WELCOME

This prospectus has been prepared by the UNIVERSITY OF MISKOLC with the financial support of the SOCRATES/ERASMUS programme 2008 WELCOME Thank you for your interest in the University of Miskolc. You may be thinking of choosing this university as a place of study for several weeks or months in one of our exchange programmes. You may have already found Hungary and Miskolc on the map and you have a basic idea where they are situated. But sheer geographic facts do not say much about the appeal, values and good atmosphere of a prospective temporary domicile. This brochure intends to guide you through the most important information you have to be aware of, and to give you practical assistance in the arrangement of your stay at our university. Please spare some moments and go through the chapters carefully. We hope that you will have good impressions and this short insight into our academic life will draw the picture of an attractive university for you. If, finally, you make the decision to be one of our exchange students, you will not regret your choice: you will find yourself at a university of a long historical past dating back to its foundation in 1735; amongst traditions which have been cherished and carried on by generations; and in the joyful community of about 14,000 students in the nice natural environment of a huge park. If you have made up your mind, for more information please contact the person who is in charge of the specific exchange programme and who is available at the addresses under chapter “Contact addresses”. We will be glad to meet you at our university and will be ready to be at your service with all your questions. Have a good time and a pleasant stay in Miskolc. Staff of Exchange Programmes International Relations Office CONTENTS FACTS ABOUT HUNGARY MISKOLC AND ITS SURROUNDINGS UNIVERSITY OF MISKOLC: PAST AND PRESENT ARRIVAL IN HUNGARY (HOW TO GET TO THE UNIVERSITY?) VISA REQUIREMENTS – RESIDENCE PERMIT ACADEMIC CALENDAR CONTACT ADDRESSES APPLICATION – REGISTRATION ACCOMMODATION STUDENT CARD HEALTH INSURANCE – HEALTH CARE UNIVERSITY FACILITIES – TOWN WITHIN THE TOWN PURSUING STUDIES LANGUAGE LEARNING SURVIVAL DICTIONARY OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION PARTNER UNIVERSITIES IN ERASMUS SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN ENGLISH IN ERASMUS FACTS ABOUT HUNGARY Location Hungary lies in the heart of Europe in the Carpathian Basin and borders on 7 countries (Austria, Slovakia, The Ukraine, Romania, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia-Montenegro). It covers an area of 93 sq. km, the number of population is 10.3 million. Its geographical landscape varies from the Great Plain to medium-height mountain ranges, with two rivers, the Danube and the Tisza, dividing the country into 3 geographical regions. In the central part of the Transdanubia region lies Lake Balaton, the largest shallow-water lake of Central Europe. Climate Hungary has continental but relatively moderate climate with no extreme temperatures and with a minimum of rain. Because of the distance from the Equator, there are 4 seasons, of which spring and summer are the most beautiful. Autumn and winter bring cold days with snow. Hungary’s temperate climate is similar to the rest of the continental zone: January is usually the coldest month (- 100C- + 40C), July the hottest (270 – 320). Do not expect extreme temperatures, but be sure to bring a full array of clothing all seasons. Currency The official currency is the Forint/Ft (HUF). Coins used are 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100; banknotes are 200, 500, 1,000 2,000 5,000 10,000 and 20,000. You can change money either in banks or in private change bureaux. The rates differ quite a lot. Most banks charge no commission for changing traveller’s cheques. You can also find several Bankomat machines; their service fees can be up to 3%. Credit cards (American Express, MasterCard, EuroCard, Visa, etc.) are accepted in a lot of places; look for their stickers in the shop windows. Exchange rate The approximate exchange rate is: 1 EURO = 262 HUF (March 2008) More information at : http://www.fsz.bme.hu/hungary MISKOLC AND ITS SURROUNDINGS Location Miskolc is situated in the north-eastern part of Hungary at the so-called Miskolc Gate, where the mountains of the Highlands become hills and the Sajó and Hernád rivers flow towards the Great Hungarian Plain. From the Avas hill a beautiful view opens to the surrounding area: to the north the 2,000-meter high peaks of the Tatras, to the south the Great Hungarian Plain, to the west the Bükk mountains climb over the horizon, and to the east the Tokaj Hill can be seen above the royal wine-district. Here, at the intersection of the two geographical regions, lies today’s Miskolc, the 3rd largest town in Hungary, with a population of 200,000. History The territory of and around the city was inhabited as early as prehistoric times. Throughout the centuries the town gained more and more importance and by the 14th century it became a commercial and market town. The town was not favoured by history: the Turkish, then the Habsburg occupation, the struggles of wars of independence, several floods, fires and epidemics caused huge devastation, however, development did not stop, on the contrary, it speeded up in the years of industrialisation in the 2nd half of the 19th century. This was the time when the foundations of heavy industry (iron works, blast furnace, plate mill works) were laid down. No wonder that after World War II, up to 1990, this region was the country’s main heavy industrial centre. With the shift from the socialist era into market economy, the town faced serious new problems and challenges which were brought about by the degeneration of industry and growing unemployment. Though many of the problems live on, the town has found its place, role and image in the new era. Sights As you are going to spend a short period of your life in this town, you cannot miss the opportunity of visiting its famous and peculiar sights, and also its picturesque surroundings. Some of them can easily be reached on foot from downtown, others are a bit farther off and you have to take a bus. Discover the town and enjoy its values. Here is a short list of what is worth seeing: National Theatre, Avas Hill with its TV tower and the ancient Calvinist Church at its foot, Greek Orthodox Church and Museum, Herman Ottó Museum , Diósgyőr Castle, Lillafüred, Palace Hotel and the lake, Tapolca, Cave Bath. Shopping The majority of shops, supermarkets, stores, shopping centres, plazas and the traditional market are concentrated in the centre of the town within a relatively short radius. If you start walking from Kaiser’s supermarket (C&S store) to any direction along the main roads, you will surely find what you need in a few minutes. Similarly, you will come across post offices and banks. There are some hypermarkets (Cora, Metro, Tesco) in the outskirts of the town; they can be reached easily and directly by city buses. In most supermarkets you can pay with bank card. Leisure time activities The town can boast of a vivid cultural life and offers a wide choice of leisure time activities too. Cinemas and multiplex movies can be found downtown, along Széchenyi Street, in Szinvapark shopping centre and Miskolc Plaza. If you want to have a good meal or just a snack, or to drink something and have a pleasant chat with friends, you will surely bump into a nice restaurant or café. The theatre offers performances in all kinds of genres from the palette of Hungarian and world literature and music. Permanent and temporary exhibitions are on display in the Art Gallery and the museums. The theatre, the churches and Bartók Béla Music Institute (Palace of Music) often host concerts of classical music. One of the most famous musical events is the series of organ concerts in the Avas Church. The town has its own Symphony Orchestra, and the Music Institute has its own choir. If you are interested in pop/rock music, just be attentive and look for the big posters all over the town to know the place and date of concerts. You can practice body training in one of the numerous gyms and fitness centres, or you can go to the swimming pool. You may long for a walk in a picturesque environment, to breathe some fresh air and have a peaceful recreation: your wish comes true if you go to Lillafüred, Tapolca or the Bükk Mountains. More information on the town: http://www.miskolc.hu UNIVERSITY OF MISKOLC: PAST AND PRESENT In 1949, Act XXIII of the Hungarian Parliament decreed: “for the advancement of higher educational technical training, a technical university for heavy industry is to be established in Miskolc. The university will contain faculties of mining, metallurgical and mechanical engineering.” The new technical university in the heart of the industrial zone of Borsod county has a 266year-old history. In 1735, the Court Chamber of Vienna founded a school of mining and metallurgy in order to train specialists according to the requirements of the industrial revolution, and to upgrade precious metal and copper mining in Hungary. This school of mining and metallurgy, the predecessor of the Faculties of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, which operated in Selmecbánya until 1919, then in Sopron until 1949, was the first HEI set up by the state in the territory of the Hapsburg Empire, and, at the same time, the first HEI in the field of technology in the world. In 1949 the two faculties moved to Miskolc and were complemented by the newly established Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Since that time new faculties have emerged, making the university a real universitas which embraces a wide-range of sciences and specialisations. As a result of the integration of HEIs, Comenius Teacher Training College (faculty status) in Sárospatak has merged into the framework of the university. And development will never stop: there are endeavours to further widen the many-sided training character of the institution, combined with the largescale modernisation of premises, IT and infrastructural background, and construction of new facilities. The 21st century will see a reborn and revived university of high standards, but one which still sticks to its traditions, facing the challenges in all aspects of life in the coming era. The university continues to be a research centre too: the scientific and research work in the research centres at and around the university are the firm ground the international fame of Miskolc in the world of sciences built on. The scientific and educational activities are determined by the diversity of disciplines. Over 15,000 students and appr. 2,000 lecturers and staff live and work together on a self-contained campus. The university also builds strong intellectual and cultural links with the city of Miskolc in order to play a crucial role in the blood circulation of the town and the region and to form an integral part of the social and economic framework of the city, the region and the country. The University of Miskolc is focusing on preparing to meet the requirements of the next millennium. The university has the following faculties and institutes: Faculty of Earth Science and Engineering (founded 1735) Faculty of Materials Science Engineering (founded 1735) Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Information Technology (founded 1949) Faculty of Law (founded 1981) Faculty of Economics (founded in 1987) Faculty of Arts (founded in 1992) Faculty of Health Science (accession 2001) Comenius Teacher Training College in Sárospatak (accession 2000) Bartók Béla Institute of Music (accession 1997) The University of Miskolc has wide-ranging international relations in Europe and overseas. Cooperation agreements with a great number of foreign universities have been reached during the decades, which form the basis of well-established collaboration in the field of education and research. The university has been an active participant, either as coordinator or partner, in European educational and research projects. More information at : http://www.uni-miskolc.hu ARRIVAL IN HUNGARY (How to get to the university?) By Air You will arrive at 2A or 2B terminals of Ferihegy Airport. You are advised to take the Airport-Minibus from the airport to Keleti Railway station. Airport Minibus Service : 00-36-1-296-8555 By Train You will probably arrive in Budapest at either Keleti or Nyugati Railway Stations (East or West Railway Stations). Both of them are located in the city centre. Trains to Miskolc start from Keleti, so if you arrive at Nyugati, you have to take the underground to get to Keleti (5 stops, with changing from the blue line to the red line at Deák tér). From Budapest to Miskolc: By train There are InterCity trains running from Keleti railway station to Miskolc in every hour. Travel time: approx. 2 hours, without stopping (or with one stop). SEAT RESERVATION IS REQUIRED ON THESE TRAINS! Further information on train timetables: http://www.elvira.hu By bus Departure from Budapest (Népstadion Coach Station) Arrival in Miskolc; getting from the railway station to the university: By taxi You will arrive at Tiszai railway station. To take a taxi is the best and easiest way to get to the university. Travel fare:  HUF 2,000. By public transport Numbered buses run in all directions across the city, and even beyond the city borders. Another means of transport is the tram (No. 1 and 2), running along the East-West axis of the town. DIRECT CONNECTION TO THE UNIVERSITY: Bus No. 31 starting from the railway station will take you to the campus site where you have to get off - at UNI-HOTEL (if you want to go to your accommodation first) or - at the terminus (A/4 Central building of the university) if you want to go to the International Office first. It takes 25 minutes to get from the railway station to the university. Tickets and cards are available at the railway station (at the bus stop) or at street ticket stands of the Local Transportation Company, or from the drivers. Get your change ready, the exact price of the ticket if possible, because the driver might not give you back change. The price of the ticket is lower if pre-purchased (200 HUF) and higher (280 HUF) if bought on the vehicle. VISA REQUIREMENTS – RESIDENCE PERMIT Visa regulations for exchange students FROM EU COUNTRIES No visa is needed. You can enter the country freely and can stay 90 days without any residence procedures with the authorities. If your stay is going to be longer than 90 days, you have to appear in the Immigration Office before the end of the 90th day and apply for a residence permit. FROM NON-EU COUNTRIES You have to apply for a student visa at the Hungarian Embassy in your country. Contact the Embassy first and get the necessary information about the type of visa and documents you need. Make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 more months after the end of your intended stay. If you have your proper student visa, no problem will occur with the authorities. In 3 days after arrival, you will have to have your local address registered at the Immigration Office. Residency regulations for exchange students NON-EU STUDENTS If your stay does not exceed 30 days, there will be no administrative procedures and you do not have to appear before any authorities. In case of a stay up to 90 days, you have the obligation to report your address in Hungary to the Immigration Office within 3 days after arrival. A special form should be used to do so, either signed by the university (if you live in the students hall of residence), or by the owner of the house (if you live in a private accommodation). If your stay exceeds 90 days, you will have to apply for a temporary residence permit. Your application will consist of - your student visa in your passport - application form - proof of domicile in Hungary (a special form should be filled in and signed by the accommodation provider) - valid passport, - 2 photos - medical check-up certificate - certificate of attendance by the university - some money to pay procedural fees. After submitting the above documents, you can collect your residence permit within a few days. Immigration and Naturalisation Office 3520 Miskolc, Kazinczy Str. 32 Open hours: Mon, Fri 8.30 – 12.30 Wedn 8.30 – 17.00 Tel: +36 46 500-690 For more information on visa and residency regulations, please visit http://www.studyinhungary.hu ACADEMIC CALENDAR The semesters start on the first or second Mondays of September/February Autumn semester September – December: 15-week study period December – January: about 6-week examination period (the university closes for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays) Spring semester February – May: May – June: 15- week study period (including a few days’ Easter holiday) about 6-week examination period Holidays (the university and the shops are closed) 1 January Easter Monday Whit Monday 23 October 24-25-26 December 15 March 1 May 20 August 1 November CONTACT ADDRESSES Depending on your student status and the programme you are going to join, you have to find and contact one of the following programme coordinators, both before your study programme and after your arrival at the university: ERASMUS PROGRAMME Dr. István Kerekes, Institutional Erasmus Coordinator Tel: +36 46 565111/ext. 18-74 Fax: +36 46 365174 E-mail: mechker@uni-miskolc.hu Office: Bld. A/4, room 436, Department of Mechanics Edit Szőke, European Programmes Officer, Erasmus Assistant Tel: +36 46 565111/ext. 22-76 Fax: +36 46 365174 E-mail: rekszoke@uni-miskolc.hu Office: Bld. A/4, room 107, International Relations Office LEONARDO PROGRAMME Dr. Péter Bikfalvi, Institutional Leonardo Coordinator Tel: +36 46 565111/ext. 19-47 Fax: +36 46 365174 E-mail: bikfalvi@uni-miskolc.hu Office: Institute of Information Technology Edit Szőke, European Programmes Officer, Erasmus Assistant Tel: +36 46 565111/ext. 22-76 Fax: +36 46 365174 E-mail: rekszoke@uni-miskolc.hu Office: Bld. A/4, room 107, International Relations Office CEEPUS PROGRAMME Edit Szőke, European Programmes Officer, Institutional Ceepus Coordinator Tel: +36 46 565111/ext. 22-76 Fax: +36 46 365174 E-mail: rekszoke@uni-miskolc.hu Office: Bld. A/4, room 107, International Relations Office Anett Horváth, Ceepus Assistant Tel: +36 46 565111/ext. 10-16 Fax: +36 46 365174 E-mail: rekhoan@uni-miskolc.hu Office: Bld. A/4, room 109, International Relations Office Homepage of exchange programmes: http://meph.iit.uni-miskolc.hu APPLICATION – REGISTRATION Exchange students Please visit the web-site of exchange programmes at http://meph.iit.uni-miskolc.hu, read the information and download the application form in the English section. You can contact the programme coordinators or officers by phone, fax or e-mail if you have further questions to clarify. Please keep the set deadlines, however, just slightly late applications will be accepted. A CEEPUS visit should be arranged through the network coordinators at the sending institution and the National CEEPUS Offices. The application must be submitted through the on-line electronic system at http://www.ceepus.info and the set deadlines of the programme should be respected. The programme officers will help you to arrange your stay both in academic matters and accommodation. After your arrival, you are expected to contact the programme officers (see contact details under chapter “Contact addresses”). APPLICATION DEADLINES: ERASMUS: 15 JUNE - FOR THE AUTUMN SEMESTER 31 OCTOBER - FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER THE APPLICATION FORM AND LEARNING AGREEMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE BEFORE THESE DEADLINES. CEEPUS: IN THE ELECTRONIC DATABASE AT http://www.ceepus.info 15 JUNE - FOR THE AUTUMN SEMESTER 31 OCTOBER - FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER A SEPARATE APPLICATION FORM AND LEARNING AGREEMENT SHOULD BE SENT TO THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICE BEFORE 30 JUNE - FOR THE AUTUMN SEMESTER 15 NOVEMBER - FOR THE SPRING SEMESTER BY THOSE CEEPUS STUDENTS WHO PLAN TO STAY 3 MONTHS OR MORE. PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS ON ONE-MONTH STAY DO NOT NEED TO SEND US THE APPLICATION FORM AND LEARNING AGREEMENT. ACCOMMODATION For exchange students The International Office will arrange accommodation in UNI-HOTEL or in one of the other halls of residence on campus. Early applications are welcome, as the number of places is limited and accommodation in the students halls of residence cannot be guaranteed in all cases. The International Office will keep you informed about accommodation. The monthly accommodation fee is about 120 – 130 EUR/month/person. No advance payment before arrival, but 70 EUR caution is to be paid on arrival in addition to the first month’s fee. The amount of the caution will be given back to the student in full or a part of it on the day of leaving, depending on whether there is any damage caused in the room. If your accommodation is in the halls of residence, you will need 2 photos to have your entry card. STUDENT CARD International exchange students are entitled to take out a student card from the Registrar’s Office. You will be charged some fee of a small amount. Please bring passport size photos with you. The programme officer will give you a student status certificate, which will allow you to start the administrative procedure. You will be given assistance in all administrative affairs by a Hungarian mentor student. A student card entitles the student to the same benefits as Hungarian students enjoy (e.g. reduced travel fare). You will probably want to buy a bus card (monthly coupon) which is valid for all bus and tram lines and this way, you will have the chance to go freely all around the town. HEALTH INSURANCE – HEALTH CARE It is good to know that first aid and emergency aid are free for foreigners, but you will be billed for any further treatment. State clinics are cheaper than visiting a private doctor’s surgery. Before departure, please check with your health insurance authorities if there is any inter-governmental agreement including mutual health care between the two countries, and also make sure that you have sufficient insurance for possible health care in Hungary. EUresidents must posses the E111 health insurance (i.e. the European Health Insurance Card) issued in their home countries. However, foreign students can also take out an insurance policy in Hungary in order to avoid paying big amounts of money for medical treatment. You can join the Voluntary Social Security Group at the local Health Insurance Office by making an insurance contract. It must be renewed monthly, so it can provide permanent security for the student. SPECIAL NOTICE FOR NON-EU STUDENTS: you must have some kind of insurance in Hungary, even for basic medical care. The best way to get access to free-of-charge medical care is to have a temporary residence permit in Hungary, for which you have to apply in the Immigration Office after your arrival. This residence permit, together with your Hungarian student card, will entitle you to get the necessary medical treatment. If any health problems arise during your stay, you can visit the university surgery/dentistry in hall of residence E/4, groundfloor. Ask someone to go with you to avoid language problems. After a medical check-up, the doctor will decide if you need special examination or hospital treatment. If so, you will be given a warrant for further examination or hospitalisation. Consulting hours: at the doctor’s: Mon – Fri 7.00 – 11.00, Thurs 12.00 – 16.00, at the dentist’s: Mon – Wed 7.00 – 15.00, Tue – Thurs 12.00 – 20.00, Fri: 7.00 – 14.00 UNIVERSITY FACILITIES – TOWN WITHIN THE TOWN The campus is called the “university town” and it is no wonder. As it lies in the outskirts of Miskolc, students do not always have the time to go or they simply do not feel like going downtown for different services. This mini town offers all kinds of facilities and services on the spot. Central Library The university operates a library network which includes the Central Library (built in 1969) and the libraries of the faculties, institutes and departments. The primary task of the library is to serve the requirements of training and research. It is also a national technical library in the field of mining and metallurgy and – due to its position – it serves as an East-Hungarian regional special library in the field of technical and natural sciences, besides law and economics. The total stock contains about 600,000 books and 2,663 journals and the library has 100,000 users every year. Since the 1920s, within the framework of the international exchange of publications, the library has cooperated with 349 organisations in 52 countries, and since 1985 an ON-LINE computer network has operated to aid industrial and university research. Open hours: Mon – Fri 8.00 – 20.00 Reading-room service: all books and other facilities can be used on the spot but cannot be borrowed or taken out of the library. During summer, the library closes for a period of time and is only open for duty hours. The Selmec Museum Library stores the complete stock, some 30,000 volumes, from the library of the ancient Alma Mater of Selmecbánya from the years 1735 – 1919. The permanent exhibition displaying the unique collection of the technical publications of the 16th – 19th centuries has thousands of Hungarian and foreign visitors every year. The Archives of the university store historic materials from the two-and a half-century history of the university, as well as the professional heritage of outstanding scientists of the university, films, tapes, photographs, etc. On the occasion of anniversaries the archives organise several historic exhibitions displaying many of the valuable relics. The Historical Collection preserves the material relics of education and the life of youth and displays them in a permanent exhibition (“From Selmec to Miskolc, 1735 – 1985”). A number of temporary exhibitions can be visited by the public too. You will an entry card to use the library. Go upstairs to the reading room on the first floor, register at the receptionist desk and have your permanent library card. Access to computers During your studies, you can have access to PCs and the internet either at the host department, or in the public computer rooms of the university (Bld. A/1, 2nd floor, room 204). You need the student card to be allowed to use the computer rooms. Another place where you can find computers is the Netcafé (Bld. A/4, 3rd floor), which is actually a buffet and you can have a meal or drink at the same time. If your accommodation is in UNI-HOTEL and your have your own notebook with you, you will find internet connection in your room. Sports Students of the university can be actively involved in sports life. University courses include compulsory classes of Physical Education, offering a wide range of sports branches: swimming, badminton, tennis, football, basketball, volleyball, fitness training, gymnastics, aerobics, karate. The Sports Club of the University of Miskolc (MEAFC) offers facilities for professional sports in 13 branches. Facilities are extensive: a circular sports hall, a training hall, a conditioning gym, football fields, athletic tracks and fields, tennis court. The Students’ Sport Club (DSK) is run by students with the professional supervision of the Department of Physical Education. There is a membership fee to join the Club. If you do not find what you want at the university, there is a variety of private gyms and fitness centres all around the town. Bank You are advised not to carry too much cash with you. You can find an office of ERSTE Bank in building C/1, 1st floor. It offers a full range of bank services and you can open an account if necessary. Open hours: Mon – Wed 8.00 – 15.00, Thurs 8.00 – 16.00, Fri 8.00 – 13.00. You can use your credit or debit card in several cash dispenser machines at the university. Eating at the university The university has a large canteen in the restaurant building, upstairs, and a smaller one in the same building downstairs. You can choose from all kinds of hot meals á la carte or from a two-choice menu, and pay for them at the cash-desk. Lunch is served Mon-Sat 11.000 – 15.00. If you prefer eating somewhere else, you can do so in the cafeterias, buffets, snack bars in different parts of the university (Bld. A/4, 3rd floor; Bld. A/6, basement; Bld. A/1. groundfloor; Bld. A/3. groundfloor; Bld. B/2, groundfloor) where cold and hot meals, beverages, coffee, tea, cakes, sandwiches, pizzas, hamburgers are served. You can also find a few coffee and coke machines all over the campus site. Postal services The university post-office is at your disposal with all postal services. It is located in the groundfloor of the same building where the canteen is. Entrance is through the rear side of the building. Open hours: Mon – Fri 8.00 – 15.30 (lunch break 12.00 –12.30). The latest postal charges are on display at the customer’s desk, so you can check what stamps you need. You can also use express mail or courier mail services in post-offices where you see the logos (TNT, EMS, DHL). Mailboxes in Hungary are red and emptied daily. Pay phones operate with 10, 20, 50 and 100 HUF coins or phone cards. Card-operated phones are much reliable and are rarely out of work. Coins are sometimes swallowed and disappear forever. Phone numbers in Budapest have 7 digits, in other cities 6. If you want to make a long-distance call, dial: - 06 and wait for the tone - area code - phone number. For international calls, dial - 00 and wait for the tone - country code - area code - phone number Phone numbers beginning with 06-20, 06-30, 06-60 and 06-70 are for mobile phones. You can find several pay phones (both types) in the territory of the campus (inside and outside the two major blocks, post-office, each of the halls of residence). Shopping You have to go downtown to do your shopping in one of the big supermarkets. Stationary and Photocopying You can find a stationary shop in Bld. A/1, groundfloor. Copying is also possible at the same place. Some stationary items are available in the grocery shop too. A number of photocopiers (both coin and man-operated) are installed at different parts of the university (e.g. in academic blocks and the library). Calculate the exact amount per sheet as the machine does not give change. Services in UNI-HOTEL Grocery shop, cafeteria, solarium, sauna, fitness gym, club, beauty parlour, hairdresser’s shop) Cultural Life Student traditions can be traced back to the cradle, i.e. the Academy in Selmecbánya. Since its foundation these traditions are preserved despite the ups and downs of history, changing location and constant renewal. Throughout generations students have never given up enriching and embellishing them by new ones. To put these traditions into practice calls for different ceremonial events, which are organised by the students and are extremely popular. The traditions make the University of Miskolc a second home for students and give them lifelong experience and memories which have an influence on their human attitude both in life and work. The feeling of community and belonging together is the binding force among students. Each faculty has its ceremonial and inauguration parties where the traditional songs and rhymes are chanted and students are given their traditional ribbons, mugs and rings. The university is strongly committed to be a cultural centre too and is open to give home to all kinds of cultural events. Art exhibitions are regularly held in Galéria exhibition hall. Concerts organised in the Grand Assembly Hall of the university attract the lovers of classical music, while the fans of Hungarian pop/rock bands can enjoy the music of their favourites in Rockwell Club, or you can have a good time and dance in the disco in hall of residence E/2. You can also find a cinema (Bld. A/1, groundfloor, lecture hall I) and a few film clubs: look for the posters on corridor walls to see the films on offer. The university has its own newspaper and editorial staff. The newspaper MERT is published biweekly and contains a lot of interesting articles on timely matters of university life, useful information about cultural events both at the university and in town, interviews with teachers and members of the university management, literary pieces by talented students. Students’ Self-Government This student organisation will be responsible for the social integration of foreign students into the large community of Hungarian students. They will help the newcomers in the practical arrangement of all administrative affairs related to registration and orientation at the university, but they will also organise different programmes and parties to give exchange students an insight into the everyday life of Hungarians, to make them familiar with the historical and cultural values of this country, and to have fun together. PURSUING STUDIES The university offers its whole range of courses in Hungarian and a great number of subjects in English at all faculties. Exchange students Exchange students can choose subjects from the lists in the ECTS Guide, clicking on the faculty they are interested in. A link will direct you to the English homepage of the given faculty, where you can find the list of offered courses, name of the teachers, short descriptions of the content of the courses, forms of assessment and obtainable credits. The lists are subject to changes and modifications. Please note that most of these subjects will not be instructed in classes, but in the form of individual consultations with the teachers during personal contact hours. The final assessment of your studies will be given on the basis of the following elements: consultancy hours, individual project work (individual elaboration of specialised literature) in the departmental or central libraries, submitted interim reports (if requested by the teachers), final report/exam (oral or written). The ECTS credits are fully compatible and equivalent with the EU ECTS credits. In addition, there is a 5-scale grading system to assess the students’ achievements: 5 – excellent, 4 – good, 3 – satisfactory, 2- pass, 1 – fail. Credit points are allocated to each subject according to the following principle: Credit allocation is based on the number of hours/week of the specific subject taught. The main principle has to be respected by all faculties, however, they have some liberty to take into consideration other aspects too, e.g. what other requirements are related to the subject as a result of its nature (more practical tasks, laboratory work, computer or other IT practices; whether the subject is only taught through lectures, or if there are practical classes as well and in what weekly number). All in all, the basis of credit allocation is the total quantity of workload a student is expected to exert in a subject, including curricular activities (lectures/practical classes/seminars/laboratory work) and extra-curricular tasks related to the requirements of the subject (engineering drawings, library research). Consequently, in some faculties the weekly number of hours/subject gives the credit, in other faculties the more weekly hours there are, the higher credit is exponentially allocated to the subject, but the credit does not necessarily equals the weekly hours of the subject. The subjects chosen by the students should be indicated on the Learning Agreement. The Erasmus coordinators and ECTS coordinators will be responsible for approving the students’ study programmes and also they will make arrangements with the teachers. If you do not find enough information about courses at the faculty web site, please contact the faculty Erasmus coordinators, or the ECTS coordinators for more info and advice. LANGUAGE LEARNING If you want to brush up your language command in the most widely spoken languages (English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Russian), you can freely attend language classes delivered to Hungarian students. You can join any group at any level and make friends with Hungarian students through language learning. The International Office will arrange Hungarian beginner language classes, which will be held during the semesters in 2x2 hours/week. SURVIVAL DICTIONARY one two three four five six seven eight nine ten hundred thousand buy vegetable milk cheese coffee sugar tea orange cucumber cabbage pear pork fish tomato egy kettő három négy öt hat hét nyolc kilenc tíz száz ezer vásárol zöldség tej sajt kávé cukor tea narancs uborka káposzta körte sertéshús hal paradicsom Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday weekend January February March April food fruit butter chocolate cake bun soap lemon onion cauliflower mushroom beef potato money hétfő kedd szerda csütörtök péntek szombat vasárnap hétvége január február március április élelmiszer gyümölcs vaj csokoládé sütemény zsemle szappan citrom hagyma karfiol gomba marhahús krumpli pénz May June July August September October November December május június július augusztus szeptember október november december drink bread oil egg ham salt shampoo banana carrot apple mustard chicken green pepper How much does ital kenyér olaj tojás sonka só sampon banán répa alma mustár csirke paprika Mennyibe One kilo of Kérek egy potato, please kiló krumplit. closed man girl bus stop get off car pull water eat timetable no post-office air mail breakfast Hi Good evening! How are you? Fine, thank you. My name is Jim. zárva férfi lány buszmegálló leszállni autó húzni víz enni menetrend nem posta légiposta reggeli szia Jó estét! Hogy vagy? shop bolt it cost? open kerül? nyitva arrive woman tram railway station exit get on library hall of residence bathroom drink train ticket letter lunch Good morning! Good night! Good-bye! Here you are. megérkezni nő villamos állomás kijárat felszállni könyvtár kollégium fürdőszoba inni vonat jegy levél ebéd Jó reggelt! Jó éjszakát! Viszlát Tessék return home boy bus cash desk entrance restaurant push room kitchen cook yes bus card stamp dinner Good day! Thak you. hazamenni fiú busz pénztár bejárat étterem tolni szoba konyha főzni igen buszbérlet bélyeg vacsora Jó napot! Köszönöm. Köszönöm, jól. A nevem Jim. Jimnek hívnak. What’s the Mennyi az time? idő? Hány óra? I don’t Nem értem. understand. Where do you Hol laksz? live? I don’t speak Nem beszélek Hungarian. magyarul. Where’s the Hol van post-office? posta? a Sorry/Excuse bocsánat me. What’s your Hogy hívnak? name? Where are you Honnan jöttél? from? Do you speak Beszél angolul? English? You’re welcome. Szívesen. Dictionary on the Internet: English: http://sztaki.hu/services/engdict OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION Electricity The electric current is 220 volts, the 2-pin continental standard plugs are used. Vaccination There are no vaccination requirements; your health will not be endangered by any infectious deceases in Hungary. Monthly costs of living Accommodation in the halls of 120 – 130 EURO/ month/ person residence Rent of flat (+ overheads) in the town 200 – 300 EURO 200 - 300 EURO Food, transportation Emergency numbers If you are in trouble and need urgent help, you can call the Police Ambulance Fire brigade 107 104 105 If you suddenly fall ill or have a bad tooth-ache during the evening/night/weekend (but your condition is not critical), you can call or visit the doctor/dentist on duty at Miskolc, Bottyán J. Str. 1 Tel: 412 355 (General Practitioner) Miskolc, Csabai kapu 9-11 Tel: 555 666/ 1270 (Dentist) Everyday life Though you may have some language problems with the older generation, or in shops, post offices or other offices in town where you have to appear for administrative arrangements, you will have much less communication difficulties with the younger generation or students. Most of them speak at least one foreign language at an acceptable level (English and German are the most preferred). So try to make friends with Hungarian students, who will help you overcome the difficulties of everyday life, especially at the beginning of your stay, in a foreign country. Most Hungarians are sociable, outgoing, friendly and like to speak, even about those subjects which are considered “too personal” by people living in the western part of Europe. Living conditions, the standard of services and the quality of goods are close to western standards, but, naturally, this is not the “sweet home” you are accustomed to. There might always be difficulties in a new environment, so don’t be frightened or disheartened when you encounter one: there will always be help around you. SUBJECTS TAUGHT IN ENGLISH IN ERASMUS PLEASE GO BACK TO THE ECTS GUIDE AND CLICK ON THE NAME OF THE FACULTY YOU ARE INTERESTED IN AND SELECT THE COURSES YOU WISH TO STUDY. THE ECTS GUIDE CAN BE USED BOTH BY ERASMUS AND CEEPUS STUDENTS. PLEASE NOTE THAT THE MAJORITY OF THESE SUBJECTS WILL NOT BE INSTRUCTED IN CLASSES, BUT IN THE FORM OF INDIVIDUAL CONSULTATIONS WITH THE TEACHERS DURING PERSONAL CONTACT HOURS. IF YOU NEED MORE INFO ABOUT THE COURSES, PLEASE CONTACT THE FACULTY ERASMUS COORDINATORS OR ECTS COORDINATORS BY E-MAIL.