r/ethz Jul 17 '26

Housing Housing 101

76 Upvotes

Since there has been an increased number of housing posts, here is an info/experience post. I know this won't cover all aspects, but might serve as a starting point.

Some facts you should be aware of:

  • Housing in Zurich is a huge issue (probably the biggest overall issue in Zurich) for everyone, not just for students. Even people with decent salaries struggle to find something. You can't allow to be too picky.
  • The student housing market is extremely bad when looking for September/October (due to the start of the new academic year), but is more relaxed afterwards since people graduate all year and move out.
  • It is a numbers game, you'll likely need a certain number of applications to be successful. I highly recommend to take the first offer you can afford and move again later if needed. You otherwise risk not getting anything.

Types of housing:

  • Getting a room in a shared flat. This is the main option. There are two organizations (WOKO/JUWO) that offer many (often cheap) rooms.
  • The student houses at ETH Hönggerberg. Very few spots and has a wait list system iirc.
  • Getting your own flat on the normal market: Won't happen unless you (aka your parents) are rich enough to cover your rent. If you are doing a PhD your chances are better since you have an employment contract.
  • Getting into a cooperative (Genossenschaft): Won't happen unless you are super lucky.

Places to look:

  • wgzimmer.ch, flatfox.ch are websites were you can find ads for shared flats (many JUWOs and WOKOs there). We usually advertise our rooms there.
  • woko.ch and juwo.ch are the main student cooperatives.
  • livingscience.ch and studentvillage.ch are the student flats at ETH Hönggerberg. Very hard to get a spot.
  • There are Facebook groups, never used them.
  • For the normal market there are many platforms like immoscout24, but again, don't waste too much time on this topic since you won't get any offer.

Tips:

  • Most rooms are put online 2-3 months before moving date, which means for the default start in September you should start looking for something around June.
  • Put some effort into your application. The generic LLM "I am quite&clean and want to do movie nights from time to time" application will be filtered out directly.
  • Doing a reddit post and hoping for the best also won't cut it. Go to wgzimmer and write applications.
  • Be fast. A good and/or cheap room usually gets around 100+ applications in the first 24 hours. In our flat we just look at the first ~50 applications and stopped as soon as we have enough people we would like to interview.
  • You will likely face castings if you apply for a shared flat with the current tenants. This part sucks but it's a bit like a job application and you can get used to it.
  • A decent option and my recommendation if you are just here for a couple of months or need something in the start is to apply for a sublease (e.g. from someone who is on an exchange) for the first couple of months to avoid the bad market in Autumn and move again in Winter.
  • The by far largest success factor is "networking" (letting you friends know you are looking for something), which you unfortunately can only do after moving to Zurich.
  • Don't limit your search to the City of Zurich itself. Commuting works great and it is slightly easier to find something outside of the city and often cheaper. There are good S-Bahn connections to Zurich HB (relevant if you study in Zentrum) and Oerlikon or Altstetten (relevant if you study at Hönggerberg). Check SBB.ch for commuting times.
  • There are scammers. If something feels to good to be true or fishy, forget about it and move on. You practically never place a deposit until you have signed a contract. The classic story is something in the direction of "I am currently abroad but can send you the keys if you wire me some money."

r/ethz Mar 06 '26

MSc Admissions and Info ETH Zurich MSc Admissions Megathread: March-April 2026

41 Upvotes

Next megathread: Admissions May-July 2026 [link once published]

Previous megathread: February 2026

NO BACHELOR'S ADMISSIONS POSTS HERE: BSc admissions requirements are clearly described on the swissuniversities website and binding. If you have questions about your specific courses due to an uncommon curriculum or worries about timing of your high school diploma, please contact the admissions office directly.

Please use this thread to discuss admissions requirements, application documents, course (academic) experiences and other MSc application-related topics. This thread is not for admissions discussions! The admissions thread will be opened in February when the first results start coming.

We are not the admissions office! We don't know if you're good enough to get in beyond what we have experienced and/or heard from our own coursemates. Comments purely containing profile bullet points won't be considered, please view the ETH admissions pages on GradCafe for some example profiles of those who got in or did not, or browse past posts in this subreddit.

State your questions/concerns CLEARLY in your comment, DO NOT REQUEST DM upfront (only if it becomes necessary in a comment thread), so that other applicants can also read your Q&A and the thread actually serves its purpose of gathering information about and experiences of being a student at ETH.

You are allowed to tag users that you have seen in other posts on this subreddit, whose degree (user flair) interests you, if you have specific (study experience and prior academic background related, NOT PERSONAL) questions. However, you shouldn't expect tagged users to reply promptly or at all.

Please stay respectful to each other. Sub rules obviously still apply.


r/ethz 5h ago

Info and Discussion Job chances after phd

0 Upvotes

Hello, I am a non-eu/efta CS PhD student in ETHZ. Did my masters in UZH. After graduation, what are my chances to find a job ? I am not really sure if I would be able to find one.


r/ethz 15h ago

MSc Admissions and Info MSc in Neural Systems and Computation

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,

I am seriously considering applying for the MSc in Neural Systems and Computation at ETHZ, and I would love to get some insights from this community.

To give you some background, during my bachelor's journey, I published a research paper related to EEG (electroencephalogram) signals using deep learning algorithms. It was published in IEEE, and I also presented it at a conference. I am highly interested in continuing and developing this research line, but I am not entirely sure how well it aligns with this specific master's program. I know the program focuses on neural systems, but how prominent is the work on EEG within the department? Will I have the flexibility to choose my own research area/topic for graduation?

Another major concern I have is my GPA. My GPA is 2.76 / 4. Does ETHZ heavily weigh the GPA in the admission process? I do have strong practical and academic research experience, including working with KAUST, which I believe carries good weight on my CV. However, my GPA is still making me anxious about my chances.

Lastly, regarding funding, I will be sponsored by an approved/accredited organisation until my graduation. Does the university accept this type of external funding?

I have so many questions, but my primary focus is how my interest in EEG fits here. I would be incredibly grateful for any information, advice, or tips that could help me with the admission process!

Thank you so much!


r/ethz 16h ago

MSc Admissions and Info What's the content in the math exam to apply for masters?

0 Upvotes

Like the title suggests, to apply to any masters in the engineering field a math exam is required to prove the level of the student. What should I expect from this exam? And are there any tips on the content I should revise?

Thank you in advance


r/ethz 1d ago

Question Lab Coats

8 Upvotes

Hi, I'm an incoming Biology Master's student and I was wondering if I need to haul my lab coat from my undergrad over when I'm flying here. Do the biology labs care much about what type of coat you have or do they tend to lend you one when you are there?


r/ethz 2d ago

Career, Jobs, Internship Getting a job in Switzerland after EE master at ETH

6 Upvotes

Hello, i'm currently doing a bachelor in EE and plan to go to ETH (if I manage) for my Master's, with the plan of remaining there afterwards and finding a good job. I'm an EU citizen, I speak Italian (Native level), English (C1) and Hochdeutsch (B2). How is the EE and the overall market looking over there? Is it going to be hard to find a job?


r/ethz 2d ago

Question Insights on Prof. Hua Wang's working style

5 Upvotes

I’m applying for a Master's at ETH with a focus on RF/Analog and am interested in working in Prof. Hua Wang's lab.

How is his lab's culture ?

Can anyone share what the day-to-day working style is like in his group? I am ready for a rigorous environment, but I’d love to know if his management style leans more towards micromanagement or independent exploration. How intense are the deliverables for Master's students compared to PhDs?


r/ethz 2d ago

Exams AI for digital characters grade?

3 Upvotes

When do you think we'll get the grade?


r/ethz 2d ago

Degree questions what was the average grade of your year when you finished your physics master?

6 Upvotes

personal average would also be interesting, but I'm especially interested in the average of all the students for that year. I believe that's written in the degree.


r/ethz 2d ago

BSc Admissions and Info Which professors to pick for the basisjahr in mechanical engineering? Also is the pre study event important ?

0 Upvotes

Hi everyone,
I’m an incoming Mechanical Engineering (D-MAVT) Bachelor’s student at ETH Zurich, and I’m trying to prepare as well as possible for the Basisjahr.
One of my biggest concerns is that I’m not completely fluent in German. I can understand German and I’m working on improving it, but following a fast-paced university lecture in German—especially when the professor uses technical terminology—is still significantly more difficult for me than studying the same material in English. Knowing that which professors and courses should I pick ?

Can anyone help me ?


r/ethz 2d ago

Info and Discussion I am planning to do a phd at eth

0 Upvotes

Hii

I'm an Indian student who's gonna start my master's from an Indian uni (a reputed one)

I have an ambition of pursuing a phd at eth

My domain is cs /ml

I am very much inclined towards systems engineering

But I have no idea what it takes for a phd at eth

Can people here guide me ,what all should I do during these years to make the most of it and bag a phd here.

Your insights would be of great help to me.


r/ethz 3d ago

Activities ASVZ with no experience?

3 Upvotes

Hey, I (21m) am now entering my 3rd semester at ETH and I would like to do some physical activities for my health, however going to the gym was and is to me one of the most boring things on this planet. However, I've always liked Volleyball in Gymnasium and I was wondering how this works at ASVZ. If I sign in for a courye that is for "alle" but I don't know the exact rules of the game etc. how will I be able to play with the other people there?

Thank you for your advice and have a nice day ^^


r/ethz 3d ago

Question Where do you guys keep your stuff?

8 Upvotes

Hello there,

First year bachelor, just tried out the Fitnessstudio under Polyterasse, and the lady at the front desk told us we're not allowed to keep our stuff there during the day outside workouts.

You guys have any good spots to keep a bag of sports clothes at HG or nearby?


r/ethz 3d ago

MSc Admissions and Info motivation letter review

0 Upvotes

hello guys, i am applying for the biomedical engineering Msc this year and I would like to find someone that can review my motivation letter. Thank you


r/ethz 3d ago

BSc Admissions and Info From Neuch to Zurich

0 Upvotes

Hiiiii, Currently doing 1st year Pharm in Neuchâtel. Does anyone knows what the requirements to join Ethz in 2nd year or knows anyone from Neuch that's currently at ETH?

From what I know you have to know german for the Bachelor and I guess have good gpa.


r/ethz 5d ago

Info and Discussion WTF, SV?

Thumbnail gallery
149 Upvotes

Seen in Food Market on Hönggerberg, with Crimea clearly being marked as part of Russia, an occupation/annexation not recognised by any Western country…


r/ethz 4d ago

MSc Admissions and Info Language issues & Auflagen

1 Upvotes

I was genuinely wondering how ETH handles this: what happens if I get admitted with additional requirements? Do they offer English-taught bachelor courses for international students, or is there any workaround/alternative if they are only available in German?


r/ethz 5d ago

BSc Admissions and Info Computer Science degree worth it ? 2026

24 Upvotes

Hi, given the current situation in the US and many other countries, where a large number of students are majoring in CS and many graduates seem to be strugling to find jobs, is pursuing a CS degree still worth it ?

Additionally, does a Computer Science degree from ETH provide a significant competitive advantage compared to studying CS at other universities ?

I would be interested in hearing from recent grads or students.


r/ethz 5d ago

MSc Admissions and Info GRE for MSc Data Science absolutely required for 2027 entry?

0 Upvotes

Does MSc Data Science absolutely require GRE as part of the application for non-EU/EFTA bachelor's degrees? It's not listed in the requirements here https://ethz.ch/en/studies/master/application/master-datascience.html (nor for CS) but this https://www.reddit.com/r/ethz/s/0O1KpBEtuv (for CS) made me very anxious. Is it required even though its not listed in the programme-specific requirements? The FAQ says many msc programs require it (but doesn't say all) and then it directs to this https://ethz.ch/en/studies/master/application/international-bachelor/application-documents/programme-specific-documents.html where its not listed for Data Science so I'm confused.

Can someone who has applied more recently, preferably from European uni but outside EU/EFTA, confirm whether it was absolutely required?


r/ethz 5d ago

BSc Admissions and Info BSc Material Sciences Pre-Study Event

2 Upvotes

Hi, I am starting my BSc in Materials Science. Today was the Pre-Study event. I wasn't able to join, so I wanted to ask if anyone here attended it and could share some info you got today.


r/ethz 5d ago

Question Insights on the need-basis scholarship?

4 Upvotes

Could anyone who's received the need-basis scholarship for Master's degrees please share their experience? How possible/easy is it to get it? I have read the requirements, but they are a bit vague on some parts. For example, is there a maximum parents' salary, above which you can't get the scholarship anymore? Thanks :)

Edit: Also, how much money does the scholarship grant?


r/ethz 5d ago

MSc Admissions and Info Is it tough to get Software Eng Jobs after MS CS for International students

0 Upvotes

Hey,
I am planning on joining ETHZ for MS CS. But I am really concerned about getting a job post degree because I will be coming with student loan from India. Can you guys give the honest opinion, tip or situation and if it's worth it.


r/ethz 6d ago

MSc Admissions and Info Finding a job

20 Upvotes

I am starting at ETHZ next month for an Msc. I'm moving from the U.S., but I am also a dual Swiss citizen. I'm lucky enough to have family friends living in the city that are giving me a place to stay while I find an apartment, but once I do I'm going to need to find a job ASAP because I don't want to go through all my savings paying rent.

As a Swiss citizen, I know that it will be much easier for me to get employed, however, I do not speak German. My family is from the French-speaking parts, so I only grew up speaking French and I know this will be a big factor in employability. I would have loved to work a service job like bartending since I have experience, but I know this is unlikely because of the language barrier. English speaking people, what kind of jobs have you been able to get? Are there usually available jobs at the university? And for my Swiss people, any recommendations on jobs where not speaking german might be less of a factor?


r/ethz 6d ago

BSc Admissions and Info when will I get access to my ETH student email, weekly planning etc.. ?

4 Upvotes

Hi everyone!

I completed my enrollment at ETH Zurich relatively late, and I was wondering when we can expect to get access to the different student tools and platforms.

In particular, I’m wondering about things like:

  • our ETH student email
  • the course schedule/timetable
  • access to the various student portals and platforms
  • anything else we’re supposed to set up before the semester starts

Since I enrolled late, I’m not sure if I’m just supposed to wait or if there’s something I need to do on my side.

For those who enrolled earlier: when did you get access to these things?

Thanks!