Zurich Decoded

 

 

Moving to Zurich as an international student is an exciting milestone. A new country, a new city, a new university, and a completely new routine are waiting for you.

However, once you arrive, the first days can feel overwhelming. Between paperwork, permits, transport, and daily life, everything might seem like a lot at first.

If you’re wondering what to do after arriving in Zurich as a student, this guide will walk you through everything step by step and help you adjust to living in Zurich for the first time more smoothly.

1. Register at the City Office

One of the first things you must do after arriving in Zurich is register at the Kreisbüro (district office).

In Switzerland, registration is mandatory and usually needs to be completed within 14 days of arrival.

Make sure to bring:

• Passport or ID
• Certificate of enrollment (confirmation of studies)
• Rental contract or proof of address
• Residence permit documents (if applicable)
• Financial proof: You may need to prove that you can financially support yourself, usually around CHF 21,000 per year. If you don’t have this amount in your account, a parent or sponsor can provide a written declaration confirming they will support you financially.

More info:
Immigration with a visa | ETH Zurich

Guidelines for Students with Visa Requirements | University of Zurich | UZH

Important: Your residence permit might take about a month to arrive, but don’t worry. You’ll get a confirmation paper right away, which you can use for traveling and handling any other paperwork in the meantime.

2. Residence Permit: What You’ll Get

The type of residence permit you receive depends on the duration of your studies.

For long-term studies (Bachelor’s / Master’s), you will usually receive a Permit B:

• Valid for the duration of your studies
• Renewable
• After graduation, you can usually stay up to 6 months to find a job

If you find a job, you can extend your stay, often transitioning into a work permit.

If you are doing short-term studies, such as Erasmus, you will likely receive a Permit L (short-term residence permit):

• Valid only for the duration of your studies
• Ends automatically once your studies are completed
• Usually not extendable

3. Set Up Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory in Switzerland, even for students.

You usually have 3 months to choose a provider, but coverage applies retroactively.

Typical costs:

• Standard insurance: CHF 200–350/month
• Student plans: sometimes as low as CHF 50/month

Popular student options:

• Swisscare: https://swisscare.com
• SWICA: https://www.swica.ch

Compare options here:
https://www.comparis.ch

Important: If you wait until the last minute, you may end up paying all 3 months at once, so don’t postpone it for too long.

4. Public Transport: ZVV vs SBB

Zurich has one of the best public transport systems in Europe, but it can feel confusing at first. Make sure to download both the ZVV and SBB apps.

ZVV (Zurich Transport Network)

• Trams, buses, and local trains
• Used for daily life inside Zurich

SBB (Swiss Federal Railways)

• Trains between cities, such as Zurich to Bern or Lucerne

Unfortunately, there are no special student discounts on public transport in Zurich. However, you can find discounts mainly based on age or time of travel, here: Travel as a teenager or young adult | SBB

If you commute daily, a monthly ZVV pass is usually worth it. Take some time to check which ZVV zones you travel in regularly and choose the related package.

More info:
https://www.zvv.ch/zvv/en/travelcards-and-tickets.html

5. Open a Bank Account

Once you get your residence permit or registration confirmation, opening a Swiss bank account is one of the first practical things you should do.

What you will need:

• Address confirmation
• Work contract, if you work
• Passport or ID
• Proof of enrollment
• Residence permit or registration confirmation

Many banks offer student accounts with low or no fees, so it’s worth comparing options before choosing one.

6. Learn the Swiss “Unwritten Rules”

Swiss culture can feel different at first. Some things that might surprise you are:

• Quiet hours after 22:00 are taken seriously
• Eating hours may surprise you
• Being on time is a must
• Recycling rules are strict
• Shops are closed on Sundays

7. Build Your Routine

Studying at home can feel isolating, especially when you’re new. Luckily, Zurich offers many great study environments:

• University libraries
• Public libraries
• Silent cafés with Wi-Fi
• Co-working spaces

Finding your go-to study spot can make a big difference in your daily routine.

However, beyond university life, Zurich has a lot to offer. Take time to explore neighbourhoods, parks, cafés, and lakeside spots. Don’t worry, though, we’ll discuss all these topics further in upcoming articles.

In Short: What to Do First

• Prepare your documents
• Register at the Kreisbüro
• Get health insurance
• Set up transport
• Open a bank account
• Organize your daily life

So yes, at first Zurich might feel confusing. But with time, everything starts to make sense.

Save this Zurich student guide to make your first steps easier, so you can focus on enjoying your experience. And keep in touch for more helpful tips.

Welcome to Zurich, your adventure has just begun.

Find the related Instagram post here.