New student checklist
Get ready for the next chapter
New student
checklist
Get ready for the next chapter
Complete the checklist
Now that you have been accepted to Glion, you can start to make arrangements for travel to Switzerland or the United Kingdom. This section provides lots of useful information to make sure you’re all set!
As soon as possible:
At least 3 weeks before the start of your program:
0-3 weeks before the start of your program:
Applying for a visa
For Switzerland
Who needs to apply for a visa for Switzerland?
EU/EFTA Nationals
If you hold a passport from a country in the European Union (EU) or from a European Free Trade Association (EFTA) member state, you do not need to apply for a study visa (Type D visa- for a stay over 90 days).
Non-EU/EFTA Nationals
If you do not hold a passport from one of these countries, you must apply for a study visa (Type D visa- for a stay over 90 days) to enter Switzerland.
When & how should I apply?
You should apply for your study visa as soon as you receive your acceptance package. It can take up to three months to obtain your visa, so please make an appointment with the Swiss Embassy or Consulate in your country of residence as soon as you receive your acceptance package.
For the UK
Who needs to apply for a visa for the UK?
Whether you require a student visa to study in the UK will depend on your current circumstances and nationality. If you qualify under one of the following you may not need a visa to study at Glion:
- UK nationals
- Irish nationals
- Individuals who have existing permission to remain in the UK (such as certain dependant visa holders or permanent residents)
- Individuals who hold Pre-Settled or Settled Status
If you do not fall under the above list, you will most likely require a visa to study at Glion.
When & how should I apply?
You should start to apply for your Student Visitor visa or Student Route visa three months before the start date of your semester.
Please note that for the Student Route you will require a Confirmation of Acceptance of Studies (known as a CAS) from Glion before you can apply. Glion will provide you with a CAS once you have submitted all the required admission documents and paid your tuition fees.
Once you have applied online for your visa, it should take approximately three weeks for a decision. In some countries there may be fast track options.
Non-EEA nationals will also need to attend a biometric appointment at a Visa Application Center.
Two visa options are available to you:
Student Visitor Visa
This is a one-semester visa which is suitable if you are coming to Glion as part of a study abroad program from one of our partner institutions. You will not be permitted to work in the UK.
Student Route Visa
If you are enrolled onto our Bachelor’s or Master’s program, or will come to Glion on a study abroad program for more than one semester, then you should apply for a Student Route visa which will enable you to stay for the duration of your studies in the UK. Although you will not be permitted to work in the UK during your academic semesters, you will be able to undertake an internship in the UK with this visa should you wish to do so.
Residence permits
For Switzerland
For new, transfer (direct entry) students & holders of expired Swiss residence permits
Upon arrival at Glion, the Students Administration Team will initiate your residence permit process with the local Swiss authorities. All students have a legal obligation to apply for a residence permit within 48 hours of arriving in Switzerland.
Swiss nationals
Swiss nationals only, please bring one of the following documents:
- A Certificate of Residence (attestation de domicile) which can be obtained from the local authorities where you reside.
- If you live abroad, a Certificate of Origin (acte d’origine) which must be obtained from the authorities of your place of origin (lieu d’origine).
For the UK
EEA nationals
EEA Student Visitors
EEA Student Visitors currently do not require a visa to enter the UK for short stays of up to 6 months. However, starting from April 2025, you will need to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to travel to the UK as a visitor, effective from 2 April 2025.
EEA Student Route students
EEA Student Route students will receive an electronic visa which is all you need to live and study in the UK for the duration of your visa.
Non-EEA nationals
Non-EEA Student Visitors
Non-EEA Student Visitors will receive a vignette visa in your passport which is all you need to live and study in the UK for the duration of your visa.
Non-EEA Student Route students
Non-EEA Student Route students will receive a vignette visa in their passport to initially enter the UK. You will also receive evidence of your full permission for the UK in a digital status format called an eVisa. You will be able to access this through your UKVI account.
Organize health, travel & personal insurance during your studies
Who needs health & accident insurance in Switzerland?
Health and accident insurance is mandatory in Switzerland, thus students are required to take the health and accident insurance provided by the school which covers you when on campus and on internship.
Alternatively, if you have private valid insurance equivalent to the Swiss health insurance cover scheme, you must follow the procedure outlined to be exempted by the Swiss authorities.
Who needs health insurance in the UK?
All international students studying in the UK for more than one semester, regardless of nationality, are entitled to accident and emergency care free of charge.
International students coming to the UK for one semester only, must take a private health insurance for the duration of your stay in the UK.
All Student Route students must pay for UK healthcare as part of their immigration application.
Personal & private insurance
Personal and private insurance to cover issues such as damage or theft of personal property is strongly recommended. It is the responsibility of students to ensure they have sufficient personal insurance to cover any loss and damage.
Plan your travel
Arriving in Switzerland
Find your arrival dates
Check the arrival dates and times for your campus and program in your Acceptance Letter. It is important that you respect the exact arrival and check-in dates so that you do not miss any important information delivered at the beginning of the semester or classes.
The closest airport to the Glion and Bulle campuses is Geneva Airport (GVA).
Send us your arrival details
At least three weeks prior to the start of your program, you must confirm your arrival details through your Applicant Portal so that we know when you will arrive and if we need to meet you at the airport. If you’ve not accessed the Applicant Portal before, please contact your Education Counselor who will be pleased to help.
Arriving on official check-in dates
If you arrive at Geneva Airport during official check-in dates, we will assist with your transfer from the airport to Glion or Bulle campus. This only applies to first semester students who are new on the Glion campus or MSc Semester 1 students on the Bulle campus.
Arriving before official check-in dates or via another mode of transport
If you arrive before/after the official check-in times or dates, or via another form of transport, please refer to the ‘Pre-arrival information: Switzerland’ page for more information about getting to the campus.
Emergency telephone
Please call +41 79 916 15 69 if you encounter any difficulties on the way (this number is only active during official arrival days).
What to expect when arriving in Switzerland
Arriving in London
Find your arrival dates
Check the arrival dates and times for your campus and program in your Acceptance Letter. It is important that you respect the exact arrival dates so that you do not miss any important information delivered at the beginning of the semester or classes.
The closest airport to the London campus is London Heathrow Airport (LHR).
Send us your arrival details
At least three weeks prior to the start of your program, you must confirm your arrival details through your Applicant Portal so that we know when you will arrive and if we need to meet you at the airport. If you’ve not accessed the Applicant Portal before, please contact your Education Counselor who will be pleased to help.
Any late arrivals due to visa delays must be immediately reported to the London Visas Team.
Arriving on official check-in dates
If you arrive at London Heathrow Airport during official check-in dates, we will assist with your transfer from the airport to London campus by booking a taxi for you. No Glion transfer assistance is provided from any other London based airport.
Flight arrival time at London Heathrow Airport must be between 07:30 - 17:00.
Arriving before official check-in dates or via another mode of transport
If you arrive before/after the official check-in times or dates, or via another form of transport, please refer to the ‘Pre-arrival information: London’ page for more information about getting to the campus.
Emergency telephone
Please call +44 (0)78 7686 4261 if you encounter any difficulties on the way (this number is only active during official arrival days).
What to expect when arriving in London
Book your accommodation
In Switzerland
If you are starting your program in Switzerland, once the platform is opened and you have paid the prepaid fees, you will receive an email with a link and activation code which will enable you to log on to the accommodation reservation platform and select the room of your choice. The room type will be confirmed only upon receipt of the full due amount by the official payment deadline on a first-paid first-served basis. Your invoice will automatically be updated within one week of the room selection.
In London
Once the London accommodation platform is open for registration, you will receive an email from the Students Accommodation Team on campus to book your room. When your room has been allocated, University of Roehampton will send you an invoice directly by email.
Please do not make any payment prior to receiving the accommodation invoice, which will be separate to the one that you will have received for your tuition fees.
Please be aware that due to high demand, we cannot guarantee that you will be allocated your preferred accommodation choice and that rooms are allocated on a first come, first served basis.
Connect with your classmates
Follow us on Instagram @glionhospitalityschool
Our students regularly take over Glion’s Instagram to share their experiences and stories, so make sure that you follow us to see that latest:
Instagram Live: Pre-arrival Q&A
Ask your questions to Student Affairs and current students during our pre-arrival Q&A session.
- Check the events page to see upcoming dates
Bachelor's students pre-arrival webinar
If you're about to start one of our Bachelor's programs, our pre-arrival webinar will help you to prepare for the start of your Glion journey. Hosted by Jacqueline Moore, Dean of Students, you can get answers to all your questions by joining live or watching the event recordings below.
Day in the life
Current students share their daily routine and tell you all about life in Glion.
Humans of Glion
We have some great humans here in Glion and they tell us about themselves on Instagram.
Student events
Excursions, workshops, company visits, events, etc.
Confirm your arrival
Send us your arrival details
At least three weeks prior to the start of your program, you must confirm your arrival details through your Applicant Portal so that we know when you arrive and if we need to meet you at the airport. If you’ve not accessed the Applicant Portal before, please contact your Education Counselor who will be pleased to help.
Professional image on campus
Students must dress and present themselves in a professional manner in accordance with Glion guidelines.
A professional image should be respected on all Glion premises including main buildings and outdoor areas.
There are three types of attire:
- Business Professional
- Professional Uniform
- Casual
What should I wear?
The Professional Image guide has the full guidelines, but here is a brief overview of what you should wear on campus:
Business Professional:
- Classic color suit with jacket and full-length trousers / knee-length skirt (black, navy, brown, grey)
- Shirt with business tie (for men) or blouse (for women)
- Elegant single dark color shoes (black, navy, brown, grey)
- Dark color socks or skin/black color stockings
Professional uniform:
Professional uniforms (for students on practical duty, kitchen, service, housekeeping, front office, etc. in semester 1 of the Experiential Year of the Bachelor’s programs or Hospitality Immersion Program (Master’s pre-session) are provided to you once you arrive on campus. You just need to bring a pair of black classical leather shoes and a pair of leather plain white trainers/sneakers.
Casual:
Outside of Business Professional hours, students are permitted to wear casual clothing - this must not be distracting or offensive to others.
What to pack?
Business attire
- 2-3 suits (blazers with matching trousers/skirts), in dark colors
- 7-10 shirts or blouses
- Neck ties matching the suit (required for men)
- Thin sweaters or vests
- Dark color socks and skin or black color stockings
Practical arts attire
- Pair of black classical leather shoes without ornaments. For ladies, shoes should have a heel that is 3 cm high and 3 cm wide and for men, the shoes should be with laces.
- 2-3 plain white T-shirts
- Hair donut for women to have a perfect hair bun
Sports & outdoor attire
- Warm, waterproof jacket is a must
- Non slip boots
- Scarves
- Gloves
- Umbrellas
- Indoor and outdoor sports wear
- Storage is available for skis and snowboards on the Glion campus
Essentials
Towels
- Hand towel
- Bath mat / floor towel
- Medium bath towel
Personal supplies
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hairbrush, gel, hairdryer, etc.
- Medication
- Nail clippers
Other items
- Iron (Glion and Bulle)
- International adapter
- Cash
- Small luggage (cabin size) for field trips
Prior your departure to Glion, you will receive an email from our Accommodation department with luggage tags – please attached them to your luggages.
What documents to bring to Switzerland?
Mandatory actions before arrival
You will be required to upload a digital passport picture to the accommodation platform. You will be instructed to do this by email.
For your residence permit application
To apply for your residence permit:
- Two passport-sized photographs in color (biometric standard, size: 3.5 x 4.5 cm), with your family name and first name written on the back of each photograph.
- Please bring additional passport size photos to use for your CV/resume, internship placements, season passes, etc.
- A photocopy of your valid passport.
Swiss nationals only
Make sure you bring the following:
- Certificate of Residence from the local authorities where you reside (attestation de domicile).
- Certificate of Origin from the authorities of your place of origin (acte d’origine) – essential for all students who live abroad.
Download Glion Safe app
Enhance your safety on campus
The Glion Safe app provides alerts, contacts and procedures for medical and safety emergencies to help keep you safe on campus and on internship. Search ‘Glion Safe’ or use the links below to download the app.
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