Switzerland prides itself on its universities, which offer a high quality of education and student life. If you're coming to study in Switzerland, you'll need somewhere to live. Although most Swiss students traditionally live at home while in higher education, there are plenty of options when it comes to student accommodation for international students. Here's what you need to know about finding student housing in Switzerland.
The amount you will end up paying for student housing in Switzerland can vary quite significantly depending on type, size, pirivacy and its proximity to your university.
Typically speaking, a room in shared accommodation in a Swiss city will cost between 400 and 800 Swiss francs a month, with private housing being around 600 to 2.000 Swiss francs a month.
Accommodation near universities in Switzerland is always in high demand, particularly those offered directly by the university. That is why students rent all different types of housing while they are at university. It is not uncommon for official university housing to be fully booked a year in advance of the new academic year, meaning many students choose to rent privately or communally.
Many universities in Switzerland offer their own forms of student accommodation, sometimes called halls of residence. The level of involvement the university takes ranges from officially sanctioned private accommodation to fully university-controlled housing.
Large student halls are the most common if they are controlled by the university. They normally have shared bathroom and kitchen facilities and a warm communal atmosphere. Increasingly, new buildings are being made with private facilities for each student as well. The costs of utilities are usually included in the overall costs.
Instead of rooming in university accommodation, many students band together after their first year to find shared private accommodation. This is similar to renting an apartment or house but with the costs shared between tenants. If you are looking to enter a shared house and do not know the current occupants, you may have to face an interview and fit certain age requirements. These arrangements are the cheapest available and can be an excellent way to be close to the university.
If you would like your university experience to be more private, then you can access all types of housing in Switzerland, according to your own preference. Several private companies offer student accommodation where you live in a private apartment but still can partake in a communal student atmosphere. These usually have all utilities taken care of and can also come fully furnished.
Before you can enroll in university, you'll need to find somewhere to live. Indeed, this might be a prerequisite for getting your visa. It is advised to start applying for accommodation as soon as you receive a place at university. There are several organisations that you can use to apply for housing, each offering different types of accommodation to suit your needs.
Occasionally, universities will offer accommodation directly. This is more common in universities in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. Most universities will give priority to postgraduates and international students looking for accommodation. Bear in mind that these places are limited in number and must be applied for well in advance.
The most common way to find accommodation is through a student housing cooperative. These are student-led organisations that offer housing services for students looking to find a room. This system is used to find places in shared accommodation, typically through subletting, although some cooperatives offer their own accommodation as well. Some of the most well-known housing cooperatives are:
As well as student-led cooperatives, you can also find accommodation through private companies. These companies usually deal in high-end private student accommodation. Some of the most well-known private providers are:
If you have been unable to secure housing for the start of university, you could consider renting a short-stay or furnished apartment. This gives you a good, flexible base to start from, enabling you to come to Switzerland and start looking for permanent accommodation once you have arrived, but are generally more expensive.
Finding a new place to live in Switzerland can seem daunting, so here are some top tips for international students:
Because only a quarter of the Swiss population goes to university, culturally, it is still treated as an extension of the school system. Therefore, most Swiss students will stay with their families while at university and will attend the nearest university to them. Exceptions can be for specialisations and MBA programmes at a university that are far away or if they have moved from work back into education.