Smart Money Moves Every Student Should Make
It is no secret that Switzerland can be an expensive place to live in. Here’s your go-to guide for enjoying all it has to offer—without draining your wallet.
Minimize Your Rent Costs
Rent is your biggest expense, but here are ways to cut it down:
University Housing: Dorms or shared university housing are more affordable and often already furnidhed.
Shared Flats (WGs): Websites list WG Zimmer or flatshares, perfect for budget-conscious students.
Live Just Outside the City: Rents tend to drop just outside city centers, and Swiss public transit makes commuting easy and reliable.
Check out my blog post for tips on your housing search: Start Your Search: How to Look for Housing — StudySmart Switzerland
Food & Grocery Tips
Want to eat well without breaking the bank? Try these hacks:
Meal Prep: Skip pricey restaurants by meal-prepping a few days at a time. It saves both money and time, plus it’s healthier.
Discount Supermarkets: Chains like Aldi, Lidl, and Denner offer great deals. Stock up on non-perishables and share costs with roommates.
Food Apps: Try Too Good To Go for bags of discounted food leftovers, a win for both your wallet and the environment.
Optimize Transportation Costs
Swiss public transport is world-class—but pricey. Here’s how to save:
Student Travel Cards: Cards like the Swiss Half Fare or AG Card give major discounts. Are you under 25 and enjoy going out in the evening? The AG Night is perfect for you! It allows you to travel freely in 2nd class between 7 p.m. and 5 a.m. across the entire SBB network.
Get a Bike: Swiss cities are bike-friendly, and a secondhand bike is a cheap transit alternative (and a workout!).
Working Part-Time
If you have some free time, a part-time job can help cover expenses. International students can work up to 15 hours weekly:
On-Campus Jobs: Check for roles like library assistant, tutor, or admin help.
Retail and Hospitality: Cafes, shops, and restaurants often have flexible hours.
Language Tutoring: English or another language? Tutoring privately locals or childrens can pay up to 35 CHF/hour! I offered my language courses on the platform Apprentus.
Cours particuliers et soutien scolaire à domicile ou chez les professeurs
Start Saving Early
The 50/30/20 rule is a simple way to budget: think 50% for needs (rent, food, or even that new furniture), 30% for wants (dining out, concerts), and 20% for your future (savings and emergencies). As a student, setting aside 20% can feel tough, but even just 5–10% can create a habit and build a safety net for unexpected costs. Make it easier by setting up an automatic transfer with your Swiss student bank account. It’s a small step that brings you closer to your goals!
To help your track your expenses compared to your goals, I recommend the free app 1Money: 1Money - Expense Tracker, Money Manager, Budget
Have Fun
There are lots of ways to enjoy Switzerland on a budget, such as hiking or swimming in the lakes and far more!
Here is my blogpost about affordable fun: Big Smile, Small Price! Affordable Fun in Switzerland — StudySmart Switzerland
With a few savy moves, you can experience the best of Switzerland!
