Tips for foreign students on finding accommodation in Switzerland

15 November 2024

For students who come to Switzerland to study at Swiss universities or universities of applied science, one of the biggest challenges is finding accommodation. We have some tips for finding suitable student accommodation.
 

High rental prices and high demand influence the housing market throughout Switzerland. However, rental prices for student accommodation in Switzerland vary greatly depending on the region. While cities like Zurich and Geneva are particularly expensive, smaller cities and more rural areas often have cheaper alternatives. Those who can be flexible in their choice of location can save a lot.

There are various accommodation options for foreign students in Switzerland:

• Halls of residence: Swiss universities such as the University of St. Gallen, the University of Zurich and the University of Basel offer rooms in halls of residence. This type of accommodation is often cost-effective and allows you to live together with other students. As the availability of this accommodation is limited, we recommend you apply early.
• Shared apartments (WG): Shared apartments are a great way to share rental costs while at the same time making friends. In Switzerland, many students live in such shared apartments.
• Private rental apartments:  If you value your privacy, you can also opt for a private rental apartment. However, these are usually more expensive. Platforms such as Homegate.ch or Comparis.ch offer targeted search options.
• Host families: Living with a host family offers the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in Swiss culture while keeping accommodation costs down. Platforms such as Homestay.com and AuPairWorld can help you find the right host family.

1. Start your search early: Demand for affordable student housing is particularly high at the start of the semester. It's worth starting your search a few months in advance in order to give yourself the best chance of finding suitable accommodation.
2. Use online platforms and websites: Websites such as Students.ch, Homegate.ch and Comparis.ch have special offers for student accommodation and allow you to filter your search by budget and location. 
3. Support from universities and colleges: Swiss universities can often help you to find accommodation. The universities' housing offices and internal networks are valuable resources for discovering housing opportunities.