Switzerland's Best Kept Secret Cafes and Study Hubs Every Indian Student Must Visit
18 July 2025
Being a student in Switzerland goes beyond lectures and classes. It’s immersing in the culture, discovering your go-to spot in a new city, and making a foreign home. For Indian students fighting school abroad, an inviting café or studious spot can be the answer, with comfort, concentration, and even a taste of home if need be.
From charming lakefront cafés with a view to intimate book-filled nooks in peaceful backstreets, Switzerland has well above its fair share of uplifting places where Indian students can prepare for examinations, work on group projects, or just sit and unwind with chai or coffee. They are not the standard tourist watering holes – they are places where students can relax, remain connected to their heritage, and recharge body and soul.
At BCES Admissions Abroad, we understand the value of being able to feel comfortable and be productive in a foreign place. That is why we have worked hard to compile this list of warm and interesting cafés and study-friendly spots in Switzerland, with current information for 2025.
- Café Henrici – Zurich
Situated in the cool Niederdorf quarter, Café Henrici is the go-to spot for students and there’s a reason why. It’s hip but relaxed, with good Wi-Fi and excellent coffee. Early-opening and late-closing, it’s perfect for morning reworks or late-night study. They also have vegan bites and chill chai lattes—something that would win over Indian students.
- Café des Avenues – Lausanne
A peaceful, secluded location close to the University of Lausanne, Café des Avenues is perfect for students looking for a distraction-free area. With plenty of space at the tables and a reserved clientele, it is pretty much like an open library. Indulge in their hot chocolate or almond croissants on a long study session.
- Auer Chocolatier Tea Room – Geneva
This beautiful café boasts an excellent history but provides a quiet and peaceful environment that’s ideal for reading or contemplation. Indian students who yearn for a peaceful moment to savor sweets will adore their hot drinks heaven and pastry heaven. It’s conveniently situated near most university buildings, making it simple between classes.
- Kafi Dihei – Zurich
This is a coffee shop named “Coffee at Home,” and it delivers. There’s a cozy environment, with antique chairs and cozy corners. It is the place where students gather to have group discussions. International students adore it particularly for its cozy atmosphere and healthy lunch bowls.
- UniL and EPFL Libraries – Lausanne
If you’re a fan of a traditional study space with a twist of modernity, the University of Lausanne and EPFL libraries provide quiet spaces, high-speed internet, and tech-enabled tables. Bring your own snacks or take a stroll to nearby student cafes like Le Kiosk. It’s a classic combination for most Indian students juggling research and social life.
- Zentrum Karl der Grosse – Zurich
A cultural centre and best-kept secret, it has open seating, event space, and quiet garden. It is free to access study spaces and has occasional exhibitions. Ideal for those who like quiet spaces to read or write.
- Library Café at University of Geneva
It’s functional, economical, and filled with other students. Indian students feel at home here since it is simple and student-occupied. You’ll notice people clacking away in silence over laptops, sipping cheap cappuccinos and chatting in numerous languages at break times.
Some Pre-Trip Tips
- Some Swiss cafes restrict plug point use when there are peak hours. Carry a fully charged power bank in case you will be loitering around.
- Wi-Fi is free but you can be required to request a password at the counter.
- Order something small every other two hours or so to support the café and keep your seat.
We at BCES Admissions Abroad don’t simply assist Indian students in reaching Switzerland – we also ensure that they are successful while they’re there. From admission to a university to getting settled for your new life, we are your trusted companion along the way.
Need assistance with study abroad planning? Get in touch with our team today at +91 8800096600.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, certain Indian restaurants in student towns like Zurich and Geneva do have day quiet hours when you can use your laptop. But otherwise, most traditional cafés are more suitable for studying.
Swiss café life is polite. Purchasing something, at least, every two or three hours is a good habit. Most are student-friendly, particularly around universities.
There are some pricier cafes, but most have student discounts or low-cost plans. You can share your usage by taking turns between study breaks at libraries and sit-ins at cafes.
Yes, all of the named cafes and libraries have free Wi-Fi, and most have charging stations.
Follow behind local university students, inquire from senior Indian students, and look on websites such as Google Maps, Reddit, or Spotted by Locals for the most recent student-oriented café discoveries.