Step 5: Final Preparations Before Departure

The next step is to take care of all the practical arrangements, such as finding housing, applying for a visa (if necessary), and preparing your travel documents.

You’ll usually receive helpful information and resources directly from your partner university, including:

• Guides for incoming exchange students

• Tips on housing options

• Information about orientation weeks, student support, and arrival dates

You can also find useful housing information on our website, and it’s worth doing some research on your own — for example, checking Reddit, Facebook groups, or student forums to connect with other exchange students at your destination.

When it comes to accommodation, you’ll often have two main options:

• On-campus housing: Usually managed by the university; often more convenient, social, and cheap

• Off-campus housing: Can offer more independence, but may require more effort to find and more expensive.

Ask your host university early about their housing process, as spots in student residences can fill up quickly.

💡 E2G Tips:

• Check visa deadlines: Some visa applications take several weeks or even months to process.

• Read the partner university’s welcome guide carefully: It often answers 90% of your questions.

• Join student groups online: Many universities have exchange student chats or Facebook groups where you can find housing offers, roommates, and tips.

• Keep an eye on your email: The partner university might send important forms or orientation details shortly before your semester starts.

• Budget planning: Start estimating living costs (rent, transportation, food) so you can plan your finances early.

Once you have completed all the previous steps, it's finally time to start your well-deserved exchange!

In the next and final step, you will find out what you should definitely do as soon as you return to Switzerland. 

👉 Step 6: After the Exchange