Study abroad in Lausanne
Housing, Erasmus groups, universities, costs and student life for exchange students in Lausanne.
Country
SwitzerlandStudent Budget
CHF 1,500 – 2,600/month
Transport Card
Mobilis Grand Lausanne pass / tl network, with M1 metro for EPFL and UNIL
Population
About 140,000 city residents; larger Lausanne region around Lake Geneva
Study abroad in Lausanne: student life
Study abroad in Lausanne is ideal for EPFL and UNIL students who want Swiss academic quality, lake life and safe routines, but can plan expensive housing early.
Who loves this city?
Students who want EPFL/UNIL academics, lake routines, mountain access, safety and a polished but expensive Swiss city.
What makes it special
Lausanne combines a serious university ecosystem with lake life, vineyards, museums and one of the best public transport routines in Switzerland.
Newcomer shocks
- Housing applications can open for very short windows.
- EPFL and UNIL do not work like a single residence campus; many halls are run by foundations or external providers.
- A room far from the M1 can make daily life harder than expected.
Map
Weather in Lausanne & what to pack
Lausanne weather is lake-influenced: damp winters, pleasant springs and warm summers. Housing near M1 or direct buses matters when weather turns.
| Month | Conditions | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January 5° / 0° | ❄️ Cold, damp, occasional snowCold, damp, occasional snow, cool | Choose warm indoor clothes; lake humidity makes evenings feel colder. |
| February 7° / 1° | 🌤️ Cold, brighter days possibleCold, brighter days possible, cool | Good month to keep social life near metro lines. |
| March 11° / 4° | 🌤️ Cool spring, showersCool spring, showers, cool | Carry layers for steep streets and campus commutes. |
| April 15° / 7° | 🌤️ Showers, mild breaksShowers, mild breaks, mild | Good for Ouchy walks when rain clears. |
| May 19° / 11° | 🌤️ Mild, greenerMild, greener, mild | Outdoor study and lakeside plans become realistic. |
| June 23° / 15° | 🌤️ Warm, long daysWarm, long days, warm | Best month for Lavaux, lake evenings and campus sport. |
| July 26° / 17° | 🌤️ Warm, occasional stormsWarm, occasional storms, warm | Hydrate on uphill walks and check lake swim areas. |
| August 25° / 17° | 🌤️ Warm, quieter campusWarm, quieter campus, warm | Arrival students should confirm housing before summer closures. |
| September 21° / 13° | 🌤️ Mild, semester startMild, semester start, warm | Ideal weather but high housing pressure. |
| October 15° / 9° | 🌧️ Cool, autumn rainCool, autumn rain, mild | Good cultural month; plan rain backup. |
| November 9° / 4° | ☁️ Grey, damp, short daysGrey, damp, short days, cool | A direct commute becomes more valuable. |
| December 6° / 1° | ❄️ Cold, festive, possible snowCold, festive, possible snow, cool | Check holiday timetables and winter equipment for trips. |
The lake makes weather feel damp in winter. A place on the M1 or direct bus route can be worth more than a slightly cheaper room uphill.
Packing checklist
- Warm waterproof coat
- Comfortable shoes for steep streets
- Swiss plug adapter
- Proof of insurance and residence paperwork
- Light hiking layer for lake and vineyards
Cost of living for students in Lausanne
Cost of Living Index
110.0 / 100
Expensive · World avg ≈ 44
The cost of living in Lausanne is high. Plan CHF 1500-2600 per month and prepare a strong first-month buffer for deposit, insurance and setup.
| Category | Range / mo | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Student Room | CHF 700 – 1,800 | Shared room or student hall planning range; private furnished studios can be much higher. |
| Student Budget | CHF 1,500 – 2,600 | Lausanne is high-cost; rent and insurance/healthcare setup dominate the budget. |
| Transport | CHF 55 – 110 | Depends on Mobilis zones, youth/student reductions and whether you live near campus. |
| First Month Buffer | CHF 1,800 – 3,600 /once | Deposit, first rent, bedding, residence permit admin and temporary stay if housing is not ready. |
Going out & dining
Source: Numbeo · Prices approximate, updated periodically.
Student housing in Lausanne
Student housing in Lausanne is competitive. Start with UNIL-EPFL housing, EPFL guidance, FMEL and areas along M1 such as Renens, Chavannes and Ecublens.
Dorigny / Campus
High demandEPFL and UNIL students who value commute above everything.
Renens
Medium-highStudents needing a realistic housing search with strong transport.
Chavannes / Ecublens
Medium-highCampus-adjacent life without central prices.
Lausanne-Flon / Centre
HighStudents wanting nightlife, transport and city access.
Official contacts
Student residences
Private platforms
Student groups
Documents to prepare
Passport or ID
Admission/exchange confirmation
Proof of funds
Swiss health insurance or exemption paperwork
Deposit funds
Residence permit address documents
Timing
Start before admission feels final if the hall allows non-binding applications.
Track opening days because some student halls open for only a few days.
Keep temporary housing as a bridge, not a plan.
Deposit & contract notes
Confirm deposit account, charges, termination date and address registration.
Ask whether utilities, internet and furniture are included.
Red flags
Landlord asks for transfer before proof of lease
Room cannot be visited or video-verified
Listing claims unrealistic central price
No clarity on Swiss registration/address
Is Lausanne safe for students?
Safety Index
71.4 / 100
Generally safe
Crime Index
28.6 / 100
Low crime
Source: Numbeo · Lower crime = safer. Higher safety = safer.
Lausanne is safe for international students, but housing scams, bike theft and late-night transport gaps still deserve attention.
Lausanne is generally safe and organised, but students should protect bikes, avoid housing scams and plan late-night metro/bus returns.
Top risks
- Housing scams and fake sublets
- Bike theft near campus or stations
- Late-night missed M1/bus links
- High first-month costs after temporary housing
Getting around Lausanne
Transport in Lausanne is excellent if you live near the M1, tl buses or Renens. Route access can be more valuable than a cheaper room.
🚇 M1 metro / tl network
The M1 connects Lausanne-Flon, Renens, UNIL and EPFL; living near it changes the semester.
Check Mobilis and youth/student reductions.
🚆 SBB trains
Useful for Geneva, Bern, Zurich and airport links.
Swiss Half Fare/young adult offers depend on age and usage.
🚲 Bike and walking
Great near campus and lake; less fun uphill or in winter rain.
No fare, budget for lock and lights.
Things to do in Lausanne as a student
Student life in Lausanne mixes EPFL-UNIL campus events, Ouchy, Plateforme 10, the old town, Lavaux and lake routines.
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Ouchy lakefront walk
Year-round
Free or low-cost
The easiest free reset after classes and a reliable first-week meeting point.
Plateforme 10 museums
Year-round
Free or low-cost
Good rainy-day culture near the station and a strong low-effort group plan.
Lausanne Cathedral and old town
Year-round
Free or low-cost
Free city orientation and the best way to understand Lausanne beyond campus.
Lavaux vineyard walk
Year-round
Free or low-cost
A classic low-cost Swiss day trip when deadlines allow.
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EPFL-UNIL campus events
Year-round
Free or low-cost
The fastest way to make friends if you are not living in a residence.
Sauvabelin Tower viewpoint
Year-round
Free or low-cost
Cheap outdoor plan that shows the city, lake and mountains in one afternoon.
Olympic Museum
Year-round
Free or low-cost
Signature Lausanne museum and a useful first-month social plan by the lake.
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Rolex Learning Center
Year-round
Free or low-cost
Iconic EPFL study space and meeting point for campus-based students.
Collection de l Art Brut
Year-round
Free or low-cost
Distinctive low-pressure cultural plan when the weather turns grey.
Lausanne-Flon evening
Year-round
Free or low-cost
Central meeting area for food, cinema and nightlife without leaving the transport hub.
Student discounts & perks in Lausanne
Student perks in Lausanne come from campus canteens, transport planning, free lake routines, museums and Swiss youth discounts.
Museums & Culture
Food Savings
Check Mobilis zones before signing housing; M1 access is often worth paying for. Fares & passes
Universities in Lausanne for exchange students
Lausanne is anchored by EPFL and University of Lausanne. Compare programme fit, campus location, housing route and Swiss admin before arrival.
Student social life in Lausanne
Social life in Lausanne starts on campus through AGEPoly, UNIL groups, ESN, sport and language tandems.
What Students Usually Get Wrong
Student Associations
Meeting Places 5
Public Groups 3
AGEPoly EPFL
Student association, services and events at EPFL.
UNIL associations
Good route into clubs, culture and campus groups.
r/Lausanne
Useful for local reality checks; not official housing advice.
Forums & Advice 2
Erasmus+ Community
Official network for exchange students — forums, contacts, and city guides.
EPFL housing questions
Useful peer context for application windows and neighbourhoods.
Lausanne housing context
Use only as context; verify through official portals.