Université de Lausanne (University of Lausanne)

The main campus of the University of Lausanne is in Dorigny, a district on the western outskirts of Lausanne, Switzerland. It stands on the northern shore of Lake Geneva, surrounded by the Alps and the Jura mountains. The Dorigny campus is home to all seven of the university's faculties. It was designed as a pedestrian-friendly, park-like environment, equipped with modern infrastructure, libraries, research centers, student dormitories, and sports facilities. 

One distinctive feature of the Dorigny campus is how close it sits to the neighboring École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and how far the two are integrated. This lets students and researchers from both institutions share resources and collaborate on joint initiatives in science, technology, and innovation. 

Beyond the main Dorigny facilities, the University of Lausanne also has various specialized facilities and affiliated institutions across the Lausanne area and the canton of Vaud. A prime example is its close partnership with the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois (CHUV), one of Switzerland's foremost teaching hospitals. CHUV serves as the clinical training and medical research hub for the Faculty of Biology and Medicine.

Other notable facilities include the Biopôle life sciences campus in Épalinges, home to advanced biomedical research laboratories. Another is the School of Criminal Justice in Renens, known for its programs in forensic science.

With students from more than 120 countries, the campus is a hub of international exchange and cultural diversity. UNIL supports a wide range of student organizations, including academic associations attached to specific faculties, cultural clubs, environmental groups, and student unions such as the Fédération des Associations d'Étudiant-e-s (FAE).

These organizations open the way to leadership, advocacy, and community engagement. Sports and outdoor activities are an important part of student life at UNIL, thanks to its lakeside location and extensive athletic facilities.

The Centre Sport et Santé (CSS) offers more than 100 different sports and fitness activities, including team sports, yoga, martial arts, and outdoor adventure programs. Students often use the nearby Lake Geneva and the mountains for sailing, swimming, skiing, and hiking.

Traditions and events further enrich campus culture. They include the annual Dies Academicus (academic celebration), student festivals, welcome events for new students, and themed parties organized by faculty associations. The close collaboration with EPFL adds even more variety to the social scene, with shared access to events, clubs, and innovation centers.

The University of Lausanne has an extensive alumni network, and many of its graduates have achieved excellence in a variety of fields. Notable alumni of the university include:  

• King Ananda Mahidol
• King Bhumibol Adulyadej
• Princess Galyani Vadhana
• Prince Bernhard
• Princess Vera Ignatievna Giedroyc
• Ignazio Cassis
• İsmail Cem
• Paul Ceresole
• Georges-André Chevallaz
• Pascal Couchepin
• Ernest Chuard
• Jean-Pascal Delamuraz
• Vedat Dicleli
• Daniel-Henri Druey
• Florika Fink-Hooijer
• Constant Fornerod
• Şemsettin Günaltay
• Max Huber
• Antoine Louis John Ruchonnet
• Fazıl Küçük
• Pascoal Mocumbi
• Benito Mussolini
• Marcel Pilet-Golaz
• Eugène Ruffy
• Marc-Emile Ruchet
• Mohammad Sa'ed
• Jonas Savimbi
• Lutz Graf Schwerin von Krosigk