Spring Semester 2021: welcome to our new incoming students

34 new incoming students made it to USI (28 on the Lugano Campus and 6 at the Academy of Architecture). They join the 14 students who are already here: 8 at the Academy of Architecture (whose exchange was already planned for the entire year) and 6 in Lugano, who have extended their stay after the Autumn Semester. Due to the circumstances, we were not able to offer them the usual welcome event, but we made sure to meet all of them to help them settle in Ticino and at USI. 

Since an official welcome event was not possible, the International Relations and Study Abroad Service has organized a number of online group meetings to guide students through the local administrative procedures and help them familiarize themselves with their new environment.

Every student has then been met (individually or in small groups) to receive the student card and we are currently distributing a small gift to learn more about the Swiss identity. From William Tell to General Guisan, from chocolate to the world-famous Swiss Army Knife, from real facts to clichés, the book “Swissness in a Nutshell” provides useful information and fun anecdotes on Swiss culture.

When it comes to recreation activities, the International Relations and Study Abroad Service collaborate with and supports the activities of the ESN Lugano. We would also like to take this opportunity to thank them for their big efforts to offer a rich calendar of outdoor events to our guest students. We would also like to take this occasion to highlight their effort in collaborating with us in assisting some of our exchange students during their quarantine period.

Among the first activities, a trip to Monte San Salvatore, overlooking Lugano and its lake, a hike to Monte Bar, a must-do with an amazing amphitheater view over the city and the surrounding mountains and a hike to “Denti della Vecchia” (literal translation: Old Lady’s Teeth), a forest reserve of biodiversity, with rare plants, mountain pines and the famous limestone pinnacles.

We hope that our incoming students will have an enriching time at USI and be able to enjoy the beautiful nature of Canton Ticino and the sunny weather that we expect in the months ahead.