Living in Geneva

Geneva offers significant advantages and attracts a constant flow of visitors, students, artists, companies, workers, ideas, specialty foods and capital.

International

Geneva is home to the European headquarters of the United Nations and hosts over 31 international organisations as well as over 250 non-governmental organisations and a growing number of important multinational companies. Consequently, the city’s population is extremely diverse, uniting cultures, traditions, cuisine and languages from all parts of the world. Approximately 40% of Geneva’s inhabitants are foreigners.

Culture

Geneva’s cultural life is active and diverse. Thanks to the high standard of living of its population, the city offers performances and exhibitions for all tastes. Furthermore, its vast show-room ("Geneva Palexpo") attracts some of Europe’s largest shows.

Sports and Skiing

Geneva is an ideal city for sport lovers. Walk into the train station early on a Sunday morning and you will be surprised by the number of people with back-packs on their shoulders, ready for a long day hike. In the winter, Geneva offers some of the best skiing in the Alps as close as 45 minutes away. Local buses bring skiers to the nearby slopes of Chamonix, Flaine, Les Portes du Soleil, Zermatt, Verbier and other renowned ski areas. Alternatively, Lake Geneva – one of Europe's largest – is an inviting environment for water sports.

Quality of life and Travel

Geneva offers very high quality of life, as the city is clean, safe, small enough for getting around by bike, boasts an extensive public transportation network, enjoys an easily accessible international airport and is well connected by train to most other major European cities (approximate travel time to some major cities: Milan – 4 hours, Paris – 3.5 hours, Frankfurt – 5 hours).

Housing

The only real disadvantage of Geneva is the housing situation. To find accomodation is time consuming. We strongly encourage you to apply for university housing through the University of Geneva’s housing website or by completing the paperwork sent with your acceptance letter. Otherwise, you should arrive in Geneva about one month in advance to look for apartments to rent. The latest offers are published every Wednesday in the GHI newspaper, and you might find ads of other students looking to share flats on the University’s bulletin boards. The Institute is currently building a Student House which will provide 135 apartments for Institute students and a small number of visiting professors from autumn 2012.

General Information

Living expenses
Living expenses in Geneva vary greatly depending on the chosen standard of living, and in particular the chosen accommodation. Applicants should plan on monthly living expenses of at least 1800 CHF.

Health and Accident insurance
Health insurance is compulsory for all students. You must contact the University of Geneva, Social Welfare and Health Information Office (Bureau Universitaire d'Information Sociale).
The registration fee for the University of Geneva includes an insurance premium covering professional accidents.