DISCOVER WINTERTHUR

FIND YOUR STUDY PROGRAM IN WINTERTHUR

WINTERTHUR AT A GLANCE

With a population of about 114,000 people, Winterthur is the sixth-largest city in Switzerland and the second-largest city in the Zurich canton. Today the city is an ideal place to live and study in, providing great living standards and a variety of activities for one’s free time. Walking down the charming Old Town, a popular meeting place for locals, one can discover the medieval spirit in the old buildings intertwined with the modern lifestyle of a metropolis. The city also has quite a long pedestrian zone in its Old Town, which is considered to be the largest one in the country. Filled with shops, small cafés and restaurants, it is perfect option to spend some leisure time after a long day of lectures or for a night out with friends. In addition to the lovely atmosphere, what makes this city ideal for young adults is the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, one of the largest higher education institutions of its type in Switzerland. Due to its location in the Central Plateau, Winterthur is exposed to a rather temperate climate. Western and northeastern winds often influence the climate in this region by bringing cooler weather conditions than usual. Cold winters and warm summers are typical for this climate zone, with an average annual temperature of around 9°C to 10 °C. Winterthur has a well-organized public transport network with city buses and trolleybus lines operating within all districts of the city. In addition, there are eight night buses operating on Friday and Saturday nights between 1:30 am and 4:30 am. The city is not that large in size, which allows most of the locations to be easily reached by foot or bike. Traveling to and from Winterthur is also very easy as the city is well connected via road, railway and air with other cities in Switzerland and countries abroad.

Academic Year

Summer Semester: February – June / Winter Semester: September – January

Official Language

German

Higher Education Institutions

Population

111840

Living Costs

1500 CHF

STUDYING IN WINTERTHUR

Winterthur is home to one of the largest Universities of Applied Sciences in Switzerland, namely Zurich University of Applied Science (ZHAW). Established in 1984, the university carries a good reputation up and currently has more than 13,000 students. It offers 28 Bachelor and 18 Master degree courses in the fields of Linguistics, Psychology, Architecture and Civil Engineering, Life Sciences, and more. Here students can receive a unique experience as they get to benefit from a diverse range of programs, a welcoming atmosphere and exceptional teaching on the part of their lecturers with whom they can have direct contact and discuss ideas. The ZHAW has developed a strong international profile by working in close cooperation with foreign partner universities in all disciplines and thus creating multiple opportunities for both staff and students to engage with different programs across the globe. Students coming to Switzerland for the first time will need to think of finding a suitable place to live. It might be a challenge to find an ideal accommodation, especially from abroad, but all students can turn for help either to the International Office on campus or to several organizations responsible for student accommodation. In Winterthur there are several dormitories offering rooms in shared flats or individual studio apartments. The majority of the rooms come fully furnished with internet access and for prices ranging between 405 and 850 CHF per month with bills included. It is highly recommended for everyone who prefers to live in a student accommodation to start with the application process as early as possible due to the high volume of applications. Alternatively, students can also look for shared flats on the private housing market in Winterthur.

WINTERTHUR LIFESTYLE

The lifestyle in Winterthur is quite peaceful and calm yet very diverse in cultural and leisure activities. Culture here has a long tradition that is alive to this day, which can be seen in the 17 museums, Casino Theatre, Center for Photography, and many other venues hosting various cultural events. Newcomers who wish to explore local traditions in depth and get to know people here can do so by visiting one of the many festivals. Films, concerts, art exhibitions, theatrical plays are only a few of the many events taking place on a regular basis in Winterthur. One thing is certain: local residents are well catered for when it comes to cultural matters. Winterthur is a green city as well since it has a large number of parks and gardens where locals prefer spending their free time. Students who wish to stay active and keep their body in good health even throughout lecture periods can do so by visiting one of the numerous sporting facilities around Winterthur. Another good way to spend the weekends or practice some outdoor exercises is to visit the surrounding region and explore nature while hiking, climbing, mountain biking or simply taking a long stroll throughout wooded areas and meadows. Travel enthusiasts can easily explore the country thanks to the ideal location of Winterthur. Excursions to the Lake Constance or the Rhine Falls can be easily organized, or for those who prefer to spend some time in a bustling city can do so by visiting the nearby metropolis.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES IN WINTERTHUR

Studying in a renowned university like the ZHAW undoubtedly creates a lot of career opportunities for young adults. A degree obtained here provides future graduates with a strong foundation that allows them to establish a successful career and engage with challenging roles in various fields such as banking and insurance, administration at cantonal or federal level, social care, and many others. As in most universities across Switzerland, ZHAW also has a Career Service office on campus which is responsible for connecting students with business communities. In addition, the office also offers support to everyone who needs guidance in preparing for their career start. Throughout the year the Career Service office organizes various events where students can meet their potential employers and interact with representatives from various medium-sized and large companies. Students are also often encouraged to participate in one of the exchange programs or internships offered by the university and local companies. As an attractive business location, Winterthur is an ideal place for everyone who wishes to practice their profession beforehand and gain deeper knowledge of the labor market and a real working environment. Universitaet.com understands how important the work aspect is in a student’s life and so has created an additional section where all users can find the latest job offers in Winterthur and across Switzerland. Current job offers can be found in the “Career“ section on the website.