Professional Documents
Culture Documents
STUDENTS
GUIDE
www.epfl.ch
1
Giorgio Margaritondo
Vice President for Academic Affairs
2
3
THE EPFL
STUDENTS
GUIDE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A INTRODUCTION 4
B BACHELOR / MASTER STUDIES 5
C BACHELOR / MASTER ADMISSIONS 13
D BEYOND MASTER STUDIES 16
E RESIDING IN SWITZERLAND 17
F STUDY COSTS 19
G HOUSING 21
H HEALTH & SUPPORT 22
I CAMPUS LIFE 24
J LIVING IN SWITZERLAND 27
K USEFUL ADDRESSES 30
L CHECK-LIST 32
4 A INTRODUCTION
A
A1 A2
About Switzerland About EPFL
Switzerland is located at the EPFL is located on the shores of
heart of Europe, surrounded by Lake Geneva and brings together
Germany to the north, Austria over 10,000 people on a single
and Liechtenstein to the east, campus, including 6,700 students
Italy to the south and France to and 250 faculty members.
Introduction the west. It has an area of 41285 Since it was founded in 1853,
m2 with a population of 7,508,700 EPFL has become a world-re-
distributed across 26 cantons. nowned international institution
Switzerland has four national with more than 100 nationalities
languages: 63.7% of the inhabit- on campus. The School has
ants speak German, 20.4% French, a unique organisation to foster
6.55% Italian and less that 0.5% cross-disciplinary research and
Romansh. The Swiss Confedera- promote partnerships with other
tion was founded in 1291. institutions and companies.
http://www.swissworld.org/en/ Its more than 250 laboratories
and research groups enable
EPFL to rank among the worlds
most innovative and productive
institutions in terms of science.
EPFL offers 13 complete
study programmes at the
Bachelor and Master levels in
engineering, basic sciences,
computer and communication
sciences, life sciences, architec-
ture and the environment.
The EPFL Doctoral School
enables PhD students of
the same subject to work
Lausanne together, transcending the
Lausanne, the capital of Canton boundaries of their own labs.
Vaud, lies on Lake Geneva in the
French-speaking area. Its popula- Students attending the EPFL
tion of 135,000 includes some School of Continuing Educa-
25,000 students. Lausanne plays tion have the opportunity to
a major role in the field of inter- strengthen and update their
national sport. In particular, as it skills and knowledge, giv-
houses the headquarters of the ing them a competitive
International Olympic Commit- edge in a rapidly evolving
tee (IOC), it has earned the title professional environment.
of Olympic Capital. The town is
characterised by its steep streets
and the over 500 m difference in
level between the shores of Lake
Geneva and the citys heights.
B bachelor / master studies 5
B
B1
Educational Structure undergraduate qualification
The educational structure at awarded for mastering the
EPFL is in line with the Bolo- basic knowledge required in a
gna Convention and includes given field. It serves as a pass-
two successive stages: port to enter the Master cycle
at EPFL or another university
Bachelor / O a Bachelor carrying 180
credits (usual duration in Switzerland or elsewhere.
Master Studies 3 years) Master
O a Master carrying 90 or 120 Master programmes are based
credits depending on the on the knowledge acquired in
curriculum selected (usual the Bachelor cycle and build on
duration 1.5 to 2 years) these skills. They are a gateway
to working in industry as well as
Bachelor in research. Master programmes
The initial preparatory (so-called offer great flexibility and freedom
propdeutique) year focuses of choice as to the subjects,
on basic training in science. enabling each student to have
a tailor-made curriculum.
This first year is completed in
one of the 13 available study The Master cycle carries either 90
programmes. However, several or 120 credits depending on your
programmes offer the possibility chosen programme and speciali-
of joining the Bachelor cycle (2nd sations or minors, aimed at edu-
and 3rd year) of a related subject cating students across disciplines.
after passing the 1st year exam. The ultimate semester is devoted
to the Master Project, a personal
The Bachelor cycle (2nd and 3rd
project to crown your studies,
year) introduces the specific
lasting from 4 to 6 months and
courses to be followed in each
completed in the framework of
Programme, enabling you to
research conducted at EPFL, at
gradually master the required
another university or in industry.
skills and working methods.
3rd year
Humanities & Social Sciences (SHS)
ences (SHS)
Optional courses, projects
Master cycle (60 credits) Specialisation or Minor
1st year Optional courses, projects (30 credits)
B2
Education Curricula O Mathematics (Masters in
at EPFL Mathematics or Mathematical
Depending on your interests, Sciences)
skills and professional projects O Chemistry & Chemical
you may join EPFL in any of the Engineering
following study programmes: (Masters in Molecular &
Biological Chemistry or
Chemical & Biochemical
Engineering)
O Life Sciences and
Technologies
(Masters in Life Sciences &
Technology or Bioengineering
& Biotechnology)
B3
Typical Academic Year Major Deadlines Planning Your Time
The academic year at EPFL Early September: Registra- Our study programmes are de-
is divided into two (autumn tion week and welcoming signed for full-time studying to
and spring) semesters of activities for new students obtain 30 credits per semester.
courses, 14 weeks each, fol- (see chapter C10 on Welcom- The information provided during
lowed by 2 to 3-week (winter ing Events in the Bachelor/ lectures may be substantial as
and summer) exam sessions. Master Admissions section) from the start of term, which is
O Autumn semester course Mid September: courses start why you should schedule practi-
schedule: mid September cal work and exam preparation
30 September: deadline as from the onset of the courses.
to end December for late arrivals of admit- Both the winter and summer
O Winter exam session: last ted students and for eligible exam sessions are punctuated
three weeks in January students registered at another by 2-3 weeks revision time dur-
Swiss university to transfer for ing which there are no lectures.
O Spring semester course their 1st year at EPFL. These weeks are not holidays
schedule: mid February Early October (end of the 2rd and should be used to complete
to end May week of courses): deadline to reg- reports on practicals and projects
O Summer exam session: mid ister for courses and request a and revise for the exams which
June to beginning of July change in study programme. are condensed over three weeks.
1 December: deadline for
Academic Calendar
The Academic Calendar
1st-year students to withdraw
without failure and/or register
B5
(http://sac.epfl.ch/page19672. for Polymaths as per the rules Study Plans and
html) provides all major dates set out on the site Regulations
and deadlines for comple- http://cms.epfl.ch/polymaths/. Detailed study plans for each
tion of your studies. programme specify compulsory
lectures and available optional
B4 courses for each semester, in-
Course Schedule dicating the number of hours
Course timetables and descrip- and credits. These plans also
tions are posted online on set when and how teaching
http://is-academia.epfl.ch/ assessment takes place.
page51706.html several weeks The Rulebooks include legal pro-
before the start of the semester. visions governing the passing of
Exam Schedule the exams for each programme.
Exam timetables are available These documents are avail-
online on http://is-academia. able on http://sac.epfl.
epfl.ch/page51706.html several ch/page9617.html.
weeks prior to the start of each
session. They are designed so
that you never have two tests
on the same day, which is why
it is important that you register
properly within the set deadlines.
(Cf. Check-list During your studies)
B bachelor / master studies 9
B8
Student File
Access to your academic
file and academic manage-
ment tool: IS-Academia
The IS-Academia software
enables you to consult your
personal academic file online
(http://is-academia.epfl.ch/).
Access to the application is
divided into two sections:
Part of the IS-Academia data
is accessible to the public.
Access to individual and per-
sonal data is protected and
B6 B7 you will need a username and
Course Books Student Card password (allocated to you
There is a descriptive course What is the CAMIPRO at the beginning of your stud-
leaflet for each of the courses student badge? ies) to view this section.
to be found in the Bach- Your student badge confirms The following functions are
elor / Master study plan. your status as an EPFL student. available in the protected sec-
This leaflet also gives the teach- This microchip badge called tion (see also Chapter B9 on IT and
ing objectives, the content, CAMIPRO is imperative and you http://dit.epfl.ch/page50925.html)
the required level necessary to should always have it with you.
follow the course, the number It is used to borrow books, sit Personal Data
of hours, the number of cred- exams and access certain class- Identification
its, the bibliography and the rooms. Additionally, you may Lists your personal data
information relating to how charge your badge with cash (name, address, etc.)
the course is evaluated. and use it as an electronic purse
Address Changes
The course leaflets are available to pay in campus restaurants at
Form to notify a change
on: http://is-academia.epfl.ch/ a discount or make photocop-
of address.
page51706.html ies. You will obtain your student
(Course description link) badge from the Registrars Office Enrolment Certificate
during registration week. At the Page enabling you to print
start of each term you should up- your student certificate.
date the data on your badge on
one of the Polyright infoterminals.
For further information:
http://camipro.epfl.ch/
10 B bachelor / master studies
B 10 B 13
Laptops The ECTS system is based on Grade Sheets
Why purchase a laptop? the assumption that the quantity The Registrars Office sends
Access to computers is available of work required by a full-time students an official grade sheet
in dedicated IT rooms. How- student over an academic year is by post only at the end of each
ever, in order to study under equivalent to 60 credits. As the study cycle (Propdeutique,
the best possible conditions workload of students registered Bachelor, Master). Provisional
your are advised (although not for a full-time study curricu- results for interim years may
obliged) to purchase a laptop as lum in Europe is usually about be consulted and printed
from your 1st year of studies. 1500-1800 hours per annum, from IS-Academia (see sec-
one credit represents approxi- tion B8 on the Student File).
Purchasing a laptop - Poseidon mately 25 to 30 hours work.
The Poseidon service enables For further information
you to purchase a computer see: http://bachelor.epfl.
at preferential rates, with a ch/page28393.html
3-year warranty, and to ben-
efit from support thanks to the
education-oriented helpdesk. B 12
In addition, Poseidon pro- Changing Programmes
motes the use of open source at EPFL
software in education. During Bachelor studies at EPFL
For further information: you may change programmes
http://poseidon.epfl.ch/ once, provided that you have
not had a final failure.
In the 1st year you may apply for a
B 11 change of programme before the
ECTS Credits end of the 2nd week of courses
The European Credit Transfer in the autumn semester, either B 14
System (ECTS) serves to as- by filling in the Academic Reg- Grade or Assessment Revision
sess the level reached by a istration Form on IS-Academia, Students are entitled to make
student by awarding credits or by e-mail to the Student an official request to have
to a completed course. Services Hotline provided that a grade revised, within the
ECTS credits are proportional you have validated this form. set deadline and according
to the volume of work to be As from the 2nd year you must to established procedure.
completed by the student fill in the relevant form on the For further information:
in the form of either courses, Registrars Office Web page http://sac.epfl.ch/page9622.html
practicals, laboratory work, to apply for a change of pro- (Demande de nouvelle ap-
projects or homework. gramme, to be decided by prciation ou de recours link)
the authorities concerned.
For further information:
http://sac.epfl.ch/page32162.html
12 B bachelor / master studies
B 15 B 16
Army, Military Service Adapted Study Schedule The EPFL recommends that
It has become difficult for EPFL If you have a physical disability students starting at EPFL should
students to reconcile their stud- or are an elite sportsperson or have minimum B2 level in the
ies with military obligations. musician, you may subject to teaching languages (as defined by
You are therefore advised to certain conditions request an the Common European Framework
complete the whole of your adapted study schedule or even of Reference for Languages scale).
military training before starting exemption from certain tests. For further information: http://
your university curriculum, so as Kindly fill in the relevant form langues.epfl.ch/page69202-fr.html
to avoid suspending your educa- on http://sac.epfl.ch/page32303.
tion at the risk of losing a year of html and send it to the Reg- Cours de Mathmatiques
studies. If you decide to take a istrars Office together with Spciales
years leave after leaving school to the required evidence, i.e.: Teaching is exclusively in
complete your military training, French and a good under-
O elite sportsperson (official standing of this language is
it would be wise to use the time certificate from your Swiss
to do a few compulsory refresher needed to follow the courses.
sports federation, together
courses or to opt for long serv- with training and competition Bachelor
ice so as to complete your lifes schedule) Most courses are given in
military duties once and for all. French although a few (Analysis
You will find further information O musician (official certificate or Physics) can be followed in
on the EPFL http://bachelor.epfl. from the Conservatoire de German or English depend-
ch/page28396.html and the Ar- Musique stating the number of ing on the programme.
mys http://www.vtg.admin.ch/in- hours devoted to music lessons)
Master
ternet/vtg/fr/home.html Websites. O disabled student (medical The teaching language is strongly
During your studies requests certificate stating why you need dependent on the chosen
for leave, postponement or an adapted study schedule) curriculum. Some Master pro-
exemption should be submit- grammes are available mostly
ted to the Army subject to in English, others in French and
the Registrars Offices prior B 17 some are bilingual. The trend
agreement. All the necessary Teaching Languages is for most Master classes to
information and links to fill the There are four official languages be taught mainly in English.
relevant forms are on http:// in Switzerland: French, German, Details on the specific page of
sac.epfl.ch/page32090-fr.html Italian and Romansh. Although the Master programme of your
a number of persons understand choice, under the Curriculum in
English, the official language Brief link: http://master.epfl.ch/
in Canton Vaud is French.
French is the official language for
legal texts at EPFL. Teaching is
partly in French and partly in Eng-
lish depending on course levels.
C BACHELOR / MASTER ADMISSIONS 13
C
C1 C2
When and How to Transfer from
Register at EPFL another University
Cours de Mathmatiques Candidates registered with
Spciales CMS and Bachelor another Swiss University or
Registration deadline: University of Applied Sciences
may apply for a transfer of their
Bachelor / mid-January to end of April
registration to EPFL until the end
Master Admissions Registration form:
to be filled in online on
of September. However, transfer
will only be accepted provided
http://futuretudiant.epfl.ch/ that the applicant meets the
All applications even if incom- EPFLs own admission criteria.
plete must reach EPFL by end Transfer applications should
of April. They may, however, be be sent to the Student Services
completed with the latest results Hotline by e-mail to
obtained until 15 July latest. student.services@epfl.ch
Master Students no longer entitled to
Registration deadline: pursue their studies in a Swiss
early November to 15 January University or University of Applied
and 15 January to 15 April. Sciences may not be admitted to
All files must reach EPFL lat- EPFL in the same programme.
est 1 week after the final
deadline for registration.
C3
Registration form:
Admission to the Preparatory
to be filled in online on
Special Mathematics
http://futuretudiant.epfl.ch/
Course CMS
N.B.: Although the Admission
Acknowledged Swiss
Committee for Master programmes
certificates (maturit)
meets twice a year, the start of the
The holders of a maturit ac-
academic year is only once a year
knowledged by the commission
in mid September.
suisse de maturit and eligible
for 1st-year admission may re-
Polymaths
quest admission to the CMS.
Registration deadline:
For these students, succeeding
1 December
in the CMS is not compulsory,
Registration form: to be printed although they will only be enti-
from the following link: tled to start the spring semester
http://polymaths.epfl.ch/ if they have obtained a minimum
When submitting your applica- average grade of 3.5 at the
tion, please attach all documents end of the autumn semester.
required in the admission pro-
cedure. Incomplete applica-
tions will not be reviewed by
our Admission Committee.
14 C BACHELOR / MASTER ADMISSIONS
C5 C6 C8
Admission Requirements Admission Requirements Admission Requirements
for Master Programmes for HES Graduates for Students from French
Bachelors from EPFL Provided that they apply for the Preparatory Courses (CPGE)
Students with an EPFL Bachelor same field of study as their diplo- Applicants from preparatory
are automatically admitted to ma or Bachelor, the holders of an science classes in the higher
the Master programme in the HES Bachelor may be accepted mathematics (MPSI, PCSI, PTSI,
same field of study without for an EPFL Master programme TSI) or special mathematics (MP,
having to apply again. However, subject to certain conditions. PC, PSI, PT, TSI) channels may
if they aim at an EPFL Master in For further information, submit an application file for
another subject, they should please look up http://bachelor. admission to a higher year.
apply online within the set epfl.ch/page28394.html These files are dealt with in a
deadline and follow the rel- very selective way. Only stu-
evant application procedure. dents from a top preparatory
Registrations on: http://mas-
C7 school with excellent results
ter.epfl.ch/page43275.html Polymaths Admission are accepted and an inter-
Requirements view may be required.
Bachelors from another Swiss The holders of a Swiss maturit For further information: http://
or Cluster network university or students already registered bachelor.epfl.ch/page30704.html
Students with a Bachelor from in a 1st-year EPFL programme
another Swiss university or a may register for PolyMaths (see
member university of the CLUS- chapter B1) by following the C9
TER network are automatically ad- official application procedure. Exchange - Mobility
mitted to the Master Programme Access to PolyMaths is on person- The EPFL Student Affairs De-
linked to their Bachelor studies, al record as the number of places partment more precisely the
although specific conditions may is restricted (to 80 students). If the Student Exchange Office is in
apply (catch-up classes, exams, number of applicants exceeds charge of promoting and or-
etc.). However, such students this limit, the CMS management ganising student exchange
should apply online within the will select applicants. programmes. It offers academic
set deadline and follow the rel- In addition to their school exchange opportunities to 3rd
evant application procedure. record, major emphasis will be year Bachelor and 1st year Master
List of universities in the put on the candidates motiva- students and for Master projects
Cluster network on tion. The final decision rests in the framework of the Eras-
http://www.cluster.org/ with the CMS and will be noti- mus European programme as
fied latest by mid January. well as based on agreements
Foreign Bachelors
For further information: http:// signed with over 120 partners
The holders of a foreign Bach-
cms.epfl.ch/polymaths/index.html throughout the world: http://
elor should apply online within
sae.epfl.ch/page21890.html
the set deadline and follow
the relevant application proce- This department is also in charge
dure. An Admission Committee of welcoming over 400 exchange
reviews all complete applica- students per annum from our
tions. Only students with an worldwide partners. To be ac-
excellent academic record and cepted as an exchange student
references can be accepted. at EPFL, you must be selected
by your home university and
For further information:
announced as such to the EPFL
http://master.epfl.ch
Student Exchange Office:
http://sae.epfl.ch/page23143.html
16 D Beyond Master Studies
D
C 10 D1
Welcoming Events Doctoral School
Various welcoming activities are The PhD in Science
organised in the weeks prior to the ultimate degree awarded
the start of the academic year. by EPFL is generally granted
A Welcome Day for all new after 4 years of research further
to graduate studies for a Mas-
students on the Friday before
the start of term in September.
Beyond ter, an engineers diploma or
As this enables you to gather Master Studies equivalent degree (see below).
important information about Doctoral theses are often com-
your studies and to meet pleted in conjunction with paid
your future lecturers, you are employment as a PhD Assistant
required to attend. The pro- in an EPFL lab or institute.
gramme is set out on http:// The Doctoral School offers
sae.epfl.ch/page23580.html a wide range of high-level
How to be a successful stu- courses providing the neces-
dent: during the week before sary credits to obtain a PhD.
courses start, EPFL offers a range Information about doctoral
of workshops to prepare you studies is provided on http://
for polytechnic education and phd.epfl.ch/page55499-en.html
to learn Le mtier dtudiant: The application form and
http://sae.epfl.ch/page30919.html registration procedures for
Integration Week, extremely PhD studies are on http://phd.
useful to establish contacts, is epfl.ch/page58053-en.html
organised in the week prior to
the start of term in September
by the executive committee D2
of AGEPOLY, the EPFL student School of Continuing
association: http://agepoly. Education
epfl.ch/agepoly2/wordpress/ Full details about each
semaine-dintegration/ course are online on http://
(See also section I9 Associations) continuing-education.epfl.ch
directly under each continu-
Welcoming Programme for ing education programme.
foreign students:
http://sae.epfl.ch/
E Residing in Switzerland 17
E
E1 Commune of residence
CH - 1022 Chavannes-prs-
Visas Renens
For nationals of Ch. de la Gare 46
an EU country
CH - 1023 Crissier
No visa needed to enter Swit-
Ch. de Chisaz 1
zerland, so no administrative
Residing in steps to be taken from abroad. CH - 1026 Denges
Ancien-Collge
Switzerland For nationals of
CH - 1024 Ecublens
non-EU countries
A visa is compulsory and must Place du Motty 4
be applied for from the Swiss CH - 1002 Lausanne
representation (embassy or consu- Rue du Port-Franc 18
late) closest to your home abroad.
CH - 1008 Prilly
The visa application must be
Rue de Cossonay 40
submitted at least 3 months
prior to the start of your study CH - 1028 Prverenges
curriculum by means of the Rue de Lausanne 23
appropriate visa application
form. In order to improve the CH - 1020 Renens
effectiveness and the speedof Rue de Lausanne 33
the process, it is required CH - 1025 Saint-Sulpice
tojoin to the visa application Rue du Centre 47
file the following document:
Application for a Temporary For other communes, you will
Residence Permit for Study Pur- find the address of the residents
poses in the Canton of Vaud office on the following page:
http://www.ucv.chselect annuaire
Site for general information on des communes. You should sub-
entry into Switzerland: mit the following documents:
http://www.population.vd.ch.
O Passport
All documents on our web-
site: http://sae.epfl.ch O EPFL enrolment certificate
(which you can print as soon
Residence permit as you are registered)
You have toregister with the
residents office (contrle des O ERASMUS grant certificate
habitants) of your commune (if applicable)
of residence within 14 days
of your arrival in Switzerland. O 3 passport photos
E2
Working in Switzerland Tax at source refunds
The police cantonale des Foreign students working
trangers authorise EU students in a company are subject to
to work as from the start of their social deductions and tax
studies at EPFL. They may work deducted at source. The
maximum 15 hours per week latter can be reclaimed in
during semesters and full-time December of each year pro-
during the academic holiday. vided that the students annual
Non-EU students are not al- income is under CHF 8,000.
lowed to work during the first six For Canton Vaud, applications
months of their stay in Switzer- for refunds should be submit-
land, after which they may work ted in writing to the address
maximum 15 hours per week below, together with:
during semesters and full-time O employers certificates for
during the academic holiday. the given tax year
For all regular paid work, stu-
dents holding a B permit must O copy of the residence permit
ask their future employer to fill O copy of the EPFL registration
in and sign a form for employ- certificate
ment (form 1350 for Canton
Vaud). They should then have O your bank or postal account
this document endorsed by number for reimbursement
the Student Services Hotline.
Administration canton-
The form is available on: ale vaudoise des impts
http://www.vd.ch/fr/themes/ (Impts la source)
vie-privee/etrangers/entree-
Route de Berne 46
et-sejour/formulaires/
CH - 1014 Lausanne
Failure to comply with these Tel. +41 (0)21 316 21 21
rules may result in refusal to
extend the residence permit.
For further information
http://sae.epfl.ch/travail
F Study Costs 19
F
F1
Tuition Fees PhD
The amounts below are sub- No fees are charged during
ject to changes by the Board the period of thesis preparation.
of Swiss Federal Institutes of The candidate does, however,
Technology (ETH Board). have to pay a tax of CHF 1200 to
sit the oral thesis examination.
Study Costs Bachelor and Master studies
In exceptional situations,
At the beginning of each semes-
ter, you will receive an invoice a request for exemption from
by post for tuition fees, cur- payment of this tax may be
rently CHF 633 per semester. submitted to the EPFL So-
cial Service, which decides
In addition, as a new student, on a case-by-case basis.
you should pay a registration tax
(CHF 50 for the holders of a Swiss Continuing Education
certificate and CHF 110 for foreign Registration fees, which vary
certificates) at the beginning depending on the chosen pro-
of your 1st semester at EPFL. gramme, are listed on http://
Exceptionally and as a last resort continuing-education.epfl.ch
only, any student with insufficient
means to pay his/her tuition fees
and related taxes may apply for
F2
assistance from the Fondation Study Grants
des Etudiants de lEPFL. The Swiss nationals and residents
application should be submitted Swiss and foreign students resid-
to the EPFL Social Service by 1 ing in Switzerland should apply,
September of each year. You may before they start their studies,
make an appointment by e-mail to the grant office of the canton
to student.services@epfl.ch or by of their parents domicile. The
phone on +41 (0)21 693 43 45. office may award a grant based
For further information about on a scale taking income and
social grants awarded by the family situation into account.
Fondation des Etudiants de The addresses of the cantonal
lEPFL please refer to the direc- grant offices are listed on http://
tive concernant lattribution sae.epfl.ch/page21817.html
des bourses dtudes par lEcole
Polytechnique fdrale de
Lausanne on http://polylex.
epfl.ch/page69734.html
Exchange students are exempted
from tuition fees and taxes at
EPFL provided that an agreement
exists with their home university.
For further information:
http://sae.epfl.ch/page22148.html
20 F Study Costs
G
G1 G2
Student Halls Other Accommodation
7 halls of residence man- Private rooms
aged by the Fondation The EPFL and Lausanne Uni-
maison pour tudiants (FME) versity housing service has
are dedicated to EPFL and a list of rooms for rent. They
Lausanne University students.
Housing The monthly charge for a room
include rooms in a private flat,
sharing with other students or
varies from CHF 480 to CHF 680 self-contained rooms. The list
depending on the residence. can be obtained by e-mailing
Please apply online on logement@unil.ch. If you are ac-
http://www.fmel.ch credited at EPFL you may consult
Other student accommodation available offers on the EPFL
possibilities on Intranet: http://gaspar.epfl.ch.
http://sae.epfl.ch/logement Studios and apartments
Apartments and studios
are essentially managed by
estate agents: http://sae.
epfl.ch/page21838.html
Financial guarantees are required
and an amount equivalent to
3 months rent must usually be
paid before moving in. As flats
are generally unfurnished, an
approximate amount of CHF
2,500 should be foreseen for
new furniture and equipment.
Subsidised accommodation
Managed by the Office des
logements subventionns.
Conditions apply to be eligible:
http://sae.epfl.ch/page21838.html
Emergency accommodation
If you arrive in Lausanne with-
out a place to stay, Lausanne
Tourisme (office at Lausanne train
station) provides hotel addresses.
You may also consult the page
http://sae.epfl.ch/page21840.html
22 H Health & Support
H
H1
HELP Support & Prevention Organe Cantonal de Contrle de
Students needing psychological, lassurance maladie et accidents
social or health support dur- Ch. de Mornex 40
ing their studies may contact Case postale 9716
the HELP network at all times. CH - 1014 Lausanne
Tel. +41 (0)21 557 47 47
Health & Support The HELP network offers several
services to promote the qual- Fax +41 (0) 21 557 47 50
ity of human relationships on email: info.occ@vd.ch
campus and to support students http://www.vd.ch/occ
in various fields: psychothera- Students from EU countries are
peutic consultation, individual entitled to an exemption from
interviews in case of personal or the obligation to use Swiss
economic problems, mediation insurers provided that they
and individual support, coach- submit their European Health
ing, chaplaincy, health at work, Insurance Card to the same
equal opportunities office, etc. Organe Cantonal de Contrle de
All HELP network services are lassurance maladie et accidents.
provided in strictest confidence. For further information: http://
For further information: sae.epfl.ch/page21808.html
http://help.epfl.ch
H3
H2 Healthcare
Health & Accident Insurance Students in need of medi-
Health and accident insurance cal care can go to the closest
is compulsory in Switzerland medical centre or to the Univer-
and all foreign students must sity Hospital CHUV. The list of
have insurance approved by the hospitals, medical centres and
Swiss authorities: http://sae.epfl. emergency services is given
ch/assurances. In certain cases, on http://sae.epfl.ch/sante
provided that the foreign health
Dental care
and accident cover is equivalent
Swiss health insurance does not
to that foreseen under Swiss
cover dentists bills. It is best
law, students may ask to keep
to arrive in Switzerland with
their foreign insurance. They
healthy teeth as dentists can be
should apply to the cantonal
extremely expensive. You are
supervisory body as follows:
advised to ask for an estimate
before having treatment.
The list of dental care centres
is on http://sae.epfl.ch/sante
H Health & Support 23
H6
Psychological distress Psychiatric help (Service de Disabled Students
Students needing psychiatric or psychiatrie et de liaison - SPL) The EPFL is determined to
psychotherapeutic support may Policlinique mdicale make the life and integration
make an appointment with a Universitaire of disabled persons easier.
specialised psychiatrist subject to Rue du Bugnon 44 You may request an adapted
medical privilege. Consultations CH - 1011 Lausanne study plan from the Student
take place on campus and you Tel.+41 (0)21 314 61 04 (24/7) Affairs Department. In addi-
should make an appointment by tion, the EPFL Website provides
contacting the Student Affairs Psychiatric emergencies
many useful contacts on
Department, BP 1 242, Please call the centre
campus and beyond for help
Tel. +41 (0)21 693 22 82: http:// for doctors on duty.
on access, transport, leisure,
sae.epfl.ch/page21844.html adapted housing, travel in
Medicines H5 Switzerland and abroad, home
Prescription drugs must be help and care and legal issues.
Old age and survivors
purchased at a chemists. insurance (AVS) For further information:
According to AVS law, Swiss and http://sae.epfl.ch/handicapes
I
I1 I3
Restaurants Getting to EPFL
There are several restaurants Metro
and cafeterias on the EPFL The M1 line takes you to the EPFL
campus. For the menus and stop in 15 minutes from central
opening times please look up Lausanne (Flon stop) or 7 min-
http://restauration.epfl.ch/
Campus Life Meals are usually served Mon-
utes from Renens train station
(ticket valid for 1 zone 1 hour).
day to Friday from 11.30h to For further information:
14.00h and 18.00h to 20.00h. http://www.epfl.ch/tsol/
Students who pay with their
CAMIPRO badge which doubles Bus
up an electronic purse get Several bus lines stop at EPFL.
a discount. You can load your TL (Transports publics de la rgion
CAMIPRO badge at the AGEPOLY lausannoise):
shop, at the Information desk and http://www.t-l.ch/
in the IN, CM and CE buildings. No 33 (from Mont-Goulin/Prilly)
Note that if your badge does TPM (Transports publics morgiens)
not have sufficient cash, your http://www.mbc.ch/index.html
meal will be charged at full
No1 and No 5 (from Denges)
price. You cannot pay part
with your card and part in Students using the bus and
cash, so make sure the balance metro in Lausanne are advised to
on your badge is sufficient. purchase a monthly pass at stu-
dent rates. Information on rates,
timetables and destinations can
I2 be obtained from the Flon station
Parking or by telephone on 0900 564 900.
Car parks are available to students For further information:
on the EPFL site by purchasing a http://information.epfl.ch/
monthly or yearly parking permit page14498-en.html
from the Accueil-information
http://sae.epfl.ch/
office located on the Esplanade.
page21845-en.html
Parking permits may be
bought at any time, even By car
after the start of term. Follow the Lausanne-Sud
direction on the motorway and
However, you are advised to
take the EPFL exit (about 5
opt for public transport as
minutes from the motorway exit).
parking spaces are limited.
Your parking permit does not
guarantee a free space.
For further information: http://
sgi.epfl.ch/page27917.html
I Campus Life 25
I6
By plane Libraries In order to guide students along
Geneva International Airport is 60 The mission of the EPFL libraries their whole curriculum, the
km from Lausanne. There are sev- is to help you to succeed in your Career Center offers a range of
eral trains per hour from the air- studies and personal projects. courses on vocational integration
port to Lausanne station and the In short, the EPFL libraries: and the development of useful
journey takes about 45 minutes. skills for working life. Various
O provide scientific and workshops on career opportuni-
technical information and ties for engineers are also organ-
I4 documents in the EPFLs ised and usually moderated by
Shops education and research fields. EPFL Alumni with active careers.
Various shops and services O offer EPFL students the For further information:
are available on campus: appropriate tools and http://carriere.epfl.ch
Post office methods to conduct
CFF train ticket shop documentary research
La Fontaine bookshop independently. I8
Le Ngoce grocery store Language Centre
O are places of work, study,
UBS bank branch In order to promote the de-
documentation and meetings
Tech Travel travel agency velopment of the necessary
for the EPFL community.
Les Presses Polytechniques multilingual skills for students to
Universitaires Romandes The Main Library (BC) is communicate across cultures,
(university publishers) particularly dedicated to the EPFL Language Centre offers
For further information: welcoming students. various possibilities to learn the
http://information.epfl. following languages: English,
For further information:
ch/page14481.html French, German and Italian.
http://library.epfl.ch
Various types of training are of-
fered during and between terms
I5 I7 with modules for integrated
Child Care Career Center skills, specific skills for academic
There are two day-care centres The Career Center is a bridge and vocational requirements,
on the EPFL campus: La Cro- between EPFL and working life. external exam options, intensive
quignole and Le Polychinelle and semi-intensive, self-learning
As such it has a dual role: to
As the number of places is lim- in the multimedia centre (with
provide academic guidance and
ited you are advised to register or without support) and tandem
to support integration into work-
as soon as possible or even to with or without tutorial support.
ing life at the end of your studies.
put your name down on the Intensive French courses are spe-
An academic/career advisor is
waiting list. Do also contact cifically dedicated to new, non
available should you have ques-
your commune of residence French-speaking students before
tions or doubts about your stud-
for information on childcare the start of the academic year.
ies. Please make an appointment
facilities and a list of daycare These courses are aimed at ex-
for an interview by phone
providers (mamans de jour). change students (ERASMUS) and
on +41 (0)21 693 50 52 or
For further information: students starting a Master course.
by e-mail to cc@epfl.ch.
http://sae.epfl.ch/ Courses are free of charge
page21828-fr.html and restricted to members of
the EPFL community (French
courses for spouses for a fee).
Please register online on
http://langues.epfl.ch
26 I Campus Life
I9 I 11
Associations O acquire books at a discount Culture on Campus
Student Associations through the book exchange There are special offers for
There are over 60 student as- students in the field of artistic
Look up http://agepoly.epfl.ch creation theatre, dance, movies,
sociations on the EPFL campus,
dedicated to all sorts of sports, museums, modern and classical
board or network games, organis- I 10 music. Please look up
http://culture.epfl.ch
ing acclaimed festivals, acting, University Sports Centre
singing or playing an instru- For a better lifestyle or just to do Subscribing to the newslet-
ment or shaping your career yourself some good while having ter will keep you informed of
These associations help new fun, this exceptional site offers 85 special offers: culture@epfl.ch
students to settle in at EPFL. sports to choose from, in coop-
Please look up the site http:// eration with over 200 instructors.
associations.epfl.ch/ to give The Centre sportif univer-
your studies added meaning! sitaire is a joint venture be-
You will also find all necessary tween the two universities in
information should you wish to Lausanne - UNIL and EPFL.
establish a new association. A leaflet listing all sports,
including schedules, is avail-
AGEPoly able to students at the EPFL
AGEPoly is the EPFL student
Student Services desk.
association. It represents the
interests of all registered students This information is also on
and promotes them vis--vis the http://www.unil.ch/sport
EPFL management via commit- Some sports disciplines can
tees in charge of making deci- be practiced at competition
sions affecting life on campus. level within the University
AGEPoly enables students to: club. For further information
please contact the sports de-
O join into campus
partment: sports@unil.ch
community life
O make the most of the
entertainment activities
organised by the association
and through its committees
(see http://agepoly.epfl.
ch/agepoly2/wordpress/
commissions/)
O enjoy benefits negotiated by
the students for the students
O purchase EPFL branded items,
photocopy cards and many
other goodies from the
association boutique
J Living in Switzerland 27
J
J1 J2
Social Life in Lausanne Integration Local Customs
The city of Lausanne the Olym- Switzerland is very unusual in
pic capital attracts thousands that its various language regions
of tourists every year from all have close relationships with
over the world to visit the historic their immediate neighbours
buildings of the towns rich as they share a language and
Living in heritage. culture. Thus the French-
Switzerland There are also a number of con- speaking area (Romandie)
cert halls, a dense museum net- has close ties to France, the
work, music festivals, renowned German-speaking area to
sport events, great restaurants, Germany and the Ticino to Italy.
discos and many other places for To help you fit in we recommend
your entertainment. Please look the following links and books:
up the offer on the site of the http://www.swissworld.org
Lausanne Tourist Office:
http://www.Lausanne.ch http://www.survivalbooks.net
J4 J6 J8
Post & Mail Electricity Transport
Post offices are generally open The standard voltage in Switzer- Switzerland has a highly devel-
from 07.30h to 18.00h Monday to land is 220V. Standard sockets oped public transport network.
Friday and 08.00h to 11.00h on are for three-pin plugs:
Saturdays. There is a post office http://www.levoyageur.net/ Train (CFF)
on the EPFL campus: prises.php?paysfr=Suisse Train fares are relatively high in
http://information.epfl. Switzerland. You are advised
Transformers and adapters can to purchase a half-fare card
ch/page14481.html be purchased from electronics which enables you to buy train
Mail can either be sent by A post stores, supermarkets or DIY stores. and boat tickets at half price.
(delivered on the following day) or
B post (which takes 3-4 days). Youngsters under 25 with a
K
K1 K3
Student Services Hotline Foreign Embassies
The Student Services Hotline is in Switzerland
the focal point for all academic The addresses and phone num-
queries. The desk is open daily bers of foreign representations in
from 09.00h to 18.00h during Switzerland are given in the link
term (shorter offices hours in sum- below: http://www.eda.admin.
Useful Addresses mer) and located in the BP build- ch/eda/en/home/reps/forrep.html
ing hallway. You may also call the
hotline on +41 (0) 21 693 43 45 or
e-mail student.services@epfl.ch. K4
Your query will be answered Emergency Numbers
immediately or, if necessary, O Emergencies at EPFL:
an appointment will be made dial 115 (extension) or
with the appropriate special- 021 693 30 00
ised staff in Student Services. (from a mobile phone)
You will also find many answers O Police - dial 117
to your academic queries in the
Student Guide: O Fire - dial 118
http://studying.epfl.ch/ O Doctor/Ambulance - dial 144
For further information:
http://formation.epfl.ch/ O CHUV - University Hospital,
page25189-en.html Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 46
Tel. +41 (0)21 314 11 11
http://www.chuv.ch
K2 O Morges Hospital,
Swiss Embassies Abroad Morges, Ch. du Crt 2
The link below provides the list of Tel. +41 (0)21 804 22 11
Swiss embassies abroad. Please http://www.ehc-vd.ch/
contact them for any query
relating to visa and permit ap-
plications.
http://www.eda.admin.ch/
eda/en/home/reps.html
K Useful Addresses 31
K5
Insurance Cantonal AGEPOLY Student Association
Supervisory Body Association gnrale des
Organe cantonal de contrle tudiants de lEPFL
Chemin de Mornex 40 CP120 - Esplanade 13
Case postale 9716 CH - 1015 Lausanne
CH - 1014 Lausanne Tel. +41 (0)21 693 20 95
Tel. +41 (0)21 557 47 47 Fax +41 (0)21 693 20 97
Fax +41 (0)21 557 47 50 e-mail: agepoly@epfl.ch
e-mail: info.occ@vd.ch http://agepoly.epfl.ch/agepoly/
Further information
(French only): http://www. Useful services
vd.ch/en/themes/sante-social/ Lausanne Tourisme
assurances-sociales/contact/ Tel. +41 (0)21 613 73 73
http://www.Lausanne-
tourisme.ch/
K6
Lausanne public transport
Useful Addresses &
(TL): http://www.t-l.ch/
Links at EPFL
Ecole Polytechnique Fdrale Train timetable
de Lausanne - EPFL www.cff.ch
Station 1
CH - 1015 Lausanne Taxi Services
Tel. +41 (0)21 693 11 11 Tel. 0800 810 810 or
Fax +41 (0)21 693 43 80 Taxiphone 0800 801 802 or
http://www.epfl.ch/ Allo Taxi 0800 870 872
Language Centre
CE 2445 (Btiment CE)
Case postale 117
CH - 1015 Lausanne
Tel. +41 (0)21 693 22 89
Fax + 41 (0)21 693 22 60
http://langues.epfl.ch/
32 L Check-List
L
Check-List
If you are a Swiss national
m Passport or ID card
m Swiss insurance card
m Letter from your third-party
(liability) insurance
if you have one
m Acceptance letter from EPFL
If you are an
exchange student:
m Collect your student card
from the Student Services
desk in the BP building
m Register with the residents
office of your commune
Photos
Atelier Creation Photographique
A. Herzog
Print
IRL Imprimeries Reunies Lausanne SA
Swiss Printers