0 Student halls of residence in Basel

If you’re looking for accommodation for your exchange or studies, you’re probably considering student residences in Basel. To help you make an informed decision, here you’ll find all the key information: advantages and disadvantages, details about private and university residences, tips for finding affordable options, and answers to the most common questions.

Advantages and disadvantages of living in a residence in Basel

Below we mention the most notable pros and cons of living in this type of housing:

Pros of living in student residences in Basel

• Many are located in central neighbourhoods or near universities, facilitating access to classes and the lively historic city centre.
• Basic expenses such as water, electricity and internet are included, which is important in a city with a high cost of living such as Basel.
• The cost of heating is also included in the rental price, ensuring comfort in a city where minimum temperatures in winter hover around 0°C.
• As a European academic centre, living in a residence in Basel allows you to live in a multicultural environment alongside students from different parts of the world.
• Areas such as shared kitchens and common rooms encourage community building, allowing students to integrate easily.

Cons of living in student residences in Basel

• The rooms are usually small, which can be a challenge in a city with a cold climate like Basel, which encourages people to spend more time indoors.
• Sharing common areas, such as kitchens or bathrooms, can be inconvenient for those who value independence.
• They often have rules about schedules and activities, as well as the use of common facilities.
• The high demand for residences in Basel can make it difficult to find a place.
• Rooms are usually basically furnished, which limits the possibility of creating a cosy space of your own.

Private student residences in Basel

We should mention that student residences aren’t as common in Basel as in other large cities, but there are still a few options to choose from. They’re generally located near the historic centre and universities, in neighbourhoods such as Altstadt, St. Alban, and Gundeldingen. These neighbourhoods combine the tranquillity of residential areas with proximity to basic services, shopping areas, and efficient public transport.

The types of accommodation available in these private residences range from single rooms to studio flats. Rooms are the most economical option, as they share both the bathroom and kitchen (usually with other rooms that make up an apartment within the residence). Both types of accommodation are furnished with the basics, including a bed, desk, and wardrobe.

As for the common facilities, they usually have fully equipped communal kitchens, study rooms, laundry rooms, and recreational areas such as lounges or outdoor gardens. Some residences also have modern spaces such as gyms and terraces.

Also noteworthy are the included services, such as internet connection, heating, and water, while others, such as room cleaning or use of laundry facilities, may incur an additional cost.

University halls of residence in Basel

University residences in Basel, managed directly or in collaboration with universities, are located in key neighbourhoods such as St. Johann, Gundeldingen and Altstadt. These neighbourhoods combine excellent public transport links, proximity to the main campuses and an ideal environment for students, with shops, cafés, and green spaces in the surrounding area.

In terms of accommodation, these residences offer a range of options to suit different budgets and preferences. The most common option is to find single rooms that form part of shared flats, where common areas such as the kitchen and bathroom are shared. In some cases, studio flats with private bathrooms and kitchens are also available, ideal for those seeking greater privacy.

Common areas are another highlight. Most university residences have study areas, common rooms for socialising and, in some cases, terraces or gardens. It’s also normal to find laundry facilities available for residents' use. Some residences, especially the more modern ones, include event rooms or workshops that encourage interaction among students.

The services that are included vary, but they usually cover internet connection, heating, water, and electricity. In some cases, additional services can be added, such as cleaning of common areas or access to specific recreational spaces, at an additional cost.

University of Basel Residences

This institution offers accommodation to students through various organisations. It also has an accommodation marketplace where you can find private residences and flats.

Rent cheap student residences in Basel

If you’re looking to rent affordable student accommodation in this Swiss city, we recommend starting your search well in advance. Tools such as Erasmus Play are very useful for comparing verified accommodation available during your stay. You’ll be able to filter by the features that interest you most, such as location or included services, and view everything on a map. Once you have booked your accommodation securely and entirely online, you’ll be able to focus on organising the rest of your experience! For example, explore the cultural activities in Basel, such as its numerous museums and local events, which enrich student life.

FAQ about student residences in Basel