Universität Dortmund

The one downfall is that other students are very eager to gain english practice by talking to you in English, and this can be a negative experience if it means that you dont gain the German language practice, this can be made into a positive experience if it is a two way learning experience. If looking for an extra source of income, there is always opportunity to give paid English lessons either privately or at institutions in the city. You must make sure that your health insurance is organised before leaving your native country otherwise this can cause problems on arrival as you need it to be able to register at the university.

The housing was better than expected, generally more spacious than accomodations at home.

Get a copy of the city plan for local and regional transportation to keep.

It's a different experience. Take however much you can from it! It's easy to travel arround and find possibilities to do it cheap.

It is not a stressfull year. Use it to your advantage; travel, meet new people. If you do you will make the most of the year and have a ball.