Hi there!

I just made an introduction in the introductions group and now I've got some questions/ideas that are on my mind and I wanted to throw out there, hence why my thread title is kind of random.

First, I'm applying to both HEAD and ECAL this winter for fine arts/photography bachelor. ECAL is my number one school because they have a specific photo program, though I get the impression it is a bit harder to get into. HEAD is clearly also a great school. Does anyone have experience in either of these two schools? To be honest, I don't get a good idea on either website nor after speaking with both schools' secretaries of how to best prepare for the entrance exam/interview. Tips would be much appreciated because in the states, this process is very different.

Next, I have a puppy and she will be moving with me (from Bordeaux, France where I am currently finishing up my French studies). I want to try to find some folks with dogs who would want to get together to play, and also find a house outside of the city who may already have a dog so my pup will be happy even when I'm away at school. I also heard there may be towns that are strict or don't allow dogs? Is that the case near Lausanne? I want to be away from the city but still within 15-25 minutes so I can get to school easily.

Finally, I'm 31 and into growing food, permaculture, making stuff myself, eco-friendly/mindful living, etc. and I wonder if there are like-minded people in that area? I would love to connect with you before I move there!

Thanks everyone, I look forward to hearing from you soon!

No towns refuse dogs- but it is very difficult to find the kind of accom you are looking for, with a garden and composting, etc, and a dog- certainly by the lake. What is your budget- and will you have a car?

I don't need to be near the lake, but just within access to ECAL, the school I'm really aiming for. I'm looking just to rent a room in a house, probably between 300-500 francs/month, is that reasonable?

And, no car, unfortunately, but will have a bike.

For a decent "colocation" (i.e. flat sharing), it would be a minimum of 600/650 per month. You might be able to find something in Renens, Prilly, Chavannes, or Crissier (all within the 15-25 mins)- although it might be a tad difficult given you have a pet.

There might be some 'thinking outside the box' solutions- but it won't be easy to find in advance. Like living on a larger house/farm further inland and exchanging some help with garden/animals, etc. in exchange for accom or part accom. As said, the WWF staff board maybe your best bet.

There is also a magazine called Terre et Nature- and you could put an advert there asap- to see if a farming or gardening family would be interested.
And also some other associations in Vaud- get in touch with them for advice:

Le jardin naturel - La Maison Nature

www.lamaisonnature.ch/le-jardin-naturel/


Côté cour et côté jardin, il y a aussi du boulot pour redonner à la nature toute la place qu'elle mérite. ... Suivez nos conseils et votre jardin deviendra au fil des ans, un havre de paix et de vie où il fera bon se ressourcer. ... Le potager bio ... les favoriser. www.birdlife.ch: le site de l'association suisse de protection des oiseaux.



Liens | Fondation Ecojardinage

www.ecojardinage.ch/la-fondation/liens/




Centre de prévention et de remise en forme, jardin du Val d'Hérens. Uniterre – Pour une agriculture durable · bio-vaud BioVaud : association des producteurs bio du canton de Vaud. .... Terre et Nature : L'hebdo romand de la vie au vert.



Bio Vaud - Association Vaudoise des Producteurs Bio ...

www.biovaud.ch/




Bio Vaud - Association Vaudoise des producteurs biologiques. Membre de ... L'agriculture biologique respecte la nature et oeuvre pour que ce qui est naturel aujourd'hui, le soit encore demain. ... Il est respectueux des ressources et de la vie.



Terre & Nature

www.terrenature.ch/




Terre & Nature. ... Jardin. Découvrez notre sélection de sept plantes pour un décor hivernal durable sur votre balcon! Editions Terre&Nature. Editions ...

Oh, this is great advice! I will contact the magazine and also WWF to put some ads out- although, I'm thinking for June/July now, so that gives me some time to do more research. Thank you so much for everything- this is so helpful.

You are welcome