APML 2025-2026

This book keeps a record of a year of APML at EPFL: the guests we welcomed, the evenings we spent together, and the photos that tell them.

In 2025-2026, two ministers and the head of the CDG came to speak to packed rooms, and the World Cup brought us together in front of the screens.

At the end, a few tips for newcomers: what we wish we had known on day one.

On Monday 20 October 2025, APML welcomed Ryad Mezzour, Minister of Industry and Trade, to EPFL for a talk on “Morocco of tomorrow: between ambition, innovation and sovereignty”.

The lecture hall was packed. After the talk, an APML student led the discussion, microphone in hand, and the questions kept coming until the last slide: “Merci cher public!”

On Thursday 23 April 2026, at the EPFL Polydome, APML welcomed Khalid Safir, Director General of the Caisse de Dépôt et de Gestion, for a talk entitled “Between historical heritage and strategic ambition”.

An APML member opened the evening. Professor Rachid Guerraoui spoke on behalf of EPFL, then Professor Aziza Chaouni presented the SoNo Lab’s work on sustainable building in Africa and Morocco.

Then came the discussion, led by two APML moderators, and a big group photo to finish.

In June 2026 the World Cup was being played in North America, with the Atlas Lions among the teams. APML brought its members and their friends together at Les Arches, under Lausanne’s Grand-Pont, to watch the matches together.

On Friday 5 June 2026, APML welcomed Leila Benali, Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, to the Polydome for a talk on “The energy and climate challenges of a kingdom in transition”.

Greeted with a bouquet of flowers, the minister spoke to EPFL students about Morocco’s energy choices, then posed with the APML team between the Moroccan and Swiss flags.

Moroccan students come to Switzerland on a national visa, to be requested early from the Swiss representation in Morocco: it can take a while.

Look for housing as soon as you are admitted. Student residence rooms go fast, and the Lausanne market is tight.

Beware of listings that look too good: never send money for a room that neither you nor someone you trust has visited.

Register with your commune’s residents’ office, the contrôle des habitants, in the days after you arrive: that is what starts your residence permit.

Health insurance is compulsory in Switzerland, and you have three months to take it out. Compare premiums on the official site, priminfo.admin.ch, and ask about the exemptions open to foreign students.

For a bank account, a Swiss phone number and a travel pass, ask around: everyone has their tips.

First year at EPFL is demanding, and steady work is what gets you through. Do the exercise sets every week, go to the exercise sessions and ask the assistants your questions: that is what they are there for.

Work in groups. Explaining an exercise to someone is the best way to check that you have understood it.

And keep time to breathe: sport, the lake, friends. You do better when rested.

The m1 metro links the city centre to EPFL; the m2 climbs from Ouchy, on the lake, to the top of town. Lausanne is steep: bring good shoes.

On Sundays most shops are closed, except those at the stations. Rubbish is sorted, and household waste goes in taxed bags.

Winter is long and grey: get out into the light, go up to ski, and enjoy the lake as soon as the sun is back.