Have you ever wondered what it's like to live in a place that feels like heaven on earth? If so, then don't hesitate any longer – move to Switzerland! 🇨🇭
Moving to a new country with a different system and a new language can be daunting, but it's worth it. You'll create unforgettable memories and lifelong friendships. Switzerland is a diverse country with four official languages. Nearly a third of the population has a background other than Swiss, with the majority coming from neighbouring countries. This makes it easy for foreigners to travel here, and English is widely spoken, especially in cities. When you first arrive, there's a lot to take in – where to live, what paperwork to fill out, and understanding the system. My recommendation is to start by living in an Airbnb or hotel in an area that interests you. Then, sign up for viewings while you're there. It's also easier to get a place outside the main city centres initially. If you're moving alone, I highly recommend starting in a shared flat. It's very common in Switzerland to share flats, and it's a great way to meet new people. Your flatmates can also help you navigate the first few months in Switzerland.
Breaking the Ice
Once you've settled in and are ready to explore the social scene, the Meetup app is your friend. Swiss people might seem averse to meet new people and hard to get to know, but once you have broken the ice they are very warm people. Meetup is a wonderful platform where you can attend social gatherings of any kind, like sporty events, technical presentations and discussions or pub crawls. I had no connections when I first arrived, but I searched the app for social gatherings in Zurich and found several groups. I attended a few Zurich meetups and expat after-works and had a blast meeting other expats who could share their experiences with me. As I've got more friends, I haven't used Meetup as much, but I have other friends who use it for example to find hiking buddies, and they love it!
Hiking above the clouds with friends is an amazing feeling!
If you're interested in a sport or community, like the scouts, this is another great place for interaction. Joining the basketball team in Baden instantly connected me with like-minded people. It gave me a regular schedule and made meeting new people effortless. I just showed up for practices and naturally got to know others.
Now, let's talk about life in Switzerland. It's incredible! The train network is the best and most reliable I've ever seen. It takes you everywhere with no hassle. I highly recommend buying the Halbtax as soon as possible, as it reduces your train travel by 50%. A Saver day pass is also a great option. It costs between CHF 29 and CHF 69 and allows you to travel as much as you want throughout the country. I've used this pass countless times to explore Switzerland's stunning landscapes. Before I arrived, I wasn't much of a hiker, but the Swiss scenery has made it difficult not to fall in love with its nature. Many of the hikes are very accessible and can be adapted to your fitness level. You can choose from various options, such as walking up and down, taking the gondola down, or using the train. It's like having a playground of hiking trails at your fingertips! My favourite mountain is Rigi. It is very accessible from Zurich, and you can enjoy breathtaking views of the lakes by taking different routes depending on your fitness. What about the Swiss cuisine? If you're a cheese and chocolate lover, you're in paradise! Let's not mention the other food 😉.
There are other places than in the office where you can meet your co-workers, I suggest the mountains!
The workplace is important to thrive in a new country. In my case, a significant part of my social life comes from work. At Renuo, we don't just work; we also bond over shared activities. We've gone hiking, organised board game evenings, pool tournaments and even after work bar rounds. We've also had ski days and events outside the office, all part of our plan to get to know each other better. Renuo actively encourages learning German, providing incentives for classes that can be integrated into working hours. This is also something that helps you easier integrate with the community around you. Even with just some basic phrases, you can feel more welcome everywhere.
So, if you're considering making the move, go for it! If you have any questions about anything from where to live, which hike to take or where you can find the best fondue, don't hesitate to contact me. My advice is – try it out for a while, and if it doesn't work out, you'll still have enjoyed the beautiful country of Switzerland!
PS: I’ve put together a document with my favourite hikes – perhaps some inspiration for the upcoming weekend?
