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Diverse, elegant, and hugely influential, the city of Geneva welcomes thousands of international students every year. This makes finding student housing in Geneva challenging. Our in-depth guide provides hints, tips, and advice to help master’s students searching for accommodation in the Swiss capital.
Geneva is a city with a quiet elegance. Known as the “Peace Capital” due to its role as the center of international diplomacy, Switzerland’s capital city offers access to world-class institutions, top universities, and unmatched networking opportunities.
It’s also referred to as “the smallest of big cities”, due to its mix of close-knit, small-town charm and big-city importance.
Moreover, Geneva is an impressively diverse city. The city’s international business environment makes it a popular choice for talented master’s students from around the globe. You’ll meet people from many different backgrounds and cultures when studying in Geneva as an international student.
There’s also an endless amount of outdoor activities to enjoy, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and cycling, with plenty of historical landmarks and cultural traditions to discover.
This blend of education, connectivity, and culture makes the city a huge draw for international students. That’s why finding the right accommodation can be difficult. With that in mind, MASTERGRADSCHOOLS.COM has created a guide on how to find international student housing in Geneva, with five top tips you need to know.
For such an influential city, Geneva is relatively small. It’s also one of the world’s most expensive cities. This means the city’s housing market is competitive. The best strategy is to get there ahead of the competition and be prepared from the get-go. Many student apartments in Geneva are on a first-come, first-served basis, so if you start early, you’ll have a better chance of success.
Start your search as soon as you have your acceptance letter. Ideally, this should be four months before your master’s program. Create accounts on Geneva’s main student accommodation platforms. Also, speak to friends and peers who might already be studying in Geneva. They might be aware of opportunities that aren’t featured on the most popular online accommodation platforms.
Most of Geneva’s best business schools do not offer international student housing in Geneva. Instead, they act as facilitators, partnering with student residences and local agencies.
Geneva Business School connects students with partner apartments, shared residences, and Swiss host family programs. The school’s Student Services Department also provides assistance to help students find their ideal accommodation.
EU Business School also assists its students with accommodation at its Geneva campus. The school’s Student Support team can help incoming students with accommodation.
When studying for a master’s degree in Geneva, it’s important to do your own research. Consider the factors that are most important to you. This could be proximity to campus, female-only housing, on-site amenities, price, or the feel of the neighborhood.
Check business school or university’s websites and social media pages, and research each of their partners to get a deeper understanding of each offering.
Many different websites, platforms, and apps focus on finding international student housing in Geneva. Here are some of the most popular:
Other useful rental housing providers include:
Do your own research when searching for Geneva student housing on these platforms. They are well-known and respected, but you should always use your own judgment and get advice from friends and family members. This will help you form a well-rounded decision.
Geneva is generally an expensive city, but prices vary depending on the neighborhood. Here’s a rough guide:
Ultimately, choose the housing that best fits your budget and lifestyle.
Be sure to use social media to help find student apartments in Geneva. Facebook groups and Reddit threads are great sources of information. Here are a few examples to get you started:
These groups can offer the types of tips and insider knowledge you might not find on traditional housing websites. Remember, always use your own judgment and consider a wide range of opinions before making your decision.
Unfortunately, student accommodation scams are quite common. However, with a little knowledge, you can protect yourself when searching for student housing in Geneva. Here’s what to look out for.
See the Geneva Housing page from the Geneva City Council for information and to seek confidential, free advice.
Geneva offers so much for international students looking to study for a master’s degree. Top-tier universities and business schools, proximity to international institutions, and endless outdoor activities provide the perfect platform for an unforgettable educational experience.
Follow the advice above, and you’ll give yourself the best start to life as a student in Geneva. Plan, prepare, and approach everything with a positive attitude, and you’ll be ready to make a big impact in this wonderful city.
Get real insight into studying a master’s in Switzerland.
