Language
Unless you opt for an international course, you need to be fluent in one of the three languages German, Italian and French. Even during your stay in Switzerland, if you speak only English, you can face difficulties in the campus. When dealing with the authorities, it is better to have some knowledge of at least one local language. You can also enroll for an online language program. Without the knowledge of a local language, you can face difficulties while shopping.
Accommodation
Once you have secured admission in the university of your choice, you should immediately start looking for an accommodation. Contact the student registration office (contrôle des habitants) of your university and ask for references and advice. They would be the best people to guide you.
Finance
It is always advisable to carry extra cash when traveling abroad. No matter how much planning you do, you might end up spending more than what you thought. Traveler’s cheques are a good option, but carry some cash as well which you might need immediately after your arrival. It is good to open a bank account upon arrival. There are several banks which help students open accounts with minimum paper work. You also need to check if your bank in the home country has an arrangement with the local bank in Switzerland so that money could be transferred to your account.
Make Friends
It is very important that you make new friends especially local students. This will help you learn about Swiss culture and people. This will make your stay in the university comfortable and easier. Attend social gatherings and university events and festivals. Make friends with people from other countries who have joined with you and sail in the same boat as you.
Health Insurance
All persons living in Switzerland for more than three months, including also international students, must have basic health insurance coverage. Students from countries that provide international mutual health coverage may be exempted from the compulsory health insurance. Other students may be exempted if they have equivalent health insurance coverage in their home country.
Beat the Culture Shock
Culture shock is almost obvious among most students especially among Indians. You need to beat the culture shock as fast as you can so that your stay can be comfortable. There are some good ways by which you can beat the culture shock:
Unless you opt for an international course, you need to be fluent in one of the three languages German, Italian and French. Even during your stay in Switzerland, if you speak only English, you can face difficulties in the campus. When dealing with the authorities, it is better to have some knowledge of at least one local language. You can also enroll for an online language program. Without the knowledge of a local language, you can face difficulties while shopping.
Accommodation
Once you have secured admission in the university of your choice, you should immediately start looking for an accommodation. Contact the student registration office (contrôle des habitants) of your university and ask for references and advice. They would be the best people to guide you.
Finance
It is always advisable to carry extra cash when traveling abroad. No matter how much planning you do, you might end up spending more than what you thought. Traveler’s cheques are a good option, but carry some cash as well which you might need immediately after your arrival. It is good to open a bank account upon arrival. There are several banks which help students open accounts with minimum paper work. You also need to check if your bank in the home country has an arrangement with the local bank in Switzerland so that money could be transferred to your account.
Make Friends
It is very important that you make new friends especially local students. This will help you learn about Swiss culture and people. This will make your stay in the university comfortable and easier. Attend social gatherings and university events and festivals. Make friends with people from other countries who have joined with you and sail in the same boat as you.
Health Insurance
All persons living in Switzerland for more than three months, including also international students, must have basic health insurance coverage. Students from countries that provide international mutual health coverage may be exempted from the compulsory health insurance. Other students may be exempted if they have equivalent health insurance coverage in their home country.
Beat the Culture Shock
Culture shock is almost obvious among most students especially among Indians. You need to beat the culture shock as fast as you can so that your stay can be comfortable. There are some good ways by which you can beat the culture shock:
- Before you go, search the internet, read about the country, its people and equip yourself with the culture of the country
- Talk to people who understand your language and try to learn more about your Switzerland and the city you live
- Talk to your family and friends back home, if you are feeling homesick.
- Passport
- Certificates
- Admission Letter
- Financial assistance documents
- Indian and Swiss contact numbers and addresses
- Emergency medicines along with your medical records especially if have any chronic disease like asthma
- Heath Policy if you are making it from India
- Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses if you use them
- Dictionary( English to local language and vice versa)
- Clothes - Formals for social occasions and in formals like jeans for attending classes
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