Student accommodation in Switzerland

The cost of accommodation in Switzerland will vary depending on your education provider, the level of study you choose and your study location in Switzerland.

The average cost of rent in Switzerland doesn’t clearly show how much your rent could cost. Given that rent varies vastly from city to city, and cities compared to rural areas are a lot more expensive, it’s best to look at the average rent of a specific area.¹

For instance, a one-bedroom apartment could cost anywhere from CHF 900 to CHF 2,000, depending on the area.¹

In addition, if you’re looking for affordable housing near the city center, it’s wise to take a look at shared flats. Especially if you plan on studying in Switzerland on a budget, that could be your best option.

You may find many options available in terms of types of accommodation. These can be halls of residence (or hostels), homestay (or private board), and flatting/independent accommodation and others as mentioned above. Private accommodation options can be cheaper than university accommodations. However, for first year students, you are recommended to stay in the university accommodations as all the utilities (e.g. WiFi, electricity and water bills) have already been included. Students need to arrange their own utilities for private accommodations. Check with your accommodation provider to find out what is included and excluded in the fees to ensure you are getting the best value.

A good place to start is to visit the specific Switzerland university’s website and look for links under ‘Accommodation’. Compare the rates with private accommodation near the university and decide which would be of better value for you.

According to Studying in Switzerland, it can be a lot cheaper to rent places in the more rural areas of Switzerland than renting in big cities.¹

Living in Swiss suburbs can be rewarding and reduce your living costs considerably. Because the Swiss railway system is advanced and highly functional, most rural areas are connected to it. By choosing to use the Swiss public transport system, you can get to work fast and still live in an affordable area in Switzerland. The Swiss rural area is mostly preferred by older people, rather than students. Young people tend to prefer living in the city, where life is more fast-paced.¹

Renting in Switzerland is a long, thorough process, and there are many things to consider before deciding to go through with it. Given that more than half of the population rents, it is a very regulated process. Before deciding to rent in Switzerland, you should know about the cost, tenancy laws, and how to find an apartment in Switzerland.¹