A complete guide to Geneva

Sadly my time in Geneva has come to an end. Just when I was getting used to living here and getting into a weekly routine I now have to move my entire life from one country to another. Of course I am excited to discover Spain and more importantly get to know Madrid from an insider point of view, but having to leave somewhere is never easy. Before I leave Geneva I want to share with you some of my favourite places or some of the best places to go so that if you move here hopefully you will find it a lot easier and more organised than I did.

University:

Try and attend the University welcome meeting, although the meeting in itself is not very exciting they do give out important information regarding what you need to do when moving to Geneva. Also that is where you will be given you student card and a little booklet, which will explain to you everything you need to do when settling in. This includes sending off a form to the Office Cantonal de la population des migrations in order for you to get your Permis de Sejour; sending off photocopies of your European health insurance card to Service de l’assurance Maladie and other useful information.

What you need:

Passport photos

Photocopy of your passport/ID

Photocopy of your Health Insurance Card

When you arrive at university your student card will have 5 CHF of printing/photocopying allowance but I do suggest you already come with photocopied documents because the printers are quite complicated to use and I ended up wasting half of the allowance.

Timetables:

Unlike in England, you are not given timetables. You will need to sit down at the table and go through every single subject you would like to do. Then you will have to make up your own timetable making sure that subjects do not overlap. You are allowed to take as many subjects as you like; I took 5 and I had plenty of spare time on my hands because lessons are once a week and last 1HR45.

Accommodation:

Accommodation as you may know is very difficult to find as they prioritize their own students rather than Erasmus students. I was very lucky to be given a room in one of the best student accommodations here, but what I have found out from a couple of my friends is that you must be persistent. Either go and speak to the International Relations office in the University or go to the Bureau de Logements and beg, in some way they always seem to find a room (for the start of the semester). Also if you are in student accommodation you have to pay the rent in cash by going to the post office with a special form the Bureau will give you and pay there by the first of every month.

If you are struggling with accommodation then there are other possibilities:

Look and post in these Facebook groups: Geneva Expats, Accommodation in Geneva

Have a look at airbnb – I know two girls who did this and although it is slightly more expensive at least you have a roof over your head.

Look on Erasmusu, there are always posts on accommodation and even though you have to pay a membership to be able to message people, finding a place will be worth the few quid.

You don’t have to rush; you can stay in a Hostel for a few of days until you find somewhere.

Worst comes to the worst, at the welcome day of the University the head of the exchange programme asks if anyone is still homeless and if others have space to accommodate in their apartment.

Transport:

I have written a separate post on transport here in Geneva but in short, behind the Gare Cornavin you will find the TPG office. Here you can get your travel card that will cost you 45 CHF monthly. Furthermore if you are staying a year and want to travel Switzerland, I advise you buy a half fare card for 185 CHF – this will reduce all your train ticket prices (and more benefits on cable cars and museum entrances) by 50%.

Supermarkets:

The most expensive supermarket is Globus, the food in there is pure luxury and they have a wide variety of foods from all over the world. Then some people would disagree with me but for me Manor is the best because they always have discounts and on certain things they are actually cheaper than the other supermarkets. I guess with Geneva certain supermarkets are expensive for different things for example Migros and Coop are good for meats, fish and dairy (even though the quality is a lot higher in Manor) and Manor is great for all the rest. Plus if you sign up with UBS you will be given 60CHF to spend in one of their partnerships including Manor so you can get a great amount of technically free food.

Banks:

I signed up for UBS because the other banks seemed to have an issue with opening a contract for less than a year. Plus you get those 60 CHF in vouchers so it can’t get much better than that! However Crédit Suisse is also a great bank for you to join if you are in Geneva for longer than one semester.

Sports:

The University of Geneva is amazing in terms of sports. They offer a wide variety of options both free and paid (paid is still super cheap, I paid 30 CHF for a semester of boxing once a week). Just to name a few, the classes include things like badminton, basketball, condition physique (which is incredible for getting fit and the trainer is super), cardio funk, hip hop, golf, rock climbing, football, hockey, judo, pilates, tennis, yoga and zumba. The majority are free however boxing, yoga, skiing are paid. There are plenty of activities going on at every hour of the day from Monday to Saturday so you can be sure you will not be missing out on anything no matter your timetable. For the complete list of sports click here.

Restaurants:

My favourite thing to talk about: Food. Unfortunately this is Switzerland; so if like me going out for meals is your thing, then don’t expect to be doing it so much here. Even average restaurants are very very highly priced and the food is not that great. Certainly do not expect to be ordering steaks or fish fillets as the prices can reach 40/50/60 CHF just for one dish. However I have sussed out a few little restaurants which, with some effort, you can have a nice meal and not pay extortionate prices.

Brunches:

Birdie : I have already written a full post on this place as it is my favourite brunch spot in Geneva. If your looking for avocados on toast then you cannot go wrong here. Take a look at the post I wrote on Birdie here

Paradiso: Paradiso Is similar to Birdie, but slightly toned down. Whereas in Birdie the food is slightly more expensive, it is because you get a big dish of food where as in Paradiso you ask for avocado on toast and you literally get one toast with an avocado sliced on top. But this doesn’t mean it isn’t good; Quite the contrary I loved coming here, ordering avocado on toast and some loose leaf tea and revising.

Tiffany Hotel: For a more, grand breakfast/bunch then Tiffany Hotel is the place for you. It is more expensive than the others because hotels usually are, but they have an enormous choice of delicious foods. The brunch is served Saturday and Sunday morning, for more information visit their website.

Le Pain Quotidien: This is a classic. You may be surprised if you are used to the Pain Quotidien in London that the prices are relatively higher here in Geneva. But this is Switzerland and they are allowed to up their prices apparently. But the Pain will always remain a safe go to place for some granola and yoghurt or some fresh pastries.

Lunch:

Holy Cow: For some delicious burgers go to the Holy Cow. It is a place recommended by many – They have a large menu filled with a variety of options both meat and veggie. They also have a student menu; for 13 CHF you get a burger, chips and a drink, which is top.

Chez ma Cousine: This is supposedly the Nandos of Geneva. The prices are around the 15 CHF mark and you will taste the most succulent chicken of Geneva.

La buvette des Bains: For the best fondu in Geneva come to the Buvette des Bains located in Paquis. This is a very casual atmosphere yet it is rated the best place for Fondu in the whole of Geneva.

Dinner:

Tapas: I came here the first night I was in Geneva with my mom because we were intrigued by this cute looking place. It was filled with people outside drinking a glass of wine so it looked pretty popular. The problem was that i was used to everyone telling us how expensive Geneva is, so we purposely tried to be cautious and thought tapas would not be super expensive… but we were wrong. We got this platter for 50 CHF for two which included around 10 pieces (they were delicious) but it was certainly not enough food for two. – All in all the place is delicious and unique but do not go thinking you will eat a large, filling meal.

Luigia: Alongside Da Paolo, make the best authentic Italian pizza. The menu is varied, and the pizzas contain many traditional, Italian ingredients such as Mozarella di Bufala, Burrata, Salsiccia napoletana ecc. Price wise you can expect to pay 20 CHF per pizza.

Da paolo :This was the first Italian restaurant I tried and I honestly must say they exceeded all my expectations. The pizza dough was so soft and light and the ingredients were so fresh and full of flavor. The quality/price rapport is perfect, as you can pay around 16 CHF for the classic margherita to 22 CHF for a more elaborate pizza. Of course they have many other options such as pasta including my favorite Gnocchi alla Gorgonzola, ravioli, fettuccine ai 4 Formaggi ecc. Meat and fish options are also available but prices range about 30 CHF to 45 CHF.

Boccalino: This Italian restaurant is a more modest place located in Carouge. The pizzas are delicious here as well, and similarly to Luigia and Da Paolo you can spend around 18 CHF per pizza.

Going out in Geneva:

I feel like this is a very important topic to approach because the amount of times I have heard people say that Geneva is boring for students and everything is silent after 18. 00 is unreal. The last part is true, at 18. 00 most places do shut and the city does become incredibly quiet but that does not mean that Geneva is boring for students! I guess you just need to know where to go. There are a few places students hang out and the main place is “Rue de l’école de medicine”. This is a street located just off the plain of Plainpalais and it is a long road filled with bars and pubs. This is where all the students go for socializing no matter what day of the week it is. One of my favorite bars on this street is the Kraken – it is situated half way down this street. They have average to high prices (student discount with the ESN card). It’s quite a cool pub with quirky décor, awesome music and large seating area both inside and outside.

19ème: This is a bar/pub located in Carouge. At the weekends they do beer pong and it is a fun atmosphere.

Bar du Nord: This is known as the Whisky bar. You will find all sorts of whisky here. It is not the prettiest looking bar but if you want a drink then this isn’t a bad option.

Spring Fields: In the Vieille Ville you will find Spring Fields- It is an Irish pub, which has happy hour between 18. 00-20. 00 offering two drinks for the price of one.

Rooftop 42: Rooftop 42 is the best rooftop bar in Geneva. It is super popular (expensive) but you cannot miss it. It is a great atmosphere with music and coloured lights. If you want to come here for food make sure you make a reservation on the website.

Clubs:

In Geneva do not expect to go out before 1 AM. The first night I went out with my friend at11. 30 to Java and pretty much no one showed up until 1ish in the morning.

Java: Java is similar to DSTRKT and Mahiki in London. They have a medium sized dance floor surrounded by tables. The alcohol inside the club is very expensive so I would always recommend pre-drinking.

Petit Palace: Petit Palace is located in the Vieille-Ville and you are guaranteed a great night out. The music is commercial, obviously depending on the night you go out. Saturdays are probably the best for going out in Petit Palace.

Bypass: I had a great time in Bypass. Here as well the music depends on what night you go out, but on a Saturday they tend to have Regaetton.

For any information on events, go on this website.

Student nights:

ESN is the Erasmus student organization that organizes events. Usually on Wednesdays is pubnight and they will post on their Facebook group the location. ESN also organizes other events such as day trips, ice hockey matches and hikes that are worth attending. Just make sure you buy the 10 euro ESN card and check their facebook page for details on events.

Conclusion, Why come to Geneva?

I thought to ask a few people as to why they chose Geneva as an Erasmus option, and this was what they thought:

Daniela:

The university offers great translation courses. Translation is what I want to do and no other University has strictly translation courses.

Also it is different – I have been to France many times and everyone always choses Paris so I wanted to venture out and go somewhere new and different.

Pip:

I absolutely love everything to do with Switzerland! It is so beautiful, tranquil and such a safe place compared to France. Also the University is so prestigious and difficult to get into so its such a good opportunity! And of course, the course is only taught here.

Imogen:

I just love the Swiss way of life- I feel so comfortable and well integrated. I also love the Swiss accent!

Everything is so positive : well organized and super punctual.

Switzerland is based in the heart of Europe, therefore its super multicultural making you feel at home and it makes it so easy to travel around!

Antonia:

Firstly the translation course the University of Geneva offers. Also I find that Geneva is a lot more interesting than France and somewhat mysterious! You don’t hear much about Switzerland so I was intrigued to come and try it out! Also your constantly surrounded by beautiful views and a better quality of life. Plus I love the idea of being in a small environment.

Chris:

I have already been to France so I fancied going somewhere different. The translation course also influenced my decision. Also there are many travel opportunities by being located in the centre of Europe. Finally it is also super useful for helping me improve my German.

Fabiola:

At the beginning I had a professor who did interpretation here in Geneva and she encouraged me to at least consider Geneva even though it was French and my level was not the best. I came for the six weeks summer class in the summer to improve my French level and get a feel for the city. Then I loved the city so much I decided this was going to be my first choice for graduate school.

Lucrezia:

My alternatives were Helsinki, Olso, somewhere in Denmark and Strasbourg. I wanted to go to Strasbourg but they wanted a high level of French certificate. Geneva was a great alternative because it is very close to Italy. Also Geneva University will validate all my exams to my university in Rome so I will not have to take further exams. Furthermore the Science faculty in Geneva is one of the best in the world.

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