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Study In Switzerland: Secrets Of An Affordable Living

Posted on by Liyana

Study in Switzerland: Secrets Of An Affordable Living

Are you looking for a good study-life balance overseas?

Quality education overseas is more accessible now than ever. However, maintaining a wholesome international student experience while getting a quality education is rare.

What if I told you that you could get the best of both worlds? The solution is simple: Study in Switzerland!

Before you let your hopes down due to the presumed extravagant cost of living in Switzerland, let me assure you that is not the case. With careful planning, precise timing, and some cost-saving hacks, Switzerland is not an impossible dream, I promise!

I was in Switzerland for three years and they were the best time of my student life. I came from a middle-class family but managed to afford studying there, with a little secret. Before I let you in on the juicy bits, here’s why Switzerland should be your study abroad destination.

Study In Switzerland, The Heart Of Continental Europe

Coming from personal experience, Switzerland looked exactly like what the travel shows depicted. Surrounded by picturesque mountains that were dusted in snow and dotted with quaint houses made of timber and stone, I could never get enough of its beauty. My choice to study in Switzerland was worth it after all.

Study in Switzerland and be blessed with the amazing alpine view Image source: Pexels

I experienced the perfect balance of study and leisure in Switzerland.

Renowned to be a hot tourism spot for students and travellers, I grasped any chance I had to visit the Swiss landmarks. I saw castles that stood tall despite the passing of time, and rustic villages with locals that embodied the authentic alpine lifestyle.

The Swiss summertime offered equally astonishing views as winter, with turquoise lakes and hiking trails that could excite any adventurous soul.

Why Study In Switzerland?

Rich with culture, breathtaking nature, good quality of higher education, and a multi-lingual community, Switzerland is the top choice for international students. In fact, they total up to 21% of the overall student count.

Based on my research before my study in Switzerland, Swiss universities were generally more affordable compared to its European counterparts. The universities here are financially supported by the government, so tuition fees are much more reasonable.

Depending on your major, a Swiss public university may charge between CHF 500 to CHF 2,000 per semester. Private institutions, however, will charge at a higher rate especially for international students. Many of these schools offer scholarships to international students, so keep an eye out for those!

I Felt At Home Almost Immediately

Study in Switzerland and catch a glimpse of its beautiful buildings Image source: Pexels

Switzerland is one of the happiest countries in the world.

Let me tell you why. There was a perfect work/study-life balance and the clean environment was simply terrific! The violent and petty crime rates were extremely low, which sealed my decision to study in Switzerland.

Besides, the locals are just so welcoming and warm to international students and travellers. I personally made a few connections with the locals there, and we’re still close friends after I left Switzerland!

My Secret To Affordable Living

Of course, you’re not just there to obtain an overseas degree. One of the perks of studying abroad is to experience life in a foreign country. Switzerland has so many activities that you can experience without having to burst your budget.

The Bern medieval tower is not to miss when you study in Switzerland Image source: Pexels

Based on my personal experience, my annual expenditure was about CHF 18,000 to CHF 28,000. As I’ve travelled to other European countries on year-ends, I worked as a freelance writer to fund my travel plans. I was able to live comfortably while enjoying student perks at retail outlets, restaurants, and accommodation.

The question is: How to spend wisely while getting to experience life in Switzerland?

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Look For Budget-Friendly Accommodation

Off-campus accommodation may be pricey if you study in Switzerland with a limited budget. If you’re assigned to a dorm within your university’s campus, go for it! It is much cheaper and convenient to live within the school compounds, and you’re also experiencing living with your peers which can be fun and eye-opening.

When you’re travelling around Switzerland, try to look for homestays, youth hostels, and backpacker hostels. They typically offer shared rooms with single beds for travellers. If you’re lucky, the rooms may come with complimentary breakfast!

Participate In Cheap & Free Activities

Fancy the arts?

There are complimentary museums and galleries in the city that showcase legendary artworks by Van Gogh and Giacometti for free. You may find affordable or free nature-related activities too! From bear sightings to hiking the impressive Swiss hills, you’ll see the beauty of Switzerland with little to no spending.

Your campus will most likely organize its own intellectual and recreational activities too. It is a good chance for you to meet more friends and have a cross-culture experience. There will be choirs, dance classes, sports activities, and many more. Most of these activities are free, so sign up with your buddies and have fun!

Enjoy Hearty Meals While On A Budget

Swiss cuisine is on another level!

I still think of the savoury cheese fondue to this day; you can never get this taste anywhere else in the world. Their tarts, chocolates, and other sweet snacks will also bless your taste buds!

However, it is best to keep these luxuries to a minimum to avoid overspending your budget. I got my weekly chocolate supply from local supermarkets and saved eating out for weekends and special occasions, which saved me a lot of money!

Public Transportation Saves Money & Time

Two red trams at the tram station Image source: Pexels

Besides its affordability, public transportation in Switzerland is super punctual! With a variety of transportation modes, such as trains, trams, buses, boats, and cable cars, the public transport system is linked to other parts of the country. You can have random road trips whenever you want!

You can even get around town and campus by renting a bicycle. It is an environmental-friendly way to travel short-distance, not to mention affordable. You can even enjoy the scenic view on the way!

With scholarships widely available and plenty of ways to save money during your studies in Switzerland, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Not only will you obtain a prestigious degree, but you will gain valuable life skills from your experience abroad!

If you wish to study in Switzerland, Eduloco can help with your application! Just ring them up (+60 11-2069 9087) or send your email to [email protected], and they will provide you all the information you need.

I wish you best of luck..in Switzerland!

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng

Jocelyn Cheng (JC) is an INFP writer seeking to spread inspiration and spark connections through her words. Her dedication to writing has gifted her with an ability to write for multiple platforms (e.g., website, social media, newspaper, magazine, etc) in different fields, namely Education, Travel, and Healthcare. JC personalizes her works by adding a touch of her own experience into the mix whenever she can to relate to her readers. A self-proclaimed poet and currently a freelance writer, she's working on an untitled poetry book at home while juggling between writing for Eduloco, dancing, and keeping her only plant alive.

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Studying In The UK: Best Choice Made In My 20s

Posted on by Thalia Bondoc

Studying in The UK: Best Choice Made In my 20s

I had my whole life planned out. 

After completing high school, I would study for a degree in the United States. Then, I would find a job there, get a US citizenship, buy a quaint house, and settle down with a few furry cats. Coming from a 17-year-old who didn’t know the world better back then, the plan actually sounded easy.  

However, my perfect scheme to go to the US was thwarted when my father insisted that I study abroad in the UK instead.  

Why? Simply because there were relatives in the UK that could look after me. If there was a word to describe my father, it would be overprotective. In fact, the main reason why I wanted to study overseas was to spread my wings and explore the world on my own while being in the prime time of my twenties. So I tried convincing them to understand my reasons of studying abroad and to give their blessings. 

I noticed a stark difference between the American and British education system: UK degrees are priced comparatively lower, with more options to choose from. Besides, the study duration in the UK is also shorter than the US, which prompted me to change my mind. 

I Finally Chose UK

I looked up universities in the UK that offered the degree I wanted, which was Bachelor of Mass Communications. I found a few with decent accommodation and tuition fees, but one school in particular sealed my decision to study abroad in the UK: The University of Hertfordshire.  

Building of University of Hertfordshire, UK.
Image source: Egypt Independent

I fell in love with the university instantly. The school looked impressive, with a combination of classic, red-bricked buildings and innovative study centers made of concrete, steel and glass. It was as though I was going between two different eras!  

Besides, the university was located only 20 minutes away from the Warner Bros and Harry Potter Studios. The Potterhead in me couldn’t contain the excitement! The King’s Cross Station, London was only a 20-minute train ride away, which is quite convenient for an adventure seeker like me. 

After spending (way too much) time reading about fun things I could do there, I realised I had not devised a proper plan for my overseas journey. 

How Eduloco Helped Me Study In The UK

Eduloco was a life saviour. I panicked when I realised how unprepared I was to study abroad in the UK, but my cousin recommended Eduloco to me. It was a study abroad agency that offered consultation and application services for free. Hearing good reviews from my cousin, I decided to send them an email regarding my application to the University of Hertfordshire. 

I got a reply within an hour!  

As I already knew the destination, course, and university I wanted, the counsellor was able to quickly respond to my queries. We sorted out my documents for university and Visa application in no time, and the counsellor even sent me a list of safe and comfortable accommodations according to my budget! I chose to live in College Lane campus, where I had a room to myself with a shared kitchen. Truth be told, the entire process felt like I was talking to a reliable friend rather than an education consultant, which I was really thankful for.  

Hostel room in the UK with table and chair.
Image source: Jashvini Krishnamuthu
How I Adjusted To UK Life

It was challenging at first. As I went there alone, I took some time to adjust to my new surroundings, which was daunting and exciting at the same time. I clicked with my American roommate instantly, and we spent most of our free time exploring town together, from visiting shopping centres to watching Ed Sheeran live at his concert. We’re still good friends to this day! 

Ed Sheeran Divide concert in the UK.
Image source: Jashvini Krishnamuthu

I’ve always heard about the gloomy weather of the UK. Now that I had experienced it myself, it was actually true! Not wanting the weather to obstruct my plans to see all of Hatfield and Hertfordshire, I visited places I could enjoy despite the rainy weather equipped with a hooded rain-resistant jacket. I saved so many umbrellas from their untimely demise this way.  

Train tickets were about £19 which was quite expensive, but with a membership card, I got my tickets starting from £12, depending on the destination.  

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Entrance of King's Cross Station, UK.
Image source: Jashvini Krishnamuthu

The town was dotted with quaint coffee shops that made me forget the chilly weather, and I became a coffee addict from my frequent visits. No regrets, though! Summertime was my favourite weather with a perfect blend of cold and warm temperatures, and it reminded me so much of Malaysia. 

A Different Student Experience 

Group projects were big in my course. There was no thesis here, and the subjects were quite challenging. When it was time for projects, there’s no time for play! However time-consuming and tedious they may be, I still enjoyed the process and noticed myself improving in terms of self-discipline and time management. 

Life on campus was always interesting and entertaining. The school offered a generous amount of clubs and societies ranging from salsa dancing, baking, and even K-pop. I ironically joined the Malaysian Society, but after sharing my experiences with like-minded individuals from home, I gained a network of friends that made my stay in the UK much more worthwhile! I mentored junior Malaysian students to help them adapt to their new environment, which was rewarding and meaningful to me.  

Living In UK Taught Me To Spend Wisely 

Studying in UK was fun, but it wasn’t smooth-sailing all the time. I wasn’t half as prepared as I should have been. I jumped at the opportunity without thinking ahead which caused me difficulties to settle in, but my mistakes taught me how to become a better person. For instance, I spent a lot on train tickets and travel opportunities without considering the consequences of over-spending. I formed a plan to curb my over-spending tendency by limiting my travel plans to semester breaks, and I’ve been spending in a healthy way ever since. 

London Eye, UK
Image source: Pexels

I also bought groceries and necessities from the local stores and markets as they were typically cheaper than items from the mall. My monthly expenditure was about £200 to £300, but it all depends on each person’s spending habits. 

I suggest putting aside some money to fund goals that you want to achieve while studying abroad. It can be attending a concert or going on a European backpacking trip; it feels rewarding when you achieve it with the money you save. I saved enough to visit Ireland and to go on a graduation trip to Italy with my parents. They were the best trips of my life! 

Venice, Italy
Image source: Pexels
The Best Choice Of My Twenties 

When I chose to study abroad in the UK, I was only thinking of making the most of my twenties. I did not expect to change this much from my experience abroad — in a good way. I started as an immature high school graduate eager to see the world without a proper plan. After going through a life-changing overseas experience for three years, I’ve grown to be more self-reliant and confident in my choices. 

There will be differences in culture and funny moments to remember as you study abroad in the UK. They are part of your experience to adapt in a new country. Embrace them as you make new friends, travel, and experience a completely different environment. You will be surprised by what you’ll discover about yourself! 

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