Living in Switzerland
The tips make it easier to settle in and enjoy a wide range of interests in leisure time.
For your everyday life
Public transport
A Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) ticket is valid for (almost) all means of public transport. So it is best to always check the SBB website first to find the best way to get to your destination. Tip: With a so-called Half Fare Travelcard, you will receive many and significant discounts.
Cycling
This is a convenient and sustainable travel method in Switzerland.
- ETH offers bike-sharing services as well as parking spaces, workshops, etc. Learn more about it
- external page "VELOVE" is a group of university cycling clubs that offer workshops, rides and more
- external page In the city of Zurich, you can borrow bikes for free. Open the German website to learn more
- external page The city of Basel also offers bike-sharing (for students of the D-BSSE). Learn more about it
- Learn about sustainability on campus (e.g. map, excursions, what you can do and more)
- Learn about transport: Public transport, shuttle bus, cycling and more
- external page See tips compiled in the GreenErasmus Portal
- external page Get to know Focus Sustainability (national centre dedicated to empowering students’ engagement in sustainability across Switzerland) and its offers
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.
Given the large number of associations, it is not possible to list them all. Nevertheless, this list should be a good starting point. Of course, you can find more by searching online or asking your fellow students.
- 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 also join student associations.
- external page ASVZ offers (students are members by default)
- external page Hiking
- external page Cycling
- external page Zürich Tourism recommendations
- external page Climbing (German website)
- external page Zurich sports office offers (German website)
- external page Canton of Basel-Stadt offers (German website, for students of the D-BSSE)
- Cultural activities at ETH
- external page Recommendations by Zürich Tourism (in and outside Zürich)
- external page Museums (recommended by Switzerland Tourism)
- external page Art and culture in Swiss cities (recommended by Switzerland Tourism)
- external page Art in public (recommended by Switzerland Tourism)
- external page Cinema
- external page Culture in Basel recommended by Basel Tourism (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page Art in Basel recommended by Basel Tourism (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page Restaurants in Zurich recommended by Zurich Tourism
- external page Parties, concerts, bars, clubs in Zurich recommended by Zürich Tourism
- external page Restaurants & bars in Basel recommended by Basel Restaurant Association (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page Nightlife in Basel recommended by Basel Tourism (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page Recommendations by SwitzerlandMobility
- external page Winter sports recommended by Switzerland Tourism
- external page Zoos & wildlife parks recommended by Switzerland Tourism
- external page Switzerland Tourism recommendations
- external page Offers by SBB (public transport company)
- external page Zürich Tourism recommendations (in and outside Zürich)
- external page Boat trip on Lake Zurich
- external page Tours through the city of Zurich
- external page Welcome event including a city walk for new people in Zurich
- external page Basel Tourism recommendations (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page Events by Zurich Erasmus Network, ESN
- external page Events by Basel Erasmus Network, ESN (for students of the D-BSSE)
About Switzerland
High political and economic stability, diverse countryside and towns, an extensive public transport system and rich history make Switzerland popular – besides the famous Swiss 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.
With museums, theatres, events and more, the cultural life is varied. Cities also attract visitors with their historic old towns and shopping streets. And nature is never far away, with many lakes, forests and the Swiss Alps.
The well-developed, safe and punctual public transport system makes everyday life and excursions in Switzerland easy: Within a few hours, the French-, Italian- and Romansh-speaking areas of Switzerland and foreign countries can be reached.
