Hallo Alle,

I'm sorry for the delay on my first "official" blogpost. However, I haven't had access to WiFi on my computer at all, but I managed to find a Starbucks!. Additionally, I only have 1GB of internet on my phone per month. I have in Germany for nearly 5 days now and my experience so far has been both frustrating at times and enriching in others.
My first day in Frankfurt, I was greeted by my Saj, my buddy that was assigned to me through the International Office. He picked me up in his car, which was incredibly generous and allowed me more time to get set up on my first day. I was able to receive my keys and move into my room. This was much better than the alternative: staying in a Jugendherberge. After I moved in, I went off in search of some food and sheets for my bed.
On Wednesday, I had Immatrikulation at 9:00, where I provided information for my Goethe card, which will allow me to travel through the state of Hessen free of charge and provide internet access. I also tried to begin navigating Frankfurt's vast public transportation network, in order to register my new address in Germany. I ended up being too late and had to return to my room. The rest of the day was spent getting groceries and other essentials.
On Thursday, I reserved a "Termin" at the Bürgeramt Höchst, which was very far from my Studentwohnheim. However, I was able to get the earliest appointment here. I was able to properly fill my Anmeldung out in a matter of 10 minutes.
On Friday, I had my "Eignungstest" or aptitude test, in order to determine what language course I should be placed in. I think the test went well. The questions were rather open-ended and easy to answer. They were "Why did you come to Germany to study?", "Why Goethe Uni?", and our expectations for our stay. I also was able open up my bank account at Targo Bank. I noticed most large banks have very similar accounts for students. Before the test, I met some Erasmus students that I later met up on a free alternative tour of Frankfurt, which allowed me to see the "Main (pun intended)" parts of Franfurt on Main, like Römerberg, Skydeck an der Hauptwache,a statue of Gutenberg, as well as many other sites in Frankfurt. I also was able to meet three students from UW-LaCrosse. After the tour concluded, many of the Erasmus students proceeded to go to (Alt) Sachsenhausen. I also learned of a Erasmus trip to Heidelberg, one of the few cities not destroyed in WWII and is home to the oldest German universities. I endeavor to be more timely with my next post, hopefully with many pictures of Heidelberg.

Thanks for reading,
Matt