Life of an Indian Student in Switzerland: Harmony of Cultures, Celebration of Traditions, and Indulgence of Flavours

28 June 2025

Did you ever dream of living in a land where the pace of everyday life is as calm as the snow-capped Alps, but as full of challenging opportunities for development and exploration? That’s Switzerland. With its best quality of education, pristine cities, and international welcoming culture, no wonder that increasing numbers of Indian students prefer to study in Switzerland. Indeed, every year thousands of Indian students travel here not only for academic success, but also to enjoy an opportunity to live in one of the most peaceful and most densely populated places in Europe.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we know that studying abroad isn’t just about classes and coursework—it’s about adapting, exploring, and thriving in a new way of life. Here’s what life looks like for an Indian student in Switzerland when it comes to culture, food, and celebrating festivals away from home.

Fitting In with Swiss Culture: Respectful, Calm, and Thoughtfully Structured

One of the first things Indian students learn in Switzerland is how quietly things happen here. The Swiss adore order, punctuality, and orderly arrangements. In comparison with India’s mad streets and disorganized living, Swiss life may seem slower, quieter, and more methodical—but that is what most of the students come to learn to adore.

In Swiss universities, the students are given every encouragement to think on their own, indulge in free discussions, and conduct their studies with ample initiative on their own. It is some adjustment to get used to, but Indian students like the blend of freedom and discipline once they get acclimatized. And all this is greatly enabled by the help of local friends and lecturers as well.

Finding Food: Swiss Specialties with an Indian Flavor

Switzerland is heaven for food lovers—with its indulgent cheeses, fresh breads, and naturally, delicious chocolate. Rösti, Fondue, and Raclette become instant favorites that find their way into Indian students’ comfort foods list. But nothing, however, beats the warmth of a spicy curry or hot masala chai after a long day.

You won’t have to do without Indian cuisine, however. There are Indian restaurants and grocery stores in most student towns. The student residents of shared flats cook in communal groups, exchange recipes, and celebrate over a meal. You’ll see plenty of Indian students ingeniously fusing Swiss products with Indian spices—cuisine at its finest.

Festivals in a Foreign Land: Keeping Traditions Alive

Just because you’re overseas from India, it does not mean that you lose the spirit of Diwali lights or the enjoyment of Holi colours. Indian students in Switzerland celebrate all the major festivals with love, pride, and fellow feelings.

There are student clubs and cultural organizations which normally arrange get-togethers for Diwali, Holi, Navratri, and even Independence Day. There is music, Indian food, Indian dance performances, and this enormous sense of belonging. Meanwhile, Indian students get to share Swiss locals’ celebrations such as Fasnacht in Basel—a noisy carnival featuring dressing up, music, and processions—or L’Escalade in Geneva, where celebration and tradition are synonymous. Such a blending of traditions has the effect of making the students feel at home both with themselves and in their new environment.

Finding a New Rhythm: Making Switzerland Feel Like Home

Adapting to a new nation is daunting, but Switzerland offers a serene and secure setting where Indian students increasingly develop their comfort zone. Whether daily commuting on Swiss punctuality trains, walking leisurely along lakes, or walking into picturesque libraries, each moment enhances their growth.

What really holds them together, though, is their Indian student community. From cooking dinner as a group to exchanging news of life at home, students develop close relationships that are nearly family-like. Finally, Switzerland is not just somewhere to learn—it is home.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we don’t just help you get into a Swiss university, we make sure you’re prepared for everything that comes after. From choosing the right course and applying for a visa, to helping you settle in once you arrive—we’re by your side every step of the way. So, Contact us today at 8800096600 and learn more about studying in Switzerland.