The CCC Research-Based Master Programme has spacious comfortable quarters at 9 Boulevard Helvétique, next to the old town at the centre of Geneva. The versatile spaces can transform into seminar rooms, studios, exhibit or conference spaces, etc. Computers and wifi, as well as audiovisual equipment are available for students. The Programme collaborates with the school technical ateliers (photography, desktop publishing, video editing and computer programming, etc.) where one may take courses or workshops outside CCC Programme hours.

HEAD technical workshops and services

– Audiovisual Equipment Stock
– Info Lab
– Photography Pool
– Printing and Publishing Pool
– Prototyping Workshop
– Sound Studio
– Wood and Metal Workshop
– CERCCO (Geneva Experimental and Research Center for Contemporary Ceramics and Polymers)

CCC Library
The Programme has a library specialized in critical studies (on-site consultations only). Many other libraries in Geneva are available to students.

Geneva University of Art and Design (HEAD) Library
9, Boulevard Helvétique, 1205 Genève 1er étage An important collection of books and magazines on art and art history/theory of 20th and 21st century as well as films, HEAD publications, and student Bachelor and Master theses.
Monday through Friday from 8:30am to 5pm.
Closed during University breaks

Art and Archaeology Library (Public and University)
5, Promenade du Pin, 1205 Genève 1st floor
One of the most important art libraries in Switzerland

Geneva Library Network (Public and University Catalogue)

Library Network of  Western Switzerland (Common Catalogue)

Multimedia Library, Université de Genève

Consortium Databases of the Universities of Applied Sciences

Setting
Located at the heart of Europe, Geneva is a city of 450,000 that maintains a human scale yet a high density that favours harmony in one’s activities: professional, social, cultural, private. A mix of cultures, traditions, cuisines, and languages from around the world enriches its population.
With its lake and many parks, Geneva is a green city with a highly protected environment. There are both bike lanes and very complete public transportation network. The international airport links Geneva to world capitals, and by train, major European cities are just a few hours away (Geneva-Paris in 3.5 hours, Milan in 4 hours, and Frankfurt in 6 hours)

Culture
Through the 1970s and 80s, Geneva lived through a period where alternative culture took over numerous abandoned industrial and residential parks.
In this new urban fabric, subcultures, cultural workers, musicians and artists play a significant role as producers of collective spaces, places shaped by desire; as inventors of new perspectives and lifestyles, they tried to oppose the real estate market forces.
During this period, different actors created numerous creative spaces and collaborative working environments. Since the mid-2000s, Geneva has seen many, if not most of its alternative spaces closed. Since then artists and different social militants have been searching to find new ways of living in order to participate in the structural transformations of public space.
The struggle for urban spaces is the struggle for the means of production. What role can cultural workers play in this scenario?

International and Non-Governmental Organisations
Today Geneva hosts 200 international organisations, both governmental and non-governmental, including the United Nations (UN), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (CNCTAD), International Trade Organisation (ILO), World Health Organisation (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red-Cross.

Sports and Leisure
Geneva is close to the French and Swiss Alps and their ski resorts, including Chamonix, Flaine, Zermatt, and Verbier. All are easily accessible by public transport. The lake offers many opportunities for sports and leisure.

Sports Office
 (Geneva University): ski camps, team and individual sports
Cultural Activities Office (Geneva University) : dance, literature, music, theatre, comics, cinema

Housing

Housing in Geneva is difficult to find and often expensive. Generally students share apartments or find rooms in private homes or student rooming houses.
Student Housing
The housing search takes time and it is recommended to make this a priority.
HES-SO Geneva – Student Housing (French)

Work
Uni-emploi. This 
office links students and employers and informs and orients conditions for employing students.

Health and Social Services
– Social Information Office (BUIS) this office helps students integrate on the campus and in the city (health, administrative procedures, social life, family, studies, finances)
– Antenne santé – Health Unit.
 If you have problems or questions relating to stress, depression, HIV/AIDS, pregnancy and contraception, violence, drugs, tobacco, etc.
– Psychological Counselling Center
 Individual sessions by appointment with psychologists for a fee of 25CHF/hour.
– Hospice général 
 The Geneva Institution for Social Action with the mission of providing information and social assistance to those in need. Its publication Ariane includes information on funding and foundations active in the social, educational and artistic life of Geneva.
– Emergency Shelter and Services Brochure
The Social Services of the City of Geneva publishe a list of diverse emergency or crisis services (housing, meals, care…). Information on emergency shelters: 24h/24h T 0800 555 432

French Classes
Living and studying in Geneva is also a great opportunity to learn French. Here are some of the available offers:

– Université Populaire du Canton de Genève (offers classes for 50.- CHF per semester + 50.- CHF one-time membership fee)

– Official Geneva Welcome Center (which lists more offers)

More information on HEAD website Students section. If you come from a foreign country, do not forget to contract a medical insurance policy. It is mandatory in Switzerland.