*The schedule is indicative and subject to changes.
Day Events
Meet 2 Meet
You just arrived in Lausanne and have no idea what to do on Saturday afternoon? Join us for the first event of the Welcome Week in Amphiphôle hall on the UNIL campus for an afternoon where you’ll be able to meet other exchange and international students as well as ESN EPFL and ESN UNIL volunteers.
You can spend your afternoon by playing various board and casino games that will be set for you all around the hall or simply chat and make friends around a cup of tea or soda and snacks. This event is also the perfect opportunity to ease into university life, explore the campus vibe, and start making friends from around the world.
An ESN information stand will be there to give you all the information you’ll need about the Welcome Week and the activities we organise during the semester.
But don’t forget it's Saturday! So why not keep going and go have a drink in a bar afterwards and maybe party all night with your new friends.
Don’t miss this completely FREE event (except for the beer at the bar we are not that nice) and come to meet us! Registration is however highly recommended for organisation purposes.
Number of spots: UNLIMITED
Tour & Connect
Being an exchange student and visiting a new campus for the first time is a wonderful experience, but doing it while making new friends is even better! At this event, you'll be split into teams, visit the UNIL and EPFL campuses, play games and, last but not least, eat crepes and drink hot chocolate! So, if you're ready to meet and play with people while discovering our magnificent campuses, don't hesitate and come to ‘Tour & Connect’!
Come one, come all, and leave with friends from all over the world!
Number of spots: 240
Olympiads
Come and bring out your inner Olympian in the Olympic capital of the world! The Olympiads will challenge you with many crazy mini-games inside the university sports center. Gather your team and prepare to engage in friendly competitions. As you immerse yourself in the festivities, you'll also have the opportunity to explore the university sports center, discovering the wide range of sports and activities available for the semester ahead.
Number of spots: 240
Wine Tasting in Lavaux
Could you think of a better day than walking through the stunning Lavaux, basking in the beauty of its UNESCO World Heritage site, and indulging in a wine tasting experience? Join us on this extraordinary journey where you'll have the opportunity to savor exquisite local wines, expertly guided by the domain’s winemaker. You’ll also get the chance to visit the cellar where the wine is made and unravel its secrets.
After a quick train ride from Lausanne to Lavaux, prepare to be captivated by the history and charm of this region. As you walk through Lavaux and visit two winemakers, you'll enjoy breathtaking views of the lake and mountains, making the experience even more memorable.
Come along and treat your senses to an unforgettable experience, blending nature, culture, and the finest local wines!
Number of spots: 240
Where is Waldo
Celebrate the thrill of urban exploration with the ‘Where is Waldo’ event! Embark on a city-wide search, passing through some of Lausanne's best (secret) spots to find the elusive Waldo hidden among the crowds. Join fellow adventurers in this interactive quest filled with excitement and comical challenges and compete to be the first group to spot Charlie! The afternoon will be rounded off with a small apéro to recharge after this thrilling activity and a small surprise for the winners.
Number of spots: 240
Night Events
International Dinner
Dive in a world of flavors while connecting with other students at the International Dinner! This event celebrates all cultures and you are invited to bring yours in the form of a traditional dish of your homeland, so time to get cooking! After this grand tasting experience, the dinner will give way to a karaoke party with thematic cocktails from all around the world!
Number of spots: 150
Swiss Night
Join us for a delightful and fun-filled meal that celebrates the very essence of Swiss traditions! We will be making a typical swiss dish, our ‘raclette’, by using the traditional ‘demi meules’ - the iconic heating machine where half wheels of raclette cheese are melted to perfection. With that, you’ll get to taste other known Swiss snacks and some fun activities to discover about the country!
Number of spots: 150
Deep Blue Night
Seasonal depression is hitting you hard this year? Don’t worry, we got you with our fabulous “Under The Sea” party! Dress as you wish as long as you’re ocean coded to come eat, drink, dance, make friends, take wonderful pictures and, of course, enjoy it as much as you can! So if you’re ready to be part of one of the best nights of the week, come party with us! This is your chance to enjoy the craziest night of the week with an open bar and unforgettable memories waiting for you!
Number of spots: 120
Pub and Club Night
Join us for an incredible night starting with a chill vibe and ending with an epic party! On the program:
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The Before at a bar called the “King size”
Kick off the evening in the cozy and friendly atmosphere of The King size. Enjoy the happy hour deals on snacks and beverages, we negotiated especially for you together with a playlist that will get everyone in the mood. It’s the perfect moment to catch up with friends or meet new people before hitting the dance floor.
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Head to D! Club
Once warmed up, it's time to head to the D! Club, one of the hottest spots in town! Get ready for a night of electrifying beats, spectacular light shows, and an unbeatable vibe on the dancefloor.
Do you want to dance and sing all night with your best ESN friends?! Don't think anymore, this evening is made for you!
Number of spots: 320
Chalet Weekend
Welcome to our chalet weekend getaway to the Canton de Vaud! As the weekend unfolds, you will have the opportunity to choose from an array of activities designed to suit your preferences. The price of the Chalet Weekend package includes transportation to the chalet on Friday afternoon, an outdoor activity on Saturday, meals from Friday night to Sunday’s breakfast, and transportation back to Lausanne on Sunday morning!
Number of spots: 90
Activities
On Friday night after arriving at the chalet, you will have the opportunity to play some board games, walk around, or chill at the chalet before dinner.
On Saturday, come with us to discover the region with 2 activities you can choose from:
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Vallorbe Caves (Guided Tour)
Discover the magnificent Grottes de Vallorbe, exclusively opened for us! A guide will walk you through the wonders of these stunning caves, a must-see Swiss treasure.
Capacity: 45 people
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Hike (Fondue Included)
For a challenging hike, explore the trail from Le Pont to the Dent de Vaulion. This route takes you through steep ascents, lush forests, and open meadows, leading to the summit of Dent de Vaulion with breathtaking views of the Jura mountains and beyond. Along the way, you’ll pause to enjoy some delicious fondue, adding a tasty and memorable highlight to your adventure.
Capacity: 45 people
Food
As you explore the stunning canton of Vaud, we’ll take care of all your meals and snacks throughout the weekend. Everything will be vegetarian, but please let us know if you have any other dietary needs so we can adapt accordingly. Get ready to enjoy delicious food, share wonderful moments over hearty meals, and perhaps indulge in some delightful desserts :) with your friends!
Parties
Join us for the celebration of the start of your journey with two unforgettable themed parties.
Kick off the festivities on Friday with our "Decades Party", step back in time and retrieve the iconic styles from the roaring 20s to the trendy 2010s. Dress in your best retro outfits and dance the night away to a playlist that spans the ages. Let’s celebrate a century of iconic party styles for an unforgettable night!
On Saturday, get your moon boots and ski gear ready for a night inspired by the slopes ! For this “After-Ski Party” dress like skiers fresh off the mountain in colorful ski suits, cozy knitwear or vintage après-ski fashion. Enjoy a fun atmosphere, perfect for sharing laughs and making memories in a charming Swiss chalet setting!
Two nights, two themes, but a unique experience to kick off an incredible semester with ESN. Both nights promise a blend of good music, great company, and the unique charm of a Swiss chalet, setting the perfect tone for an amazing exchange experience!
⚠️ Disclaimers/ additional information
The night events and the chalet week-end are reserved for participants that are over 18 years old.