Accommodation Options for International Students in Switzerland

18 August 2025

Switzerland is generally considered to be one of the most welcoming countries for International students. It’s a combination of high-quality universities, high standard of living, and breathtaking Alpine scenery makes it a heaven for studying. But with the excitement of moving to a new country comes practical concern i.e., where to live. Finding affordable and nice student housing in Switzerland can appear to be out of reach, especially for newcomers to the system.

We at BCES Abroad Admissions realize how important having the proper living situation is to your educational experience. That’s why we’ve prepared this guide to assist in navigating the choices out there, the current 2025 trends, and what to anticipate as you prepare to live in Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Lausanne, or smaller college towns.

University Residences: Low Cost and Convenient

Most international students opt for university-run dormitories as their first choice. These tend to be near campus, conserving time and money on daily transportation to and from campus. By 2025, Swiss universities have added more housing accommodations because demand has increased, especially in Lausanne and Basel. The rooms are usually equipped, and shared facilities such as kitchens and study rooms are great chances to interact with others.

Application is competitive and early application 9–12 months prior is highly recommended. Prices vary according to city, but university housing is generally cheaper than private housing and therefore the first choice of newbies.

Private Student Accommodation: Contemporary and Adaptable

Over the last few years, privately managed student apartments have gained popularity across Switzerland. Student complexes are specially constructed for students, where they have furnished bedrooms or studios with amenities like high-speed internet, gyms, study rooms, and living rooms. In 2025, most providers now allow students to book online before leaving, reducing uncertainty when relocating.

Contracts are more flexible than university accommodation, ranging from semester rentals to monthly tenancies. More costly, perhaps, the contemporary facilities and people-oriented atmosphere make them an appealing option for many foreign students.

Shared Apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or WG): Independent Living

For those seeking greater autonomy, another popular choice is to rent a room in a shared flat. Locally known as WG, it’s a setup where you live with Swiss nationals or other foreign students, so you can easily become absorbed in Swiss culture and split the costs.

Prices are mostly determined by where you are. A Geneva or Zurich room will set you back CHF 800 to CHF 1,200 per month, but little towns have rooms available as cheap as CHF 600. Students will need to have basic documents such as proof of registration and assurances of financial support at hand, as Swiss landlords are strict on the rental process.

Homestays: Local Family Immersion Experience

If you want to experience more personally, then homestays are a great way to live with a Swiss family. This is one way through which you can feel the daily life, customs, and culture of the local people. Homestays are not as popular as other types of accommodation, but they offer additional support, particularly for first-time international living students. The price can be a bit higher than shared flats, but the benefits in terms of culture and feelings are usually priceless.

Switzerland Housing Trends in 2025

The Swiss housing market is also adapting to accommodate international students’ needs. Some of these new developments are:

• Universities are increasing dormitory space in urban centers such as Lausanne and Basel.
• Independent housing companies choosing complete digital reservation systems.
• There is a 15% increase in demand for short-term, flexible rentals, specifically from exchange and summer school students.
• These announcements indicate the need to pre-book, with demand for student accommodation remaining strong throughout Switzerland.

At BCES Admissions Abroad, we are committed to guiding you through every aspect of your study journey, from finding a home that suits you. From dormitories to private houses and homestays, we guide you through the best choices so that you can concentrate on achieving your academic ambitions. Contact us at +91 8800096600  and get your free counselling session.