Students Basics

List of student basics — the essentials every student needs to thrive academically, personally, and socially while studying in Zurich (or anywhere abroad). This includes what to bring, set up, buy, and manage, divided by category for clarity.

1. Academic Essentials

Item	Purpose / Tip
Laptop / Tablet	Mac or Windows; lightweight, long battery. Required for most programs.
Noise-Canceling Headphones	For studying in public, online classes, or focus sessions.
Stationery	Notebooks, highlighters, pens, sticky notes — often cheaper to bring from home.
Printer Access	Optional; most schools offer printing via student cards.
Folder/Cloud Organization	Use Google Drive, Dropbox, or Notion to organize coursework.
Student ID	Required for library, public transport, discounts. Always carry it.

2. Accommodation & Daily Living

Item	Purpose / Tip
Bedding (Sheets, Pillow, Duvet)	Most student rooms don’t include these. Bring or buy at IKEA/Coop.
Cutlery, Cookware	Minimum: 1 pot, 1 pan, knife, cutting board, plates, cup.
Cleaning Supplies	Shared housing = shared responsibility. Dish soap, sponge, detergent.
Personal Care Items	Toiletries, towels, laundry bag, hair dryer. Travel-sized to start.
Shopping Bag	Reusable — Swiss supermarkets charge for plastic bags.

3. Digital Tools

Item	Purpose / Tip
Learning Management Access	Moodle, Teams, Google Classroom (school-specific).
VPN	For secure browsing and accessing home-country content.
Swiss SIM Card / eSIM	Salt, Sunrise, or Yallo; consider prepaid or student plans.
Student Banking App	e.g. Neon Bank (free), PostFinance student account.
Password Manager	Manage school, bank, travel logins securely.

4. Financial Basics

Item	Purpose / Tip
Swiss Bank Account	Required for visa proof, rent payments, jobs.
Debit/Credit Card	International card with no foreign transaction fees.
Budget Tracker	Apps: Revolut, YNAB, Splitwise for roommates.
Emergency Cash (~CHF 100)	Always keep some for transit or food when cards fail.

5. Health & Safety

Item	Purpose / Tip
Basic Medicine Kit	Pain relievers, allergy meds, cold/flu tablets, prescription refills.
Health Insurance Card	Swiss insurance OR exempted coverage proof. Required to register.
Emergency Numbers List	117 (police), 118 (fire), 144 (medical), 143 (mental health hotline).
Mask & Sanitizer	Still helpful during cold/flu season or public transport.
Emergency Contact File	Keep a copy of your passport, visa, insurance, key contacts.

6. Legal & Admin

Item	Purpose / Tip
Passport & Student Visa	Must be valid and kept safe. Photocopies too.
Permit B (residence card)	Apply within 14 days of arrival at the local Kreisbüro.
Housing Contract	For visa, address proof, and permit.
Enrollment Certificate	Required for banking, transport pass, student discounts.

9. Mindset & Soft Skills

Skill	Importance
Basic German	Not required for survival in Zurich, but helpful socially & legally.
Time Management	Keep a routine to balance work, study, and rest.
Resilience	Adapt to new systems, cultures, and teaching styles.
Openness	Be willing to make friends, explore, and ask for help.