3. 3
Dear GBS Students,
Dear GBS Students,
I am delighted to welcome you to the Main Campus of Geneva Business School (GBS).Your
decision to study with us is the first of many that will help shape your career. Our campus,
located in the heart of the Geneva International Organisations quarter, is perfectly situated
for you to take advantage of nearby restaurants, fitness centres, shops, recreational
activities by the beautiful Geneva lake as well as some excellent job opportunities. With our
state of the art auditorium and numerous study hubs, our GBS Geneva Campus is designed
to offer you a contemporary learning experience in an optimised student environment.
Geneva is a peaceful city, internationally diverse and has a long standing reputation as a
financial centre consistently ranked in the top 10 by the Global Financial Centres Index. It is
also continuously ranked within the top 3 best cities to live in terms of quality of life by the
Mercer Index and contains the greatest number of International Organisations in the world,
including the United Nations to which all GBS students and faculty have access to use the
renowned library facilities.
Essentially, Geneva Business School focuses on strong participation and interaction between faculty, staff and students, with
a dedicated administration team and career workshop facilities to assist you through your entire time at GBS.
Our motto, “Real Business, Future Leaders” highlights the importance of team work and leadership. We are confident that by
devoting your time and energy to your studies and activities, you will undoubtedly have a life changing experience with us.
I therefore look forward to greeting you in the near future, as a proud new member of GBS.
Yours sincerely,
Mark Hatton
Geneva Campus Director
4. GENEVA CAMPUS INFORMATION
Chemin de la Voie-Creuse 16
1202, Geneva, Switzerland
Tel:+41 22 906 94 94
Mail:geneva@gbsge.com
A fascinating fact, unknown
by many is that the World
Wide Web was created in
a laboratory in the city of
Geneva, in the Centre for
Nuclear Research (CERN).
Today, billions of people
around the world would find
it challenging to live without
this technology.
L
#beGBS
#GVA
#10MinutesEverywhereCity
There is never a shortage of activities in Geneva as the city has a history that dates back more
than four thousand years. There are monuments, many museums and dazzling architecture
to view, not to mention the many gardens and botanic sites throughout the green city where
nature walks and marvellous views are in abundance.
As far as Geneva and Swiss facts go, there is one more worth to mention: the city boasts
the shortest commuting time of any major city in the world. Geneva is a cosmopolitan city
with flair, charm and sophistication to spare and it seems with a very efficient transportation
system..
www.gbsge.com
4
5. Arriving in Geneva
GVA Airport - public transport - Geneva
Students planning to use the public transportation system can
get a free ticket on arrival at Geneva Airport. Free tickets are
available from the distributor, BEFORE the customs exit, which
is next to the luggage claim area.
The airport railway station can be accessed directly from the
airport Check-in and Arrival areas.
• 7 minutes train ride to Geneva main railway station (Cornavin).
• Buses are located on the departure level at the Airport.
Buses 5 and 10 will take you downtown.
TAXI
Taxis in Geneva can be ordered by phone +41 22 33 141 33,
hailed in the street or found at about 60 authorised taxi ranks in
town, at the airport and at the main station.
Fares between the airport and city range from about CHF 35
to CHF 60 depending on traffic conditions, time of the day and
number of passengers.
UBER also operates in Geneva and the prices may be more
affordable.
GBS pick up service
We can welcome our students at the airport or train station and
arrange for transport to their apartment or hotel.
Please contact GBS at least 2 weeks before your arrival.There
is a fee involved for this additional service.
www.gbsge.com
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6. Since finding housing in Geneva can be extremely difficult, it is crucial to start arranging
accommodation as soon as you receive your Admission Letter!
At GBS, accommodation is reserved on a first-come first-served basis.
Students wishing to reserve a GBS apartment must give 3 months notice prior
to arrival, by sending a request to:accommodation@gbsge.com
Upon arrival, each student is accompanied to their apartment after informing the GBS
reception of their arrival.
GBS example accommodation tariffs
• From CHF 700/month - Shared room in a shared apartment
• From CHF 900/month - Individual room in a shared apartment
• From CHF 1300/month - Individual studio apartment
Housing
All new students should
make their way to the GBS
reception on the registration
date provided on the official
acceptance letter. All students
either local or international
should present their
Acceptance and Admission
letter upon arrival.
www.gbsge.com
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7. Important Documents
It is obligatory for all students to inform the authorities of their arrival and to start
the procedure for a student permit. International students must apply for a Student
B-Permit.
The Office Cantonal de la Population et des Migrations is responsible for delivering
permits. Don’t be afraid, the GBS administrative staff is happy to help you to complete
the documentation.
ge.ch/population/loffice-cantonal-de-population-migrations
It is compulsory for all students residing in Switzerland to complete documentation for
Swiss medical insurance.
Upon arrival, the GBS administrative staff will provide all necessary forms and assist
all students in completing the application forms.The cost of Student Insurance starts
from CHF 72 per month.
swisscare.com
Medical Insurance
Students will automatically receive their ID cards at the beginning of the year.
Cardholders can be granted preferential rates: airline tickets, shows, bookstores and
reduced gym membership. Students should renew their ID card every year.
Student ID card
Student B-Permit
www.gbsge.com
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8. Mobile operators and networks in Switzerland
• Swisscom: has the best network coverage in Switzerland, but
also the most expensive rates.
• Salt, Sunrise: Competitive rates but network coverage might
be limited in remote areas of the country.
• Lebara & Lycra :Cheap pay as you go basic mobile connection.
Other providers:M-Budget Mobile, Coop Mobile, yallo, Ortel and
others.
en.comparis.ch
Banks
We recommend that students open a bank account as soon as
you get their student B-Permit.
Documents required for opening a Swiss bank account:
• Passport
• Student Attestation
• Student B-Permit
GBS Students can open a bank account at UBS, Credit Suisse
and/or La Poste
United Nations and Library access
All GBS students have access to a large online library, and if
that’s not enough, within 5 minutes walk from the campus is
the United Nations which holds one of the largest library in the
world.GBS students have the privilege of receiving a library pass
allowing access to the UN library, research and dining facilities
in addition to internship offers and conferences.
Gyms in Geneva
With a GBS student card, all students have discounted access
to the California gym, located on the ground floor of the GBS
building.
The proximity of this state-of-the-art gym ensures students
can provide themselves a mental and physical workout in the
same building.
www.gbsge.com
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12. Restaurants
Eating out in Geneva is part of the fabric of the city and for local people a long
lunch in a local restaurant is an essential part of their day.
Geneva’s food scene ranges from Michelin-starred restaurants to the charming
traditional cafes hidden away in corners, serving affordable and hearty meals in
rustic settings.
Le Fix
This place is one of our favourite local coffee shops.
Good sandwiches, great little brownies & cakes, and of course great coffee
(strong!).
Café Le Fix is a beautiful place, a cozy atmosphere reigns in this place, enhanced
by the smell of pastries and homemade sweets.
The café also has a terrace where you can enjoy the Geneva landscape, as well as
a take-away service.
Avenue de France 17
Lanna Thai
5 minutes walk from the Campus.
One of the Thai restaurants in the district. Very nice atmosphere, warm and cold
buffet (AllYouCanEat) with traditional Thai meals. It is a nice cozy place. If you ask
for really hot food like in Thailand they would prepare that for you. Reasonable
pricing.
Avenue Blanc 42
The canton of Geneva stretches
over 24,500 km2 located on the
shore of the largest lake in Europe,
called Lake Geneva in the English
speaking world. The official name
of the lake, more commonly used
among the locals is Lac Leman.
www.gbsge.com
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13. Coop Food
Coop food is situated 100 meters from the GBS and offers a variety of meals for all
tastes. In addition to the Coop Restaurants, it includes Take-it Coop, located in
popular places,the Italian CremAmore glaciers and the Ca’Puccini coffee bars.Coop is
distinguished by its balanced and cheap dishes, prepared primarily with sustainable
ingredients.
Rue de Montbrillant 90
Saveur et Passion
Ideally placed a few steps from the Campus.
• At 8am, coffee and small breakfast.
• From 11:30 am to 2 pm, they offer a cuisine with varied and exotic flavours, in the
form of an original hot and cold buffet.You will discover a mixture of tastes, composed
by a chef passionate about varying flavours.
Avenue de France 21
Costa Smeralda
Fabulous, home-made Italian food is hiding behind a non-promising facade. Really
tasty, with lots of options. There is a delicious baked pasta with aubergines - try it!
Staff are genuinely friendly, and you can tell it’s a cosy family run type of place. Wood
fired oven adding to the ambience and the flavour of the pizza. Loved the fresh chilli in
oil served with the pizza.
Parc du Château-Banquet 2
www.gbsge.com
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14. Chez Philippe
Excellent restaurant in the centre of
Geneva. The chef behind this restaurant
is Philippe Chevrier, chef and owner of
Domaine de Châteauvieux (2 Michelin
stars).
The modern snack-bar on the ground
floor should not put one off. On the first
floor is a very large restaurant divided
into several sections. Considerable effort
has been put into the layout and decor.
rue du Rhone 8
Passage des Lions Rue du Rhône 8
Bayview by Michel Roth
Contemporary style meets classic and
daring cuisine of the renowned Chef
Michel Roth.
Sleek design and perfect service.
Every detail is carefully chosen in order to
offer a memorable experience.
The Chef masters the classics of French
gastronomythatherevisitsandenhances
to perfection, bringing a modern and
original touch.
Quai Wilson 47
www.gbsge.com
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15. Geneva Shopping
General info
Emergency telephone numbers
Police: 117
Fire: 118
Ambulance: 144
Roadside assistance: 140
Poison control: 145
Despite its small size,Geneva can rival much bigger European cities as a major shopping
destination in Europe. Geneva specialises in the finer things in life and, though they are
not cheap, the selection is staggering and makes for world class window shopping,
practically a national sport in Switzerland.
Hours
Most retail stores are open throughout the day, however many service shops close for
lunch between 12:00 and 14:00 during the week. Most stores, including grocery stores,
do not stay open past 19:00 on weekdays, past 18:00 on Saturdays and are closed on
Sundays, so plan wisely to avoid frustrations.
Shops open on Sunday
Open Monday-Sunday are Migros at the Airport (till 22:00) and Migros at Gare Cornavin
(till 22:00, parking at Gare Cornavin parking garage). Smaller selection of foods and
groceries is to be found at Migrolino’s gas stations. If you want to do a serious shopping
on Sunday, head to French towns across the borders such as Annemasse, Thoiry or
Ferney-Voltaire, where supermarkets stay open on Sunday until 12h00.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Switzerland are open during regular business
opening times 8am to 6pm.
For details of open emergency pharmacies in your area, visit:
sos-apotheke.ch
www.gbsge.com
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16. Shopping Areas
Centre Balexert
City Centre
Extending from the financial district to Eaux Vives, the parallel
streets of Rue du Rhone and Rue du Marche (becoming Rue du
Rive further east) make up Geneva’s most famous shopping
district. Designer retail stores and world famous watchmakers
line the streets packed with window shoppers.Often resembling
a fashion runway, the area is also great for people watching..
Rue du Mont Blanc
Although not as fashionable as the City Centre, there is an
equally large selection of clothing and jewellery on display along
Rue du Mont Blanc and its surrounding streets. This is also the
best area in the city to pick up souvenirs such as Swiss pocket
knives, chocolates and other Swiss knick-knacks.
The Old Town
If you’re looking for art or antiques, the Old Town is the place for
you. The Grand Rue is the primary shopping street but don’t be
afraid to get lost in one of the Old Town’s many winding alleys
because every turn promises a new surprise. Many antique
shops are museums unto themselves filled with relics dating
back to Geneva’s medieval days.
Perhaps the ritziest shopping center in Geneva with lots of
designer labels and high end jewelry as well as gourmet grocery
store on the ground floor complete with wine cellar.
Rue de Rhone 48
Globus Department Store
The largest department store chain in Switzerland with
everything you need under one roof from electronics to
cosmetics.The ground floor food market is a popular lunch spot
for people on the go.
Rue Cornavin 6
Manor Department Store
The largest and best mall in Geneva with over 110 stores
including designer outlets, a grocery store and a movie theater.
In Balexert, students can find all necessities for everyday life.
Avenue Louis-Casai 27
www.gbsge.com
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18. La Clusaz is becoming widely recognised by those in the know as one of the
undiscovered gems of the Alps. The area has long been a popular weekend
destination for the French and Swiss who praise the skiing and village facilities.
Overall, excellent resort for beginners and intermediates as well as plenty of
challenging terrain for advanced skiers and snowboarders, good potential for
off-piste and extreme skiing, great choice of “non-skiing” activities.
La Clusaz
Ski Resorts
On a ski weekend or short skiing holiday, choosing a resort close to Geneva is
essential if you want to maximise your time on the slopes.
Geneva airport is one of the major hubs for skiing in France, and there are many
popular and famous ski resorts close to it. A short transfer can make all the
difference to your enjoyment of the holiday,allowing you make the most of your time
by arriving at the resort fresh and ready to ski.
Most resorts are located no further then 1,5 hours drive from Geneva
skiweekender.com/ski-resources
Samoens - The Grand Massif
The Grand Massif is one of the largest linked ski domains in France,with an excellent
snow record. Located within an easy hour of Geneva, it could not be better located
for a short ski break. 265km of skiing with excellent terrain for all levels of skier
looking out on Mont Blanc, with glorious views throughout the resort.
Chamonix - Mont-Blanc
Cham’is a destination popular the world over.Resort height:1,035m.Top lift:3,842m.
The range is exceptional and versatile – long runs below the tree line offer good
sport in bad weather, and big glacier runs at high altitude are often at their best in
April. No two days are the same in this hugely varied ski area.
In the Alps there are 82 official
summits that are at least 4,000m
high, and the highest peak is Mont
Blanc which is 4,810 m high and is
on the French and Italian border.
www.gbsge.com
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