Erasmus Experience in Geneva, Switzerland by Kirstyn

Why did you choose to go to Geneva, Switzerland?

I wanted to study French but I couldn’t find a suitable college in France so I started to investigate about Geneva. I looked at the website of Haute École d’Art et de Design and was very impressed. I have never been to Switzerland before, so I decided this was a great opportunity to visit a new country!

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

It wasn’t a scholarship, it was an Erasmus. It lasted for four and a half months and I getting about €1, 500.

What is the student lifestyle like in Geneva?

It was quiet overall but the Erasmus student lifestyle was great with people organising lots of events. When you’re on Erasmus, most fellow Erasmus students are up for getting involved and trying different things.

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

Yes, I would recommend Geneva and its universities wholeheartedly. The facilities we had as students were incredible, no expense was spared. The tutors were fantastic and very helpful. The city itself is beautiful surrounded 360º by mountains with the Jet d’Eau and the big lake.

What is the food like?

Myself and my Spanish room mate cooked our own food so we ate very well! There is the Swiss fondue that you have to experience when in Switzerland. I ate Croûte au Frommage while skiing in the Alps. Delicious! Swiss food involves a lot of cheese, ham, potatoes and cold meats. I must mention the wine as well. Geneva makes its own wine (as do other parts of Switzerland). It tasted amazing and doesn’t cost too much. They don’t export their wine so try it while you’re there!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Geneva?

No, but I was very very lucky with finding accommodation. My friend had seen a handwritten ad on a noticeboard in a university (Bastions I think) and we phoned the landlord, viewed the property and moved in straight away.

How much does it cost to live in Geneva?

About €1, 000 per month. Expect to pay €500+ per month for accommodation.

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

Yes, I had a good French before going, so it was reasonably easy for me. Also my course (Visual Communication) is largely visual so that helped with learning the language and the design terms.

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

Plane—Aer Lingus, they fly every day.

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

L’Usine is the student venue with cheap drinks and lots of events.

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

Café du Soleil is a bit out of town but great value for locally-produced seasonal food and Genevan wine. La Gondola is a more upmarket Italian and very impressive restaurant, if you want to splurge. Also Bain des Paquis is a fantastic place to eat, you can get fondue in winter and different dishes during the summer. It’s on the lake and it’s absolutely beautiful.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The UN, CERN, plenty of museums and my favourite; the botanical gardens.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Geneva in the future?

Don’t expect a party city with lots of nightlife, expect a cultural experience!