Pre-arrival information
Glion & Bulle campuses, Switzerland
Pre-arrival
information
Glion & Bulle campuses, Switzerland
All you need to know about Switzerland
If you are starting your program in Glion or Bulle, our Swiss pre-arrival information gives you the low-down on what happens when you first arrive on campus and how to make a successful start to life as a Glion student.
Arrival & check-in
Check-in on campus
Upon arrival on campus you will be given various items of information and participate in several activities as part of the induction process.
What to expect when arriving in Switzerland
Getting to our campuses
Glion campus
Campus address
Glion Institute of Higher Education Route de Glion 111 1823 - Glion sur Montreux
By train
Plan your journey with the latest timetables and live information on sbb.ch/en or download the ‘SBB Mobile’ app.
Bulle campus
Campus address
Glion Institute of Higher Education Rue de l’Ondine 20 1630 - Bulle
By train
Plan your journey with the latest timetables and live information on sbb.ch/en or download the ‘SBB Mobile’ app.
Induction week
Get familiar with student life
Week one of the semester is “induction week” on the Glion campus. The schedule varies by program, campus and semester and we prepare a lot of activities so that you can integrate smoothly into school life. The sessions will help you understand your role as a student, your academic program, the activities on campus and what is available to you in terms of services: academic support, learning resources, Career Services, IT, health, etc. It is also an opportunity to discover the campus and meet faculty, fellow students and roommates.
Induction is mandatory and you will not be able to fully access our services if you do not attend. It is imperative that you arrive on the date indicated on your acceptance letter.
New first semester Bachelor’s degree students typically follow a one-week program, whereas Master’s students will cover all of the sessions within a couple of days. Here is an example of a program for new Bachelor’s degree students starting on the Glion campus. You will be given a confirmed timetable upon arrival.
Day 1
- Check-in
- F&B information session
Day 2
- Uniform fitting
- Security induction
- Campus tour
- Academic induction
- IT induction
- Welcome drink
Day 3
- Practical Arts philosophy
- Practical Arts presentation
- Internship presentation
- Hygiene and dress code
- Student Development Services induction
- Team building
- English placement test
Day 4
- Health insurance / B-Permit / TSM
- Referencing workshop, Turnitin
- Introduction to Moodle application
- Internship presentation
- Hospitality services
Day 5
- Practical Arts workshop presentation
- Individual picture
Day 6
- City tour of Montreux
Life on campus
Storage of personal belongings
Storage rooms are at your disposal for your empty suitcases.
The school declines responsibility for loss or theft of valuables in student rooms, public areas or any unsecured storage area.
Accommodation basics
Your Glion accommodation will be equipped with the following:
- A single bed or two single beds (depending on your selection)
- Wardrobe
- Desk
- Chair
- Internet access
- Bed linen
- Please note that towels are not included
Other important things to remember:
- Requests for room changes can be made during the first two weeks and the official move will take place after the first two weeks of the semester.
- Rooms are not available for parents or visitors
- Do not bring an excessive amount of clothes as there may not be enough space to store them
Lockers
Lockers are available free of charge on campus and are recommended for daily use. Keys are available at Glion and Bulle Student Concierge.
Postal address
All luggage, private parcels and letters should be sent to the campus directly and not to the admissions address.
The addresses of the Swiss campuses are as follows:
Glion campus
YOUR NAME (nicknames should not be used), c/o Glion Institute of Higher Education, Route de Glion 111, 1823 - Glion sur Montreux, Switzerland
Bulle campus
YOUR NAME (nicknames should not be used), c/o Glion Institute of Higher Education, Rue de l’Ondine 20, 1630 - Bulle, Switzerland
Laundry
Students are responsible for their own laundry (including Practical Arts uniforms) and must create a laundry account with Lavorent to pay for and operate machines that are available in each residence.
Create a laundry account
You will have to create a Lavorent account which will enable you to pay for laundry services on campus. You can create an account online at lavorent.ch, or follow the instructions on the laundry machine screens once on campus. This will allow you to make secure payments online or make bank transfers to recharge your account as and when you need.
You can also use your account to check the realtime availability of laundry machines and track your usage or payment history.
Ironing
Ironing boards are available for your personal use in the building laundry rooms; however, students are requested to purchase their own iron.
Bed linen
Bed linen is provided and laundered by the school; however, students must bring and launder their own towels.
Dry cleaning
A dry cleaning service is provided by an outside company at the expense of the student.
Travelling in Switzerland
Should you wish to explore Switzerland during your studies, it is easy to travel by public transport and it is recommended to buy the SBB (Swiss railways) half fare travelcard. This entitles you to half-price travel from the date of purchase on trains, buses, boats and mountain railways anywhere in Switzerland.
All tickets must be purchased directly at the train station or through the SBB website or app.
Cars & parking
Parking
Both campuses have extremely limited parking spaces, and Glion strongly recommends that students do not bring their own cars.
- During check-in, students must register their car license plate number at Student Concierge and will then receive a sticker to put on the car windshield at all times.
- Unregistered cars without a valid sticker will not be allowed on campus car parks or on school property.
Winter tires
Between November and April, it is mandatory to drive with winter tires which are designed for driving on snow.
Driving license
It is your responsibility to make sure you have a valid license to drive in Switzerland.
Driving on Swiss motorways
If you plan to drive in Switzerland and will use the motorway, even for short distances, you must buy a “Vignette Autoroutière” or motorway tax sticker. This costs CHF 40, is available at customs offices, post offices, gas stations and online via the link below and is valid for one year.
Damage to vehicles
The school declines any responsibility for damage to vehicles, parking and speeding fines or the legal consequences of failing to pay your fines.
Transport services: Glion
Glion shuttle bus
The school shuttle buses run from Glion campus to Montreux, with stops at La Residence and Hôtel des Alpes, on a regular basis, five days a week. Timetables are available at the Student Concierge.
Public transport
Glion campus has a unique location with its superb views of Lake Geneva and the Alps. A train brings students directly from Montreux to Glion every hour, while the funicular is also available from Territet/Montreux every 15 minutes.
We recommend students to purchase the SBB Half Fare Travelcard to benefit from half-prices on public transport around Switzerland.
Taxi
Students have access to a special rate with local taxis. Do not forget to ask the driver for the reduction when using this service.
- Taxi Riviera: +41 21 963 36 36
- Jet Taxi: +41 79 257 58 68
Transport services: Bulle
Public transport
All local transportation, such as trains and buses, are within walking distance of the campus. Bulle campus is close to the city center and a 35-minute drive from Montreux.
We recommend students to purchase the SBB Half Fare Travelcard to benefit from half-prices on public transport around Switzerland.
Taxi
Students have access to a special rate with local taxis. Do not forget to ask the driver for the reduction when using this service.
- Taxi ABA: +41 26 912 27 24
- Taxi Etoile: +41 26 912 21 21
- Jet Taxi: +41 79 257 58 68
Banking
Opening a bank account with a regular bank or at a local post office, requires students to have their valid passport and a school certificate*. There are several banks, ATMs and post offices in Montreux and Bulle. Please note that you can open a bank account from the age of 16 years old.
*Students will receive their school certificate during the check-in process. UBS will be present on campus for students who wish to open a bank account. Students can also visit UBS in Montreux or Bulle directly without appointment.
Mobile phone
Students who wish to set up a Swiss mobile phone contract will need a valid passport and a school certificate (provided during check-in). Salt will be present on our Glion campus, offering students discounts along with a flexible cancellation deal. Glion and Bulle students can also visit Salt stores in Montreux and Bulle without appointment to subscribe to a contract.
Student life
At Glion, you will be the driver of your own student experience and have the chance to try many new things. Every student has a chance to become a member of our Student Government Association (SGA) or Ambassador Program, where you can represent the school and students, organize events and actively participate in the creation of the student life on campus. Each semester, the campuses are buzzing with events and activities: talent shows, baking and cooking competitions, cultural fairs, sports competitions, theme nights, fundraisers and much more awaits you.
Associations & committees
Student Government Association (SGA)
Show your leadership skills in the elected student governing body, which includes President, Vice President, Treasurer, PR, Events and Marketing.
Student Committees
Under the umbrella of the SGA, you can join the Charity, Graduation, Networking, Entrepreneurship, Wine, Sport, Green, Culinary, Arts, Glion Student Media or Masters committee to organize multiple on or off campus events.
Glion Ambassador Program
The Glion Ambassador Program supports students in developing and improving their leadership skills and strengthening their future employability. Selected on a semestrial basis the Glion Ambassadors represent the school externally and internally.
Eta Sigma Delta
Depending on your academic performance, you may be invited to join the Eta Sigma Delta International Hospitality Management Society (ESD) during your last semester of studies.
Laptop requirements
IT checklist
Use this checklist to make sure you have everything you need when you arrive on campus.
- Please make sure your personal computer has valid warranty in Switzerland and you have all the information in case something happens.
- If your computer is still under warranty, make sure you have all the documents in order to repair.
- Verify compliance with Glion’s IT policy; more specifically, the language and version of the operating system.
- Check your computer for viruses.
- Be sure that you have an anti- virus software installed on your computer.
- Make a back-up copy of all your personal files and documents.
- Remove any peer-to-peer sharing software from your computer as Glion’s network will not allow this type of traffic.
- The same rule applies for applications such as ‘Torrent’ downloaders (e.g. uTorrent, BitTorrent, or similar applications).
- If needed, purchase an ‘international travel plug adapter’ for your computer power cord.
Your program of studies
Counseling & learning assistance
Your Program Director or Coordinator will meet with your designated class on the first day to welcome you to the school and will explain the expectations we will have for you as a student at Glion. The Program Director or Coordinator will meet with the class regularly throughout the semester and they and your faculty members will be your first point of contact should you have any academic questions.
Faculty members maintain regular office hours and open-door policies. They are available to assist students with questions related to their core subjects. Students can also discuss academic matters with their Program Director or Coordinator.
Use of e-platforms
You will be introduced to our blended learning approaches within the classroom and specifically to our e-platform (Moodle) where you will be able to download materials for your courses and be involved in live forum chats with your fellow students and teachers for online courses when applicable to your program of studies. This interactive platform allows you to engage with your studies whilst in and outside of the classroom.
Parents' FAQ
What happens upon arrival on campus?
Upon arrival, students receive their accommodation keys when they are lodged on campus, receive their induction schedule and are taken through our check-in process.
What happens during the first week on campus?
At the beginning of the semester, new first semester students follow some activities and information sessions as part of their induction. During this time students are introduced to their program of studies, our learning tools and meet with their Program Director or Coordinator. It is also an opportunity to discover the campus and meet faculty, fellow students and roommates. Induction week is mandatory.
What are the academic requirements?
Students must pass all their courses. Our grading scale is out of 100% with 50% being the passing grade for each course. You will be able to find all the details of the academic program, progression rules and academic requirements in our Academic Catalog and in our Academic Rules and Regulations.
How do I know if my son/daughter has passed the semester?
Students receive notifications to their Glion email address about their grades as well as the decision of the progression panel at the end of each semester. Students are responsible for informing their parents or sponsors in that regard.
Can we talk to you about my son's/daughter's academic progress and general situation without them being involved?
Due to legal reasons and for students over 18 years old, the Institution is not allowed to share information about a student with third parties, including parents and sponsors, unless under exceptional circumstances and only with the student’s explicit permission and involvement. Students willing to share information with their parents or sponsors must sign a consent form. We expect students to take responsibility for their own actions and therefore it is they who should contact the relevant person at Glion for help and advice. It is also the student’s responsibility to inform you of their academic progress.
What do we do if we need our son/daughter to return home for family matters?
Students are required to abide by the attendance policy as outlined in the Academic Rules and Regulations. These regulations vary depending on the program of studies the student is enrolled in. Rescheduling missing assessments and exams due to absences is only possible under certain valid mitigating circumstances.
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