Back 04.02.2025 All news

6 tips for finding accommodation in Switzerland

Switzerland is an amazing place to study and work, offering breathtaking landscapes, a high standard of living, and countless opportunities for international students. However, finding accommodation during your internship can feel overwhelming, especially if you're new to the country. To make the process smoother, here are six practical tips to help you find and secure the perfect apartment.

1. Start early – Timing is everything

Switzerland’s rental market is competitive, especially in cities like Zurich, Geneva, and Lausanne. Start your search at least 2-3 months before your internship begins to give yourself enough time to find a good place.

Visit apartments in person (if possible): Pictures don’t always tell the whole story. If you can’t visit, ask for a virtual tour.
Reach out to agencies of interest: When expressing interest in an apartment or submitting your application, it’s important to convey that you are a respectable and trustworthy person.

2. Know your budget

Apartments in Switzerland can be pricey (especially in major cities like Zurich and Geneva, that rank among some of the most expensive cities to live in the world), so it’s important to set a budget. Keep in mind that rent often includes utilities like heating and water, as well as a 1-3-month deposit.

Here you can find the price trends for apartments from the past five years.

3. Explore multiple platforms

To cast a wide net, use multiple resources for your search:

Property listing websites: Check out platforms like Homegate, ImmoScout24, Flatfox, or Comparis for detailed listings. If you don’t want the hassle of having to buy furniture, platforms like City Flats, UMS (Untermietservice Schweiz), and Smart Apartments offer a great selection of furnished apartments
Facebook groups: Many cities have groups specifically for short-term rentals or shared housing: for example Zurich, Lucerne, Bern, Geneva.
To save money, consider shared apartments (Wohngemeinschaft or “WG” in German, colocation or “coloc” in French) where you split the costs with other tenants. Here are five tips on finding a flat share in Switzerland. You can also check out platforms like Roomestate, Weegee or Roomgo or Facebook Marketplace.

4. Understand the rental process

In Switzerland, renting an apartment usually involves:

An application: You’ll need documents like your ID, proof of income (internship contract), and possibly a letter of recommendation. Read this article on how to submit an excellent application. Apartments go quickly, so have your documents ready to secure a place as soon as you find one.
A security deposit: Landlords often require 1-3 months’ rent upfront as a deposit, held in a special blocked account or using a rental guarantee platform such as SwissCaution.
Unfortunately, there are many scams online, so it’s important to remain vigilant. If an offer requires you to transfer money to an account before receiving the keys, this is a clear red flag and indicates a fraudulent post. Never transfer money without first viewing the room in person and verifying its legitimacy. When in doubt, reach out to someone from the internship team at BHMS.
A rental agreement: Make sure to read it carefully to understand the terms, including notice periods and any restrictions. Ensure that utilities and other fees are clearly outlined. The internship team at BHMS is available to help you go over your contract before you sign anything.

5. Be flexible with location

Living in the city centre can be convenient but expensive. Consider surrounding suburbs or smaller towns that offer more affordable options. Switzerland’s excellent public transportation system makes commuting easy, even from outside the city.

6. Network and ask for help

Don’t be afraid to ask for assistance. Reach out to classmates, the internship team, or your employer for advice or leads. Some employers may be able to provide you with accommodation or have partnerships with certain rental agencies.