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La Xenia Experience

La Xenia Uniform & Dresscode

Language

La Xenia will have students from many different countries and cultures speaking many different languages but it’s important for students to excel in their English language abilities, therefore it’s expected that students will speak in English not only in class but also around the campus. English will be the common language amongst the international students. 

Switzerland’s four (4) national languages are German, French, Italian and Romansh, and English is the most common non-national language. 

Students at La Xenia have the opportunity to learn German as knowledge of several languages is an important asset in the hospitality & tourism industry.

La Xenia Students

Dress Code & Uniform Specifications

Why do we have a dress code?

Because hospitality is about more than what happens in the classroom.

A hotel or restaurant will expect its team to be presentable whether they are working with guests, preparing food, serving in a restaurant or working behind the scenes. Our dress code helps you get used to those professional expectations while you’re still studying.

You don’t need to dress identically every day. You simply need to look like you’re ready to be part of a professional hospitality team.

La Xenia students with teacher
La Xenia Dress Code Policy

Hospitality is a people-focused industry, and presentation matters. Whether you are working in a restaurant, housekeeping, guest services or another part of a hotel, employers expect you to look professional and ready for the role.

Our dress code is therefore part of your hospitality training. Think of it as practice for the workplace.

Your La Xenia uniforms

Students are provided with two uniforms:

  • Restaurant uniform – for restaurant and relevant practical training
  • Housekeeping uniform – for housekeeping and relevant practical training

You will be told when each uniform is required.

When you’re not in uniform

When a practical uniform is not required, students should wear their La Xenia school T-shirt.

When the weather is cooler, you may also wear:

  • A neutral-coloured cardigan over your school T-shirt.
  • A neutral-coloured, long-sleeved shirt underneath your school T-shirt.

The aim is simple: comfortable, practical and presentable.

What can I wear with my school T-shirt?

You have several options:

  • Jeans – light blue, navy, grey or black.
  • Business trousers/slacks – black or grey.
  • Skirts – black or grey and knee-length or longer.
  • Shorts – knee-length or longer, in denim or a smart cotton/chino style. Sports, gym and basketball-style shorts are not suitable.

Clothing should be clean, tidy and in good condition.

Shoes

Keep footwear simple and practical.

White or black sneakers without colourful accents are permitted, as are dress shoes, loafers and similar footwear in simple, neutral colours.

For kitchen practicals, closed-toe footwear is compulsory. Sneakers are permitted provided they are closed-toe and appropriate for the activity.

Hair, nails & jewellery

Professional presentation also includes the smaller details.

Long hair must be neatly tied back in either a sleek ponytail or bun. Shorter hair should be neat, styled and professional.

Nails must be kept short and clean. Nail polish is not permitted during kitchen practicals. In some circumstances, gloves may be permitted instead, but you must ask your instructor first. Permission cannot always be given depending on the practical activity.

Simple jewellery is welcome, provided it is appropriate and safe for the activity you are participating in.

Religious accommodations

Reasonable exceptions to the dress code can be made to accommodate religious requirements. Please speak with La Xenia in advance so that an appropriate arrangement can be agreed.

 

Excursions & Free Time

The professional dress code applies during classes, practical training and other official school activities. Outside these times, we want students to relax and enjoy campus life.

Excursions

For school-organised excursions, the same general dress standards apply as when wearing the La Xenia T-shirt. Students should wear their school T-shirt with one of the permitted options for trousers, jeans, skirts, shorts and footwear.

Dress for the weather! Jackets, coats, scarves and other appropriate outdoor clothing may of course be worn when needed. For excursions involving hiking, sports or other activities, students will be told in advance if different clothing or footwear is recommended.

The main expectation is simply to look neat and presentable while representing La Xenia outside the campus.

After Classes & Dormitory

Once classes and scheduled school activities are finished, the school dress code does not apply. Students living on campus are free to dress casually during their personal time.

We simply ask that clothing remains appropriate for a shared residential and educational environment.

In the Dormitory

The dormitory is your home while you’re at La Xenia, so the professional dress code does not apply during your free time. There is, however, one important house rule:

  • Outdoor shoes must be removed at the entrance to the dormitory.
  • Indoors, students should wear socks or indoor slippers rather than outdoor shoes.

Swiss weather can mean rain, snow and plenty of mud, and outdoor shoes can quickly leave the dormitory floors wet and dirty. Leaving them at the entrance helps everyone keep their shared home clean, dry and comfortable.

La Xenia’s Uniform: Provided & Extra Purchases

All students will be provided with 1 set of La Xenia’s uniform polo (included in the Operating Expenses), 1 set of housekeeping uniform, and 1 set of kitchen uniform upon arrival to La Xenia Campus. 

If students wish to purchase an extra set of La Xenia’s polo, students must inform the Administrative Office or Student Services Center. Extra uniforms may not be in stock, so the student might have to wait before the student receives the new uniform. Alternatively students can order before arriving at La Xenia campus with the Admission Office and make the payment together with the rest of the payment after visa approval to ensure uniform is received all upon arrival.