0 Student halls of residence in Zurich

If you’re looking for accommodation options and considering living in a student residence in Zurich, this article will be of great help to you! We give you all the information you need to know about residences, including their advantages and disadvantages, the key differences between private and university residences, tips for finding affordable options, and answers to the most common questions.

Pros and cons of living in a residence in Zurich

Some of the most notable pros and cons are:

Pros of living in student dorms in Zurich

They facilitate meeting other people and students who are in the same situation as you. Furthermore, they usually have a multicultural environment, with people from different parts of the world.
The rental cost can be more economical than that of rooms in private shared apartments.
Most of them are located close to universities, so you won't have to worry about getting from home to your classes.
They typically have 24/7 security and controlled access systems, which provides a safe environment.
Access to common areas such as kitchens, study rooms and leisure spaces, which encourage coexistence and offer additional comforts.

Cons of living in student dorms in Zurich

Rental contracts aren’t often flexible, the minimum stay being one semester.
Places are normally limited, and they don’t have a waiting list once they’re all reserved.
In many cases the last cleaning of the room is the responsibility of the tenant and, if it’s not thorough enough, they can charge a sum that can reach 250 CHF (about €260).
They generally have quite strict coexistence rules. For example, they may not accept sleepover visitors, or noise hours may be limited. They may not even allow playing musical instruments in the rooms, but there are special rooms for this.
In some residences (especially university ones) cleaning of common areas is divided among residents. That is, there’s a calendar that specifies the tasks that each person must carry out, and failure to do so may result in a fine.

Private student residences in Zurich

Private student residences in Zurich are located in different areas of the city, many of them near universities such as the University of Zurich (UZH) and the Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH). Thanks to this, you’ll have the opportunity to get to classes easily.

They generally offer different types of accommodation, from single rooms and shared rooms, to small studio apartments. Keep in mind that the cost of rent in Zurich is quite high, so rooms are usually the preferred type of accommodation for students (especially shared ones, which have a lower cost per person).

Regarding common areas, it may be that some residences only have one common space that’s used for various occasions (such as studying, eating, relaxing and parties), a kitchen, and a games room.

One thing to keep in mind is that these common areas are shared among all residents. For example, kitchens can be shared by up to 400 people! This means that the storage space is very small and there are always many people cooking at the same time. Although, being a multicultural environment, everyone has different meal times.

Zurich's private residences are normally mixed, but can be differentiated by sex depending on the floor. For example, in the same residence there may be a mixed floor, one for only men and one for only women.

Another fact to keep in mind is that some may have rooms for family and friends. These are paid for each night they spend, but it’s a very comfortable option to have them nearby.

University student halls of residence in Zurich

The residences offered by universities in Zurich, such as the University of Zurich (UZH) and ETH, are designed to offer accessible and convenient accommodation for students. They’re normally within the institution's campus or very close to it.

These residences typically offer a variety of room options, from single to shared, allowing students to choose based on their budget and needs.

As for the facilities, these residences have basic common areas, such as shared kitchens, study rooms, and recreation areas to encourage social interaction and teamwork among students. In addition, residences usually have additional services such as laundry, 24/7 security, and administrative and maintenance staff.

An important fact to keep in mind is that, in many cases, in these residences cleaning of common areas is carried out by the residents themselves. That is, it has a calendar with tasks assigned to each person and they can impose a fine if they aren’t completed.

University Residences of the ETH Zurich

This institution offers a limited number of places for international Master's and exchange students. They send a link to make the reservation to those who meet all the requirements. Keep in mind that rental contracts can only be for one or two semesters.

If you want to know about accommodation near the University of Zurich, read this article.

Rent cheap student residences in Zurich

Search in our Erasmus Play search engine! On our platform you can compare all the private and verified residences that are available for your stay in the Swiss capital. In addition, you can make the reservation online and completely securely once you find the ideal one for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about student dorms in Zurich

What are the requirements to live in a student residence in Zurich?
Requirements typically include being a student enrolled at a local university such as UZH or ETH. It’s necessary to present proof of enrollment and, in some cases, demonstrate the duration of the academic program. Application deadlines are required, and some residences may require a security deposit or motivation letter.
How much does a student residence in Zurich cost?
Prices can vary a lot. University residences tend to cost between CHF 500 and CHF 900 per month, depending on the type of room (single or shared) and the facilities. On the other hand, private residences tend to be more expensive, with prices ranging between CHF 800 and CHF 1,500 per month, as they offer more amenities and additional services. The location and size of the accommodation also influence the cost.
Are there scholarships for student residences in Zurich?
Yes, there are scholarships for student residences, although they’re limited and depend on the university or private institutions. Some universities offer financial assistance or reductions in the cost of housing for students with financial need. The Erasmus scholarship can also cover part of the accommodation costs for European students participating in exchanges within the program.
Which is cheaper, a room in an apartment or a student residence in Zurich?
In general, student residences in the Swiss capital are normally cheaper than renting a room in a private apartment, especially in areas close to universities. Residences offer more competitive rates and included services, such as Wi-Fi and housekeeping. On the other hand, renting a room in a private apartment can be more expensive due to the high housing costs in Zurich and additional expenses such as utilities and maintenance.
Are there male and female university residences in Zurich?
In Zurich, most university and private residences are co-ed, allowing both men and women to live together in the same building, although in separate rooms. However, there are a few residences with an exclusive focus on women, but they aren’t so common. What you’ll find are some residences that divide their floors into mixed, for women or for men.