Zurich is one of Switzerland's most important university cities and a major destination for students from Switzerland and around the world. But moving to Zurich and managing student life can involve many different decisions: choosing a university, finding accommodation, planning your budget, using public transport, finding work and understanding everyday life in Switzerland.
This ToZurich student hub brings the most important student resources together in one place, including university information, housing platforms, cost calculators, jobs, transport, food, study spaces, international-student topics and student-life resources.
Use the sections below to quickly find the information you need. Whether you are already studying in Zurich, preparing to move here or comparing Swiss universities, this page is designed as a starting point for your research.
Estimate your monthly and annual student budget in Zurich using your own housing, food, transport, insurance, study and leisure costs.
Calculate My BudgetExplore student loan repayment, taxes, deductions and estimated monthly financial impact.
Calculate Loan & TaxExplore universities and higher-education institutions in Zurich and across Switzerland.
Browse UniversitiesCompare tuition and other study-related costs when evaluating Swiss universities.
Compare CostsCompare universities using the available ranking and institutional information.
Compare UniversitiesSearch for employment opportunities in Zurich, including opportunities that may suit students and graduates.
Find JobsZurich combines major universities, a large public transport network, international businesses, cultural institutions and a wide range of recreational activities. Students can live close to their university or commute from other parts of the city and surrounding region.
The biggest issue for many students is budgeting. Accommodation can represent a significant part of monthly expenses, while health insurance, food, transportation, tuition and leisure also need to be considered.
For this reason, planning your finances before moving is one of the most useful things you can do. Instead of looking at rent alone, build a complete monthly budget that includes recurring and occasional expenses.
Start with your expected housing cost, then add food, health insurance, transportation, education, phone, personal expenses and leisure. Use the ToZurich Student Cost of Living Calculator to create a personalized estimate.
Zurich is generally considered an expensive Swiss city, so students should create a realistic budget before arriving. The actual amount you need depends on your accommodation, lifestyle, university, insurance, transportation and personal spending.
| Expense | What to consider |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Housing | Room in a WG, student residence, studio, apartment, deposit and utilities. |
| 🍎 Food | Groceries, university cafeterias, restaurants, take-away and occasional delivery. |
| 🏥 Health Insurance | Insurance premiums and other healthcare-related expenses. |
| 🚆 Transport | ZVV, SBB, travelcards, commuting and occasional long-distance travel. |
| 🎓 Education | Tuition, semester fees, books, equipment and other study materials. |
| 📱 Phone & Internet | Mobile subscription, data and internet where applicable. |
| 🎉 Leisure | Sports, entertainment, restaurants, nightlife, hobbies and travel. |
| 🧳 One-Time Costs | Deposit, furniture, moving expenses, registration and other initial expenses. |
Don't rely on a generic monthly estimate. Enter your own expected expenses and calculate a personalized student budget.
Open Student Cost of Living Calculator →Finances are an important part of student life in Zurich. In addition to everyday expenses, students may need to consider tuition, financial support, scholarships, student loans, employment income and taxes.
Use the ToZurich calculator to explore loan repayment, estimated taxes, deductions and the effect on your monthly finances.
Open Student Loan & Tax CalculatorZurich has several important higher-education institutions. The best choice depends on your field, preferred teaching style, degree level, language, tuition and career goals.
One of Switzerland's major universities for science, technology, engineering, mathematics and related fields.
Zurich's comprehensive university with programs across many academic disciplines.
Zurich University of Applied Sciences with a strong focus on applied education and professional fields.
Higher education institution for art, design, music, theatre, dance and related disciplines.
Use the ToZurich university directory and comparison tools to investigate higher-education options.
Browse Swiss Universities → Compare University Costs → Compare University Rankings →Finding accommodation is one of the most important tasks for students moving to Zurich. Affordable rooms can be competitive, so it is useful to search through multiple platforms instead of relying on one website.
One of the most important student accommodation providers to check when looking for affordable student rooms in Zurich.
Visit WebsiteUseful platform for finding shared apartments and rooms in Switzerland.
Visit WebsiteProperty platform with apartments, rooms and sublets.
Visit WebsiteLarge Swiss property platform covering apartments and other rental accommodation.
Visit WebsiteLarge property marketplace with apartments and rooms across Switzerland.
Visit WebsiteHousing organization offering accommodation for young people and students.
Visit WebsiteBe cautious if someone demands payment before you have verified the property, landlord or rental agreement. Extremely cheap accommodation combined with pressure to transfer money quickly should be treated carefully.
There is no single best neighborhood for every student. The right location depends on your university, budget, preferred lifestyle and tolerance for commuting.
| Area | Why students may consider it |
|---|---|
| Oerlikon | Major transport connections and convenient access to different parts of Zurich. |
| Altstetten | Large residential area with strong transport connections. |
| Wiedikon | Popular urban area with restaurants, shops and good connections. |
| Höngg | Particularly relevant for students studying at ETH locations in the area. |
| Seebach | Residential area with transport links to other parts of the city. |
| Affoltern | Residential option for students looking beyond the city center. |
When comparing accommodation, calculate the complete cost rather than looking only at the monthly rent. A cheaper room farther away may involve additional commuting time and transport costs.
Zurich is an important employment center, and students may find opportunities in retail, hospitality, administration, technology, research, tutoring, internships, working-student positions and other fields.
Explore the ToZurich jobs section for employment opportunities across the city.
Search Zurich Jobs →Public transportation is one of the easiest ways for students to move around Zurich. The network includes trains, trams, buses and other services.
Zurich's public transport network covering trains, trams, buses, boats and other local services.
Visit WebsiteNational Swiss railway platform for trains, tickets and travelcards.
Visit WebsiteTravelcard that can reduce the cost of many public transport journeys in Switzerland.
Visit WebsiteBefore buying a travelcard, compare the journeys you expect to make during a typical month and check the current official prices and conditions.
Food can become a significant part of a student budget, particularly if you eat out frequently. Cooking at home, using supermarkets and taking advantage of available student or surplus-food options can help control spending.
App for purchasing surplus food from participating restaurants, bakeries and shops.
Visit WebsiteMajor Swiss supermarket chain with groceries and ready-to-eat options.
Visit WebsiteMajor Swiss supermarket chain with groceries, prepared food and restaurants.
Visit WebsiteDiscount supermarket option for students looking to control grocery costs.
Visit WebsiteDiscount supermarket offering another option for lower-cost groceries.
Visit WebsiteZurich offers a wide range of academic and public libraries. Libraries can be useful not only for books and research but also for quiet study, group work and access to academic databases.
Major academic library serving ETH Zurich and the wider academic community.
Visit WebsiteImportant research and public library in central Zurich.
Visit WebsiteUniversity library resources and study facilities for UZH students and researchers.
Visit WebsiteZurich attracts students from many countries. Moving to Switzerland for university can be exciting, but international students often need to deal with additional administrative tasks.
Students from outside Switzerland may need to deal with visa and entry requirements before studying in Switzerland.
New international students should understand the local registration and residence procedures that apply to them.
Health insurance is an important part of planning your finances and living arrangements in Switzerland.
A Swiss bank account can be useful for rent, bills, salary payments and everyday expenses.
Compare Swiss mobile plans and choose a plan that fits your student budget.
Learning basic German can make everyday life, administration and social activities easier in Zurich.
Immigration, residence, insurance and employment rules can depend on your nationality, permit and personal circumstances. Always verify current requirements with the relevant Swiss or university authority before making decisions.
Health insurance is an important part of living in Switzerland and should be included in your student budget. Requirements and available options can differ depending on your circumstances, nationality and residence status.
International students should verify their individual insurance situation before assuming that an existing foreign insurance policy automatically covers everything required in Switzerland.
Student budgets can improve significantly when you take advantage of discounts and lower-cost alternatives.
Always check the current terms directly with the provider because discounts, eligibility and prices can change.
Student life is about more than lectures and exams. Zurich offers opportunities for sports, culture, outdoor activities, nightlife, events and social activities.
Explore Lake Zurich, Uetliberg, nearby hiking routes and outdoor areas.
Discover Zurich's indoor and outdoor swimming facilities and lake swimming options.
Museums, exhibitions, theatres, concerts and cultural events across Zurich.
Follow Zurich events, festivals and activities throughout the year.
Find sports facilities, clubs, gyms and recreational activities.
Explore bars, clubs, live music and evening activities around the city.
Once you have settled into your accommodation and university, a few practical services become part of everyday student life.
| Need | What to investigate |
|---|---|
| 🛒 Groceries | Supermarkets, discount stores and local shops. |
| 🏦 Banking | Bank account, payment cards and digital banking. |
| 📱 Mobile | Swiss mobile plans and prepaid options. |
| 🚆 Transport | ZVV, SBB, travelcards and local routes. |
| 🩺 Healthcare | Insurance, doctors and pharmacies. |
| 📮 Postal Services | Swiss Post services and parcel collection. |
| 🧹 Recycling | Zurich's waste and recycling system. |
| 🏠 Housing | Rental agreement, utilities, deposit and household responsibilities. |
Before moving to Zurich, estimate each of the following categories rather than looking only at rent.
Enter your expected figures into the Zurich Student Cost of Living Calculator and adjust them as you learn more about your actual expenses.
A successful move is easier when you divide the process into stages.
ToZurich is building a collection of tools designed to help students research, compare and plan their life in Zurich.
Estimate your monthly and annual student budget in Zurich using your own housing, food, transport, insurance, study and leisure costs.
Open ToolExplore student loan repayment, taxes, deductions and estimated monthly financial impact.
Open ToolExplore universities and higher-education institutions in Zurich and across Switzerland.
Open ToolCompare tuition and other study-related costs when evaluating Swiss universities.
Open ToolCompare universities using the available ranking and institutional information.
Open ToolSearch for employment opportunities in Zurich, including opportunities that may suit students and graduates.
Open ToolStudents can also use the wider ToZurich website to explore Zurich maps, services, activities, jobs, restaurants, events and practical city information.
Zurich is an important Swiss university city with major higher-education institutions, public transport, libraries, international companies, cultural activities and many opportunities for students. The main challenge is the relatively high cost of living, particularly accommodation.
The amount depends heavily on your rent, lifestyle, food, insurance, transport, tuition and other expenses. Instead of relying on a single average, use the ToZurich Student Cost of Living Calculator and enter your own expected costs.
Students commonly search through student housing providers, shared-apartment platforms, property websites and university-related housing resources. WOKO, WG Zimmer, Flatfox, Homegate, ImmoScout24 and Juwo are useful places to investigate.
Demand for affordable accommodation can be high. Students should start searching early, check several platforms regularly, prepare the documents they may need and consider shared accommodation as well as student residences.
WG stands for Wohngemeinschaft, meaning a shared apartment. Students rent a room while sharing the kitchen, bathroom and other common areas with other residents.
Major institutions include ETH Zurich, the University of Zurich, ZHAW and Zurich University of the Arts. Switzerland also has many other universities and higher-education institutions.
Yes. Zurich attracts students from Switzerland and abroad. International students should check the admission, immigration, residence and insurance requirements that apply to their nationality and specific study program.
Students may have opportunities for part-time employment, internships, working-student positions and other jobs. The rules for working while studying can depend on nationality and residence status, so international students should verify the applicable requirements.
Zurich has an extensive public transport network including trains, trams and buses. ZVV is the main regional transport system, while SBB provides national rail services.
Students can use university libraries, ETH Library, Zentralbibliothek Zürich and other academic and public study facilities. Availability, opening hours and access rules vary by location.
Shared accommodation, cooking at home, using supermarkets strategically, choosing public transport passes, using student discounts and planning entertainment expenses can all help reduce costs.
Students should investigate admission requirements, accommodation, visa or residence requirements where applicable, health insurance, finances, transportation and registration procedures before arrival.
Start with your university, accommodation and budget. Then use the ToZurich student resources to research housing, jobs, transportation, food, study spaces and everyday life in the city.
The most useful first step is to calculate your expected monthly expenses.
Calculate Your Zurich Student Budget → Explore Universities → Find Zurich Jobs →