Erasmus in Geneva

Information and tips for Erasmus students in Geneva

Are you wondering about going on Erasmus to Geneva? This city is the second most populated city in Switzerland, and the most populated in the French-speaking part of this mountainous country. Its location, between two mountains, makes the valley a place full of charm, with a lake that will allow you to enjoy the water any time of the year. Furthermore, Geneva is located very close to the French border, so you will also be able to visit several charming cities in France, such as Annecy or Chamonix.

In this article, we will tell you the most important things you need to know about this important city in Switzerland! We’ll start by talking about the cost of living, parties and leisure. Then we will explain the main cultural points and its gastronomy. We won’t forget to mention the advantages of an Erasmus in Geneva and the cheap flats available. We are sure that, after reading this article, you will have a clearer idea of ​​the amazing experience of studying in this city.

Cost of living in Geneva, Switzerland

The cost of living in Geneva is quite high, as is the cost of living in the rest of the country. Also, keep in mind that Switzerland has its own currency, the Swiss franc (CHF). In general, a student in Geneva spends between 1600 and 2100 CHF per month (approx. €1700-2200), including accommodation, food and transportation.

In terms of accommodation, there are three different types of accommodation. The first option is a room in a student flat, which usually costs between 1000 and 1400 CHF per month. There are also full private flats, ranging from 1000 to 4000 CHF. Lastly, you can choose a student's residence, whose price ranges between 1900 and 3100 CHF per month for a studio flat.

Generally, the monthly rent costs around 500 CHF per month. As for transportation, you can buy monthly passes for 45 CHF to move throughout the canton as well as the city. Another way students choose to get around is by bicycle. You can buy a second-hand bike on arrival, or you can also rent bikes free of charge from May to October, with a deposit of 20 CHF.

Student life, Erasmus parties and leisure in Geneva

The clubs in Geneva are quite curious,as each one has a unique atmosphere and very different music, so you're going to have to try them until you find your favourite! Be prepared, because you are going to spend a lot of money, since the ticket prices are exorbitant, averaging €35! Another thing to bear in mind is that bars normally close at 2 a.m., while nightclubs close at 5 a.m. Also, the best days to party are Tuesdays and Fridays.

The party is concentrated in three areas of the city. The first of these is La rue de l’école de médecine, which, as its name suggests, is where the medical school is located, and is the most popular party area for students. The next area is Place de l’Ile, an island in the middle of the River Ron where you can choose between a modern option or a more alternative one. Lastly, there’s Carouge, where young people tend to gather for a beer or a shot.

As for daytime leisure in Geneva, you should make the most of it and lose yourself in the streets of the Mediterranean-inspired Carouge district, where a fresh fruit and vegetable market is held every Wednesday. Other must-see sights are the Geneva International District and the United Nations Palace (where you can take a guided tour that costs CHF 18 for university students) and the CERN, the particle accelerator, which also offers guided tours. These are free, but you have to book the CERN Science Gateway pass, which you can get there directly and lasts for 3 days.

Culture and gastronomy in Geneva, Switzerland

Geneva is a very culturally rich city. It has many museums, both art and culture, history and heritage, as well as science, nature and specialised museums. The most notable museums are the Museum Patek Philippe, specialised in the world of watchmaking, the International Reformation Museum (Musée international de la Réforme), and, of course, the CERN, where the world-famous particle accelerator is located.

This city is home to 39 international organisations and 431 NGOs. It is therefore a city where people of different nationalities and cultures live together, so take the opportunity to meet people and make friends from different parts of the world! In the end, that’s what Erasmus is all about, sharing your culture and learning from other ways of life.

Do you want to enjoy Swiss nature? Geneva is located between the Salève and Jura mountains, and two rivers converge in this city: the Rhône and the Arve, which meet in Lake Geneva. In this lake you can enjoy different watersports. And it’s not just the lake that is the venue for water sports, you can also go rafting on the Arve River. Of course, if you want to enjoy the water but in a relaxed way, you can rent a boat and go for a relaxing sail.

When we think about Swiss gastronomy, two words come to mind: cheese and chocolate. And indeed, its most famous dishes are cheese fondue (a pot of melted cheese in which different foods such as bread or potatoes are bathed) and raclette (a heat source with small individual pans in which you can cook all kinds of foods, always accompanied by cheese). But there are also dishes without cheese that are worth trying, such as Eglifilet, made from fillets of Lake Geneva perch, accompanied by a garnish, or the Saucissons, which are usually accompanied by potatoes mixed with leeks, a garnish called Papé Vaudois.

For dessert, a Swiss chocolate bonbon is a must. The most typical is milk chocolate, but fondant chocolate is also very popular.

Advantages of doing Erasmus in Geneva

• Switzerland is a multilingual country,although Geneva is mostly French speaking, so here you can practise your french.
• Geneva is the United Nations headquarters, so what better opportunity to discover the Palace of Nations first-hand. It is also the headquarters of the Red Cross and many other international organisations.
• This city is located very near the border with France, which allows you to visit the neighbouring country. Here you can find very charming cities, like Annecy, and, if you are nature and hiking lover, You are very close to the Alps.
• In Geneva there are many important companies, so you can take advantage of your stay in this city to make contacts and perhaps you can work here in the future.

Cheap student accommodation in Geneva, Switzerland

Do you need accommodation in Geneva and don't know how to get it? In Erasmus Play you can find for free the best apartments, rooms and residences for students in Geneva.

Frequently asked questions about doing Erasmus in Geneva

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