Erasmus experience in Lausanne, Switzerland by Carlota

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Why did you choose to go to Lausanne, Switzerland?

To learn French, for the prestige of the university and to be able to ski.

How long did the scholarship last? How much financial support did you receive?

9 months. I am still not sure how much money I receive.

What is the student atmosphere like in Lausanne?

Cool, there is a great atmosphere, but a lot of studying too.

Would you recommend the city and the university of Lausanne to other students?

Without a doubt. Although, if you are looking for an Erasmus full of partying and not going to class, this is not for you. The university is very demanding and you must work very hard.

What is the food like in Switzerland?

The meat is expensive, forget eating out because it costs a fortune. The rest of the food is quite good.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Lausanne?

You have to apply in March, when they open the platform in the FMEL (fondation maisons pour etudiants de Lausanne). If you don't do this, finding accommodation can be a pain.

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How much does it cost to live in Lausanne?

It is very expensive. Housing is a minimum of 500 euros a month and food and transport will come to a minimum of another 200 a month.

How was the language? Did you enrol in a language course at the university?

The language; you need to come with a least the basics of French but the Swiss speak it in a very clear manner so it is not difficult to understand them. Even so, I went to French classes at the university, which are free and give you credits.

What is the cheapest way to get to Lausanne from your home town?

There are cheap flights from Madrid or Barcelona to Geneva, so if you are from a different city from these, travel to them and from them to Geneva and from Geneva to Lausanne by train.

Which places do you recommend for going out in Lausanne?

There are lots of places that are cool:

• Buzz
• Mad
• Dclub
• Lido
• Jaggers
• Mica

Although the it is best to start the party in the residencies.

And to eat in Lausanne? Can you list your favourite places?

Forget eating out in Lausanne unless you're rich. You spend at least 35 euros on eating decently. That's why I have no idea where you can eat because I never eat out.

And what about cultural visits?

Everything here is beautiful, it does not take long to travel because the trains are very fast and the country is small. All of Switzerland is worth seeing and with very interesting things.

Any advice you want to give to future students in Lausanne?

If you are looking for an Erasmus party and madness, this is not for you. The university is very demanding and it is an expensive life. But, if you are moderately responsible and want to train well and get to know a beautiful country, I highly recommend it.