What Campus Reviews Reveal
ETH Zurich (Swiss Federal Institute of Technology) main campus is located on a hill in the center of Zurich, overlooking the old town and the Limmat River. Its Google rating of 4.7 (1152 reviews) reflects high approval from visitors and students, but the reviews also reveal genuine feelings about the surrounding environment and facilities. For example, user Lela Avraam (5 stars) wrote: “ETH Zurich is one of the best in Europe! From the top it offers an amazing view over the downtown city! If in the area you must absolutely visit!!! Here you can see Einstein’s locker 🙂!” The campus itself is an attraction, housing the locker once used by Einstein (Einstein-Spind), becoming a check-in spot for students and tourists.
Gary Xiao (5 stars) added: “The top university in Europe located on a hill near the central station, and Einstein used to work here. You should not miss it. Besides, the view onto downtown Zurich is really stunning.” The campus is close to Zurich Central Station, meaning that living near the station or taking the tram provides quick access. Paul Young (5 stars) emphasized the building’s grandeur: “Beautiful building. Very majestic. Enjoyed walking around as it was a huge place. Added bonus is the great quotes around and Einstein locker.:)”
Kero Chan (4 stars) offered a more everyday perspective: “Located uphill the university offers a nice view over downtown city. It was quiet and students were studying in the hallways. ‘Einstein-Spind’ is the locker Einstein once used when he was working at the university. It has now become a mini check-in place where you would see photos of him and hear a ” — The review is incomplete, but it highlights keywords like “quiet” and “studying in the hallways,” indicating a strong study atmosphere on campus, but the “uphill” location also means daily commuting requires adapting to slopes or relying on transport.
These reviews collectively send a signal: living in an area accessible by walking or a short bus ride maximizes the use of campus resources, such as studying on the hill in the evening and then walking down to enjoy the city night view. At the same time, informal social spots like the locker and quotes wall give campus life a cultural feel, and “quiet” reminds future students: dormitories or apartments should not be too close to main roads or bar areas, otherwise it may affect study quality.
Zurich City Background
Zurich is the largest city in Switzerland and one of the global financial and technology centers. As a major city in the German-speaking region, its cost of living ranks among the highest in Europe. The main campus of ETH Zurich (Rämistrasse 101, 8092 Zürich) is located at the edge of Zurich’s District 6 (Kreis 6), adjacent to the university quarter (Hochschulquartier), surrounded by the University of Zurich (Universität Zürich) and several research institutes.
Living Costs and Budget Range (Indicative Prices for 2027)
The following are approximate monthly rent ranges for single student apartments or shared rooms (in Swiss Francs CHF). Please note that these prices are indicative figures; actual rents vary based on property condition, lease duration, and market supply and demand, and must be confirmed with the specific operator.
- Shared room (WG-Zimmer): 600 – 1000 CHF/month
Usually includes utilities and internet, but kitchen and bathroom are shared. Suitable for students on a budget, but requires application 3–6 months in advance due to high competition among students in Zurich. - Single apartment (Studio/1-room apartment): 1,100 – 1,600 CHF/month
With private kitchen and bathroom, area about 20–40 square meters. More expensive in the city center or near campus; fringe areas (such as Altstetten, Oerlikon) may drop to 900–1,200 CHF. - Student dormitory (Studentenwohnheim): 500 – 900 CHF/month
Managed by WOKO, JUWO, or various universities, with lower prices but long waiting lists (usually 6–12 months). Some dorms are within walking distance to campus. - Two-room apartment (2-room apartment): 1,600 – 2,500 CHF/month
Suitable for shared groups or students with families, not common for undergraduate freshmen.
In addition to rent, budget about 200 CHF per month for public transport (student monthly pass) and 300 CHF for food and daily necessities. Zurich student visa usually requires proof of at least 2,200 CHF per month for living expenses.
Walking vs. Public Transport Trade-offs
The location of the main ETH campus determines two main commuting options:
Walking
Walking from the central station (Hauptbahnhof) via the Central tram stop uphill takes about 15–20 minutes (steep incline). From the old town (Niederdorf) or the university quarter (Hochschulquartier), it takes 10–15 minutes to reach the main building. The advantages are saving the monthly pass cost, flexibility at all times, and enjoying a panoramic view of the city. But the disadvantages are clear: uphill walking is strenuous on rainy or snowy days, and you must live on the lower half of the slope to avoid a long climb daily. If you live at the foot of the hill (e.g., Seilergraben), the walking experience is acceptable; if you live at the Hönggerberg campus (another campus) on the top of the hill, public transport is the only option.
Public Transport
Zurich’s tram network is efficient, with multiple lines (e.g., 5, 6, 9, 10, 15) directly serving Central station or ETH/Universitätsspital station. From the central station, a tram ride of 3 minutes gets you to Central at the foot of the campus. From more distant residential areas (such as Schwamendingen, Wollishofen), it takes 20–30 minutes. Students can use a half-fare monthly pass (about 70 CHF/month) to buy discounted tickets, or purchase a ZVV semester ticket (about 250 CHF/semester). The advantage of public transport is saving energy, especially when carrying shopping bags or books, but waiting times and transfers reduce efficiency; also, tram stops in Zurich are close together, so in practice, many stations that are a 5-minute walk apart have minimal distance difference.
Combined advice: If your budget allows, prioritize accommodation within walking distance (15 minutes or less), such as near Central, along Rämistrasse, or in the Hottingen area. This saves on monthly pass costs and gives you the campus’s “quiet” study environment within walking distance. If your budget is tight, choose areas with a 15–20 minute bus/tram ride (such as Altstetten, Dietikon), but note that commute time may extend to 40 minutes (including waiting and walking to the station).
Shortlist Logic: How to Filter Suitable Accommodation
Although no specific property list is given, a filtering logic can be established based on ETH’s regional characteristics and student needs. Assuming future students will use the student-housing platform to search for properties, the following criteria should serve as the core weights for the shortlist:
- Commute time to main campus ≤ 25 minutes (including walking + public transport)
This is key to maintaining a balance between academics and social life. It is recommended to use map tools to check real-time travel time from the accommodation to Rämistrasse 101, and avoid routes requiring multiple transfers. - Monthly rent does not exceed 50% of total budget
The average monthly living cost for a student in Zurich is about 2,200 CHF (indicative level for 2027). If rent exceeds 1,100 CHF, you may need a part-time job or cut entertainment expenses. Therefore, shared rooms or student dormitories are generally more sustainable options. - Quietness
Refer to the keyword “quiet” in reviews, and avoid apartments along main roads, bar areas, or railway lines. Check noise complaints on Google Maps, or pay attention to sound insulation when viewing the property. - Contract flexibility
Student visas are usually 1–2 years, so short-term leases (3–12 months), subletting, or contracts allowing early termination are safer. Many student dormitories offer semester leases (6 or 9 months). - Fully furnished
Moving costs in Switzerland are high and disposing of old furniture is troublesome. Furnished apartments or dormitories save the hassle of purchasing and discarding. The ETH official housing page (ethz.ch/en/studies/non-degree/student-life/housing) is not linkable, but can remind students to prioritize fully furnished options. - Insurance and deposits
Renting in Zurich typically requires a deposit of 3 months’ rent (held in a bank escrow account) and liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung). These fixed costs should be included in the initial budget. - Seasonal demand
The fall semester start (September) is the peak; properties start being booked from April–May. If you apply late, you may need to accept slightly more remote or expensive options, but you should adhere to the above commute limit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to walk from the ETH main campus to the nearest student dormitory area?
It depends on the specific dormitory. For example, student dormitories above Central (such as the Hallwylstrasse dormitory managed by WOKO) take only 5–10 minutes to walk to the campus. Living in Niederdorf or Oberdorf generally takes about 15 minutes. It is recommended to choose areas within a 15-minute walk to the main building or within a 10-minute walk from Central station. Even if taking the tram, it is advised to choose apartments where the walk from the station to the accommodation is less than 5 minutes.
What is the approximate minimum monthly rent for student apartments in Zurich in 2027?
The lowest indicative price for a shared room (WG) is 500–600 CHF/month, common in student dormitories (such as WOKO’s double rooms). However, such properties often have strict waiting lists, and international students may need to apply a year in advance. If looking for a short-term option, the minimum budget for a single studio is around 900–1,100 CHF/month. Be sure to contact the operator to confirm the specific price and check whether utilities and internet are included.
Should I live in Zurich city center (Kreis 1)? What are the pros and cons?
The city center (such as near Niederdorf, Bahnhofstrasse) takes only 10–15 minutes to walk to the main ETH campus, especially suitable for students who love city life. However, disadvantages include: expensive rent (studios usually start at 1,300 CHF), more noise (especially in bar areas at night), and higher prices at convenience stores. If you focus more on quiet study, consider semi-central areas (such as Hottingen, Wiedikon), which are a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute tram ride away, with rent 15%–20% lower. Although the old town (Altstadt) in the city center is scenic, many buildings lack elevators, which can be troublesome when moving furniture.
Data-date: 2027-04-08
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