Despite being one of the most expensive cities in the world, Zurich provides a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere for locals and expats. As an international student, you'll find numerous benefits tailored to make your student life both affordable and enjoyable.
Student accommodation in Zurich
Finding accommodation is a top priority if you're planning to study abroad. Zurich offers a variety of student housing options, including student residences and hostels, shared apartments, and private rentals.
University residences and student hostels
Zurich's universities typically provide student accommodation, often situated on or near campus for easy access to university facilities.
Conversely, student hostels offer furnished rooms and may provide additional services such as breakfast, cleaning, and shared amenities like laundry facilities or common areas.
Shared apartments (WG - Wohngemeinschaften)
Shared apartments are a popular choice for international students in Zurich. In a WG (Wohngemeinschaft), several students rent an apartment together, splitting the rent and expenses. This option is ideal for those seeking an active social life while keeping housing costs more affordable.
Private rentals
You can also rent an apartment or room in a private home in Zurich. Many websites and real estate agencies list rental options in and around the city.
Begin your search by contacting your university's housing office, which can answer your questions and provide helpful contacts.
The search platform offers a wide range of student residences in Zurich and nearby Winterthur (23 km away). You can also find listings on Facebook, , and .
Living costs for international students in Zurich
Since the cost of living in Zurich is high, many students shop at discount supermarkets like , , and , where prices are more affordable. To save on food, consider dining at university cafeterias, where you can get reduced prices with a valid student card.
For transportation, young people under 25 can get a junior pass for Zurich's public transport network . Some students also have a Schweizerische Bundesbahnen card, which offers for trains and public transport.
Student discounts in Zurich
In Switzerland, students and young people enjoy a variety of special discounts.
In addition to the previously mentioned discounts, museums, events, and tourist attractions across the country often offer reduced ticket prices for students.
With your Zurich student card, known as the "Legitimationskarte" or "Legi," you'll have access to many of these discounts and special offers .
Leisure activities in Zurich
Students in Zurich can access various free or discounted leisure activities. During the summer, sunny days offer the perfect opportunity to enjoy the natural surroundings by jogging along the lake, swimming in clear waters, or hiking in and around the city.
Additionally, students, staff, and alumni of Zurich's various universities can participate in various sports activities at the (ASVZ) center.
If you're looking for more entertainment, Zurich has cozy restaurants, cafes, and bars. You can check out Impact Hub, Ticketcorner (a ticketing platform), or Züritipp for local events.
Student jobs and internships in Zurich
Typically, international students in Zurich are allowed to work under certain regulations. During their studies, they can work a maximum of 15 hours per week and up to 42 hours per week during semester breaks, and they must report this to the immigration authorities.
Students from outside the EU/EFTA region are only allowed to start working six months after the start of their studies. In such cases, the employer must submit an employment application for an employment check to be carried out, after which the immigration authorities can issue a work permit.
If you're looking to gain work experience in Zurich, you may consider doing an internship during your studies in Zurich. Paid internships in Switzerland generally offer competitive compensation compared to many other European countries, with interns typically receiving between CHF 2,000 and CHF 4,000 per month, depending on the sector and the company.
Finding a job after your studies in Switzerland
Universities like ETH offer a range of resources to assist students in finding jobs in Zurich, including job fairs, search platforms, and support with compiling job applications. These esteemed universities also have partnerships with major companies, which enhances the prospects of securing employment after graduation. For instance, you can explore ETH's job search page for students.
The ease of finding a job in Switzerland after completing your studies also depends partly on your citizenship. For European students, the bilateral agreement on freedom of movement allows for an unrestricted stay in Switzerland after higher education and the process of obtaining a B work permit for an EU citizen is comparatively straightforward.
Students from non-EU countries can apply for an additional temporary residence permit, which allows them to stay and seek work after completing their studies.
Your prospective employer will need to sponsor your work permit. This will involve providing documents such as proof of identity, a CV, and evidence that efforts to recruit a candidate from Switzerland and the EU/EFTA have been unsuccessful. Apart from professional criteria, certain integration criteria, such as language skills and housing situation, may also be necessary.
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