Traveling Star

The stretch from January to May in Switzerland is a weird, wonderful in-between. The holidays are over, but winter isn’t done with you. Spring is trying to break through, but it’s not in any rush. One day you’ll get bright sun and blue skies, the next you're wondering if it's actually colder than it was in December. If you're studying or living abroad during this time, it can feel long, grey, and a little unpredictable—but there’s still a lot to do if you know where to look. 1. Try Skiing (or At Least Pretend To) Even if you’ve never skied a day in your life, now’s your chance. Switzerland’s ski season runs strong through March (and sometimes beyond). You don’t have to be good. You don’t even have to ski. Just being in the Alps, riding a gondola up to the slopes, and sipping hot chocolate at the top is an experience. And for beginners, many resorts have affordable lesson packages or “beginner zones” where you can fall over with dignity. 2. Take a Panoramic Train Ride No...

  Finding the right student accommodation in Switzerland as an international student can be both exciting and challenging. From university dorms to private rentals and fully furnished apartments, there are plenty of options—but navigating the Swiss rental market can feel overwhelming. In this blog, we’ll break down the different types of housing available for students, providing practical tips to help you find a place to live that suits your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Whether you're looking for cheap student accommodation in Switzerland or the convenience of fully furnished apartments, we’ve got you covered! 1. Student Accommodation in Switzerland Unlike many other countries, most Swiss universities do not offer their own student accommodation . However, many universities do have a housing office or partnerships with private housing organizations to help international students find temporary student housing in Switzerland . A great resource to start your search is Study in Swi...

  Introduction Switzerland is renowned for its stunning Alpine landscapes, high quality of life, and excellent public services. However, it's equally famous for its high cost of living, particularly for expats and newcomers. From housing to healthcare, the country consistently ranks as one of the most expensive places to live in Europe. While several expenses factor into this, one area that particularly impacts day-to-day life is food costs. In this post, we'll dive into the cost of groceries and dining out in Switzerland, offering insights on how to navigate and manage these expenses in major Swiss cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Basel. Quick Overview of General Living Costs Before diving into food-related costs, here's a brief look at some other essential living expenses for those considering moving to Switzerland: Rent : Housing costs in Switzerland can be steep, especially in urban centers. In major cities like Zurich, Geneva, or Basel, renting a one-bedroom apartment c...

Moving to Switzerland can feel like a whirlwind of new experiences and administrative tasks. After tackling essentials like securing accommodation and registering with local authorities, it’s time to focus on the next steps that will make your life here smoother and more affordable. In this guide, we’ll cover three key areas: finding the right phone plan, selecting the best transportation card, and shopping smart at grocery stores to keep your budget in check. 1. Finding the Right Phone Plan Staying connected is a top priority—whether it’s keeping in touch with family back home, navigating your new surroundings, or socializing with new friends. Switzerland offers a variety of phone plans to fit your needs, and understanding the differences between prepaid and contract plans can help you choose the right one. Prepaid vs. Contract Plans If flexibility is what you need, prepaid plans are ideal. You pay only for what you use with no long-term commitment. These are great for students, short...

  Congratulations on securing your student visa and choosing Switzerland for your international studies! This comprehensive guide will walk you through essential steps to take both before and after your arrival, helping you settle in smoothly and make the most of your time here. Instead of twiddling your thumbs, you can be proactive and get a head start on several important aspects of your new life. Before You Arrive Housing Securing accommodation should be one of your first priorities. Unlike many countries, most Swiss universities do not offer on-campus housing for long-term studies, necessitating a proactive approach to your search. Begin by utilizing the information provided on your university's website about accommodations, which often includes links to reputable housing websites. An effective method is to use Google to search for student accommodations in your specific city. Many students have found success with this approach. Additionally, joining Facebook groups dedica...

If you're planning to study in Switzerland, obtaining the correct visa is a crucial step in your preparation. This guide will walk you through the visa application process, the required documents, and what to expect. 1. Determine if You Need a Visa Not all international students need a visa to study in Switzerland. Whether you require one depends on your nationality: EU/EFTA Nationals : You do not need a visa to study in Switzerland. However, you must register with local authorities (Residents' Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival. Non-EU/EFTA Nationals : A visa is required to study in Switzerland. Depending on the length of your stay, you’ll need either a short-term visa (Type C, for stays under 90 days) or a long-term visa (Type D, for stays over 90 days). For detailed information, check the Swiss Visa information at your nearest Swiss Consulate. 2. Schengen Zone and Visa Types Switzerland is part of the Schengen zone, so a Schengen visa may allow you to enter the c...