Did Not Find a Room In Time for Zurich Semester Start? Last-Minute Student Housing Guide

The first thing you will need to do is find some temporary accommodation. We have a list on short-term options below which you can use in conjunction with ETH's list.

In the meantime there are things you can do to increase your chances of finding a room early in the semester. In short: socialise non-stop and/or drop your housing standards.

Ask University Networks & Facebook Groups

Both student rooms and private rooms are often settled through private networks. That need not be someone you know but a friend of a friend of a friend may be the solution to your housing problem. That means you need to get out early in the semester and meet as many people as you can.

Join clubs and events with older students who will be better connected. Don't start off by saying "I need a room" but rather introduce yourself, get to know people and mention your housing situation when it feels more natural. Join Facebook and WhatsApp groups and mention it in them without spamming of course. Everyone understands the housing situation and will be sympathetic.

Sublets

Sublets are a great way to get a foot in the door in Zurich. The competition is lower and its better than paying the rent required for short term business housing.

Check Suburbs / Commuting Options

Another way to simplify your search is to look at Zurich's outskirts and commuter towns. Many students live in surrounding areas and take advantage of Switzerland's efficient public transport. A 20–30 minute train ride from towns like Winterthur or Baden can get you to central Zurich, and housing outside the city is usually easier to find and cheaper. It might not be ideal, but it can serve as a reliable stopgap until you find a room in the city. For more details on this approach, see our guide on commuting from suburbs for student housing alternatives.

Business Apartments & Extended Stays in Zurich

If you are looking for a short-term stay, here are some options. Unfortunately many are expensive:

• City Pop: Stylish, compact studios (~20m²) with modern design and Murphy beds. Convenient app-based booking, but often fully booked. From CHF 2,000/month.
• Vision Apartments: Founded in Zurich in 1999, Vision offers affordable, fully furnished studios (20m²) starting around CHF 1,800–2,000/month. More availability compared to City Pop.
• TomoDomo: Co-living spaces fostering community among residents. Studios (16m²) priced around CHF 1,500–1,800/month. Popular and often fully occupied.
• LivingTown: Long-stay hotel with coworking spaces. Suitable for short to medium-term stays. Prices CHF 2,700–3,000/month (minimum two-month stay).
• Acasa Suites: Premium serviced apartments located in Oerlikon. Prices around CHF 3,000/month. Good facilities, suited to corporate stays.
• Blueground: Nicely furnished studios, primarily in Wiedikon area. Monthly rates between CHF 1,500–2,000. High occupancy, advanced booking recommended.
• Homelike: Offers a range of furnished studios (minimum 1-month stay). Compact units (~15m²) typically CHF 2,000–3,000/month.
• HITrental: Short and medium-term furnished rentals. Active listings on Flatfox and own platform. Prices vary based on location and size, typically competitive.
• Comfort Apartments: Run by a responsive local team (Anna & Andy), providing personalized service. Comfortable furnished units, prices typically CHF 2,000-4,000/month.
• numa stays: Design-driven serviced apartments centrally located near Langstrasse. Modern amenities, flexible booking options for short or medium-term stays.
• Apartment Service Zurich: Offers fully serviced apartments aimed at business travelers. Prices and availability on inquiry (typically CHF 3,000–6,000/month).
• Smart Apartments: Premium, fully furnished apartments with rates between CHF 3,000–6,000/month. Direct inquiries needed for booking.

By staying flexible and using these last-minute student housing strategies, you can secure a place to live in time for the semester start. It may not be your dream apartment, but it ensures you have a safe, comfortable base as you continue your housing search. Our Student Housing Guide. provides more tips for a long term search.