Other useful information

Student ID card

Your student ID card will be given to you approximately two weeks after your arrival in Fribourg.

University Cafeterias

The University has two student cafeterias, several cafés and plenty of vending machines. The cafeterias and cafés are closed on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays. During the University holidays they also have restricted hours.

Sports

The IEPS-ILS offers a large number of activities. You will receive a program at the beginning of the semester.

Sports
Bd de Pérolles 90
1700 Fribourg

Tel: (026) 300-7220 / 300-7275
Fax:: (026) 300-9756

> http://www.unifr.ch/sport/

Libraries

The Cantonal and University library is open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 10 p.m. The library lending department is open from 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. On Saturday, the library opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 4 p.m. The lending department is open from 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. and from 2 p.m. - 6 p.m. and is closed on Sundays. During the summer the library has special hours.

Many departments or institutes have their own library open to students.

University Cultural Life

Every student is a member of the AGEF (Association générale des étudiants de l'Université de Fribourg).
The AGEF organizes different cultural, social and political activities. Miséricorde, office 3021, tel: 300-7310 / fax: 300-9773. Several student associations exist (a list is available at the AGEF office).

Student Center

The Centre Fries organizes discussions, conferences, parties, etc. Meeting rooms, newspapers, a television, a kitchen and a photo laboratory are available to students. A program is available at the beginning of the semester. Rue Guillaume Techtermann 8, tel: 300-7166. Open Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

The University Choir

The Choir meets every Thursday from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m. in the reading room (salle de lecture/Vorlesungssaal), in the Miséricorde building.

The City and University Orchestra

The orchestra is open to non-professional musicians. Information: Prof. Hansklaus Rummler, Institute of Mathematics, tel: 300-9192, private tel: & fax: 436-3539, e-mail: hansklaus.rummler[at]unifr.ch

The University Cinema Club

A program is available at the beginning of the semester.

Daily Life

• Electricity : 220 volts
• Telephone: A phone card is necessary to use most public phones. These can be purchased at any newsstand or post office.

Public transportation

- Trains: you can buy a half-price SBB-CFF season ticket, valid for one year at all train stations for 150 Sfr. (with a passport photo). The AGEF has a few day cards available at a reduced price for students in possession of a student ID card.

• Shops, Banks, Post Offices

- Shops are usually open from 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and from 1:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. On Saturdays, shops close at 4 p.m.
Shops are closed on Sundays, except a few grocery shops. The commercial centers (Jumbo, Avry-Centre) are open Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

- Banks are usually open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. and closed on Saturdays and Sundays. Cash dispensers (ATM) are available 24 hours a day.

- Post offices are open Monday - Friday from 8 a.m. - 12 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. On Saturdays 8 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Emergency Telephone Numbers

Police tel: 117

Fire tel: 118

SOS tel: 143

Ambulance tel: 144

Special Health Note

Any special health needs should be brought to the attention of the ACP staff when you arrive in Fribourg. They can assist you with referrals to the excellent health and dental facilities available in the city.

Special medicines: If you have medicines for allergies, etc. bring an adequate amount along with you. Find out the foreign equivalent of prescription drugs, as these are not always the same in Europe.

If you wear glasses or contact lenses, bring a copy of your lens prescription.

ALCOHOL USE AND ABUSE

As with many experiences realized by a student living and studying in Europe, the availability of alcohol, as well as European views of the beverage and the behavioral expectations of those who drink it, will differ from those in the United States.

For many Europeans, alcohol is a dietary staple and, as such, differs from the frequent American consideration of alcohol as a necessary social lubricant and prerequisite to "having a good time." In this construction, one's attitudes, values and beliefs regarding alcohol can become an important factor in determining academic and social success while studying abroad. It is important to keep in mind that the use of alcohol can precipitate other serious problems for the student and the student's family.

In light of this, students intending to study abroad are advised to take advantage of the opportunity to consult the campus Alcohol and Drug Program coordinator to discuss cultural differences regarding alcohol and its use. In addition, consideration of possible personal beliefs concerning alcohol, which could exacerbate the difficulty of adapting to the host culture, can be explored.