Welcome to La Source

Welcome to La Source

La Source: teaching and training excellence, state-of-the-art research labs, an extensive international network, and home base in downtown Lausanne.

La Source: The first lay school of nursing in the world

The La Source Institute and School of Nursing offers high-level study programs that cover the human, scientific and technical dimensions of the profession. The school has two fundamental missions: education and research.

More than 140 employees–professors, teachers, researchers, and administrative and technical staff–work with more than 850 students in different study programs.

In the city centre of Lausanne

La Source is located in downtown Lausanne over two sites: at Vinet, where its administrative centre and some offices and classrooms are found, and at the Palais de Beaulieu. These buildings house bright, spacious facilities that offer modern comfort and foster conviviality. All of the lecture halls and classrooms are equipped with computer and technical equipment for students to get the most from top-notch teaching and to adapt to the different approaches used in nursing education.

The school is only ten minutes away from the highway by car or from the Lausanne train station by bus. It is extremely well served by public transit. All of the big downtown stores are within a short walking distance.

Lausanne: one of the top university cities of the world!

The fourth largest city in Switzerland, Lausanne is renowned for its four S’s: sports, shows, sustainability, and schools.

  • Sports: Lausanne is the Olympic Capital where numerous international sports bodies are headquartered.
  • Shows: Open and cosmopolitan, Lausanne is a vibrant cultural centre that boasts more than 20 museums, some 30 concert halls, and an abundance of festivals and events to stimulate and entertain one and all, night and day.
  • Sustainability: Lausanne is a booming eco-city where economic development and urban planning come together under the principle of sustainability. The capital of the Canton of Vaud is appreciated as much for its economic appeal as for its quality of life. Among other things, efforts have been made to improve mobility by placing the emphasis on green and public modes of transportation.
  • Schools: Lausanne is among the top university cities of the world. The presence of various specialty schools of advanced studies (Hautes Ecoles Spécialisées or HES), a university (Université de Lausanne or UNIL), the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), and many other prestigious private schools is what makes this lakeside city an exceptional and essential learning and research hub.

This is why it is THE city to study in!

Sites and services

Reception

Two secretary-receptionists are on hand to serve students and visitors. Class times and rooms are posted on screens. Information for all cohorts is concentrated here and backs up information conveyed via the student intranet.

The secretary-receptionists recharge photocopy cards and validate student cards. They offer follow-up and information services to the school’s students and visitors.

Documentation Centre (CEDOC)

The CEDOC is a quiet, pleasant space to study. Future caregivers will find here a selection of books, works, journals and professional magazines, both hardcopy and online, essential to their studies, assignments and projects.

The CEDOC provides free access to powerful databases and reference search engines. These repertories contain a vast quantity of documents of interest to students.

A team of information professionals offers CEDOC users a highly effective, personalized service. These professionals also deliver specialized training to students to enable them to use these tools.

Health and wellness services

The health and wellness nurses play an active role in maintaining and enhancing the quality of life and health at the school. They contribute to the development of a healthy workplace and of physical, mental and social well-being. They interact with and reach out to the school’s students and collaborators both individually and collectively.

Housing

Furnished rooms may be rented within walking distance of La Source for about 350 CHF per month. The rooms are located in two residences near the school: Foyer Cazard and Foyer Vinet. Applications are processed on a first come, first served basis.

Food services and cafeterias

At the Vinet site

There are vending machines for hot and cold beverages, snacks and sandwiches at the following locations:

  • Espace Oulevay;
  • Cafétéria Fréminet.

Microwave ovens are available at the Fréminet cafeteria and in the kitchen at the Saisons building. The kitchen is equipped also with hotplates, ovens, refrigerators and freezers.

A food cart is present every morning (except during school breaks) at the Fréminet cafeteria from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., offering sweet rolls, sandwiches, and salads, as well as pasta dishes and soups to be heated in a microwave.

If you prefer hot or prepared meals:

The cafeteria of the Clinique de La Source (5th floor, attic) offers a plate of the day for 9 CHF, a pasta bar and a fine selection of fastish food (sandwiches, salads, desserts). There are also plenty of restaurants in the neighbourhood.

At the Beaulieu site

There is a lunchtime refectory at the Maison du Presbytère (clergy house) where students can reheat their own food in microwave ovens (the only ones at this site) or purchase refrigerated meals prepared fresh daily by a local restaurateur.

A coffee-break area has been set up with snack-food and beverages vending machines at each of the site’s two levels (H2 and H3). Purchases can be paid for by bank card, smartphone or cash.

Water fountains can be found in various places. Bring your own bottle or canteen around with you. For environmental reasons, we have done away with disposable cups.

Located nearby are a café-restaurant and a bakery, respectively, at 20 and 30 Avenue des Bergières.

Where to park at La Source

Car

Parking at La Source is reserved for the clinic’s patients and visitors.
However, you may park at the Beaulieu or Riponne parking facilities.

Two-wheelers

La Source offers parking for two-wheelers.
At its Vinet site, it is located behind the main building on the north side and is accessible via Avenue Davel.
At its Beaulieu site, it is located right after the gate on the side of Chemin du Presbytère.