welcome to ecole polytechnique federale...
TRANSCRIPT
WELCOME TO
ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE LAUSANNE
2007-2008
HANDBOOK FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
This booklet has been produced by the Student Exchange Office, EPFL
Student Queries should be addressed to :
OFFICE MOBILITE AA DAF-SOC
BP1 244 (Bâtiment Polyvalent) Station 16
CH-1015 LAUSANNE
Tel. : +41 21 693 22 80 Fax : +41 21 693 60 80
Email : [email protected]
http://www.epfl.ch/soc/mobilite
This booklet is produced for information only and is not exhaustive. Every effort has been made to ensure that it is accurate at time of going to print.
The EPFL is not bound by any error or omission therein
March 2007
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CONTENTS 1 Introduction Page 4 • Switzerland • Lausanne • EPFL
2 Immigration and Travel Pages 4 – 5• Passport • Visa • Travel • Temporary Accommodation on arrival
3 Life in Lausanne Pages 5 – 7 • Accommodation • Registration with the Immigration Authorities • Disabled students
4 Living in Switzerland Pages 8 – 11• Shops • Second-hand shops • Food • Postal services • Telephone • Electricity • Health • Health insurance • Mental Health Services • Mediation office • Child care • Local Transportation
5 Money matters Pages 12 – 13• Currency • Tuition fees • Scholarships • Banking • Cost of living • Jobs
6 Registration and Academic rules Pages 13 – 16• The academic year • Registration at EPFL • Course / exam registration • Catalogue of courses • Course schedules • Credit system • Structure of studies • Examinations and grades • Exam results • French courses • E-mail account
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• Photocopy cards • Library • Bookshop
7 Entertainment and Social Life Pages 16 – 17• Sports • Music • Student associations • Cinemas and nightlife • Cultural events • Museums • Public holidays
8 Useful addresses Pages 17 – 19• EPFL • Student Exchange Office – Office Mobilité • Admissions Office - Service Académique • International Relations Office • Social service • Language Centre EPFL • University of Lausanne • Rectors’ Conference of the Swiss universities • Emergency calls • Police Authorities • Insurance Control Office • Useful addresses • Embassies in Switzerland • Swiss Embassies abroad
9 Check-list Page 19• Before you leave for Switzerland • After you arrive in Switzerland
10 Map of the campus Page 20
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1. Introduction
• Switzerland Switzerland lies in Central Europe. It is a land-locked country bordered by Germany to the North, Austria (and Liechtenstein) to the East, Italy to the South and France to the West. Switzerland comprises of a total land mass of 41’284 square kilometres. Although Switzerland does not have any natural ocean borders, it does have several inland lakes, some of which form its borders with neighbouring countries. Switzerland has a population of 7.1235 million people comprising 4 main language groups: German (70%), French (25%), Italian (4%) and Romansch (1%). The Swiss confederation was founded on 1 August 1291.
• Lausanne Lausanne is a city in the French-speaking part of Switzerland with a population of 135,000 (250,000 in the greater Lausanne area). It is the seat of the International Olympic Committee and offers many opportunities for studies, business, shopping, culture, sport and medical care.
• EPFL The school “Ecole Spéciale de Lausanne” was founded in 1853 and joined the “Académie de Lausanne” in 1869. The school, known from 1946 as the “Ecole Polytechnique de l’Université de Lausanne”, became federally owned in 1969 and changed its name to “Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne” (the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology). It was the beginning of a tremendous adventure and has involved a close relationship with industry, development of cutting edge technologies in research and a continuous adjustment to the needs of further education. The Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale Lausanne is one of the two Swiss federal schools of higher education. In 1978, the EPFL began the task of changing its premises in Lausanne to the campus of Ecublens, five kilometres outside the city. Key figures : 6550 students (incl. postgraduate students), 265 professors, 2000 research scientists, 107 nationalities, 250 laboratories, 15 fields of study: Architecture, Civil Engineering, Environmental Science and Engineering, Computer Science, Communication Systems, Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Mathematics, Physics, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Micro-Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Life Sciences and Technologies, Management of Technology and Entrepreneurship. 2. Immigration and Travel
• Passport Make sure you have a valid passport or identification card.
• Visa Students coming from outside EU-EEA-countries need to acquire a visa. It must be obtained before you enter Switzerland. It is best to go in person to a Swiss Embassy in your country with your passport and letter of admission to the EPFL. If you cannot go in person, contact the Embassy and they will send you an application form to complete by mail. You must request a “B” permit. A Tourist visa is only valid for 3 months and cannot be changed into a student permit after your arrival in Switzerland. Students coming from EU-EEA-countries do not need to apply for a visa (see p. 7).
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• Travel By plane: The international airport of Geneva is situated 60 km from Lausanne. There is a train station in the airport; several trains leave for Lausanne every hour. The trip takes about 45 minutes and is approximately CHF 25.-. By train: Lausanne’s train station is in the centre of the city. Line M1 of the TL (Transports lausannois) takes you from the centre of Lausanne (Flon) or from Renens station to the EPFL.
• Temporary accommodation on arrival If you arrive in Lausanne without having reserved a room in advance, you can obtain advice from the Tourist Office at the train station or contact the following hotels which are reasonably priced:
Jeunotel Chemin du Bois de Vaux 36
CH - 1007 Lausanne Phone :+ 41 21 626 02 22 Fax :+ 41 21 626 02 26 http://www.jeunotel.ch email : [email protected]
Lausanne Guesthouse & Backpacker Ch. des Epinettes 4
CH – 1007 Lausanne Phone : +41 21 601 80 00 Fax : +41 21 601 80 01
http://www.lausanne-guesthouse.ch email : [email protected] 3. Life in Lausanne
• Accommodation Student residences Swiss universities do not usually have on-campus housing. Students of the EPFL and of the University of Lausanne can apply to live in one of the seven student residences that are located in different parts of Lausanne. To apply, request a form called “demande de réservation de chambre” from the student exchange office at the EPFL or directly from the Fondation Maisons pour Etudiants: http://www.fmel.chThe housing request form should be returned at least five months before the beginning of the academic year or at least three months before your arrival during the academic year. Keep in mind that this accommodation is limited and we cannot guarantee housing in these residences. The rent for rooms varies from CHF 450.- to CHF 650.- per month. The rooms offered are single and always simply furnished. Kitchen and bathrooms are shared. These residences are administered by:
Fondation Maisons pour Etudiants Av. de Rhodanie 64
CH - 1007 LAUSANNE Phone :+41 21 617 81 54 or 56 Fax +41 21 617 81 66
http://www.fmel.ch email : [email protected]
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Student Hall “Eglise Anglaise” (studios or rooms in flats of 2,4 + 6 persons) :
Rue de l’Eglise Anglaise 1006 Lausanne
Phone : +41 22 817 08 51 email : [email protected] Private rooms An accommodation office at the University of Lausanne can send you a list of rooms available in the private sector, contact them at:
Office du logement UNIL-BRA
CH - 1015 Lausanne Phone : +41 21 692 21 21 Fax : +41 21 692 21 15
http://www.unil.ch/sasc/logement/explication.html email : [email protected]
As soon as you have your student card, you can use the “intranet system Gaspar” to view other accommodation offers: http://gaspar.epfl.ch Other useful addresses:
Planète Bleue Rue de Genève 76
CH - 1004 Lausanne Phone : +41 21 625 06 06 Fax +41 21 625 06 04
http://www.unil.ch/planetebleue email : [email protected]
Centre Universitaire Catholique (CUC) Boulevard de Grancy 31
1006 Lausanne Phone : +41 21 612 61 40 Fax : +41 21 612 61 41
email : [email protected]
Foyers Le Cazard & le Valentin
Pré–du-Marché 15 1004 Lausanne
Phone : +41 21 320 52 61 Fax : +41 21 312 79 85 http://www.lecazard.ch/ email : [email protected]
at EPFL : http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social/versionAnglais/accommodation.html
A forum in which international students/academics/staff can swap homes : http://www.casaswap.com
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Renting an apartment Ideally, you should try to arrive about 2 weeks before the beginning of your courses. You can find addresses of real estate agents in the local newspapers under “Appartements à louer”: Each room (une pièce) is livable space; kitchens and bathrooms are not counted. When you are looking at places to rent, find out exactly what is covered by the rent, electricity, water, furniture, parking, etc… You may be required to sign a lease for one year with a three or six month notice clause. A guarantee is required, usually in the amount of 3 months’ rent. Liability insurance (civil liability, household, fire insurance) You are advised (and in some rental contracts, required) to take out a civil liability insurance (RC), as well as household insurance which will cover damage caused by water, theft due to breaking and entering, or broken windows. Insurance premiums are reasonable. Contact an insurance company for more details on premiums and policies. Please note that a household insurance policy applies to an apartment rented in your own name. Tenants who are subletting are not always covered by the same insurance laws. Government-based fire insurance is compulsory (and very inexpensive) in the canton of Vaud. You will receive forms to fill out shortly after your lease begins.
• Registration with the Immigration Authorities All foreign students are required to register with the local immigration authority (Contrôle des habitants, page 18) in the “commune” of residence within 8 days of arrival in Switzerland (for a list of communal offices near EPFL, see page 19). You will need to have the following documents with you :
Your passport “Attestation” from the EPFL (you will receive this after your arrival) “Attestation Erasmus” if you get financial support Erasmus 2 passport-sized photos Recent bank statements, a letter from your parents, or proof of a Swiss or
foreign grant showing that you have enough money to live in Switzerland without working. A minimum amount of CHF 1600.- per month is required
The fees for the residence permit range from CHF 120.- – 182.- (depending on the place you are living).
• Disabled students Special efforts have recently been made to take into account the interests and needs of disabled persons. Ramped access, wide doors and WCs for disabled persons are available in many places. Disabled students have also been taken into consideration in planning and renovating the premises at the EPFL. Should you need special assistance during your studies in Lausanne, please contact our Social Service, Bâtiment Polyvalent 1, http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social/handicap_home.html
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4. Living in Switzerland • Shops
Most shops are open from 08.30 – 18.30, except on Saturdays when the majority of stores close at 17.00. Most shops are closed on Sunday, but some local groceries are open Sunday mornings. Many larger stores and supermarkets have at least one late-night opening until 20.00 or 21.00. Most cities in Switzerland have weekly markets (with fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers, etc…). A small grocery store “the Négoce” is located on the campus.
• Second-hand shops Addresses for second-hand shops can be found on the web page of the Social Service: http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social/versionAnglais/cheapequipment.html
• Food There are several restaurants and cafeterias at the EPFL that offer hot meals, coffee and snacks. The opening hours vary -- none are open on Sunday! Inquire at each establishment for more information. The price for a complete meal with soup and a dessert is CHF 6.50 to CHF 8.50. Be aware that buying groceries and eating out are more expensive in Switzerland than in most other places in Europe. The table below will help prepare you for what to expect. Some prices : CHF Euros Rent (room) : 450.- to 650.- per month 290 to 400 Lunch at EPFL 6.50 to 8.50 4.20 to 5.50 Milk (1l.) 1.60 1.05 Bread (350gr) 2.50 1.60 Butter (200gr.) 3.20 2.10 Yogurts (4x125gr) 3.40 2.20 1 Coffee 2.80 1.80 Coffee (500gr) 7.50 4.90 Kellogs (375gr) 4.90 3.20 Coca Cola (1l) 2.-- 1.30 Salad 2.-- 1.30 Apples (1kg) 4.30 2.80 Pizza (320gr. shop) 5.50 3.60 Pizza (restaurant) 14.- 9.-- Spaghetti (500gr.) 1.90 1.20 Cinema ticket 15.- 9.70 Theatre/concert 25.- 16.20 Bus ticket (1 hour) 2.40 1.55
• Postal services Post offices are open from 7.30 to 18.00 Monday to Friday and from 8.00 to 11.00 on Saturday. There is a post office on campus. Mail within Switzerland may be sent either by mail “A” or “B”. “A” mail is generally delivered the following day; “B” mail takes 3 or 4 days. In addition to mail services, the Post Office offers banking, telephone and fax services. You can also pay bills such as telephone, rent, etc… and send money overseas from the post office.
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• Telephone There are public phone card payphones on the campus and in the city. Phone cards (10, 20, or CHF 50) can be bought at post offices or at newsagents. To call within Switzerland, first dial 0, then the local area code (21 for Lausanne and surrounding areas), then the 7-digit number. If you want to dial a phone number in Switzerland from abroad, dial :
1. the international admission number 2. 41 (Switzerland’s country code) 3. the local area code (21 for Lausanne & environs) 4. the 7-digit phone number.
If you want to dial a phone number abroad from Switzerland, dial :
1. 00, this is the international admission number 2. the country code 3. the area code 4. the phone number
• Electricity
The standard voltage is 220V. Three-pin plugs are standard on most electrical equipment. Adapters can be found at electronics shops such as “Interdiscount” or in larger supermarkets.
• Health Health care in Switzerland is good but expensive. If you become ill and need urgent medical attention, contact the nearest health-care centre “Permanence médicale” or the CHUV (University Hospital Center for the Canton of Vaud) : 314 11 11. You can visit them without an appointment. In an emergency, the number to dial in Switzerland is 144. In dental emergency you may go to the “Permanence dentaire” or to a dentist. Dental costs are not covered by health insurance and are very expensive. Should you need special information during your stay, please contact our Social Service : http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social/versionAnglais/health.htmlMedications prescribed by a doctor can be picked up from any pharmacy. Pharmacies are open from 8.30 to 18.30 on workdays. Outside these hours, most pharmacies display a notice with the address of the nearest pharmacy on night or week end duty. All the costs must be paid to the doctor but your health insurance will partially reimburse you later.
• Health insurance According to Swiss law all residents (this includes students) must have health insurance. Students coming from EU-EEA countries must obtain the “European Health Insurance Card” from their foreign insurance company. As soon as you arrive in Switzerland, you must send a copy of the European Health Insurance Card to the Organe Cantonal de Contrôle, Rue Saint-Martin 2, Case postale 9716, CH-1014 Lausanne : http://www.occ.ch. For more information, contact: [email protected]
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In most cases you may remain affiliated to your own insurance company, and you will not need to buy private insurance in Switzerland. In case of illness or accident, you must pay up front. Then send a copy of the bill and a copy of your European Health insurance Card to : Institution Commune LAMAL, KVG, Gibelinstrasse 25, CH-4502 Solothurn : http://www.kvg.org or [email protected] and you will be reimbursed. Students coming from outside EU-EEA countries may remain affiliated to their own insurance company provided that they ask permission for an exemption from the “Organe Cantonal de Contrôle” : http://www.occ.ch, email : [email protected] A written statement from the foreign insurance company giving full details on the extent and the amount of the coverage must be included in the request. To obtain an exemption, the “Organe cantonal de contrôle” will verify that :
1. health insurance is compulsory in the home-country of the student 2. the coverage guaranteed by the insurance is as high as that requested by the
Swiss law. If you do not qualify for an exemption or if your insurance coverage is not valid in Switzerland, you must purchase private insurance. The premium will be based on your place of residence, your age and the deductible you choose. Prices range from CHF 150.- to CHF 225.- per month. EPFL has contracted an insurance broker to help students find the cheapest solutions to their insurance needs : http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social/versionAnglais/Insuranceaffiliation.html The social service of the EPFL is at your disposal to give you more information: http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social/versionAnglais/insurance.html#assmaladie
• Mental Health Services Students who need temporary help can contact the Social Service to set up an appointment with a psychiatrist, who is available for students twice a week. Call (021) 693 22 82 or consult : http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social/versionAnglais/psychotherapeutic.html In case of emergency, please contact:
SPL (Service de psychiatrie et de liaison) Polyclinique médicale universitaire
Rue du Bugnon 44 1005 Lausanne
Tél. 021 314 19 30 (24 h. sur 24 h.)
• Mediation office An address for students who have difficulties or conflicts :
http://www.epfl.ch/help [email protected]
• Child care Day-Care Centers are called “Crèches-Garderies”. They provide qualified child-care for infants and children. Two garderies are located on the campus and reserved for
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children whose parents are either studying or working at the EPFL or the University of Lausanne. The “Croquignole” : http://www2.unil.ch/lacroquignole/The “Polychinelle” : http://hotes.epfl.ch/polychinelleOthers : http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social/garderie.html
• Local transportation Switzerland is famous for the reliability, diversity and extent of its public transportation : http://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch/view.asp?DomID=62829 The trains (CFF) http://www.cff.ch/ go almost everywhere in Switzerland. Almost everyone in Switzerland has a half-fare card called “Abonnement Demi-Tarif”. This pass enables you to buy all your train or boat tickets at half price, and at only CHF 150.- a year it very quickly pays for itself. If you are younger than 25, you are eligible for the “Voie 7” for CHF 99.-, which allows you to travel from 7.00 pm until the last train of the night without paying anything : http://www.voie7.ch/. There is a CFF office on campus next to the Information Center on the Esplanade. The bus or metro service in Lausanne (TL) http://www.t-l.ch is a reliable means of local transport. Buy your ticket from a machine at the bus or metro stop (use exact change!) before getting on board. The fare for a long ride is CHF 2.40 (1 hour) and for a short one (3 stops) Fr. 1.30. If you have a CFF half-fare card, you can get a discount on bus and metro tickets (push the “½” button on the machine.) To avoid needing change for the machines you can buy a “Galaxy” card at any newsagent. If you ride regularly, it is a better bargain to purchase a general monthly pass “abonnement” for CHF 43.- to CHF 70.- from the TL office at the Flon metro station. The best way to reach the EPFL from downtown Lausanne is to take the metro (TSOL) http://www.epfl.ch/tsol/. It will take you from the Place du Flon to EPFL in 12 minutes. Pyjama buses operate only on Friday and Saturday nights, departing from Place St-François between 1.00 a.m. and about 3.20 a.m., cost : CHF 3.50. Schedules can be found at : http://www.service-pyjama.ch Pyjama trains also operate only on Friday and Saturday nights, between Geneva, Morges, Lausanne, Vevey and Montreux from 1.00 a.m. to 2.30 a.m. Cost : CHF 5.- to CHF 15.-, depending on the route. Car: the legal driving age in Switzerland is 18. If you have a valid foreign license, you may drive for up to 12 months. There is a shortage of on-street parking in the urban areas of Lausanne and the multi-story car parks are about CHF 2.50 /hour. At the EPFL, you can pay CHF 75.- per semester to park on campus. Inquire at the Information desk on the Esplanade. You will be asked to show your student card and the identification card of your car. Travel agencies: an agency is located on the Esplanade and is open week-days: http://www.travelcom.ch
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5. Money matters • Currency
The Swiss currency unit is the Swiss Franc (abbreviated to Sfr., CHF or simply Fr.) Coins come in 5, 10, 20, and 50 centimes and 1, 2 and 5 franc pieces. Banknotes come in denominations of CHF 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 1000. It is not unusual to use 100 and 200 CHF notes to pay for purchases, even small ones.
• Tuition fees If you are a student participating in a SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme, or you are from a university that has signed a bilateral cooperation agreement with EPFL, you will be exempt from EPFL tuition fees. If you are a student making your own arrangements, the tuition fees are CHF 633.- per semester.
• Scholarships International students do not receive any scholarships from Switzerland unless they are participating in the SOCRATES-ERASMUS programme. Your best bet is to apply for possible scholarships in your home country before leaving for Switzerland. The EPFL is not able to offer any scholarships or funding for foreign students who have not already completed one year’s study at the EPFL.
• Banking Depending on how long you stay in Switzerland, it may be necessary to open a bank account. All banks offer approximately the same kind of services, and there is a UBS bank on campus. To apply for a bank account, you need your passport and your residence permit.
• Cost of living The cost of living in Switzerland, on average, is higher than in the rest of Europe. The minimum amount required to live in Lausanne is about CHF 1’600.- per month (Euros 990). All this, depends, of course, on your personal spending habits. Be prepared to have more expenses in the beginning of your stay. Budget per month : Accommodation : CHF 500.- Meals CHF 500.- Insurance CHF 200.- Books + tuition CHF 200.- Others CHF 200.- TOTAL CHF 1’600.-
• Jobs Foreign students from outside the EU are not allowed to work during their first six months in Switzerland. After this period, they can work 15 hours/week during the semester and full time during academic holidays. The Social Service at EPFL must provide an attestation confirming that the job is compatible with studies. If you do not respect this procedure you risk having problems with the local police authority (Contrôle des habitants) and you may lose your residence permit.
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Finding a job : A list of temporary jobs can be found on the internet, through the “intranet address Gaspar”: http://gaspar.epfl.chYou must be aware that it is not realistic to be able to earn enough to fully cover your needs and, at the same time, complete studies in the prescribed time. Foreign students must have sufficient funds to study at the EPFL without depending on an outside job. 6. Registration and Academic rules
• The academic year The academic year at the EPFL is divided into two periods (semesters). Each semester lasts fourteen weeks.
For the academic year 2007-2008 : Winter semester 18.09.2007 – 21.12.2007 Summer semester 18.02.2008 – 30.05.2008
Exams : Spring : 14.01.2008 – 02.02.2008 Summer 16.06.2008 – 05.07.2008
For the academic year 2008-2009 : Winter semester 15.09.2008 – 19.12.2008 Summer semester 16.02.2009 – 29.05.2009
For the academic year 2009-2010 :
Winter semester 14.09.2009 – 18.12.2009 Summer semester 22.02.2010 – 04.10.2010
More information about courses and exams can be found on the web at: http://www.epfl.ch/sac
• Registration at the EPFL As soon as your application is accepted, a letter of confirmation will be sent by the EPFL Admissions Office (“Service Académique”) to you at your home address. On arrival in Switzerland, you must report to the “Service Académique”, located on the first floor of the Bâtiment Polyvalent. There you will collect your Student Identification Card CAMIPRO and the official registration document called “Attestation”, which you will need to obtain your residence permit. The student ID card CAMIPRO is used to register for courses and exams, to enter into buildings and to benefit from the facilities at the EPFL and University (library, computers, sport centre, restaurants, etc). Exchange students should also contact:
• The exchange coordinator in their section; a list can be found at : http://www.epfl.ch/soc/mobilite/ResponsableMob.html
• The Student Exchange Office (Office Mobilité), located on the 1st floor of the Bâtiment Polyvalent, BP1 244.
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• Course / exam registration Registration for courses / exams is on-line through the intranet address Gestac-IS Academia, between June and September for the winter semester and between December and February for the summer semester. EPFL students may also attend one or two courses at the University of Lausanne. It is not always possible to register on-line for these courses. If this is the case, simply introduce yourself to the professor at the first lecture and he/she will register you on the spot.
• Catalogue of courses The catalogue of courses is available on the web site of the “Service Académique” at: http://www.epfl.ch/sacThe course programme is made available in July each year and catalogues of courses are regularly sent to our partners.
• Course schedules Course schedules are finalized in August and they will be displayed on the web at: http://infowww.epfl.ch/Horaires/Horaires.html
• Credit System ECTS credits facilitate the administrative recognition of academic work for international students. ECTS credits are numerical values allocated to course units that reflect the quantity of work the course unit requires of a student in relation to the total quantity of work necessary to complete a full year of academic study at the institution. 1 credit = 1 hour-course or exercise per week during 1 semester. One semester = 30 ECTS, one full academic year = 60 ECTS.
• Structure of studies The structure of studies at EPFL conforms to the Bologna Convention and consists of the following titles : - A Bachelor of Science (BS) comprising 180 ECTS credits (duration of 3 years) - A Master of Science (MS) comprising 90 or 120 ECTS credits, depending on your choice of options (duration of between 1.5 and 2 years) - A Doctorate (PhD), duration of 4 years.
• Examinations and grades At the end of the 1st year of studies, students take a “Propédeutique” exam. The results of the “Propédeutique” are graded on a scale of 1 (= very poor) to 6 (very good) and 4 is passing. 60 ECTS will be attributed for an average of 4 or higher. During the second and third years of the studies, the branches are valued by the system of credits ECTS. The “Bachelors degree” is delivered after a student obtains 180 credits. The “Masters degree” is delivered after obtaining 90/120 additional credits. More details can be found on the “Ordonnance sur le contrôle des études”.
• Exam results The EPFL (Service académique) issues exam “transcripts” for each student. The transcripts will show the courses taken, the number of credits attributed to each course and the mark attained. Exam “transcripts” are sent to students and can also be consulted on-line at : Gestac-IS Academia.
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• French course
During the “Bachelor” studies, lectures are conducted in French. The teaching languages are French and English during the “Master” courses. A sound knowledge of these two languages is therefore advised. The everyday language on campus is French. The EPFL Language Center offers several courses for international students: http://langues.epfl.ch To improve your French, you have three options :
1. follow the intensive summer course 2. follow a course of 2 or 4 periods/week 3. individual study in the Language Lab (the “Médiathèque”)
The option most suitable for you depends on your study programme in Lausanne. If you plan to attend lectures, it is strongly recommended that you attend the summer course. If you plan to do thesis work or research you may not be obliged to attain the highest possible level of proficiency in French. In that case the twice 2-hour per week course may be a good option.
1. The summer course An intensive 3-week-summer-course has been set up specifically for Exchange Students and Swiss-German students. It will take place from 20th August – 7thSeptember 2007 and offers 20 hours per week of intensive instruction in French. You will have lessons in groups of approximately 14 students. The application for this course has to be done on-line in June on the site : http://langues.epfl.chDeadline to apply is end of June.
2 The 2-hour-course During the semesters, a 2-hour-course twice a week is organized. Please contact the Language Center in the first days after your arrival to arrange for assessment test.
3 The “Médiathèque” The language lab offers pedagogical material, CDs, books and newspapers. It is a good way to learn French when you have some extra time. You can ask to be supervised by a teacher.
• E-mail account
All EPFL students are issued with a personal e-mail address and can receive and transmit electronic mail. You will get a user-name and a password with your student ID card.
• Photocopy cards Cards can be purchased at the Information desk, on the Esplanade or at the Boutique Agepoly, situated on the Esplanade.
• Library Each section has its own library. The main library at the EPFL, the Bibliothèque Centrale, is located on the Centre Est: http://library.epfl.chHours: Monday to Friday 8h00 – 22h00. Saturday: 9h00 – 17h00. Lending desk: 9h00 – 17h45. For more information and for special schedules during the summer and Christmas breaks, please consult: http://library.epfl.ch/bc/horaire.php
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EPFL students also have access to the library at the University of Lausanne, open on Saturdays and weekdays : http://www.unil.ch/BCU/
• Bookshop The University Bookshop is located on the Esplanade : http://www.livres.ch/Hours : Monday to Friday : 8h00 –17h00. 7. Entertainment and Social Life
• Sports The University Sports Center, in a beautiful lakeside location, is available for students from the University of Lausanne and from the EPFL. Students can participate in more than fifty different activities, from sailing to yoga, and most of them are free of charge. For the complete programme, see: http://www.unil.ch/sportLausanne is very close to the Alps where you can go hiking and skiing. The nearest ski resorts are only 45 minutes away by car or train. You can take public tansportation right to the base (or close, anyway!) of several ski areas.
• Music If you are a musician, you can join the university choir: http://www.unil.ch/choeur/, the chamber music association: http://www.unil.ch/central/page2947_fr.html or the university symphony Orchestra : http://www.unil.ch/osul/
• Student association AGEPOLYThis is the general association of the EPFL’s students, located on the Esplanade: http://agepoly.epfl.ch/agepoly.
• Clubs Students can participate in a variety of club activities : cabaret, CD-thèque, Mountaineering-Club, Photography-Club, Drama-club, Sailing-club, Astronomy-club, Chess-club, etc…
• Xchange For exchange students, a group called “Xchange” has been founded and is a member of the ESN (Erasmus Student Network). The local ESN group consists of Swiss students who organise social activities and short trips. Activities include weekly meetings, visits, plays, ski weekends and parties.
• Other associations Many associations exist and the list can be consulted on the web site : http://associations.epfl.ch
• Cinemas and night life Lausanne and its area has many cinemas; schedules can be found in the newspaper or on the internet : http://lausanne.cinemas.ch/ Look for V.O. “Version Originale” for English or other original language films. Discos and bars : http://www.lausanne.ch/view.asp?DomID=30900
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• Cultural events Lausanne offers many theatre performances, concerts and music festivals. A programme can be found on the Lausanne Tourist Office’s website: http://www.lausanne.ch/. Your student card gives you various discounts at cultural events.
• Museums Lausanne is a city of culture with more than 18 museums open Tuesday-Sundays : http://www.lausanne.ch/musees
• Public holidays The EPFL is closed between Christmas and the first workday of the New Year, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Ascension Day, National Day on 1st August, Whit Monday and a Monday in September called “lundi du Jeûne Fédéral”. On those days shops and public institutes are closed. 8. Useful addresses
• Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale – EPFL Station 1 CH-1015 LAUSANNE Phone : +41 21 693 11 11 Fax : +41 21 693 43 80 http://www.epfl.ch
• Office Mobilité - Student Exchange Office AA DAF-SOC BP1 244 (Bâtiment Polyvalent) Station 16 CH-1015 LAUSANNE Phone : +41 21 693 22 80 Fax : +41 21 693 60 80 [email protected] http://www.epfl.ch/soc/mobilite
• Service Académique - Admissions Office
AA DAF-SAC BP 1 233 (Bâtiment Polyvalent) Station 16 CH-1015 LAUSANNE Phone : +41 21 693 21 19 Fax : +41 21 693 30 88 [email protected] http://sac.epfl.ch
• Unité des Relations Internationales – International Relations Office RI-VP VPRI CM 2 (Centre Midi) Station 10 CH-1015 LAUSANNE Phone : +41 21 693 51 12 Fax : +41 21 693 58 65 [email protected] http://ri.epfl.ch
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• Service social - Social service AA DAF-SOC BP1 245 (Bâtiment Polyvalent) Station 16 CH-1015 LAUSANNE Phone : +41 21 693 22 82 or 84 Fax : +41 21 693 60 80 [email protected] http://www.epfl.ch/soc/social
• Centre de Langues – Language Center EPFL Centre Est Station 1
CH-10105 LAUSANNE Phone : +41 21 693 22 89 Fax : +41 21 693 22 60 http://langues.epfl.ch
• Université de Lausanne – University of Lausanne Dorigny CH-1015 LAUSANNE Phone : +41 21 692 11 11 Fax : +41 21 692 20 15 http://www.unil.ch
• Rectors’Conference of the Swiss universities Sennweg 2 CH-3012 BERN Phone : +41 31 306 60 36 http://www.crus.ch
• Appels d’urgence - Emergency calls - EPFL : internal nr. 115 or http://securite.epfl.ch/urgences/urgences.html- Police : 117 - Fire : 118 - Medical emergencies : 144 - CHUV – University Hospital : +41 (0)21 314 11 11, http://www.chuv.ch- Vidy-Med : Rte de Chavannes 11-11A : +41 (0)21 622 88 88
• Contrôle des habitants et police des étrangers – Immigration Authorities
“Commune” of residence Address CH-1003 LAUSANNE Rue Beau-Séjour 8 CH- 1024 ECUBLENS Place du Motty 4 CH-1023 CRISSIER Ch. de Chisaz 1 CH-1022 CHAVANNES-P-RENENS Hôtel de Ville, Ch. de la Gare 46 CH-1020 RENENS Rue de Lausanne 33 CH-1025 SAINT-SULPICE Rue du Centre 47 CH-1008 PRILLY Rue de Cossonay 40
• Organe cantonal de contrôle des assurances – Insurance Control Office Rue Saint-Martin 2 Case postale 288 CH-1001 LAUSANNE Phone : +41 (0)21 348 29 11 Fax : +41 (0)21 348 29 49 http://www.occ.ch email : [email protected]
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• Useful addresses : - Lausanne Tourist Office, Phone : +41 (0)21 613 73 73, http://www.lausanne-tourisme.ch- Geneva Cointrin International Airport, Phone : +41 (0)22 799 71 11 - Zürich Kloten International Airport, Phone : 0900 30 03 13 - Taxi service Lausanne, Phone : 0800 810 810 - Taxiphone Lausanne : Phone : 0800 801 802 - Weather in Switzerland : http://www.meteosuisse.ch- Weather in Europe : http://www.meteonews.ch- Weather in the world : http://www.meteoconsult.com- Currency conversion : http://finance.yahoo.com/m3?u
• Embassies in Switzerland : Addresses and phone numbers can be found at : http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/forrep.html
• Swiss Embassies abroad : Addresses and phone numbers can be found at : http://www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps.html
9. Check-List Before you leave for Switzerland, make sure you have the following :
Passport Visa (non EU) European Health Insurance card (EU-EEA students) A letter from your Health insurance company verifying your coverage, and a
detailed documentation of that coverage (non EU students) A letter from your Liability Insurance coverage (RC) if you have one Acceptance letter from EPFL Proof of adequate financial support (bank account, letter from parents, etc…) Think about reserving a hotel or making sure you have somewhere to stay for your
first few days A copy of your rental contract if you have arranged your housing in advance Some passport photos
After you arrive in Switzerland : Collect your student card at the “Service Académique” Register at the Immigration office of your “commune” Send a copy of your health insurance card to the “organe cantonal de contrôle” Check your choice of courses and schedules Register for the courses on-line Contact your exchange oordinator or the professor EPFL in charge of supervising your
thesis Contact the Student exchange office at EPFL (Office Mobilité) Contact the association Xchange to take part in activities for International Students
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10. Map of the Campus
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