Dear students,

As the semester draws to a close, a few intense weeks still lie ahead: studying, exams, and perhaps even the completion of your degree. After that, however, there are two months without classes, which I hope you will be able to fill with activities that enrich you personally.

"Open Door" with the President

Once each semester, University President Professor Martin Hartmann holds an "Open Door" session. On Thursday, 9 June, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., you’ll have the chance to discuss your questions, concerns, wishes and suggestions directly with Professor Hartmann. Please register in advance by email: rektorat@unilu.ch.

universum. – the meeting place on the Inseli

The universum. brings together art and culture as well as sport and local leisure activities, creating a space for interaction and community. Whether for studying, relaxing or celebrating – there’s something for everyone here: a ZHB library service, an outdoor HSCL fitness workout on Wednesday evenings, comfortable seating, a Buvette bar, a pétanque court and a varied programme of events (e.g. public viewing of the Men’s Football World Cup from 11 June to 19 July 2026).

Save the date: Homecoming Party

Following the resounding success of recent years, the Homecoming Party is back: on Thursday, 24 September 2026, we’ll be hosting another student party with all the trimmings. Please save the date! Further details will be published on the website in the run-up to the event.

Important information regarding semester invoices and reminders

Please note that semester invoices and reminders will now be sent exclusively by email. Please be aware that failure to pay the semester invoice will result in deregistration. We therefore strongly recommend that you check your emails at stud.unilu.ch regularly. Invoices for the autumn semester 2026 will be sent out in early July.
More information | Contact: studiendienste@unilu.ch

Mentors for the "Campus Lucerne for Refugees PLUS" programme

Starting in the 2026/27 academic year, the University of Lucerne, in collaboration with HSLU and the PH Lucerne, will be offering a modular preparatory course for well-qualified refugees as part of the Campus Lucerne for Refugees PLUS (CLuG+). We are looking for committed students to act as mentors for language tandems and to help organise small events. The programme is supervised by a lecturer from the HSLU School of Social Work. Social credits may be available depending on the faculty, and a certificate of participation will be issued. Programme duration: 2 semesters, Time commitment: approx. 1 hour per week. More information | Contact: campusgefluechtete@hslu.ch | Application deadline: 30 June 2026

Student mobility – application deadlines

Get ready to travel and visit the International Relations Office (IRO) website to find out which partner universities would be a good fit for a semester abroad. The next application windows for study abroad are:
Spring semester 2027: until 1 September 2026
Autumn semester 2027 / Spring semester 2028: mid-January to 1 March 2027
For mobility within Switzerland: 15 October 2026 for the spring semester 2027.
More information

Learning foreign languages – expand your horizon

Do you want to learn a new language and expand your horizon? The University of Lucerne offers a wide range of language courses every semester – from English, French, Italian and German to more specialised options such as Modern Hebrew. Information on course content and dates for the next semester will be published starting in June; online course registration opens on 1 September 2026. Take this opportunity to improve your language skills – we look forward to seeing you there! More information | Contact: international@unilu.ch

New offering: E-books from the utb scholars elibrary – 30,000 titles from leading publishers

utb scholars contains e-books from German-language academic publishers, focusing on the social sciences, humanities, economics and medicine. It complements the utb studi-ebooks collection of textbooks, which has been available under licence for some time. The utb elibrary is accessible to all students at the University of Lucerne via the Uni/PH network (or from off-campus via VPN).

Tips and tricks for university life

How do I find the right reading material for my studies? How can I manage my reading material? What do I need to bear in mind when using artificial intelligence in my studies? In the ZHB’s Information Literacy Toolkit, you can find tips and tricks for your studies on these and many other questions: Overview – Information Literacy Toolkit.

Opening hours on Sundays and public holidays during the exam period

The library in the University/PH building will be open on the following Sundays and public holidays: 24, 25 and 31 May 2026, and 4, 7, 14 and 21 June 2026, from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Important:
- Access only with ID 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

Reduced summer opening hours

Summer opening hours for the ZHB Uni/PH building
6 July to 29 August 2026: Mon–Fri: 7.30 am–6.30 pm and Sat: 7.45 am–4.30 pm
Summer closure of the ZHB Uni/PH building
The library in the Uni/PH building will be closed from 1 August to (and including) 15 August 2026.

Diversity and social background

Social background also influences educational pathways. As part of a nationwide collaborative project, an information platform has been developed to provide targeted support for students whose parents do not hold a university degree. You can find more information on this topic, along with a link to the platform, on the Equal Opportunities Office’s dedicated page.  More information | Contact: Matthias Luterbach, Co-Head of the Office of Equal Opportunity

The "sunflower lanyard" makes invisible disabilities visible

Most disabilities and chronic conditions are not immediately apparent to others. Consequently, those affected often encounter obstacles and a lack of understanding in their daily lives. A visible symbol, such as the “sunflower lanyard” — a green lanyard featuring a sunflower motif — can encourage others to respond with greater patience and understanding or offer specific assistance. More information | Kontakt: Fleur Weibel, Co-Leiterin Office of Equal Opportunity

HSCL – Sports programme and holiday training

The HSCL offers a wide range of courses and camps this summer. During the summer break from 6 July to 18 August 2026, only the summer training sessions will take place, e.g. evening sea kayaking trips, stand-up paddleboarding, SUP Pilates, beach volleyball and rowing. Find your summer activity: Courses and Camps. Sign up for the HSCL newsletter and don’t miss out on any sports news. The HSCL wishes you a wonderful summer!

Support during the exam period – space for reflection and development afterwards

The upcoming exam period can be demanding and bring with it stress and pressure. The Psychological Counselling Service at the Lucerne Campus is here to support you during this time with issues such as exam anxiety, feeling overwhelmed or self-management.
We are also available to help during the subsequent semester break. This quieter period provides an opportunity to pause and reflect, identify any sources of stress, and address and develop personal or study-related issues at your own pace. More info│Book an appointment│info@pblu.ch 

Horizonte – chaplaincy for students, Lucerne campus

Horizonte University Chaplaincy is the official support and counselling service for Lucerne’s three higher education institutions. We support students and staff members tackling personal and academic challenges – confidentially, free of charge and open to everyone, regardless of faith. We are here to talk, especially during exam periods, when the pressure is mounting or you may simply need someone to listen. More info | Events

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

New start-up desk at the Lucerne campus

Current and former students who have started their own businesses share their startup experiences with future entrepreneurs here. Are you an entrepreneur yourself and would like to get involved? Or do you have an exciting business idea and are looking for help in developing it? Tell us about your idea in an email and we’ll arrange a meeting (free of charge, of course) to work out a business plan together: startup.campusluzern@gmail.com. 

“Get Funding – A Guide to Successful Start-up Financing”

The event – organised by Smart-up at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts – provides an overview of Innosuisse funding schemes and other support programmes for start-ups. There will also be insights from two experienced entrepreneurs and investors: Thomas Dübendorfer (co-founder and president of the Swiss angel investor club SICTIC) and Leandro Davies (co-founder and CEO of the platform OOMNIUM AG). Get inspired and take away concrete, practical tips to successfully realise your innovation – from applying for funding to finding investors. There will also be time for questions, discussion and the chance to make new contacts at the networking drinks reception.
Monday, 1 June 2026, 6.00–8.00 pm, HSLU – Business, Walter-von-Moos-Promenade 1, 6005 Lucerne, 5th floor, Room A505. Registration

Unichor concert: Ein deutscher Liedersommer

“Ein deutscher Liedersommer” invites you on a journey through unforgettable classics, upbeat pop songs and soulful ballads from the German-speaking music scene. Whether hopeful, reflective, witty or full of summery light-heartedness – every song tells its own story. The Unichor is looking forward to a variety-packed evening of concert music with you!
Saturday, 13 June, 7.30 pm and Sunday, 14 June, 5.00 pm, St. Johannes Church, Lucerne

Baloo – End of semester & dates for HS26

On Thursday, 28 May 2026, we warmly invite you to Ustrinkete at Baloo! Join us in toasting a successful semester and enjoy exclusive deals on numerous drinks – but only while supplies last.
Here are the key dates for the coming semester: Advance sales for HS26 begin on 10–11 September 2026, followed by the main sales period from 14–16 September 2026. Regular café and bar operations officially start on 7 September 2026. We look forward to welcoming you back! Opening hours | Online shop | Instagram

ZFV – News from Mensa 1574 (canteen)

The coffee box has new, budget-friendly offers: homemade sandwiches are available for CHF 5, and there’s now a range of ice creams for warm days. Also on offer is a breakfast deal featuring a pain au chocolat and an Emmi Caffè Latte for CHF 6. Since 4 May, the canteen has also been offering the new ‘Grab & Go’ range – ideal for a quick bite or to eat on the go. In addition, events for students are taking place at all campus locations this year, e.g. the HSLU Oase Daydance in June. The canteen management has also been reorganised: Rainer and Tania are now the points of contact for all enquiries. More info | Events

Workspaces for exam preparation

For the upcoming exam period (Saturday 30 May 2026 up to and including Saturday 27 June 2026), the Tutorium (UG1), room E.202 (ground floor) and the following lecture halls will be available for studying: HS 11, HS 12, HS 13, HS 14 (UG1).

Key return for semester lockers

Please return your key to the Infodesk by Friday, 26 June 2026 at the latest. The locker must be completely emptied and left clean. Please leave the locker door open and lock the lock. Thank you very much. Infodesk opening hours: Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Summer opening hours of the University/PH building

From 6 July to 28 August 2026, the Uni/PH building will close at 7.00 p.m. from Monday to Friday. During the maintenance weeks from 1 to 15 August 2026, the building will be closed all day. 

New: BA/MA in Jewish-Christian Relations

Our university’s Faculty of Theology is launching a new Bachelor's and Master’s degree programme in “Jewish-Christian Relations”. The programme focuses on exploring the relationship between Judaism and Christianity – from historical, theological and social perspectives. More information

Martin Suter reads from his novel "Melody"

Former National Councillor Dr Stotz lives in a villa on the Zürichberg, surrounded by portraits of a young woman. Melody was once his fiancée, but she disappeared shortly before the wedding – over 40 years ago.
Tuesday, 2 June 2026, 6.15 p.m., Lecture Hall 1 | Registration required

Bruno Staffelbach: Farewell lecture

Professor Bruno Staffelbach is giving his farewell lecture, Humanitas Responsabilis. Drawing on over four decades bridging academia and practice, the individual and the organisation, and the market and humanity, he will look back on his career, assess the current landscape, and share his outlook for the future.
Wednesday, 10 June 2026, 6.00 p.m., Lecture Hall 1. Registration required.

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.

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