We warmly welcome international students!

forum³ is the University Chaplaincy for students of the University and the Universities of Applied Sciences in Bern.

The three dimensions of community, spirituality and development form the basis of our activities.

forum³ creates places to meet and celebrate, to experience silence, to exchange about life issues and for the creative expression of students.
forum³ supports students in their personal and spiritual development. Its events offer space for the discussion of religious, ethical and social topics.

Our events are generally free of charge for students. We only charge a fee for events with overnight accommodation or high material costs, which we indicate in the flyer and on the poster. However, a low budget should not be an obstacle – feel free to contact us!

Pastoral Care

As a university chaplain I am here for you

Do you need an open and independent ear?

The university chaplain is here to listen — whether you want to share what makes you happy, what moves you, or what weighs on you. Faith and spirituality may be part of the conversation, but they don’t have to be. Independence and confidentiality are guaranteed.

This service is free of charge. Conversations can take place in person, by phone, or by email.

Contact:
thomas.schuepbach@refbejuso.ch
+41 (0)78 842 78 90
Länggassstrasse 41 (4th floor), 3012 Bern

Programme Spring Semester 2026: fermentum

Our students have chosen fermentum as the theme for this semester. To find out what this means, we tried asking ChatGPT and received the following answer: “Fermentum literally means: fermenting agent, sourdough, leaven. In other words, something that triggers or sustains a process of fermentation or transformation.”

When I hear this short description, this is how I imagine forum³– as a place that helps to drive processes of change in our world. A place where you can find a listening ear in order to shape your life with hope. A place where you meet people outside your own bubble, where you can encounter one another without prejudice and form friendships.

A place with an events programme that, for example, enables young people in a four-part “first aid course for the mind” to respond appropriately in mental health emergencies. Or in the improvised theatre workshop “Give it a go”, where fears are overcome and the courage is found to step into unfamiliar perspectives.

At first, fermentum sounds somewhat unfamiliar and mysterious – yet it is deeply rooted in the Christian tradition. Jesus uses this metaphor: “The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until all the dough was leavened.” (Matthew 13:33)

So this spring, right in the middle of everyday student life, may something begin to ferment that spreads ever wider and, in the end, makes an entire society more helpful, kinder and braver.

Thomas Schüpbach, on behalf of the teams of forum³ and aki

Events

Some events we particularly recommend:

Forum Lunch

Mondays during the lecture period, 12.15 – 1.30 p.m.
Start: 16 February 

Sustainable, vegan, gluten-free possible.
Free of charge for students!

More information

Yoga

Mondays 7.30–.8.45 pm (during the lecture period)

Start: 16 February

Meditation, movement and relaxation

More information

Study with ease 

Wednesdays 1.15–2 pm (during the lecture period)

Contemplative meditation

Start: 18 February with introduction on 18 and 25 February

More information

Fermentation Workshop

Sun, 15 March 2026, 10:00 am–3:00 pm:

Together at aki, we will learn the basics of lacto-fermentation and have the opportunity to try them out with different types of vegetables. At the end, you can take your results home with you. This will be followed by a vegan lunch. Please register by Thu, 12 March at anmeldung@aki-unibe.ch or via the QR code on the flyer.

More information

Joy of Living – Pilgrimage Walk

Sat, 21 March 2026, 9:00 am–6:30 pm

Together with students from Basel, we will go on a pilgrimage in the Benkerjoch region as we journey towards Easter. We will spend time in conversation, enjoy nature and silence, and be inspired by short reflections that help us to experience consciously what a gift it is to be alive. Meeting point at 9:00 am at Bern railway station. Please register by Wed, 18 March at anmeldung@aki-unibe.ch or via the QR code on the flyer.

More information

Ecumenical Taizé-Prayer

Tue, 5 May 2026, 7 pm

Students and members of different christian groups sing and pray together.
Followed by snacks!

More information

Study Office

The forum room – a space to work and meet.

Your study space during the exam period!

• Study groups

• Individual study by arrangement

More information