Testimonials and experiences of exchange students

1. Why did you choose UNIL?

I decided to spend a semester at the Uni Lausanne/CHUV mainly to practise my French also in the medical field, to see how such a big centre hospitalier like the CHUV is organized and to compare it to the organisation in the German speaking part of Switzerland. In the 4th year, the medical students in Lausanne already have lots of internships (cours blocs), which allows me to gain an insight into the every day life at the hospital already early in my studies. Moreover, Lausanne has so much to offer - for outdoor fans like me it is a paradise with the lake and the mountains nearby.

2. What kind of accomodation do you live in and how did you find it?

I looked for a private housing and I recommend everyone to start looking for an accommodation rather early since it is tricky to find something in Lausanne… :-)

3. What do you think this experience at UNIL will bring to you for your further studies?

I think that my stay in Lausanne was extremely helpful, inspiring and useful for the future years to come - even though it is the same country, the Romandie is definitely a world for itself that is very different from Basel where I come from!

1. Why did you choose UNIL?

There were several reasons of why I chose UNIL. First, because it is well known that UNIL overall is part of the best universities in Switzerland in terms of internationalization, quality and research. Second, because it has one the most important faculties on economics (HEC) with high academic reputation and alumni and i really wanted to take courses there. Third, because according to my degree (foreign affairs) i though Switzerland would be the best destination for my exchange. Lastly, because UNIL gave me the economic support for being here.

2. What was the most challenging part when you arrived? Practical life (administrative procedures), academic life...

At first, everything! I really struggled with daily life things like communicate in french, or how the public transport work, or even the several apps that you should download for ocupied some things. I came from a very different culture, so sometimes there are some behaviours or technical things that i just can’t understand, but after a while you get used to. Fortunately, the SASME helped me a lot on every administration procedure, so inside the campus I’ve never had any problem.

3. What kind of accomodation do you live in and how did you find it?

I live in Les Ochettes, a building that is part of the FMEL and it’s inside the campus, so it just take me 5 minutes walk to arrive to my classes every day. Fortunately I found it before arriving here, as during the application procedure I followed the advice to apply for a room here.

4. What is your monthly budget for living in Lausanne?

UNIL gave me a scholarship of CHF 1'100 per month, with that, CHF 510 are for the rent, CHF 52 for public transport, CHF 24 for mobile data, CHF 150 for food and I still have CHF 364 left for other stuffs, like buy some things or going to ESN events.

5. What advice would you give to future exchange students?

Learn french! But also if you are from South America use your earphones while talking on videocalls in public spaces and it’s not necesary to touch people when you say Hi! They could feel unconfortable with physical touch sometimes, so better ask.

6. What do you think this experience at UNIL will bring to you for your further studies?

It’s great to have the chance to share with people from different parts of the world. In fact, this is my first time out of my country so definitely this experience at UNIL gave me the tools to adapt myself to different environments.

1. Why did you choose UNIL?

UNIL is a well ranked university in the world and also has a very international student life. The campus and the view of the mountains are really beautiful, this was one of the reasons I chose here.

2. What was the most challenging part when you arrived? Practical life (administrative procedures), academic life...

There was a lot of paperwork in the beginning related to the city and insurance. With all the information they ask for and the fees, it can get very confusing.

3. What kind of accomodation do you live in and how did you find it?

I am staying at FMEL Bourdonnette. I got this place thanks to the partnership that my university has with UNIL. It is a great place, the structure is great and I was also very lucky to live with very nice people.

4. What is your monthly budget for living in Lausanne?

I usually spend about CHF 1200 - CHF 1500 per month here in Lausanne.

5. What advice would you give to future exchange students?

During the first 3 weeks of the semester we can go to different classes to see if it makes sense for us. Enjoy and be careful, I had some difficulties with deadlines at the beginning because of this.

6. How do you find life on campus?

I love the campus life! The libraries to study in are great and the sports center is amazing - right now I am in my best shape. Also the international community here is huge and if you speak English the language will not be a barrier. A special thanks to ESN who helped a lot to make new friends thanks to their events.

7. What do you think this experience at UNIL will bring to you for your further studies?

I am growing as a person and also in my worldview. This is definitely helping me to look further and dream bigger. Also the classes are giving me tools that I am sure will support me.

1. Why did you choose UNIL?

I chose UNIL because it offered some really interesting units (such as international human rights) and had the beautiful backdrop of Lac Léman as well as the mountains! It seemed like a beautiful campus which I can definitely say is true now that I’ve seen it! I also wanted to travel to somewhere French-speaking.

2. What was the most challenging part when you arrived? Practical life (administrative procedures), academic life...

The most challenging things when I arrived were definitely the administrative procedures, and making sure that I got set up with a new SIM card, bank account, visa/residence permit. However, once that was all done, I felt much more settled in and was able to fully immerse myself in the exchange lifestyle!

3. What kind of accomodation do you live in and how did you find it?

I am living in the Vortex (part of FMEL housing). I was lucky enough to have guaranteed housing as my university had a partnership with UNIL. We created an account through the FMEL platform and when all of the accomodation options were released, we were able to choose our student residence and what kind of room we wanted (i.e. private studio, single room, flatshare etc.

4. What advice would you give to future exchange students?

Advice I would give to future exchange students is take up every opportunity - it’s the best way to get the most out of your exchange! Before I left Australia I really thought that a semester seemed like such a long time to be away from home but it honestly goes so quickly, it’s insane! So just enjoy every minute and enjoy the new experiences, seeing new things and meeting new people!

5. How do you find life on campus?

Life on campus is really cool! There is always something happening. You just have to wander through the halls and there are heaps and heaps of posters hanging up on the walls advertising different things going on each week - something that suits everybody’s interests! I also highly recommend signing up to lots of the ESN (Erasmus Students Network) events, because it’s a great way to see new things and meet lots of people. ESN is a very generous group of volunteer students who organise different events to help exchange students settle in to the university.