Top 5 student cities in Switzerland

Discover the favourite cities for university students in Switzerland and what makes them unique.

If you’re looking for the top student cities in Switzerland, this guide’ll help you understand what each destination has to offer based on your budget, lifestyle, and the type of academic experience you are seeking. Switzerland is known for its excellent quality of education, safety, and international atmosphere, which is why it welcomes thousands of students from around the world every year.

Throughout the article, you’ll find practical information about each city: its advantages and disadvantages, the most prominent universities, and average rental prices for students. With this information, you’ll be able to easily compare and find the ideal destination for your stay. Furthermore, if you want to find verified accommodation, you can quickly and securely compare available options for your dates on our online platform.

Zurich

Zurich, located in the German-speaking part of Switzerland, is one of the most prestigious university destinations in the country and in Europe. It stands out for its high quality of life, safe environment, university programmes and opportunities in the financial and technological fields. It’s a modern, well-connected city with an international atmosphere that attracts students from all over the world.

Pros and cons of studying in Zurich

Living in Zurich offers many academic opportunities, although it isn’t without certain drawbacks for students.

Pros of studying in Zurich

A safe, clean city with excellent infrastructure.
Opportunity to learn or improve your German.
Multicultural environment and large student community.
Possibility of internships or jobs in technology or finance.

Cons of studying in Zurich

It’s one of the most expensive cities in Europe to live in.
High competition to gain admission to certain university programmes.
A more relaxed pace of life compared to other European student capitals.

Top Universities in Zurich

Zurich is home to some of the country's most renowned institutions.

ETH Zurich (Eidgenössische Technische Hochschule Zürich)

The Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich is one of the most prestigious institutions in the world, especially in the fields of science, technology and engineering. It has two campuses in the city: Zentrum Campus in the city centre and Hönggerberg Campus in the neighbourhood of the same name.

Find out everything you need to know about the university and its surroundings in our guide to accommodation near ETH Zurich.

Student housing in Zurich

Zurich has some of the highest rents in the country, so it’s advisable to start looking early. A room in a shared flat usually costs between CHF 900 and CHF 1,200 per month (approx. €960-€1,290). Compared to other cities in this guide, Zurich is generally the most expensive option, especially in central areas.

Are you looking for accommodation in Switzerland? Read our guide to student housing in Zurich, with the best neighbourhoods and approximate prices.

Geneva

As Switzerland's second most populous city, located in the French-speaking part of the country, Geneva is ideal for university students looking for a safe, well-connected place with a relaxed lifestyle where they can focus on their studies. It’s one of the most international cities in Europe, known for its diplomatic atmosphere and for bringing together students and professionals from dozens of countries.

Pros and cons of studying in Geneva

Being a student in Geneva has many favourable aspects, but there are also factors that may be less appealing.

Pros of studying in Geneva

Multicultural environment with students and professionals from all over the world.
Opportunity to improve or learn French.
A wide range of academic programmes focused on diplomacy, politics, economics and social sciences.
A very safe city with an excellent quality of life.

Cons of studying in Geneva

It’s more expensive than many other Swiss cities, especially in terms of accommodation and food.
Fewer leisure activities for students compared to larger destinations.
A more formal lifestyle and less geared towards a young crowd.

Top Universities in Geneva

Geneva is home to a renowned French-speaking institution.

Université de Genève (UNIGE - University of Geneva)

The University of Geneva is one of the most prestigious institutions in the country, particularly in political science, law, economics, and health sciences. It consists of two campuses and other buildings scattered throughout different parts of the city.

Find more practical information about the university and its faculties in the guide to housing close to the University of Geneva.

Student housing in Geneva

The cost of student accommodation in Geneva is usually slightly lower than in Zurich, but it’s still very high. The most economical type of accommodation is usually a room, which typically costs from CHF 690 (approx. €740), leading many to search in advance or choose areas further away from the city centre to reduce costs.

If you’d like to see all the available options, please consult our guide to student accommodation in Geneva.

Lausanne

Lausanne, or Lausanne in French, is one of the favourite destinations among international students in Switzerland. It’s a university city par excellence, with a young, active atmosphere that is very focused on academic life. It has a lot of cultural activities, outdoor activities and nature. It’s smaller than Zurich or Geneva, which makes it more comfortable and easier to enjoy.

Pros and cons of studying in Lausanne

Choosing Lausanne as a place to study has many advantages, although certain disadvantages may affect the experience.

Pros of studying in Lausanne

Great student atmosphere thanks to its universities.
Opportunity to practise French.
It’s more accessible than larger cities.
It has many cultural and sporting activities, as well as access to nature.

Cons of studying in Lausanne

Although more affordable than Zurich or Geneva, the cost of living remains very high.
Fewer job opportunities for foreign students compared to large cities.
The weather can be cold and damp in winter.

Top Universities in Lausanne

Lausanne is home to a very prominent institution in Switzerland.

Université de Lausanne (UNIL - University of Lausanne)

The University of Lausanne is the second oldest university in Switzerland and one of the oldest universities in the world to be in continuous operation. Its large main campus is located on the shores of Lake Geneva, in Dorigny.

Student housing in Lausanne

Rental prices in Lausanne are generally high, although they are usually lower than in Zurich and Geneva. Even so, finding affordable accommodation may require searching well in advance, as demand is very high. On average, a room in a shared flat usually costs around CHF 700-800 (approx. €750-850) per month.

Are you planning to study in Switzerland? Don't miss our guide to student accommodation in Lausanne, with up-to-date neighbourhoods and prices.

Basel

Basel is a cultural and university city with a lot of character, located on the border with Germany and France. Its official language is German. It has an international atmosphere, museums everywhere and an active student life, but without the fast pace of larger cities. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a quiet, well-connected environment with good academic opportunities.

Pros and cons of studying in Basel

Studying in Basel can be very enriching, although you will also encounter some more complicated aspects.

Pros of studying in Basel

Excellent quality of life and safe environment.
A very lively cultural scene, with events, museums and festivals throughout the year.
Good location for travelling to other European countries, such as Germany and France.
Opportunity to learn or practise German with locals.

Cons of studying in Basel

Nightlife may be limited for some students.
High cost of living, although slightly lower than in larger cities.
Fewer university programmes and job opportunities compared to Zurich or Lausanne.

Top Universities in Basel

There’s one institution that stands out above the rest in this city in the German-speaking canton of Switzerland.

Universität Basel (University of Basel)

The University of Basel is one of the oldest universities in Switzerland, with prestigious programmes in science, humanities and medicine. Its main campus is located next to the city centre, in the Basel-Vorstaedte neighbourhood, and it has other locations in different areas.

Student housing in Basel

Rent in Basel is usually high, but in many cases it’s more affordable than in Zurich or Geneva. Prices vary greatly depending on the area, with accommodation further away from the city centre being more economical. Students often choose rooms in shared flats or halls of residence, which typically cost an average of CHF 1,000 (approx. €1,070) per month.

If you’re going to study in this Swiss city, check out our guide to student accommodation in Basel, with information on prices and recommended neighbourhoods.

Find accommodation in Switzerland with Erasmus Play

Choosing between the top student cities in Switzerland depends largely on your budget, lifestyle, and the type of academic experience you are seeking. Zurich and Geneva stand out for their renowned institutions and international atmosphere, while Lausanne and Basel offer a more relaxed and cultural student life.

Beyond the differences between cities, Switzerland offers exceptional educational quality, safety, nature, and a multicultural experience that is difficult to find in other countries. If you already know your next city or want to compare accommodation options, you can search for verified rooms, flats, and residences on our platform according to your dates and budget to plan your arrival with peace of mind.

Other guides on studying and living in Switzerland

Would you like to know more about these cities? Here you’ll find additional articles for further information.