STUDENT GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS LUCERNE UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND ART SCHOOL OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY International Student Guide 2 Version March 2021 STUDENT GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS DEAR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS We are very happy to welcome you at the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology for one or more exchange semester(s) or an entire degree. You might know that an interna- tional study experience always creates administrative work with different people involved. As a result of this, students are sometimes confused about deadlines, responsibilities and their own duties. Therefore, we have created this guide for you. Your contacts at the Lucerne School of Computer Please read this document carefully and follow the Science and Information Technology: steps where necessary. The incoming student guide should answer most of your questions. By following it, Selma Crosby, you will be well prepared for your exchange semester Exchange Program Coordinator at the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and +41 41 757 68 08 Arts – School of Computer Science and Information [email protected] Technology. [email protected] on the 2nd floor “Suurstoffi 1A” in Rotkreuz Annik Scholzen, Exchange Program Assistant +41 41 757 68 13 [email protected] on the 2nd floor "Suurstoffi 1A" in Rotkreuz Daniela Stoll, Co-Head International Office +41 41 228 41 36 [email protected] on the 2nd floor “Suurstoffi 1A” in Rotkreuz “WONDERFUL EXPERIENCE, IN A WONDERFUL COUNTRY. Prof. Dr. Sita Mazumder, FIRST CLASS TEACHERS. Co-Head International Office +41 41 757 68 81 [email protected] SWITZERLAND IS AN on the 7th floor ADVENTURE LIKE NO OTHER.” “Suurstoffi 1B” in Rotkreuz FEEDBACK FROM AN INCOMINGS STUDENT FROM SWEDEN International Student Guide International Student Guide 4 Version March 2021 5 Version March 2021 CONTENT WELOME TO SWITZERLAND AND LUCERNE 6 ACADEMICS 22 1. About Switzerland 7 21. Academic Calendar and Public Holidays 23 2. About Lucerne 7 22. Learning Agreement and Registration for courses 23 3. About the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts 7 23. Swissness course 23 24. Language courses 23 ENTERING AND LIVING IN SWITZERLAND 8 25. Exams and Grading System 23 4. Visa application 9 26. Exam results and transcript of records 23 5. Application for residence permit (for students from EU/EFTA countries) 10 27. Swiss-European Mobility Programme 23 6. Deregistration Process 11 7. Health insurance 12 SOCIALIZING AND TIPS FOR EVERYDAY LIFE 24 8. Costs of Living in Switzerland 12 28. Erasmus Student Network ESN 25 29. Buddy program for exchange students 25 ON-CAMPUS FACILITIES AND SERVICES 14 30. Introductory Weeks and Arrival in Switzerland 25 9. The campus of the Lucerne School of Computer Science and Information Technology 15 31. Student association 25 10. Housing for international students 15 32. Bank account 25 10.1. Off-Campus housing 15 33. Mobile plans 26 10.2. Car Parking 15 34. Public transport 26 11. Cafeterias and Self- catering places on campus 16 35. Safety and Security 26 12. Library 16 36. Checklist 27 13. HSLU email address 16 14. IT Helpdesk 16 15. Software for students 16 16. HSLU student card 16 17. Photocopying and Scanning 16 18. Campus sports 16 19. Online platforms 17 20. Log in – password change 18 International Student Guide 7 Version March 2021 1. ABOUT SWITZERLAND Crystal-clear lakes, imposing peaks, pictur- esque villages and cities. Switzerland has much to offer and there is much to discover. The rather small country is located in the very heart of Europe, a vibrant destination made of stunning diversity: 4 national languages, diverse culture and mentality, religion, food and much more. Switzerland borders Germany, Austria, Italy and France. Switzerland is famous for its high moun- tains, numerours beautiful lakes, watches, jewerly, pharmaceuticals, efficient trans- port system, good cheese, fabulous chocolate and much more. For cities lovers, visitors are dazzled by Swiss’s cosmopolitan cities such as Zurich, Basel, and Geneva. For wine lovers, Swiss wine regions like Ticino, Geneva, and Valais offer the finest wine grapes grown in the most spectacular vineyard setting. Switzerland Tourism: https://www.myswitzerland.com/en-ch/ 3. ABOUT THE LUCERNE UNIVERSITY 2. ABOUT LUCERNE OF APPLIED SCIENCES AND ARTS Lucerne is the economic, social and cultural center The University of Applied Sciences and Arts with of central Switzerland. The city is located 436 m its six Schools is located in and around Lucerne. The above sea level and has a population of 80’000. School of Computer Science and Information Temperatures average 25 °C in summer and –3 °C in Technology is the youngest School. It opened its winter. The cities of Zurich, Berne and Basel can doors only in September 2016. be reached within one hour by train or car. Lucerne Key data 2019: is in the German-speaking part of Switzerland. – 7,066 students attending bachelor’s and Noteworthy attractions include the Chapel Bridge master’s degree programs and the Lion Monument. With its direct access to – 11,534 professionals attending continuing and WELOME TO the Lake of Lucerne, the Vierwaldstättersee, Lucerne executive education programs is an ideal starting point for boat cruises to the – 498 research and development projects neighboring cantons of Nidwalden, Obwalden and – 784 lecturers Schwyz. The nearby mountains of Rigi, Stanserhorn, – 559 assistants / research associates SWITZERLAND Bürgenstock and Pilatus attract thousands of visitors – 485 administrative and technical support staff, every year. trainees and interns More information about Lucerne More information about the University of Applied AND LUCERNE Sciences and Arts can be found here. International Student Guide 9 Version March 2021 4. VISA APPLICATION Depending on your nationality, a visa might be Please note that in some countries the application required to enter Switzerland. If you are not sure process (part one) can take up to four months. whether you need a visa or not, please consult the Therefore, it is recommended to start the process as website of the State Secretariat for Migration SEM. soon as possible! You are only allowed to enter Switzerland with your approved visa and you need Please also read the information about visa and to wait in your country until you have received it. residence permits here. Part two of the application process will be explained It is in your responsibility to get a visa if necessary. in detail during the “Introductory Weeks” in Switzer- The visa process is generally divided into two parts: land. If you live in the Canton of Zug, you will One part that takes place before, and one part that have to fill in a registration form A2 within 14 days takes place after your arrival in Switzerland. after your arrival and send it to the migration office Part one: Application steps, fees and the required of the Canton of Zug. Afterwards you will get an documents for the visa application differ a lot appointment at the migration office in order to depending on the student’s home country/national- register your biometric data. After the registration of ity. To start the process, please consult the Swiss your biometric data, you will receive your residence embassy in your home country and seek information permit within two weeks by mail and the visa process about the exact procedure. Documents required is finished. The registration of the biometric data might include: and administration of the whole process are subject to a fee (approx. CHF 250 – 350). – Letter of acceptance from the host university – Copy of passport If you plan to live in the Canton of Lucerne or – Proof of language skills Nidwalden (not in Zug), please contact the Exchange – Confirmation of accommodation in Switzerland Program Coordinator of the Lucerne School of – Bank statement proofing that you have sufficient Computer Science and Information Technology. funds for an exchange semester in Switzerland The processes are slightly different. – Letter of motivation for your exchange semester ENTERING AND LIVING IN SWITZERLAND International Student Guide International Student Guide 10 Version March 2021 11 Version March 2021 ZUG Students living in the Canton of Nidwalden Students living in the Canton of Zug, (e.g. Hergiswil) need to bring the following (e.g. on the campus in Rotkreuz) please bring the documents: following documents for the registration (after arrival). Students need to send the form A1 (for You will need to register yourself at the town hall EU/EFTA) to the migration office by mail with the within the first two weeks after your arrival. LUCERNE following attachments: SCHWYZ – A valid passport or ID – 2 passport pictures – Confirmation of Enrolment of your home university – Copy of passport or identity card and a confirmation that they allow you to do an – Copy of rental agreement exchange semester – University enrollment confirmation NIDWALDEN – An admission confirmation letter from the Lucerne – A copy of your health insurance policy covering University of Applied Sciences and Arts your stay in Switzerland or copy of European Health – Confirmation of at least 20 lessons per week Insurance card or signed form “exemption from (e.g. print out of the timetable) – you will be able OBWALDEN compulsory healthcare insurance in Switzerland” to do this print out via “MyCampus” once your URI (exemption form will be send to you by mail after timetable has been completed. registration). – Proof of sufficient financial means; this may be a bank statement or a letter from your parents or Your registration and the related documents are from a guarantor residing in Switzerland confirm- subject to a fee. Please note that the Lucerne ing they will support you with monthly payments University of Applied Sciences and Arts will not cover of CHF 1,750 or more these costs.