Erasmus in Basel

Information and tips for international students in Basel

Why do an international exchange in Basel? This Swiss city is the third largest in the country and borders France and Germany. Basel is an old university city and receives many students every year, it has a great cultural offer thanks to its more than forty museums, as well as the history that its streets offer and the architecture of its beautiful houses. Keep reading to find out more about this city!

Cost of living in Basel, Switzerland

The cost of living in Basel is more expensive than in other European cities, since in Switzerland the inhabitants usually have high salaries. That is why many students choose to rent a spare room in a shared flat with other students since it is cheaper, you can find accommodation to share from €1520 onwards. But if you want to rent a studio apartment, it starts at €1,220 per month.

If you are going to take public transport, we recommend buying a travel pass for many trips since it is cheaper, but it is best to move around on foot or by bicycle since it is a small city, and you will save more money.

Student life, international students parties and leisure in Basel

Basel receives many students every year, so it has parties and activities to offer. Many international students organize parties for students, but you can also go to some bars in the city like Cargo Kultur Bar, or clubs like Nordstern which is a boat.

One of the most important events in the city is the Basel carnival or Basler Fasnacht. It is known by the phrase “die drey scheenschte Daag”, which means the three most beautiful days of the year. These three days begin at 4 am on the Monday after Ash Wednesday, when the lights go out and beautiful parades begin. Another unmissable plan in this city is to go for a walk on the Rhine River and in summer we recommend you go for a swim, many people spend the day there to cool off. Also at Christmas, they set up beautiful Christmas markets that you cannot miss.

Culture and gastronomy in Basel

This city is gastronomically known for a Basel delicacy called “Lackerli”, a kind of gingerbread dipped in icing sugar, which used to only be made on New Year's, but nowadays, you can buy it at any time of the year. We recommend you visit the Lackerli Huus, where this sweet is made.

Culturally, Basel has a lot to show thanks to its more than forty museums, like the Tinguely Museum, perhaps the most peculiar since many works were built using waste from a laboratory, or the Basel Art Museum, where you can find works by Picasso, Dalí or Lucas Kranach. We also recommend the Pharmacy Museum or the Paper Mill Museum. Basel has wonderful architecture, you can see its houses and the town hall, which is famous for its striking red walls or the imposing Basel Cathedral.

Advantages of studying in Basel, Switzerland

• If you are interested in museums, this city is perfect for you, since you have more than forty to visit.
• You can travel to nearby cities like Zurich in less than an hour or even go to Dijon, France, in less than two hours.
• You can enjoy the Rhine River both in winter taking a walk, or in summer bathing. We recommend you take a ride on its wooden ferries.

Cheap student accommodation in Basel

Are you looking for accommodation in Basel and don't know how to get it? In Erasmus Play you can find flats, spare rooms and studios for students in Basel for free. You can enter the search engine and select accommodation according to your cost and location interests and make the reservation 100% online.

Frequently asked questions about studying in Basel

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