Exchange students

Each year, UNIL hosts nearly 600 exchange students from five continents for one or two semesters. The Social Affairs and Student Mobility Office (SASME) is responsible for welcoming exchange students to UNIL. As part of its role, it organises a welcome day before the start of each semester, specifically aimed at exchange students, to give them as much information about the University of Lausanne as possible. SASME also organises a number of events for exchange students during the academic year, such as a Christmas party, cultural excursions, etc. Finally, it provides information on the various practical aspects of your time in Lausanne and on campus, such as the administrative procedures you need to follow on arrival, insurance, etc.

Issues related to your academic work, however, are dealt with by the faculty mobility advisers, who are the primary point of contact for exchange students. They have the most detailed knowledge of the course programmes in their faculty or school/section and how to enrol for classes. They are therefore able to provide the best guidance for students in choosing their course.

Finally, UNIL works closely with the student association Erasmus Student Network (ESN), which helps exchange students to settle in Lausanne and make their time at the university as enjoyable as possible. ESN organises numerous events during the academic year, as well as running a buddy scheme, to help exchange students settle into life in Switzerland. Finally, ESN organises a welcome week just before the start of the semester.