).
The options for printing, copying andscanning at BOKU are BOKUprint, UniFlow, and iPrint.
At BOKU, there are also many public access devices (the locations can be found at:
http://www.boku.ac.at/bokuprint-standorte.html?&L=0). For the use of UniFlow you need a QuickChip-Card.
Instructions for using the multi-function devices and more information can be found on the
website of the Information Technology Services (ZID) at http://www.boku.ac.at/zid-drucken.html?&L=0
(mostly in German) and at https://www.boku.ac.at/int-in-boku-printcopyscan.html?&L=1.

A 4.

Departments and Institutes

The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences is divided into 15 departments:

Department of Material Sciences and Process Engineering

Department of Biotechnology
Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment
Department of Nano biotechnology
Department of Chemistry
Department of Integrative Biology and Biodiversity Research
Department of Food Sciences and Technology,
Department of Spatial-, Landscape-, and Infrastructure-Sciences,
Department of Economics and Social Sciences
Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems
Department of Structural Engineering and Natural Hazards
Department of Forest- and Soil Sciences
Department of Crop Sciences
Department of Agro biotechnology (IFA Tulln)
Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology

Furthermore, there are also some other special facilities and Scientific Research initiatives (e.g.
Centre for Development Research). Information about these can be found at this link:
http://www.boku.ac.at/en/scientific-initiatives-and-other-scientific-units/
Every department is allocated a three-digit number, which should facilitate the search when selecting
courses. H is the classification letter for BOKU. These departments are then divided into several
institutes.
The institute of the various departments cannot always be found in the same building. The stated
addresses refer to the contact person of the department. Further information can be found on the
BOKU-homepage at http://www.boku.ac.at/ .

Department of Material Sciences and Process Engineering (H 890)

Institute of Wood Science and Technology (H 891)
Institute of Physics and Materials Science (H 892)
Institute for Chemical and Energy Engineering (H 893)
Institute for Molecular Modelling and Simulation (H 894)
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82, A-1190 Wien
Kontakt: martina.chobot@boku.ac.at
Department of Biotechnology (H 790)
Institute for Applied Microbiology - IAM (H 791)
Bioinformatics (H793)
Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Wien
contact: office@iam.boku.ac.at
Department of Water, Atmosphere and Environment (H 810)
Institute of Sanitary Engineering and Water Pollution Control (H 811)
Institute of Hydrobiology and Aquatic Ecosystem Management (H 812)
Institute of Waste Management (H 813)
Institute of Meteorology (H 814)
Institute of Hydraulics and Rural Water Management (H 815)
Institute of Water Management, Hydrology and Hydraulic Engineering (H 816)
Institute of Safety- and Risk Science (H 877)
Max Emanuel-Strae 17, A-1190 Wien
contact: franziska.schmuttermeier@boku.ac.at
Department of Nano Biotechnology (H 801)
Gregor Mendel-Strae 33, A-1180 Wien
Contact: dieter jaeger@boku.ac.at
Department of Chemistry (H 770)
Division of Analytical Chemistry (H 771)
Division of Biochemistry (H 772)
Division of Organic Chemistry (H 773)
Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Wien
contact: chemie@boku.ac.at
Department of Integrative Biology (H 830)
Institute of Botany (H 831)
Institute of Wildlife Biology and Game Management (H 832)
Institute of Zoology (H 833)
Institute of Integrative Nature Conservation Research (H 834)
Institute of Mathematics (H 835)
Gregor Mendel Strae 33, A-1180 Wien
contact: wolfgang.ruppert@boku.ac.at

Department of Food Sciences and Technology (H 750)

Division of Animal Food and Nutrition AFN (H 751)
Division of Food Technology FT (H 752)
Division of Food Biotechnology FB (H 753)
Division of Food Microbiology and Hygiene FM (H 754)
Division of Food Chemistry FC (H 755)
Division of Food Quality Assurance FQ (H 756)
Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Wien
contact: wolfgang.kneifel@boku.ac.at or helena.szabot@boku.ac.at
Department of Spatial, Landscape, and Infrastructure Sciences (H 850)
Institute of Applied Statistics and Computing IASC (H 851)
Institute of Landscape Architecture ILA (H 852)
Institute of Landscape Development, Recreation and Conservation Planning ILEN (H 853)
Institute of Landscape Planning (H 854)
Institute of Spatial Planning and Rural Development IRUB (H 855)
Institute for Transport Studies IVe (H 856)
Institute of Surveying, Remote Sensing and Land Information IVFL (H 857)
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82, A-1190 Wien
contact: rali@boku.ac.at
Department of Economics and Social Sciences (H 730)
Institute of Sustainable Economic Development (H 731)
Institute of Forest, Environmental and Natural Resource Policy (H 732)
Institute of Agricultural and Forestry Economics (H 733)
Institute of Production and Logistics (H 734)
Institute of Marketing and Innovation (H 735)
Institute of Law (H 736)
Chair for Business Economics of the Forest Sector (H 7301)
Feistmantelstrae 4, A-1180 Wien
contact: christina.roder@boku.ac.at
Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems (H 930)
Division of Agricultural Engineering (H 931)
Division of Livestock Sciences (H 932)
Division of Organic Farming (H 933)
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82, A-1190 Wien
contact: melanie.loeffler@boku.ac.at
Department of Structural Engineering and Natural Hazards (H 870)
Institute of Mountain Risk Engineering IAN (H 871)
Institute of Applied Geology IAG (H 872)
Institute of Geotechnical Engineering IGT (H 873)
Institute of Soil Bioengineering IBLB (H 874)
Institute of Structural Engineering IKI (H 875)
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82, A-1190 Wien
contact: evelin.kamper@boku.ac.at

10

Department of Forest and Soil Sciences (H 910)

Institute of Soil Science (H 911)
Institute of Forest Ecology (H 912)
Institute of Silviculture (H 913)
Institute of Forest Growth (H 914)
Institute of Forest Engineering (H 915)
Institute of Forest Entomology, Forest Pathology and Forest Protection (H 916)
Forest Demonstration Centre (H 917)
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82, A-1190 Wien
contact: karl.stampfer@boku.ac.at
Department of Crop Sciences (H 950)
Division of Agronomy (H 951)
Division of Vegetables and Ornamentals (H 952)
Division of Plant Protection (H 953)
Division of Plant Breeding (H 957)
Division of Viticulture and Pomology (H 958)
Experimental Farm Gro-Enzersdorf (H 955)
Gregor-Mendel-Strae 33, A-1180 Wien
Contact: gertraud.burghardt@boku.ac.at
Department of Agricultural Biotechnology - IFA Tulln (H 970)
Biotechnology in Plant Production (H 971)
Natural Materials (H 972)
Centre for Analytical Chemistry (H 973)
Environmental Biotechnology (H 974)
Biotechnology in Animal Production (H 975)
Konrad Lorenz Strae 20, A-3430 Tulln
contact: renate.hoermann@boku.ac.at
Department of Applied Genetics and Cell Biology (DAGZ)
Muthgasse 18A-1190 Wien
contact: eva_maria.gelb@boku.ac.at

Service Units
Here you will find information on the central service units of BOKU. For an overview about which
services are offered by which service units, see the research, education and services menus at:
http://www.boku.ac.at/en/management-administration/service-units/.

11

A 5.

Library

The library contains books relevant to the fields of study at the university. These being general
engineering sciences, general natural sciences, agriculture, forestry, water and waste management,
food science and biotechnology, landscape planning, environmental sciences and economics. All in
all, around 500,000 volumes, 2,300 scientific magazines and about 6,000 maps and atlases are
available.
To borrow books you will be required to register. You do this at the main desk in the library by showing
your student I.D. and then filling out the form for users (Stammdatenblatt fr Benutzer)
(http://www.boku.ac.at/fileadmin/data/H05000/H18000/_TEMP_/Stamm_benutzer.pdf ).
The search and reservation of books as well as the extension of the loan period can be completed via
the internet. You can borrow a maximum number of 10 volumes at the same time. In addition, you can
reserve a maximum number of 5 volumes via the online-catalogue.
At the beginning of each semester, a short session on how to use the library is offered. A useful library
guide can be found on the university librarys homepage.
The library offers a workstation for the blind or visually impaired persons (VIP).

Universitt fr Bodenkultur
Universittsbibliothek
Wilhelm-Exner-Haus
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 2060, Fax: +43 1 47654 2092
E-Mail: ub.support@boku.ac.at
http://www.boku.ac.at/bib.html?&L=1
Opening hours:
Mo-Th 8.30 am 8.00 pm (borrowing until 7.45 pm),
Fr 8.30 am 5.00 pm (borrowing until 4.45 pm)
(Opening Times during lecture free periods: Mon Fri 8am until 4pm)
In addition to the main library there are three more specialised libraries (Fachbibliotheken)
Fachbibliothek fr Lebensmittel- und Biotechnologie
Muthgasse 18, Zwischengescho A-1190 Wien
Opening hours:
Mo- Th 9.00 am 8.00 pm, Fr 9.00 am 5.00 pm
(lecture free time: according to the signs)
Fachbibliothek SOWIRE
(Specialised Library for Social Sciences and Law)
Feistmantelstrae 4, A-1180 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 4412
Fachbibliothek Wald, Natur, Technik
(Specialised Library for Forest, Nature and Engineering)
Peter-Jordan-Strae 70, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 4371

12

A 6.

Center for IT Services

The Center for IT Services (Zentraler Informatikdienst, ZID) is responsible for creating and running the
networking, communication, and computing infrastructure for the BOKU University. They provide many
services.
Zentraler Informatikdienst (ZID)
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 2100, Fax: +43 1 47654 2149
Email: zid-sek@boku.ac.at
Hotline (for technical problems): +43 47654 2107
Email: hotline@boku.ac.at
http://www.boku.ac.at/zid/

BOKU-Account
In order to use the central IT services and their servers, you need to obtain an account with
username and password from the Centre for IT Services (ZID).
You also need this account to login at BOKUonline and to register for the courses.
With this account, you also get an e-mail address, a personal homepage, access to the Internet, and
access to a variety of software. You get your account automatically when registering at the university
(ERASMUS students, who have completed their online pre-registration will receive it by e-mail
together with the payment information).
You have to activate the account approx. 5 days after having paid the student union fee (If you pay the
student union fee directly at BOKU Registration Office, your account will be activated immediately).
Please find more information at: http://www.boku.ac.at/en/information-technology-services-zidbokuit/themen/get-connected/account-passwort/account-for-students/
If you have problems with your account you can contact the ZID hotline (Tel. +43 47654 2107, Email:
hotline@boku.ac.at).

A 7.

Austrian Student Union

The H (sterreichische Hochschlerschaft Austrian Students Union) is

the only recognized representation of all students at Austrian universities.
When registered at the university, every Austrian student automatically
becomes a member of the H, with a membership fee of EUR 18.50 per
semester (which you already had to pay). This compulsory membership fee
provides the H with political and financial independence and ensures that
it can fulfil its tasks. The 18.50 fee also includes indemnity insurance and accident insurance.
The H provides you with useful things, like copy cards, chip cards for printers, the mensa pickerl
(which allows you to get lunch in the Mensa cheaper), brochures, calendars and exam questions.
H BOKU
At the H-BOKU there are about 100 students who are working for other
students voluntarily! Their main interest is helping students at the BOKU
and they are well motivated to organize courses and events. The H
consists of various departments. For you as an Erasmus student, mainly the
Department of International Affairs will be of concern. Other departments
are for example for Female Affairs, Sports or Environment.

13

Department for International Affairs (Erasmus Student Network BOKU)

The Department for International Affairs H BOKU is happy to offer advice
to anyone who is studying at an Austrian university or planning to do so.
Its aim is to provide advice for foreign students concerning questions of
admission, residence permit, language courses, financial support etc. This
department also tries to help national students, who are planning to study
abroad. Furthermore, they cooperate with the ZIB Center for International Relations and other
organizations to improve the stay of all foreign students at the BOKU. You are also welcome to ask for
advice and help during the semester.
The international department of the H is a part of ESN Austria. It is a union which aims to improve
everyday life of students during their time in the Erasmus programme and which organizes lots of
national and international events to connect students throughout Europe). You are invited to take part!
They provide you with the ESN Welcome package consisting of the ESN membership card, the A1
B-free prepaid phone card, an ERSTE BANK bank account with 10 starting balance and many,
many other goodies. You can get your package directly at the ESN office.
You can find more information in
H Sekretariat in the H building (Peter Jordan Strae 76, first floor)
Opening hours: Mo Thu 8.00-16.00, Fri 8.00-13.00
Site plan on Google maps: http://tinyurl.com/oehboku
Or on the website: http://oeh.boku.ac.at
and on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/oehboku
Contact: international@oehboku.at

A 8.

Tandem Learning

What is Tandem learning?

Tandem learning is a reciprocal language learning scheme in which you are paired with a native
speaker of the target language to learn together. That means that students with different native
languages teach each other. There is no financial cost involved and you can benefit regardless of your
level of language. You meet to study together, practice speaking, find out more about the culture,
discuss language problems and support each other's learning. Tools like cell phones, emailing, and
Skype can also support tandem learning.
How does it work?
The imagination knows no limits when it comes to tandem learning: the tandem partners can work
through textbooks and exercise books, work through things from everyday life (e.g. newspaper
articles, product information, radio broadcasts), practice structured dialogues on certain themes or
simply have a chat with each other. Choosing the exercise method depends on the prior knowledge
and the learning objectives of the tandem learning partners.
What are the benefits of Tandem-Learning?
Students, teachers and researchers who are planning a semester abroad can already be in contact
with their future host country before their stay has begun. They can begin to improve their language
skills and gain an insight into the culture, mentality and social environment of the country. Tandem
learning is also a convenient way to keep up your previously acquired language skills and to make
contact with native speakers.
How to apply?
You have to register online on our e-learning platform BOKU learn. Follow the link and login with your

14

valid BOKUonline account. Scroll down the page where you can find the search field, type the course
name Tandem Learning and click on registration for the course. There you will find further
information about how to use the e-learning platform. The registration period for the winter semester
2014/15 will be from September 25th until October 10th 2014. The registration period for the summer
semester starts in the beginning of March.
Please check the Tandem page on our website for the registration period (usually 2-3 weeks after the
beginning of the semester).
Next steps?
A list containing all Tandem participants and their target languages will be published on BOKUlearn.
You have to check the list and pick a Tandem partner on your own. You can contact your partner via
telephone or email. In the middle of October (winter semester) and March (summer semester) there
will be a Kick-off Meeting with some hints for tandem leaning and the opportunity to meet the other
participants. Kick-off meeting will be Mid-October for the winter semester (time and place will be
announced in September) and in Mid-March for the summer semester.
Further information:
tandem@boku.ac.at
Zentrum fr Internationale Beziehungen (ZIB)
Peter Jordan-Strae 82A
1180 Wien

A 9.

Eating at BOKU

Meal Discount for Students (H-Mensa-Bonus )

Students can purchase meals in the Universittsmensa in Muthgasse and in the Mensa Baracke I at
a discounted price. In order to receive the discount, you must go to the student unions office (Peter
Jordanstrae 76) and then activate the discount in one of the green terminals to get a M written on
your BOKUcard. It is also called Mensapickerl. You need to show your student I.D. at the check-out of
the Mensa.
University Cafeteria Mensa Markt
The cafeteria in Muthgasse offers meals to suit all tastes and appetites. Two different menus and a
dish of the day(Tagesteller) are served between 11.00 am and 2.00 pm. The reduced price for
students varies between 3.90 (instead of 4.70) and 4.80 (instead of 5.30). The discount is
called Mensa-Pickerl. The self-service restaurant with a salad bar and vegetable buffet rounds off the
culinary choices available.
Cafeteria Mensa Markt
Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 1280
http://www.mensen.at
Business hours:
Cafeteria Mo Fr: 10.00 am 2.00 pm
Buffet: Mo Th: 9.00 am 3.00 pm, Fr 9.00 am 2.00 pm
Cafeteria Baracke (MEP Gourmet GmbH)
The cafeteria in Baracke I in Borkowskigasse at Wilhelm-Exner-Haus offers three meal menus from
11.00 am until 2.00 pm at a price range between 4.00 and 5.40. During the semesters, students
get a discount of 80 Cents with the Mensapickerl.
Cafeteria Baracke I
Borkowskigasse 1, A-1190 Wien
Tel. +43 664 240 51 69
Business hours:
Mo Fr 11.00 am 2.00 pm

15

BOKU-Stand Main Building

The BOKU-Stand in the courtyard of the main building offers good quality food, two different dish of
the day (one vegetarian) for 3.5 (small portion) or 4.30 (big portion), salads and a variety of
snacks. You can also get the 80 Cents Mensapickerl discount here.
Its open from 7.00 am to 5.00 pm.
BOKU-Stand Main Building
In the courtyard
Gregor-Mendel-Strae 33, A-1180 Wien
Business hours:
Mo Fr 7.00 am 5.00 pm
Twi
In Twi, there is no meal plan; people there are a bit more spontaneous. Mostly, meals for vegetarians
are served here and there are also sometimes vegan meals. They only use organic and fair trade
ingredients. You can also get classics such as cheese and ham toast, sandwiches, cakes, etc.
Sometimes there are also parties and live concerts.
Twi
Peter-Jordan-Strae 76, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 2008 or 2010, Fax +43 1 368 60 26
http://tuewi.action.at/
Business hours:
Mo Fr: 08.00 am 10.00 pm
TWI Farm Shop
Next to the Facultas Shop, there is the TWI farm shop, which exclusively offers organic produce.
Opening Hours:
Mo-Fr: 10.00 am 7.00 pm Peter-Jordan-Str. 76 (only during term/lecture time).
Felber Bakery
Small bakery in front of the Oscar-Simony house.
Felber Bakery
Peter-Jordan-Strae 65, A-1190 Wien
Opening hours:
Mo Fr: 07.00 am 5.00 pm

16

A 10. Facultas-Shop
Facultas runs two shops for BOKU: BOKU-Shop I in Peter-Jordan-Strae and BOKU-Shop II in
Muthgasse where you can buy lecture notes, learning aids, stationery, books and other items such as
t-shirts and key rings.
Facultas BOKU-Shop I
Specialised bookstore for studying at BOKU
Peter-Jordan-Strae 76, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 369 24 82, Fax: +43 1 369 24 82
Email: bokushop@facultas.at
Business hours:
Mo Fr : 8.30 am 3.00 pm
Facultas BOKU-Shop II
Muthgasse 18, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 360 06 2093
Business hours:
Mo Fr : 9.00 am 1.00 pm

A 11. Social life at BOKU

11. 1.

BOKU Facebook Exchange Group

On the Facebook Site "BOKU Exchange" we offer 3 groups:

Incomings BOKU [semester]

BOKU Exchange Alumni
Accommodation exchange BOKU

Here you can exchange helpful information, look for rooms and keep contact with your new
international friends.

11. 2.

Newsletter for international students

The Center for International Relations publishes an international newsletter for students on a regular
basis. If you want to subscribe, please send a short e-mail to: buddy@boku.ac.at .

11. 3.

International "BOKU Stammtisch" (regular meeting)

All international and Austrian students are invited to join the weekly international "BOKU Stammtisch"
(regular meeting).
It is a good opportunity to exchange experiences with your international colleagues.
The meetings start on the first Wednesday of the semester and take place every Wednesday at
19:30 in the NachBar, Laudongasse 8, 1080 Vienna.

11. 4.

ESN-Events Events of the ERASMUS Student Network

The Erasmus Student Network (ESN) is one of the biggest interdisciplinary student associations in
Europe. The ESN is organizing a series of interesting events.
See: http://www.esn.org/content/esn-international-events

17

11. 5.

TWI association for communication and integration

The TWI is an open organisation that performs a number of different activities. It operates a cultural
pub at the main BOKU campus Trkenschanze and it offers products from guaranteed organic
sources. In TWI numerous cultural events are held such as concerts, DJ nights, festivals, readings,
films, theatre, cabarets, slide shows etc. International students, like all students, are invited to
contribute and participate.
See: http://tuewi.action.at/

11. 6.

Cultural activities

BOKU-Choir
In the BOKU choir, students and employed people sing together. The choir arranges trips and choir
weekends. Take a look at the BOKU choir website to learn more about their activities.
http://bokuchor.boku.ac.at/

BOKU brass band

In 2010, Austrias first university brass band was founded at BOKU. The brass band organizes several
concerts in every academic year. See: http://blaskapelle.boku.ac.at/

BOKU Ball

The BOKU ball takes place in the Viennese imperial palace (Wiener Hofburg). In this great ambience,
the beautiful celebration occurs at the beginning of every year. If you want to get to know the famous
Austrian ball tradition, this ball will be a great event for you. Have a look at the BOKU ball website for
further information: http://www.bokuball.at/ball2014/index.php/de/

18

B.

FIRST STEPS IN VIENNA

B 1.

Registration in Vienna

1. 1.

Local registration in Vienna

Everyone who lives in Austria is required by Austrian law to register with the local authorities.
Registration with the municipal authorities must be completed within three (working) days of your stay
in Austria. The documents required are a valid passport and the residence registration form
(Meldezettel).
The Meldezettel can be obtained at the municipal authorities, in the ZIB or downloaded at
http://www.wien.gv.at/verwaltung/meldeservice/pdf/meldezettel.pdf . When changing your address
during your stay in Vienna, you need to inform the municipal authorities by filling in a new
Meldezettel. A couple of days before your departure from Vienna, you need to sign off.
District Address
1.

Wipplingerstrae 8, ground floor

Telephone
(+43 1 4000 - )
01550

2.

Karmelitergasse 9, ground floor, room 15-17

02551

3.

Karl-Borromus-Platz 3, ground floor, Service-Center Landstrae

03551

5.

Rechte Wienzeile 105, Service Center Wienzeile

05551

6.

st

Hermanngasse 24-26, 1 floor, rooms 102

st

07551

9.

Wilbelm-Exner-Gasse 5, 1 floor, rooms E.11 and E.13

09551

10.

Laxenburger Strae 43-45, ground floor, rooms 1-4

10551

11.

Enkplatz 2, Amtshaus, left entrance, rooms 1-4

11552

12.

Schnbrunnerstrae 259, 2

nd

floor, rooms 208 209

rd

rd

12551

13.

Dommayergasse 12, 3 staircase, 3 floor, rooms 301-306

13551

15.

Gasgasse 8-10, main entrance, Front-Office

15551

16.

Richard-Wagner-Platz 19, ground floor

16551

17.

Elterleinplatz 14. 2

nd

17551

18.

Martinstrae 100, ground floor, room 2

18552

19.

Gatterburggasse 14, raised ground floor, right, room 119

19551

floor, room 210

st

20551

21.

Am Spitz 1, 1 floor, rooms 108-110

21551

22.

Schrdingerplatz 1, ground floor, Service Zentrum Donaustadt

22551

23.

Perchtoldsdorfer Str. 2, Service Center Liesing

23551

20.

Brigittaplatz 10, 1 floor, rooms 106-109

st

19

1. 2.

Registration in Austria (for a stay longer than 3 months)

If you are an EEA citizen (EU country + Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway) or a Swiss citizen and
you want to stay in Austria for longer than 3 months you have to register with the competent municipal
authority (Magistrat, Bezirkshauptmannschaft) at the latest 4 months after your registration in Vienna
and you will receive a confirmation of registration (up to EUR 55 fee).
For this registration the following documents are necessary:
filled in and signed application form
valid identification card or passport
proof of an adequate health insurance (e.g. European Health Insurance Card or Private Health
Insurance Policy)
proof of sufficient financial means
students also need a confirmation of admission by the university
This registration is necessary in addition to the one according to the Registration Act! In case of noncompliance with this regulation, a fine (up to EUR 200) may be imposed.
Please find more information at:
http://www.wien.gv.at/amtshelfer/dokumente/aufenthalt/daueraufenthalt/bescheinigungen/anmeldebes
cheinigung.html
http://www.wien.gv.at/verwaltung/personenwesen/pdf/anmeldebescheinigung.pdf

B 2.

Transport

2. 1.

Wiener Linien

Vienna has a dense network of public transport. Its 117 lines underground, tram, bus plus the local
trains (S-Bahn) can take you easily to any place in Vienna.
Wiener Linien
Customer Centre at the U3-stop Erdberg
Erdbergstrae 202, A-1030 Wien
Customer Service: +43 1 7909 100
Student-Hotline: +43 1 7909 120
Email: kundendienst@wienerlinien.at
http://www.wienerlinien.at/wl/ep/home.do?tabId=0
Opening hours:
Mo, We, Fr 8.00 am 3:00 pm, Th 8.00 am 5.30 pm
Night Busses
On weekends the subway runs 24 hours a day with at least one every twenty minutes. During the
week, there are night busses every 30 minutes when the underground is closed. No special ticket is
required as normal tickets are valid.
Timetable
On the homepage of the Wiener Linien (Viennese public transport) you find timetables and route
maps: http://www.wienerlinien.at/
Also www.AnachB.at is a very useful webpage to find your way in Vienna and there is also the
smartphone app qando.
Tickets
Students of an Austrian university who are not older than 25 can get a semester ticket, which is the
cheapest option if you stay for a semester or more (valid from February 1 June 30, or September 1
January 31) for 150. Please be aware that you get this ticket for half price ( 75) if Vienna is your
st
main residence (has to be indicated on the "Meldezettel", when registering in Vienna, only before 1
February/September). See: https://shop.wienerlinien.at/index.php/product/172/show/0/0/0/0.
During the course-free period in summer where the semester ticket is not valid (July, August), you can
buy monthly tickets for 48.2 per month.

20

These tickets can be bought in the Wiener Linien webshop or at any Wiener Linien counter.
With a valid BOKUcard (or the confirmation of registration at BOKU = Inskriptionsbesttigung), you get
the semester ticket online or at any ticket agency of the "Wiener Linien". During the Welcome Days
and Infosessions First Steps we will provide you with an English translation of the form.
Please make sure that you bring your "Meldebesttigung" (confirmation of registration in Vienna) when
you buy the ticket to prove that Vienna is your main residence.

2. 2.

Austrian Federal Railway System (BB)

An online-timetable and online tickets for Austria and certain destinations abroad can be found on the
BB website: http://www.oebb.at/en/index.jsp.
For a journey with the BB within the core zone Vienna (Kernzone 100) you only need a valid ticket
for the Wiener Linien. If you already have a ticket for Vienna you only need to get an BB-ticket
starting at the city limit (Stadtgrenze).
Tickets bought online or at machines are slightly cheaper than when you buy them at the counter.
Discount card - the VORTEILScard:
http://www.oebb.at/en/Customer_cards/VORTEILSCARD/index.jsp
The Vorteilscard entitles the cardholder to a 45 50% reduction on all tickets for travel on the
Austrian Federal Railway System. The Vorteilscard<26 is available to persons under the age of 26 at
a discount price of just 19.00 at all Austrian train stations (I.D. and one passport photograph
required). The card is valid for 1 year starting on the day issued.

Group Travels
For 2 to 5 people you can get a price reduction with the Einfach-Raus-Ticket for regional trains or a
MiniMax ticket for Euro/Intercity trains.
A group of 6 or more people travelling together in the same class to the destination station gets 30%
reduction on journeys up to 100 km away and 40% for more than 100 km. With a Vorteilscard<26
you pay only half of the already reduced price.

2. 3.

Bikes

Citybikes
The Citybike Wien (http://www.citybikewien.at/) system is an innovative and environmentally friendly
means of public transport and not a conventional bike rental system.
You can hire their bikes at many bike stations across Vienna and return them at any station,
independent of where you started your trip, 24 hours a day. To use Citybike Wien services, one-time
registration is required, either via the Internet or directly at a Citybike terminal. Registration is possible
by using a MAESTRO card (cash-dispensing card) issued by an Austrian bank, a credit card from
VISA, MasterCard, or JCB Credit card. Following your initial registration, you can hire one bike per
card immediately. Every time you use the bike, the first hour is free of charge, afterwards you pay a
certain fee.

Second hand bikes

Every first Wednesday of the month between 3 and 5pm the WUK bicycle work shop organises a
bicycle flea market. You can find WUK at Whringerstrae 59, 1090 Vienna.
Other good places to find inexpensive used bikes and plenty of other important things for cyclists are
IG Fahrrad (http://ig-fahrrad.at/) and Radhaus (http://dasradhaus.at/). From April to October you can
also go to FahrRadHaus Wien (http://www.wien.gv.at/verkehr/radfahren/fahrradhaus/) for bike-related
workshops, discussions, a library, borrowing cargo and other bikes and much more.

21

Additionally you can find cheap used bikes at www.willhaben.at or www.ebay.at.

2. 4.

Cars

Due to the difficult parking situation, we recommend that you use public transport or bikes in the centre
of Vienna (for the inner districts a Parkpickerl or parking permit is required for cars). Further
information about Parkpickerl and parking generally can be found at:
http://www.wien.gv.at/verkehr/parken/kurzparkzonen/ (in German).

B 3.

Bank account

Office hours vary from bank to bank. In general, the following timetable can be used as a guideline:
Mo, Tue, We, Fri: 8.00 am 12.30 pm and 1.30 am 3.00 pm,
Thu 8.00 am 12.30 pm and 1.30 pm 5.30 pm.
Exchanging money is possible without any identification at every Austrian bank. In most cases you
have to pay a fee. You need a passport for identification to exchange travellers-cheques. All banks
accept cheques but charge a fee.
A cash card (Bankomatkarte) allows you to withdraw money from any cash machine in Austria from
your account in your home country. Ask at your bank whether you have to pay a fee for this service.
Credit cards (Visa and MasterCard) are accepted in most of the major stores but not in Diskonters
such as Hofer or Lidl or supermarkets.
Opening a Bank Account
Most banks offer free bank accounts for students. To open an account, in most banks you need your
passport and your student I.D. Students older than 25 might have to provide proof of university
registration (Studienbesttigung).

B 4.

Phone and Internet

Telephone Book
The website http://www.herold.at/en/ helps you find phone numbers online.
Post offices should provide you with telephone books, which includes all regions of Austria.
Public phones
In Austria there are either coin-box telephones (taking 20 cent coins, 50 cent coins, 1 Euro and 2 Euro
coins) or ones that can be used with a calling card. You can buy calling cards in post offices and in
Tabak Trafiken (tobacco shops).
International Calls
International calls are cheapest when using a calling card for international calls. Like the ordinary
calling card you get them in post offices and in Tabak Trafiken but also in some special shops.
Theres quite a number of providers ask for the cheapest price for your country.
To use the card you need to dial a specific number, after that you need to type in a code (which is
usually behind a scratch-off panel on the card) before you can dial the phone number. These cards
mostly have a value of 5, 10 or 20.
Mobile Phone (Handy)
The most important provider of mobile phone services in Austria are A1, T-Mobile, Drei, bob and
Telering. You can either choose a one year contract or a prepaid card model.
Currently, the cheapest option of using mobile phones is most likely a prepaid simcard from Yesss!. or
HoT that you can buy at Hofer supermarket.
You can find a price comparison at: http://prepaid-vergleich.at/wertkarten-tarife-vergleich.html (in
German).

22

Internet
There are plenty of cafs and public places with free WIFI, you can check them out on:
http://www.helge.at/wlan/

B 5.

Shopping

Shopping in Vienna is possible nearly in any part of the city.

Of course, there are main shopping streets such as Krntnerstrae, Mariahilfer Strae,
Landstraer Hauptstrae, Favoritenstrae, Meidlinger Hauptstrae, etc.
A good way to find shops is by having a look at the yellow pages (http://www.herold.at).
Shopping centres are located at the main shopping streets or on the outskirts, e.g. the Millenium
City (U6 Handelskai), Gasometer (U3 Gasometer), and the Donauzentrum (U1 Kagran). A bit
outside of Vienna you find the Shopping City Sd (SCS) you can get there with a local train
(Badner Bahn). Theres also IKEA in Vienna, at the SCS and at the Sdosttangente which is a
main road connecting the north with the south of the city (24A Zwerchckerweg).
Unfortunately, there are also some pickpockets around in the city, especially near the major markets
like Naschmarkt or Brunnenmarkt. Please take care of your backpacks and purses.

B 6.

Sports

Vienna is a very green city so you can enjoy relaxing in one of the many parks.
If Trkenschanz Park next to BOKU is too small for you, you can go to the Donauinsel, the green
Prater, or even to the forests east and southeast of Vienna, the Wienerwald.
The botanical garden in the 3rd district might also be of special interest for you!
The University Sports Institute (USI)
A good possibility to meet Austrian students is to do sports together. Every semester, USI offers an
impressive number of courses for around 50,000 students. A complete list can be found on their
homepage. Additionally, the University Sports Institute organises trips like hiking, rock climbing, skiing
and snowboarding.
The registration form (Inskriptionsblatt) can be found on the homepage. You do not need to register in
person but if someone is doing it for you, they have to bring your student I.D.
University Sports Institute Vienna
Auf der Schmelz 6a, A-1150 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 4277 17001 Fax: +43 1 4277 9170
Email: usi@univie.ac.at
http://www.univie.ac.at/USI-Wien/index2.htm
Registration: (see homepage => Vorlesungsverzeichnis)
Swimming Pools
If you are keen on water, just check the list of indoor and outdoor pools:
http://www.wien.gv.at/freizeit/baeder/ (in German).

23

B 7.

Cultural activities in Vienna

To find out what is going on in Viennas theatres, concert halls and cinemas, please check the weekly
programme of the magazine Falter (German only): http://www.falter.at/
Theatre
A list of Viennas theatres can be found at:
http://www.wien.info/en/music-stage-shows/theater
Information about the programmes is also offered by online calendars of events (e.g.
http://www.events.at, http://www.oeticket.at). The current theatre programme is also published in the
daily newspapers or in the monthly programme of the Tourmismusverband (tourism board).
The Viennas English Theatre and the International Theatre Vienna produce performances in English.
Please look at:
http://www.englishtheatre.at/
Classical Music / Opera
Vienna is internationally known for its cultural and historical diversity. It is the city of classical music,
the world-famous Musikverein (the Viennese Music Association), the Opera House and several
theatres. All in all, there are more than 10 big stages, music halls and theatres, which perform different
shows every single night.
Cheaper Tickets for Students
Remaining theatre tickets for students (Restkarten) can be purchased for around 5.00 15 to 30
minutes before the beginning, when showing the student I.D. Furthermore, there is a good chance of
getting standing room tickets for 3.50 an hour before the beginning of the performance.
Cinema
For cinema fanatics, Vienna offers many beautiful movie theatres with a decent programme beyond
Hollywood mainstream. There are quite a few cinemas which show films in the original language with
German subtitles. In most cinemas at the beginning of the week, tickets are a bit cheaper. The
Filmcasino offers a carnet for 8 shows for 60.00, at the Votivkino in cooperation with the De
France there is a so-called Votivcard 10 shows for 62.00. The carnet for ten shows at the
Stadtkino is 65.00. In the newspapers, the Falter, and on its homepage http://www.falter.at, as
well as on the homepage of the cinema magazine Skip http://www.skip.at and at http://www.film.at,
you can find the complete programme for all cinemas in Vienna.
Festivals
Donauinselfest (Danube Island Festival)
From June 26 28 2015, the Danube Island Festival takes place. Over a length of several kilometres
big stars and not so big stars perform a diverse selection of (musical) acts on different stages. Youll
have to squeeze in as half of Vienna will be there! (free entry). http://2015.donauinselfest.at/
Popfest at Karlsplatz
From July 23 - 26 2015, Karlplatz turns into a pop music scenario with many international and local
musicians (free entry). http://popfest.at/splash/
Afrikatage (African days)
From July 31 August 16 2015, there will be a big open-air venue alongside the Danube with live
music, stands with handcrafted goods and political information, delicious food and much more, all
about African culture. http://wien.afrika-tage.de/
Museums
Vienna is full of all kinds of museums. The offer is so big that you would need to stay for a whole
course of studies to thoroughly visit all of them. The Museumsquartier has an outstanding location
with the Leopold-Museum, the MUMOK, the Kunsthalle Wien, the ZOOM Kindermuseum and
the Architektur Zentrum Wien. Find more information at www.mqw.at/ .

24

Cultural Institutes
Some countries (e.g. Italy, Hungary, Poland, Great Britain) maintain cultural institutes in Vienna, which
offer special events (film evenings, exhibitions, concerts ).
The addresses of these institutes can be found on the pages of the Austrian Foreign Ministry:
http://www.bmeia.gv.at/en/foreign-ministry/startpage.html
On the main page you can choose a country in the box on the right side country information.
If you mark representations in Austria as topic, you will also find the cultural institutes.

B 8.

Illness or personal problems

8. 1.

In case of illness

A list of doctors in Vienna can be found in the phone book and at www.praxisplan.at (search for
language skills is possible). In case you need a doctor you should try to find out in advance whether
he/she is working together with the Viennese health insurance service (Wiener
Gebietskrankenkasse).
In order to see the doctor, you either need a health insurance card or a European Health Insurance
Card (e.g. EHIC). This form should be accepted by most of the doctors. If you have an expired EHIC
card you need to take it to the Viennese health service straight after your arrival. In case of illness
you need to get a health certificate from the Viennese health service and give it to the doctor. If you
have insured yourself directly with the Viennese health insurance service you also need the get a
health certificate there.
In Vienna, you can find many hospitals. Heres just a small selection:
Allgemeines Krankenhaus der Stadt Wien (AKH)
Whringer Grtel 18-20, A-1090 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 40400-0
http://www.akhwien.at

Krankenanstalt Rudolfstiftung
Juchgasse 25, A-1030 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 71165-0
http://www.wienkav.at/kav/kar/

Sozialmedizinisches Zentrum Ost Donauspital

Langobardenstrae 122, A-1220 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 288 02- 0
http://www.wienkav.at/kav/dsp/

Wilhelminenspital
Montleartstrae 37, A-1160 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 49150-0
http://www.wienkav.at/kav/wil/

Krankenhaus Lainz
Wolkerbergenstrae 1, A-1130 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 80110-0
http://www.wienkav.at/kav/khl/

Unfallkrankenhaus Lorenz Bhler

Donaueschingerstrae 13, A-1200 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 33110
http://www.auva.sozvers.at

Krankenhaus der Barmherzigen Brder

(also helps patients WITHOUT INSURANCE)
Johannes von Gott-Platz 1, A-1020 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 21121-0
http://www.barmherzige-brueder.at/site/wien/sprachen/en
Emergency Phone Numbers in Austria:
Fire Brigade: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance (emergency doctor): 144

25

8. 2.

Psychosocial Crises

In case of mental illness you should turn either to the psychosocial emergency hotline (Sozialnotruf)
of the city of Vienna or the social psychiatric emergency service.
Psychosocial emergency hotline of the city of Vienna (Sozialnotruf der Stadt Wien)
Tel.: +43 1 53377 77
Email: sozialruf@m47,magwien.gv.at
Daily
8.00 am 8.00 pm
Social Psychiatric Emergency Service (Sozialpsychiatrischer Notdienst)
Fuchsthalergasse 18, A-1090 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 31330
Opening hours: Mo Su 0:00 am 12.00 pm (24 hours)
The Psychological Counseling Services support you with the choice and start of your academic
studies, coach you with your personal development and provide advice regarding academic and
personal concerns.
The Psychological Counseling Services
Lederergasse 35/4.Stock, 1080 Wien
Tel.: 0043/1-402 30 91
E-Mail: psychologische.studentenberatung(at)univie.ac.at
Website: http://www.studierendenberatung.at/home.html?L=1
Mo-Fr: 9.00 am 12.00 am and 1.00 pm 3.00 pm (except for Tuesday mornings)

8. 3.

Problems with Drugs

In case of problems with drugs you should either turn to the centre for addicts (Zentralstelle fr
Suchtkranke) or go to the Ganslwirt. In this converted restaurant you can receive medical
attendance all around the clock as well as social advice.
Further information at: http://www.drogenhilfe.at .
Centre for Addicts
Dblerhofstrae 10 A, A-1030 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 4000-53 470
Opening hours: Mo 8.00 am 7.00 pm Tu - Fr 8.00 am- 4.30 pm
Jedmayer - Suchthilfe Wien
Gumpendorfer Grtel 8
1060 Wien
www.jedmayer.at

B 9.

Safety

It is worth living in Vienna!

For the fourth time Vienna has been rated the most liveable city worldwide according to the 2012
Quality of Living worldwide city ranking published by the international consulting firm Mercer. The
Mercer study takes into account political, social, economic and environmental aspects, but also a
number of further factors like personal safety and public services in various fields, e.g. healthcare,
education and training, or traffic and transport.
The ranking Best student cities in the World 2012 published by the British international education
company Quacquarelli Symonds, puts Vienna in fifteenth place, behind only 5 cities in Europe Paris, London, Zurich, Munich and Berlin.

26

However, in certain places, you should take good care of your belongings. If something is stolen from
you or you lose something, immediately report it to the closest police station. In Vienna, you can also
turn to the lost and found service (Fundstellen) of the municipal authorities (Magistratische
Bezirksmter - only in German) or to the headquarters of the lost and found service (only in German).
If you lose an important document e.g. certificate, contract, I.D.,you should report it to the police or a
lost and found service. Here you will receive an official notice of loss, which you need to take to the
issuer of the document in order to get a replacement.
Emergency phone numbers:
Fire brigade: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144
European Emergency Services: 112
Emergency services for the hearing impaired : 0800 133 133
On-duty medical unit: 141
Support for women: 01/71 71 9
Telephone Counselling Hotline: 142
In case of problems, please contact your coordinator at the Centre for International Relations for
support.

B 10.

Foreign representatives in Vienna

The foreign representatives of your country (embassy, consulate ) can be found at the pages of the
Austrian Foreign Ministry: http://www.bmeia.gv.at
On the main page you can choose a country in the box on the right side country information.
If you mark representations in Austria as topic, you will reach a page with the contact persons and
addresses.

27

Imprint:
Edited by the

Center for International Relations

University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna
Peter-Jordan-Strae 82a, A-1190 Wien
Tel.: +43 1 47654 2600
Fax: +43 1 47654 2606
Email: international@boku.ac.at
Web: http://www.boku.ac.at/int-in.html

Printed at University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna

The information in this guide was recently updated but the editor cannot guarantee its accuracy.
Last update: January 2015