Living in Switzerland
The recommendations make it easier to settle in and enjoy a wide range of interests in leisure time.
Everyday life
Public transport
A Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) ticket covers almost all public transport options. Tip: Benefit from discounts with the Half-Fare travelcard.
Shuttle bus
With the eLink bus, you can commute between the two campuses free of charge.
Cycling
This is a convenient and sustainable travel method in Switzerland.
Other means of transport
- Sustainability at ETH
- Transport: Public transport, shuttle bus, cycling and more
- external page Tips from the GreenErasmus portal (before, during and after your mobility)
- external page Focus Sustainability (national centre dedicated to empowering students’ engagement in sustainability across Switzerland)
At some point, opening a bank account in Switzerland might make sense.
Many Swiss banks offer free accounts with exclusive benefits for students under 30. To open an account, you will typically need to provide your passport, student card (ETH card / "legi"), and a residence permit. Some banks may accept a registration confirmation from the residents’ registration office instead of a residence permit.
Use the Internet to learn more about banks in Switzerland and compare offers.
Check whether your current provider will charge you roaming fees. (Remember that Switzerland is not part of the EU).
It may be advisable to check monthly cancellable subscriptions in Switzerland.
- external page English Speaking Club of Zurich
- external page Zurich English-Speaking Theater
- external page Zurich International Women's Association
- external page Rotary Club of Zurich International
- external page American International Club of Zurich
- external page American Women’s Club of Zurich
- external page British Residents’ Association of Switzerland
- external page Indian Association of Greater Zurich
- external page Centrepoint Basel
- external page Rotary Club Basel
You can probably find more offers online – or ask your fellow students.
You can also join student associations.
General
- external page SwitzerlandMobility recommendations
- external page Switzerland Tourism recommendations
- external page Winter sports
- external page Zoos & wildlife parks
- external page SBB offers (public transport company)
- external page Zurich: Recommendations
- external page Zurich: Boat trip on Lake Zurich
- external page Zurich: Tours through the city
- external page Zurich: Welcome event including a city walk for new residents
- external page Basel: Recommendations
By students for students
About Switzerland
High political and economic stability, diverse landscapes and towns, an extensive public transport system and rich history make Switzerland popular – besides the famous chocolate. It is considered a safe country and almost nine million people live in Switzerland, nearly 200,000 of them in Basel and over 400,000 in Zurich. The quality of life is high, but so is the cost of living.
Cultural life is varied with numerous museums, theatres, events and more. The cities also attract visitors with their historic old towns and shopping streets. The idyllic countryside is never far away thanks to the many lakes, forests and the Swiss Alps.
The safe and punctual public transport system makes everyday life and excursions in Switzerland easy: Within a few hours you can travel comfortably to the French-, Italian- and Romansh-speaking regions as well as to neighboring countries.
