Tips and Tricks

An important part of visiting another culture is experiencing their food. Tübingen has many restaurants offering a variety of all types of food. Although there are many places to eat out, many of you will end up cooking your own food to save money. Visit the survival guide for a thorough outline of German grocery stores. There are some things that it lacks, most specifically fast food. When a class of SIP students were asked what fast food they liked most, the most popular answer was something called a Döner Kebap. A Döner Kebap is a bread pocket filled with meat, similar to a gyro. They're wonderful and cheap. They are definitely a favorite among students for lunch. A very good Döner/Kebap/Falafel place called Kalendar can be found next to the Neckarbrücke.

The numerous bakeries in Germany are another good place to get fast food and they are located on about every corner. There you can eat fresh bread of almost any type, pasteries and sandwiches. They are often frequented by SIPers during the mid-morning breaks. For those of you that enjoy cooking, fresh vegetables are available from weekly markets in the Altstadt. One student suggested to, "bring a cookbook from home." It's also a great idea to pick up a few recipes from your floor mates and remember everything should be tried once.

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One major difference with Germany is the radio. Although they play mostly American music, it is a variety of every kind: 80's, pop, rap, alternative, and mellow love songs all on the same station. Needless to say everybody that has brought a Discman from home has been extremely glad they brought it with them. "Bring all your CDs," was a common recommendation. You will have plenty of time to listen to them. Also it would definitely pay off to get a plugin adapter for your CD player. Without one, you will end up going through entirely too many batteries. Small speakers are convienent to entertain your guests and more comfortable than wearing headphones all the time.

The dorms inevitably lack a few things and one of these is a comfortable pillow. The sheets you are assigned are acceptable, but the pillow is really way too small. It's half the size of a normal American pillow. If you can spare the room in your luggage, think about bringing a pillow or consider buying one here. Decent cheap pillows can be found at Marktkauf.

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There will be some things that you think you will not miss, but a week after you arrive they suddenly become a craving or necessitiy. Some of these things may seem odd but after a semester here, you'll understand. One former student swears by her Sonic Care Toothbrush. Don't feel funny about bringing stuff like this. It will make your stay more familiar.

Another thing that will be missed by several students is Dr Pepper. For those of you that are addicted, it is possible to find it here. Tenglemann, Marktkauf and the Jet gas station (across from the Computer Center) all carry this treasured product, but it is definitely more expensive here than it is in the States. One student even went so far as to ration cans of it.

Peanutbutter is not commonly consumed here in Germany, but that is no reason to stop eating it. It can be a bit difficult to find the crunchy variety, but it is possible. Once again, Marktkauf and Tenglemann are the places to go.

Another food sorely missed, especially by those from the Southwest, is Mexican food. Refried beans are to my knowledge not to be found. Nachos and salsa are available in the larger stores but be ready to pay an arm and a leg for them. Mexican food is not cheap here but it is available to those who are so inclined.

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