Student life in Geneva
Studying at one of Geneva's prestigious institutions is a rewarding experience. Once you're here, what should you expect in terms of accommodation, activities, and entertainment? How much will it cost to live as a student in Geneva? Find out in this article.
Student accommodation in Geneva
Students at the University of Geneva (UNIGE) and the Universities of Applied Sciences (HES) can apply for accommodation at the Cité Universitaire, which hosts around 850 students from 95 different nationalities, aged 18 to 35. The options include single rooms, two-person studios, and apartments for 2, 3, or 4 people. Rents range from CHF 531 per month for a single room to CHF 1,255 for a two-person studio.
UNIGE students can also check the BLOG (Bureaux des logements de l'Université) website, which offers housing ads and services. About 800 beds are available, including single rooms and studios. Additionally, the "1h par m²" program connects students with local residents who offer a bedroom in exchange for a small amount of work.
Students at the Geneva Graduate Institute can choose from accommodation at The Grand Morillon studio residences, which offer 678 beds, or the Edgar and Daniele de Picciotto house, which has 231 beds.
Rents range from CHF 700 per month for a single room with a shared bathroom and communal areas to CHF 2,600 per month for a two-bedroom apartment. Registration typically opens in early January each year.
Students from other universities and schools will need to find their own housing. Many choose shared accommodations to save money.
Leisure activities in Geneva
Next to the UNIGE campus at Uni-Mail, you'll find rue de l'école de Médecine, which is home to unique pubs like the Kraken. Alternatively, you can join various conferences and university groups after classes—just keep an eye on the mailing lists provided by each university.
The city of Geneva's website also offers a wide range of activities for young people, including sports and cultural events.
Student living costs in Geneva
The cost of living for students in Geneva, excluding tuition fees, is estimated at between CHF 1,800 and 1,900 per month, according to the UNIGE. These costs per month include:
- Health insurance: CHF 80 and more ;
- Geneva city transport card: 45 CHF (25 years and under) or 70 CHF ;
- rent: 600 CHF or more;
- bills (including electricity and cell phone): 130 CHF and more;
- food and maintenance: 600 CHF ;
- miscellaneous leisure activities: CHF 250.
The average tuition fees per semester are CHF 500.
Discounts for students in Geneva
The official website of the city of Geneva features a variety of special offers and discounts for students.
Regarding transportation, trains, buses, streetcars, and boats in the Geneva region are all part of the unified fare system known as "unireso." The State Council has proposed making transport free for young people aged 6 to 24 throughout the canton of Geneva, but this measure has not yet been implemented. For the latest updates, check the Unireso website.
Finding a student job in Geneva
To finance part of your studies, you may be looking for a student job. The average pay is CHF 20-30 per hour, but there are certain restrictions:
EU students can start working as soon as they arrive in Switzerland, but they are limited to 15 hours a week.
Non-EU students must wait 6 months before they are allowed to work.
