Technische Universität München or the Technical University of Munich is popularly known as TUM is consistently ranked among the top universities in Europe. TUM was established in 1868 and was among the first universities in Germany to be named a University of Excellence. TUM comprises 13 academic departments and is home to more than 39,000 students from all around the world. The Munich Students Union runs halls of residence, which offer safe and secure accommodation. There are also youth hostels and private apartments where students can live. TUM also runs a campus in Singapore known as the German Institute of Science and Technology - GIST. Graduates from GIST are in high demand and GIST continues to grow stronger.