Testimonials and experiences of exchange students

In order to help future exchange students get prepared in the best way for their arrival to UNIL, former exchange students have agreed to answer some questions related to their own experience. You will find some of these testimonials below classified by type of agreement.

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Bachelor in HEC

Magdalena - 22 years old - Universidad Pontificia Comillas (ICADE), Madrid, Spain

1. Why did you choose UNIL?

I wanted to go to a French speaking country in Europe, and somewhere that was more than just a big city. But at the same time, I wanted to attend a high-level education business university. So a top business university so close to the Alps and on Lac Leman seemed like the perfect opportunity.

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

For me the most challenging was getting all the right paper to get inscribed in the city.

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

I’m staying at a FMEL residence, it was not complicated at all to find it, we were asked to say if we were interested during the summer, and I was given a room.

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

I don’t have an exact budget since some months are more expensive than others so they kind of balance out.

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

Lausanne and UNIL is definitely the right choice, I had great expectations, but it is even better. The weather is being so good, the courses are engaging, administration works well, there is so much to do and such a great community. The winter is still to come but I’m really excited about what else is to come, Christmas, ski season or even just grabbing a hot chocolate at the cafeteria between classes.

6. How do you find life on campus?

It is great, the campus is beautiful, so open and with all the lake/alps views. There are many libraries and cafeterias to spend time at, as spots to chill outside. People are respectful and kind. In addition, the university and the multiple associations organize so many events, no week is ever boring.

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

It’s allowing me to get to know Switzerland studying and working world. It is opening my mind and letting me see different options regarding my future.

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Master in SSP

Lucille - 24 years old - Université Lumière, Lyon, France

1. Why did you choose UNIL?

I chose to go to UNIL mainly because of the courses, which seemed very interesting from a gender student point of view. Another reason I chose UNIL was because of the main language being French, which made me feel more comfortable. Finally, Lausanne is not far from my home.

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

All the procedures were quite easy to do if you’re organised enough. However, opening a bank account can take some time, because of the residence permit, which takes quite a long time to obtain.

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

I have a room at the FMEL, so I have my own room and bathroom but I share my kitchen. I found it thanks to the emails the UNIL sent us. It was quite simple, I just had to apply and then it was a random draw.

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

My room at the FMEL costs me CHF 530, my transport subscription costs me CHF 52, my shopping costs me around CHF 200, so I would say that my budget is at least CHF 800 per month.

5. How do you find life on campus?

Campus is really nice, there are lovely sheeps, the view on the lake is gorgeous, the sport center is really big and there are lots of different sports, which are more than affordable. Professors are great, members of the SASME or members of the social science faculty too. A lot of events are proposed if you want to. So you will be very well welcomed.

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Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biotechnology Engineering

Clara - 22 years old - Uppsala University, Sweden

1. Why did you choose UNIL?

I chose UNIL for several reasons. First, I have studied French for some years and wanted to do my exchange in a French-speaking country. I also enjoy being in nature, and the landscape in Switzerland and around Lausanne is truly spectacular. In addition, Switzerland is in the middle of Europe so it is easy to travel from here.

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

The most challenging part of my arrival was definitely understanding the paperwork. It was confusing to sort out which papers were needed for what administrative procedure, especially when you are completely new to a country. But everyone was very friendly and we received a lot of information from SASME, so it turned out well in the end.

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

Well, the list could be long but I’ll highlight two things:
First: Yes you dare to go! I know the prospect of leaving home and everything known can be terrifying, and an exchange is not a bed of roses. But it is an incredible experience that will give you new perspectives and precious memories, and you won’t regret it.
Second: When you’ve been accepted to your new university, don’t wait with your preparations. Search for housing, find out what documents you need to bring, and check if your phone subscription will work in your new country. Arriving and settling in is stressful as it is, so having already thought most things through in advance will be a great help.

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