Details

• Switzerland
• MAWiRe-21
• Graduate
• SoSe 2026
• Time spent at the partner university: 5 months
• Contact: Login to see contact information

1. Preparation

The organisational preparations for my exchange semester at the University of Zurich were very straightforward. The registration process at the UZH was conducted via an online tool. The International Office guided me well throughout the entire process. The application procedure was highly structured and all necessary information was communicated clearly. In case of any uncertainties, it was always possible to ask questions and receive timely assistance. A major advantage was that the courses offered at the University of Zurich could already be viewed in the course catalogue before the semester started. This made it possible to plan the learning agreement and select suitable courses at an early stage. Furthermore, course registration was generally not based on a first-come, first-served system. Most courses offered sufficient capacity for all interested students, which provided a high degree of planning certainty. Additionally, the booking and cancellation period ends in the mid of March. Therefore, it is possible to visit courses for one to two weeks and decide afterwards whether you want to take the course or not. Besides the academic preparations, finding accommodation was the most important task before arriving in Zurich. Given the housing situation in the city, it is advisable to start the search early. After arriving in Zurich, exchange students are required to register with the local residents' registration office within the first two weeks. This registration is necessary in order to obtain a residence permit. As a holder of a European Health Insurance Card, I was also able to apply for an exemption from the obligation to take out Swiss health insurance. My travel choice to Zurich was the train. If you book well in advance, the tickets are very affordable.

2. Accommodation

It is very important to start looking for accommodation in Zurich as early as possible. The housing market in Zurich is highly competitive and demand is particularly high due to the large number of international students attending the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich. As a result, available accommodation is limited and rental prices are generally high. The University of Zurich offers accommodation through WOKO housing, which can be a very attractive option for exchange students. However, the number of available places is limited and demand significantly exceeds supply. Consequently, there is no guarantee of receiving a room, especially for students coming from within Europe, as priority is often given to students arriving from overseas. Nevertheless, there is no reason to panic if accommodation cannot be secured immediately. In my experience, students who begin their search early and remain persistent are generally able to find suitable housing. It is therefore advisable to explore different platforms and housing options rather than relying solely on university accommodation. Another advantage is Zurich's excellent public transport system. Trains, trams and buses are reliable and well connected throughout the city and surrounding areas. Therefore, it is not necessary to live in immediate proximity to the University of Zurich, as commuting from other parts of the city or neighbouring municipalities is usually quick and convenient. I lived in a shared apartment with one roommate in Witikon. It took me 20 minutes to get to UZH by bus.

3. Academic life at host university

The University of Zurich's main building is an impressive and architecturally remarkable building. The Faculty of Law offers a comprehensive range of courses. As an exchange student, it is possible to choose between courses on Swiss law as well as a wide variety of international and comparative law subjects. This allows students to tailor their studies according to their academic interests and the requirements of their home university. The lecturers in all of my courses were highly competent, friendly, and helpful. They were always willing to answer questions and support students throughout the semester. I particularly appreciated the high academic standard of the courses while maintaining an open and welcoming learning environment. The teaching style at the UZH is similar to the WU. I can especially recommend three modules I booked: 1. European Civil Procedure (if you liked the Civil Procedure course at the WU) 2. Comparative Civil Procedure (if you are interested in the different concepts of civil procedure between civil law and common law countries) 3. Cross-Border Litigation / Complex Procedure (if you are interest in US Civil Procedure) When choosing accommodation, it is not necessarily important to have a dedicated study space in one's room. Both the University of Zurich and ETH Zurich provide numerous libraries and study areas where students can work individually or in groups. In addition, the university makes all necessary learning materials available, either online or through the law library. As a result, students have easy access to all resources required for their courses and exam preparation.

5. Every day life in the host country

The city offers a very high quality of life and I found the people to be friendly, open, and helpful throughout my exchange semester. One aspect that deserves particular mention is the extensive sports programme offered by ASVZ. The range of activities is exceptional and includes everything from team sports to fitness training in modern gym facilities. Exchange students can make use of these offerings free of charge, which provides an excellent opportunity to stay active and meet other students outside of the classroom. Another major advantage of studying in Switzerland is the possibility to explore the country easily by public transport. The Swiss railway system is highly reliable and connects even smaller towns and regions efficiently. In particular, offers such as the SBB Friends Day Pass make travelling considerably more affordable. This allowed me to visit many different parts of Switzerland during my stay and experience the country's diverse landscapes, cities, and cultural attractions. Furthermore, the ERASMUS+ Network offers many events to meet other exchange students. Especially in the Welcome Week they offer events daily. As a result, my exchange semester was not only academically rewarding but also offered many opportunities for leisure activities, sports, and travelling throughout Switzerland.

6. Testimonial

My exchange semester at the University of Zurich was a highly rewarding experience, both academically and personally. I especially appreciated the international and comparative law courses, the supportive lecturers, and the welcoming learning environment. Outside the classroom, the excellent sports programme, the possibility to travel through Switzerland, and the friendships I built made my stay particularly special. Overall, Zurich was an inspiring place to study, live, and grow.