Shared apartments, spare rooms and roommates in Geneva

It is said that this city is the most international in Switzerland, being the headquarters of many international organizations, among which are the UN and the Red Cross. This attracts many students every year, thanks to the possibility of developing in a multicultural environment and having good job options. Of course, you have to remember that living in Switzerland entails a very high cost of living, and the price of accommodation is no exception. For this reason, most international students seek rooms in shared flats, since splitting the expenses between all the roommates is one of the best ways to make your exchange more affordable and less restrictive.

Advantages and disadvantages of sharing a flat in Geneva

The following are some pros and cons that you have to take into account when deciding to go live in a shared flat in the Swiss city:

Advantages of sharing a flat in Geneva

• Having a lower rental cost allows you to use more of your budget to enjoy more activities and trips. From Geneva, you will be able to travel to the rest of Switzerland and even to cities in France, Italy, and Germany easily.
• You will most likely find a room that is well located, close to your university (whether it is the University of Geneva, the International University of Geneva, the IFM University or another) and the most popular entertainment venues for young people.

Disadvantages of sharing a flat in Geneva

• It can be very difficult to find accommodation with a good price and good characteristics, so you have to search well in advance.
• The minimum temperature in winter in Geneva is usually 0ºC or below, so you have to agree on the use of heating with your flatmates.

Erasmus App for your exchange programme in Geneva

In these apps you can find relevant information for your Erasmus+, making both the planning and the experience of the exchange as good as possible. You will find instructions to carry out procedures, information about the city and advice from students from previous years. For example, young people say that if you go in winter, don't worry about the cold because you'll get used to it quickly and that won't stop you from enjoying the city to the fullest.

How to meet people in Geneva

In addition to connecting with your flatmates and making friends with them, we recommend that you consider the following ways to meet people in the city of Switzerland:

Student associations in Geneva

One of the best associations you can join is ESN Genève, from the Erasmus Student Network. In it, you will be able to receive the support of student volunteers who help newcomers to integrate into university and life in the city, in part by organizing many fun events and activities to do every week.

Facebook groups for Erasmus in Geneva

We suggest you join the ESN Genève Facebook group since there you can see the activities calendar. Some of them are theme parties, pub and comedy nights, affordable trips (to Interlaken, Lauterbrunnen, Ticino, and Salève, among others), barbecues, visits to museums such as Charlie Chaplin's and sports such as paddle surfing on Lake Geneva.

Whatsapp groups for Erasmus in Geneva

Most likely, you will find groups in this app to join with several students who want to meet people and connect with other young people. Take the opportunity to propose plans and join those proposed by others.

Tips for living in a shared student apartment in Geneva

Here are some recommendations to remember when living in shared flats in this Swiss city:

• If you find accommodation located far from the university or the centre, don't worry. Public transport works very well in Geneva. Of course, you should buy a monthly subscription for young people, this will make you spend less.
• You will surely find parties to go to with your flatmates! Some of the celebrations that take place in the city every year are the National Day, the Geneva Festival, the Bol d'Or Regatta and the Fête de l'Escalade.

Frequently asked questions about sharing a flat in Geneva

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