Places to stay in Geneva

Finding a place to live as a student or intern in Geneva can be a challenge, but there are plenty of great options once you know where to look. Instead of just focusing on typical rentals, you can explore a few different avenues to find the perfect spot for your stay.

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Student Houses and Residences

A great place to start your search is with dedicated student housing. These residences often provide a built-in community and a living environment tailored to student needs. You'll find a range of choices, including:

• Résidence universitaire internationale (F.R.U.I.)

• Edgar and Daniele de Picciotto Student House

• Cité Universitaire de Genève

• Centre pour Etudiants

• La Ciguë

• Home Sweet Home

• International University in Geneva

These residences are a popular choice, so it's a good idea to reach out to them directly and apply as early as you can to secure a spot.

Foyers: A Unique Alternative

For a different kind of living experience, you can look into the various "foyers" around Geneva. These are often smaller residences, sometimes with a community or religious affiliation, that offer rooms to students at affordable rates. They can provide a cozy, close-knit environment and include options such as:

• Foyer International d'étudiants St-Justin

• Le Foyer du centre Chrétien pour Jeunes

• Residence pour les jeunes filles

• Le Foyer de Champel

Navigating the Local Housing Market

If you're looking for a short-term sublease or a room in a shared apartment, social media is your best friend. Many students and expats post available rooms in Facebook groups, which can be an excellent way to find a place quickly. Some of the most popular groups for housing and networking include:

• IHEID Homeless in Geneva

• Housing for International Programmes at the Graduate Institute, Geneva

• GENEVA 🇨🇭 - Rent a House, Villa, Apartment, Flat, Condo, Studio, Room

• Geneva Expats Community

These online communities also help you connect with other students and locals, making your transition to life in Geneva much smoother.

Temporary and Hostels

For your initial days in Geneva while you finalize your long-term housing, hostels are a great option. Both the Geneva Hostel and the City Hostel Geneva offer a clean and comfortable place to stay. The Geneva Hostel is a large, social place that's perfect for meeting other travelers, while the City Hostel is a bit cozier and quieter, with excellent amenities like a clean kitchen. Both also give you a free public transportation card for your stay, which is a huge plus.

Finding a place in a new city takes patience, but with a variety of options available, you'll be able to find a home that fits your needs.