Dear students,

Welcome to the autumn semester 2025 at the University of Lucerne! This semester is a special one, as our university will celebrate its 25th anniversary on 25 October 2025. The University Act, approved by more than 72 percent of Lucerne voters, came into force on 1 October 2000. At that time, the University of Lucerne began with three faculties: Theology, Humanities (renamed the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in 2007) and Law.

"Homecoming Party" pre-sale - benefit now!

The university's annual Homecoming Party will take place on Thursday, 25 September, starting at 7 p.m. A limited number of admission wristbands and drink tokens can be obtained in advance at a reduced price at the "Baloo" (Studiladen). Alternatively, you may purchase them the day of at the box office. The after-parties (starting at 11:30 p.m.) will take place in the ROK and the Schwarzes Schaf and are free with an admission wristband. More information (German) | Flyer

"Open Door" with the President: an opportunity to share your ideas

Once each semester, the President holds an "Open Door" session. On Thursday, 9 October, from 10.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m., you’ll have the chance to discuss your questions, concerns, wishes and suggestions directly with Professor Martin Hartmann. Don’t miss this opportunity - please register in advance by email: rektorat@unilu.ch.

Anniversary party - a celebration for everyone

The University of Lucerne is celebrating its 25th anniversary and cordially invites students, their friends and family, the general public and anyone else who is interested to a big anniversary celebration on Saturday, 25 October. On this day, the university will open its doors and transform into an open campus.
Under the motto "We are moved by what moves people," a diverse programme will showcase the university’s research, interdisciplinary breadth and teaching, offering visitors the opportunity to get to know the university from a different perspective. Refreshments will be provided. More information and programme

Anniversary celebration – volunteers needed!

We are also looking for students interested in helping to organise the anniversary celebrations and assisting with the various activities. The hourly wage is CHF 25 in the form of a CITYCARD LUZERN voucher. If you are interested and have the time, please contact us here.

Dies Academicus - save the date

The President, Professor Martin Hartmann, will be hosting the Dies Academicus on Thursday, 6 November. You can look forward to inspiring speeches and the ceremonial presentation of the Honorary Doctorates, the Best Teaching Award, the Open Science Awards, the Dissertation Awards and the Alumna or Alumnus of the Year Award. Doctoral students will also provide insights into their current research projects. After the closing address by Dr Armin Hartmann, Director of Education and Culture of the Canton of Lucerne, you will be invited to an apéro riche - a perfect opportunity for networking. There will be no teaching until 2 p.m. A formal invitation will be sent out by e-mail.

Semester fees and contact details

Please remember to pay the semester fee invoice in order to retain your “enroled” status (Payment deadline: Monday, 15 September | End of enrolment period: Wednesday, 15 October). Once you have paid, you may download your enrolment confirmation from the UniPortal. If you are new to the University of Lucerne, you will receive the confirmation when you register in person. If you have any questions, please contact the Student Services team: studiendienste@unilu.ch.
Also, don't forget to keep your contact details (address, telephone number and private e-mail address) up-to-date. You can do this yourself at any time in the UniPortal.

Application deadlines for student exchange

If you are interested in taking part in an exchange semester, please take a look at the website of the International Relations Office (IRO) and contact the mobility coordinator within your home faculty in good time. 
Application deadlines for all mobility programmes:
SEMP programme: 1 March 2026 for autumn semester 2026 and spring semester 2027
Partnership programme: 1 March 2026 for the autumn semester 2026
CH-Unimobil programme: 15 November 2025 for the spring semester 2026
Scholarships are available for all participants of the SEMP programme (CHF 1,900), and a limited number of scholarships are available for Partnership programme participants (CHF 2,500).

Buddy programme for international exchange students at UNILU

We are looking for motivated and committed students who would like to accompany incoming students on their "Swiss adventure" as part of the "Buddy Programme" organised by the Erasmus Student Network Lucerne (ESN) for international exchange students at the University of Lucerne. Applications can be sent directly to ESN (luzern@esn.ch) or to the International Relations Office (mobility@unilu.ch) at any time.

Language courses

The following language courses are offered in the autumn semester: English C1 (speaking and writing), Italienisch A1.1, Italienisch A2.1 and Französisch B1.1. For students whose mother tongue is not German, we offer the following courses: Deutsch A1, Deutsch C1, Prüfungstraining Telc C1. Online registrations are possible until 18 September. If you have any further questions, please contact international@unilu.ch.

Uni/PH building: extended opening hours on Saturdays

With the start of the autumn semester 2025, the Central and University Library in the Uni/PH building will extend its Saturday opening hours. The library will now be open until 4:30 p.m. on Saturdays. This extends the opening hours by one hour and the building will be available for longer. More information

Sunday opening times for students during exam preparation

The library in the Uni/PH building will be open on the following Sundays and public holidays: 8, 14 and 21 December and 11 and 18 January 2026, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Important:
- Access only with campus card (University of Lucerne, PH Lucerne, HSLU)
- Use of all media and self-service facilities possible
- Jackets and bags permitted
- No library or IT services
- No access to lockers or vending machines
More information

Fit for your studies with Knowledge+

How do I find the right literature for my degree programme? How do I organise what I have found? Can artificial intelligence help me? In the Knowledge+ series, you can get tips and tricks for your studies. Find the right event for you at www.zhbluzern.ch/wissenplus (German).

Research smarter: Scite.ai now available!

Scite.ai enables AI-supported research in a scientific data pool. The tool offers an attractive addition to traditional literature research. Scite.ai is accessible to all members of the University of Lucerne on the ZHB/UniLU/PH network (from outside via VPN). Further information can be found in the Information Literacy Toolkit of the ZHB Lucerne. Contact: informationskompetenz@zhbluzern.ch

Easy access to international newspapers and magazines

Pressreader offers online access to a wide range of international newspapers and magazines. Access to PressReader has been simplified for all users of the Lucerne University Library (ZHB Luzern) – there is no need to go via Munzinger online. Simply log in with your Switch edu-ID and read the international press (Prerequisite: you must be a registered user of the Lucerne University Library).

Updated sustainability strategy and action plan

In collaboration with the Sustainability Commission, the Sustainability Office has revised and refined the University's first sustainability strategy (2023). A key innovation is the clear separation between strategy and action plan. While the sustainability strategy defines the goals - including their definitions and associated indicators - the action plan contains concrete measures, responsibilities and implementation deadlines and documents the respective implementation status of each individual measure. Further updates can be found in the documents.

Sustainability Report and Greenhouse Gas Report 2024

The university's sustainability report for the 2024 reporting year has been published – supplemented for the first time by a greenhouse gas report. While the sustainability report provides information on the progress made in implementing the sustainability strategy, the greenhouse gas report focuses on the status and development of the university's greenhouse gas emissions on its way to net zero.

Sports information emails from HSCL

The HSCL offers over 90 different sports. To make sure you don't miss any news about your favourite sport, sign up for the info emails here. We look forward to welcoming you to the next training session!

Health Week – healthy all round

The next HSCL Health Week will take place from 10 to 14 November, focusing on mental health and performance. More information

"Wind & Waves": Lucerne Campus Orchestra (COL)

Winds blowing, waters churning, endless expanses. Experience pieces by Bruch, Rautavaara and Vaughan Williams at the next COL concert.
The musicians are students, staff and alumni of Lucerne's universities. New players, especially string players, brass players and percussionists, are very welcome. No audition is necessary. Rehearsals are usually held on Monday evenings during the semester.
Autumn concert: Friday, 21 November, 7.30 p.m., Maihof Lucerne More information

Music and your studies

Are you familiar with the University of Lucerne Choir? If you enjoy singing, we may be just the right complement to your studies. Here you can find out more about our rehearsals, what makes us special, and how we bring musical diversity to our programme selection. More information

Start the semester strong – psychological support for your studies

Free, confidential individual counselling – open to all topics. Plus: workshops on performance anxiety, procrastination, stress management, and resilience training. Find out more and register now: www.pblu.ch and info@pblu.ch.

Horizonte – new website now online!

As of now, all information about Horizonte events and offerings can be found at horizonte-luzern.ch. We look forward to seeing you!
Meditations: Monday & Tuesday, 12:15 to 12:45 p.m., Room of Silence, University of Lucerne (during the semester)
Weekend in guided silence: 10 to 12 October at Engelberg Monastery
Lecture: ‘Philosophy in Psychotherapy’ (in German) with Tobias Ballweg, 23 October, University of Lucerne, Room E.508
Room of Silence: The Room of Silence is located in the first basement of the University of Lucerne – a place for peace, contemplation and reflection. The symbols of different religions represent openness and tolerance. To keep the room welcoming for everyone, please leave the room tidy after use. Shoes must be removed before entering the room, which is not intended for eating, drinking, sleeping or surfing the internet.

Prevention of sexual harassment: confidants

The three Lucerne universities offer a joint service for persons affected by sexual harassment. Any form of sexual harassment at a place of work or study is unacceptable and will result in appropriate measures and sanctions. Affected persons have the opportunity to receive quick and competent support by contacting one of the four confidants. More information

Welcome at the "Mensa 1574" student canteen

Enjoy our delicious vegan and vegetarian menu lines "Soul", "VegVeg" and "Bowl" . The ‘Bowl’ menu line includes a meat option for an additional CHF 4.50. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, the "Soul Food" menu is also offered at the "Market’". Menu l More information (German)
Tip: Bring your own cup and save CHF 0.50 on hot drinks!
Opening hours: Coffee box 7.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m., canteen 8.30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m. (menus served 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.)
Part-time job? We are looking for students to support events in the evening. If you are interested, please send an email to: mensa1574@zfv.ch.

Baloo – We are back!

Our shop, café and bar have been open again since 8 September, and we look forward to welcoming you all! You can find all the information about our opening hours and online shop on our website.

Save the date: On 25 September, at the Homecoming Party, it's Éclat x Baloo! Pre-drinks will be served from 5 p.m. and a fantastic line-up awaits you from 7 p.m. Come by, raise a glass with us and celebrate the evening!

Lockers: Key rental at the Infodesk

There are 644 semester lockers available on the 1st basement floor of the Uni/PH building. The keys are available at the information desk on the ground floor. The application form, information on fees and further details can be found under "Lockers".

Public lectures, conferences and congresses at the University of Lucerne
Career development events

The Semester Info newsletter provides you with official announcements and information from the University's Executive Board at the beginning and end of each semester. Faculties will contact you directly with information about lectures and your studies.

Language preferences

The Semester Info is available in both German and English. 
Click here for the German version. 
You may change your language preferences (German or English) in the UniPortal. Your chosen language setting will apply to all University of Lucerne communications distributed bilingually. 

Stay connected

Follow the University of Lucerne on Instagram & LinkedIn for the latest news & insights.

Missed the last issue? You'll find it in the Semester-Info archive.