Experience in Geneva, Switzerland by Marine

What is the student lifestyle like in Geneva?

University of Geneva is in the heart of the city so it's very easy to go. Sometimes you have to change building for some courses, but it's not more than 10 minutes walking away between each place.

How much does it cost to live in Geneva?

Everything in Geneva is expensive: accommodation, food, entertainments, busses, trains... But once you have "solved" this financial problem, it's very pleasant to live there. No need to have a car, the bus company covers all the city + the suburbs, even some cities of the "voisine" France.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Geneva? Is there any advice you can give?

I'm from Pays de Gex, which is the French area just next to Geneva, so I still lived there and didn't have to look for accommodation. But I do know it's a difficult task, even though there are some organisations to help you to find one, especially if you come here for an exchange.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

The food is awesome. Everyone who comes here, as a student or even as a tourist should try the fondue, raclette and also "tartiflette", which is more a dish from Savoy, France. You should also try the "filets de perche"/strong>, fishes from the lake Leman in Geneva.

• The Jet d'Eau, symbol of Geneva
• Jardin Anglais
• Horloge Fleurie, by the lake
• The cathedral and the old city
• The Parc des Bastions with the Mur des Réformateurs and Uni Bastions, Place des Nations with the Broken Chair

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Is it good to eat out in Geneva? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

I don't know the name, but there is this little bretzel seller in Rue de la Croix d'Or between Molard and Rive. Their bretzels are amazing.

You can also find McDonald's restaurants of course, but it's awfully expensive and not so good. If you really want have one, you should better go to France.

Is the nightlife good in Geneva? Where is good to go?

The nightlife in Geneva, is not the best one I've ever had but it's quite good. I like going out in bars at Rue de l'Ecole de Médecine or in Carouge, which in my opinion are the best spots to go out in Geneva. Here, my favourite nightclubs are Point Bar Club at Rue du Marché and Moa Club in Vernier. But I don't go out often in Geneva because it's very expensive, so I prefer drive to Annecy where we have much more fun for less money.

If you stay in summer, you can try Lake Parade around July 14th and Fêtes de Genève from mid-July till mid-August.

What advice would you give future students heading to Geneva?

Although it's a little (very) expensive, it's a nice city and the surroundings landscapes are wonderful. You will have a good time in Geneva, meet people from everywhere and make unforgettable memories!