Esperienza Erasmus a Losanna, Svizzera da Matteo

Why did you choose to go to Lausanne, Switzerland?

I was looking for the best place where to spend my last MSc's year and start working on my MSc's project, so I said to myself: why not EPFL? Honestly, I knew a few about the city, but all the previous Erasmus from my university were stunned by the experience, so here I am!

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

Politecnico di Milano gives generally no more than 1800€ in 6 months (meaning about 300€/month), even if you stay (like me) for a year.

What is the student lifestyle like in Lausanne?

Vibrating . There is always something to do, to see or to know. Since there are tons of students' residence, there are often parties and local ESN is pretty active to organize always something during the weekend (and on Wednesday night, which is the so called PubNight).

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

Absolutely, you gonna see that Switzerland may be not that boring as you supposed =)

What is the food like?

Well, hope you like cheese :)

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Lausanne?

Bad point. It is extremely difficult to find an accomodation, save at least one month to do it. Personally, I suggest to try at FMEL residences, it is cheaper and funnier. Of course, prices are kind of crazy.

How much does it cost to live in Lausanne?

About 1200-1800 CHF.

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

I didn't, but it's very easy to learn French (plenty of courses are available during the semester), plus an intensive one at the beginning of each term. Go for that!

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Lausanne from your city?

Train .

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Lausanne?

Great Escape, King's Size, Darling, Mad.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Lausanne?

Best place in town for a burger is Holy Cow. Lemilane is fine for a pizza!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Just exploit the free weekend entrace to museum ( first weekend of the month ).

Cities around Lausanne (Ginevre, Friburg, Bern, Zurich) are good spots for a short trip.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Lausanne in the future?

Extend your network as much as possible while being here: in 10 years, probably your beer-mate could be an important business consultant in BCG !