Living and everyday life in Zurich
On this page, you'll find useful information and links on housing, health insurance, public transportation, and other important information. You can also download a free brochure on living in Switzerland here .
Living
The housing market in Zurich is tight, as in many major cities, but the City of Zurich provides an overview of options for finding affordable accommodation. Jewish students can also apply for a room at the Jewish student residence, the Hillel House.
Registration municipality
If you move to or live in the city of Zurich, you must register with your local municipality. If you are registering from abroad, you must make an appointment at the Southern Resident Registration Office. Registration must be completed in person (it is not possible online).
If you are moving within Switzerland, you can register online here .
You can find further information here .
Public transport
For Zurich, you can find information about public transport here . For information throughout Switzerland, you can find it on the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) website. Please note! You must have a ticket before boarding, otherwise you face a fine of CHF 100.
Budget
Life in Zurich is diverse and beautiful, but not exactly budget-friendly. It is therefore advisable to put together a personal budget plan . Here you will find a realistic budget for students.
Insurance
Newcomers to Switzerland must get mandatory health insurance, also known as basic insurance, within three months of registering with the residents' registration office. You can compare different insurance policies on the federal website " Priminfo ."
Additional insurances such as home contents insurance, vehicle insurance, etc. are advisable. You can easily compare the options at Comparis. A good overview of all types of insurance can be found on this ETH website .
Tips for international students
International Jewish students from non-EU/EFTA countries require a visa (type D visa) and must also apply for a residence permit. You can find more details in this UZH guide . After entering the country, you must report to the immigration authorities within 14 days, regardless of whether you require a visa.
Recognition of diplomas is automatic when applying to the University of Zurich or ETH Zurich. For Israeli degrees such as the Bagrut, certain subjects and grades may be required. An examination through Swiss ENIC may be useful in this case.