Erasmus Experience in Geneva, Switzerland by Alžběta

Why did you choose to go to Geneva, Switzerland?

Because of my dissertation theme and my studies (I study French literature).

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

For 2 semesters, I receive about 600 CHF per month, but just my accommodation costs about 700 CHF, so it's necessary to have some extra money. Geneva is expensive!

What is the student lifestyle like in Geneva?

It's a small city with a big number of students, there is lot of student's associations, lot of cultural and sportive activities. The city is really great for living in!

Would you recommend the city and the University of Geneva to other students?

Sure! At the university you have so many possibilities and Geneva is a really multicultural town.

What is the food like?

I cook for myself so it's good. And I really like fondue and all cheeses.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Geneva?

About 400 - 500 CHF at the university's residence but there is a limited number of places, some private accommodation costs about 700 CHF and more.

How much does it cost to live in Geneva?

Geneva is expensive, it depends what you want to do. I cook for myself and buy stuff in supermarkets so it's not so expensive. The most expensive is accommodation, food in restaurants and going out... Cooking home, I save some money to go out with my friends.

Source

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available in the University?

I study French so for me it's not a problem. There is also lot of specialisation in English at the university. There are free French classes for international students.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Geneva from your city?

By bus or by plane, you can buy a plane ticket for the same of the bus but you have to buy it in advance.

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Geneva?

For drinking: Taverne de la République and mainly Rue Ecole de Médecine (street with a big number of bars and pubs), for concerts: Usine, for social dancing: Brasseur de Grottes.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Geneva?

I don't go eat out, restaurants are quite expensive.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You could visit the theatre (for French speaking), for students it's cheap, you can also get one free ticket a week for many concerts, theatres, exhibitions sponsored by your University when you are registered on the site. There are also lots of workshops (dancing, theatre, arts... ) It's not so expensive for students and there are also some free museums.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Geneva?

In Geneva there is a big problem to find some accommodation; it's necessary to look months before you move there. You have to count at least 1100 CHF per month (if you'll economize a lot) but at the other hand, Geneva is a really nice city with nice people and I can recommend this experience.