FAQ

Each year, the House of Sustainability offers a range of Alpine Seminars with different thematic focuses from which you can freely choose the one that best meets your interests. You can see an overview of the courses offered during the current academic year on the following page: ‘USI Alpine Seminar’.

Computer science and economics students with an English-language training curriculum can participate in both the ITA/ENG bilingual courses offered and the courses in Italian (if they have the appropriate language skills).

The Alpine Seminars are open to all USI Bachelor students; each Faculty sets the conditions for enrolment. Please consult your study program.

Every year, the House of Sustainability offers a series of Alpine Seminars with different thematic focuses, from which you can freely choose the one that best suits your interests. On the following page, you will find an overview of the courses offered in the current academic year: 'USI Alpine Seminar'.

Students of Computer Science and Economics with an English curriculum can attend both the bilingual ITA/ENG courses and the courses in Italian (if they have the necessary language skills).

You will receive an e-mail from the House of Sustainability team ([email protected]) one week before the start of the Alpine Seminar. At that time you will be given details of the program, a day pass for the trip to Airolo, and directions on overnight accommodations.

The seminar takes place entirely at the House of Sustainability in Airolo (approx. 2 hours from Lugano by train).

USI covers the cost of accommodation, breakfast, travel, and planned activities.

You are only responsible for the cost of meals and any extras.

Inside the house you can only pay by credit/debit card (e.g. coffee, any meals arranged, bed sheet set, etc.).

A few days in advance, you will receive a special day ticket for the train journey from Lugano/Mendrisio to Airolo.

There is no travel companion, it is your responsibility to take the scheduled train to Airolo on time for the start of the course. 

Please note that attendance for the entire seminar is mandatory to pass the course.

The comprehensive programs of the Alpine seminars are accessible on the iCorsi platform. To gain insight into the typical schedules and activities, one may refer to the provided sample program HERE.

Detailed programs for the Alpine seminars are made available on the iCorsi platform. To get an idea of the planned schedules and activities, you can check out a sample schedule HERE for information purposes .

The Alpine Seminar takes place mostly inside the House of Sustainability (see some pictures HERE). A small hike or visit to organizations and entities active in the area is always planned (see individual course programs for details).

The hikes take place on very easy trails, usually dirt roads or very simple paths. The purpose of these outings is to have time to observe and understand how nature can educate us about sustainable development. These are not mountaineering excursions.

During the course we will meet lecturers and experts active in various fields who will allow us to delve deeper into the planned thematic focuses.

During the course there will be time to prepare a group presentation that will take place on the last day.

Attendance and active participation throughout the seminar is a requirement for passing the course.

6 bilingual seminars are planned for the 2025/2026 academic year. The course is held in both Italian and English, depending on the invited experts. Guidance will be provided in both languages regarding the content and key messages. Participants are welcome to express themselves in their native language at any time, including during the final presentation. The PowerPoint presentation and the program are provided in both languages.

• Comfortable clothes suitable for simple mountain walks (see your course program for details)
• Temperatures are very variable and often cool, so provide warm clothing
• Mountain boots or hiking boots, comfortable and water-resistant
• Waterproof jacket
• Mountain backpack
• Water bottle, hat, and sun cream (cap and gloves in October-May)
• Compulsory pyjamas
• Towel and personal hygiene products (hairdryers are available)
• Materials for taking notes and making a presentation
• Bring your own bedding set: (pillow cover (50X70), mattress cover (80X200) and comforter cover (140X200). Sleeping bag or sleeping bag is not allowed.
  If you are unable to bring your own, you can rent sheets at the House at a cost of 15 CHF, to be paid only by credit/debit card.
  In case of incomplete equipment it will be mandatory to rent what is missing.

Any equipment needed for excursions (e.g. snowshoes, bikes, etc.) will be provided free of charge by the university.

During the seminar, USI provides rooms in the House of Sustainability free of charge.

The House has rooms with 6 beds (you can see pictures of the rooms here: “The House -> The Spaces”).

The allocation of beds is done directly on site in dialogue between the participants, divided into men and women.

Each student is required to bring bedding set (pillowcase, comforter cover and mattress cover). Pillow and comforter are available. If this is not possible, bedding can be rented from the House at a cost of 15 CHF (to be paid on site, by credit/debit card only). Sleeping bags or sleeping bags are not allowed.

Bathrooms and showers offer privacy and are located on the same floor as the rooms.

You will receive a personal locker with key in which you can store your personal belongings.

Breakfast is included in your overnight stay and is served inside the House.

Overnight stays at the House are strongly recommended, but not mandatory.

Alternative overnight solutions (e.g., hotel) are at your expense and you will need to make your own reservations and arrangements to be on time for the activities.

Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

We ask you to report in advance any allergies, special needs, or physical conditions that might prevent you from running the program regularly to [email protected].

There is a takeaway pizzeria and several restaurants with different price ranges within walking distance of the house, which you can choose from. 

In addition, you can easily reach a Coop supermarket and a Denner supermarket, where you can buy your necessities. 

There is a microwave oven and a refrigerator in the house.

Unless otherwise stated, there is always free time to buy packed meals. 

There is a coffee machine inside the house (payment at the end of the course, only by credit/debit card).

Respectful behavior and compliance with the regulations of the House of Sustainability team are required. 

When you arrive, the arrangements for using the House of Sustainability will be explained to you. 

By your participation, you confirm that you abide by the current rules.

USI accepts no liability in the event of accidents or material damage caused by participants. 

It's each student's responsibility to check their own insurance policy.