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Student Life Resources

2–5 km radius city life information around the university: housing, supermarkets, dining, transit, safety, healthcare, job market insights, travel, and nature.

ETH Zurich

Zürich · Switzerland
Top global STEM university · Safe · Clean · Walkable city

ETH Zurich is located in the heart of Zürich, one of Europe’s safest and most efficient cities. Students enjoy excellent public transit, lakeside parks, mountain views, and a compact urban environment ideal for walking and cycling.

Extremely safe / low crime Excellent public transport High living cost but high quality of life
Zurich city view and ETH main building
QR code for Beyond Academic ETH Zurich city card

Scan this QR code to open the ETH Zurich city card on your phone and quickly share it with classmates and parents.
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Housing & Food

Typical rent (student / shared)
Student housing ~CHF 700–1,000; shared flats (WG) ~CHF 900–1,300 / month
Cost control (food)
ETH Mensa + home cooking are the most effective ways to manage Zürich’s costs
More housing & daily living details

Housing options

  • Student housing: demand is high—apply early.
  • Shared flat (WG): most common option for students in Zürich.
  • Private studio/1B: often ~CHF 1,600–2,200+ / month (utilities may be extra).

Food & shopping

  • Groceries: Coop / Migros / Denner widely available across Zürich.
  • Mensa meals are usually cheaper than restaurants for daily lunch planning.
Note: All costs shown are estimated ranges for planning only and may change.

Transportation

Daily commute
Trams + buses + trains + walking; car-free living is common
Airport access
Approx. ~15 minutes by direct train to Zürich Airport (route/time varies)
More transportation notes (official links included)

Public transport (official)

Student tips

  • Monthly/annual passes are typically the most cost-effective for daily commuting.
  • Many ETH commutes are short enough for walking or cycling (weather dependent).
  • Weekend travel across Switzerland is easy by train (plan ahead to save).
Disclaimer: Transportation information is for general reference only. Always check official providers for schedules, fares, and safety notices.

Safety & Emergency Support

Emergency numbers
Police 117 · Ambulance 144 · Fire 118
Overall safety
Generally very safe; keep standard city precautions (valuables, late-night travel)
Health, safety checklist & official links

Health & medical (official links)

Campus safety / security (official link)

Practical student safety reminders

  • Call emergency services first (117/144/118) if there is immediate danger.
  • Keep emergency contacts saved; share trip status when traveling alone late at night.
  • Use well-lit routes and avoid leaving valuables unattended in public places.
Note: This section provides general safety guidance and official resources only. It does not replace emergency services.

Cost of Living & Budget Planning

Typical monthly budget
Approx. CHF 1,800–2,500 / month (housing + food + transport + basics; tuition excluded)
Budget rule
Housing often takes ~50–65% of monthly budget; keep 1–2 months buffer
Cost breakdown & planning tips
All amounts are estimated planning ranges only (not guarantees and not admissions/financial aid information).

Main drivers

  • Rent, health insurance, groceries/food, transit passes.
  • One-time costs: deposit, initial setup, residence registration, winter clothing.

Cost control tips

  • Choose shared housing (WG) and cook most dinners.
  • Use Mensa + student discounts; plan transportation with passes.
  • Track monthly spend and keep an emergency reserve.

Work / Internship & Local Economy

Local sectors
Finance, tech, biotech, engineering, research, startups
Student opportunities
Research assistant roles + industry internships via ETH networks (rules apply)
More about internships & official work resources

Career & internship support (official)

Compliance note

  • International student work rules depend on visa/residence permit requirements.
  • Always rely on official university and government guidance for the latest rules.

Weekend Life & City Experience

City lifestyle
Lakeside promenades, cafés, museums, and a calm, international vibe
Nature access
Lake Zürich + nearby hills; Alps reachable by train (seasonal)
Weekend travel & lifestyle details

What students do

  • Outdoor: hiking, cycling, swimming in summer; skiing trips in winter.
  • Cultural: old town, museums, concerts, seasonal festivals.
  • Budget tip: day trips by train are easier with advance planning.

Official Links

University official website International student office / ISSS Career services Student health / medical & insurance guidance Campus safety / security Housing (official guidance) Off-campus housing (WOKO)

City Life Photos

Swiss food options around ETH Zurich

Student-friendly food options and supermarkets in central Zürich.

ETH Zurich student life and outdoor activity

Outdoor life: lakeside walks, parks, and weekend trips by train.

Students studying around ETH Zurich campus

Libraries and quiet study spaces with Zürich city views.

ETH Zurich main building and campus square

ETH Zürich’s iconic main building and terrace.