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.
- chevron_right ETH offers bike-sharing services as well as parking spaces, workshops, etc. Learn more about it
- external page call_made "VELOVE" is a group of university cycling clubs that offer workshops, rides and more
- external page call_made In the city of Zurich, you can borrow bikes for free. Open the German website to learn more
- external page call_made The city of Basel also offers bike-sharing (for students of the D-BSSE). Learn more about it
- chevron_right Gastronomy and shopping on campus: Learn more
- chevron_right ETH App: See the daily menus offered by the cafeterias and more
- external page call_made Markets in Zurich (off campus): Find out where and when they take place
- external page call_made Markets in Basel (for students of the D-BSSE): Find out where and when they take place
- chevron_right Learn about sustainability on campus (e.g. map, excursions, what you can do and more)
- chevron_right Learn about transport: Public transport, shuttle bus, cycling and more
- external page call_made See tips compiled in the GreenErasmus Portal
- external page call_made 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 call_made English Speaking Club of Zurich
- external page call_made Zurich English-Speaking Theater
- external page call_made Zurich International Women's Association
- external page call_made Rotary Club of Zurich International
- external page call_made American International Club of Zurich
- external page call_made American Women’s Club of Zurich
- external page call_made British Residents’ Association of Switzerland
- external page call_made Indian Association of Greater Zurich
- external page call_made Centrepoint Basel
- external page call_made Rotary Club Basel
You can also join student associations.
- external page call_made ASVZ offers (students are members by default)
- external page call_made Hiking
- external page call_made Cycling
- external page call_made Zürich Tourism recommendations
- external page call_made Climbing (German website)
- external page call_made Zurich sports office offers (German website)
- external page call_made Canton of Basel-Stadt offers (German website, for students of the D-BSSE)
- chevron_right Cultural activities at ETH
- external page call_made Recommendations by Zürich Tourism (in and outside Zürich)
- external page call_made Museums (recommended by Switzerland Tourism)
- external page call_made Art and culture in Swiss cities (recommended by Switzerland Tourism)
- external page call_made Art in public (recommended by Switzerland Tourism)
- external page call_made Cinema
- external page call_made Culture in Basel recommended by Basel Tourism (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page call_made Art in Basel recommended by Basel Tourism (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page call_made Restaurants in Zurich recommended by Zurich Tourism
- external page call_made Parties, concerts, bars, clubs in Zurich recommended by Zürich Tourism
- external page call_made Restaurants & bars in Basel recommended by Basel Restaurant Association (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page call_made Nightlife in Basel recommended by Basel Tourism (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page call_made Recommendations by SwitzerlandMobility
- external page call_made Winter sports recommended by Switzerland Tourism
- external page call_made Zoos & wildlife parks recommended by Switzerland Tourism
- external page call_made Switzerland Tourism recommendations
- external page call_made Offers by SBB (public transport company)
- external page call_made Zürich Tourism recommendations (in and outside Zürich)
- external page call_made Boat trip on Lake Zurich
- external page call_made Tours through the city of Zurich
- external page call_made Welcome event including a city walk for new people in Zurich
- external page call_made Basel Tourism recommendations (mainly for students of the D-BSSE)
- external page call_made Events by Zurich Erasmus Network, ESN
- external page call_made 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.