Flats, rooms and residences near the UNIGE

Founded in 1559, the Université de Genève (UNIGE) is located in the beautiful Swiss city of Geneva. Is one of the oldest universities in the country and Europe, established by the well-known Protestant reformer Jean Calvin. With a student population of more than 18,000, the university stands out for its inclusive and cosmopolitan atmosphere. More than 30% of the students come from different countries around the world. In this article, we tell you everything you need to know about the institution if you are going to do your exchange there so that you can find student accommodation near the University of Geneva with all the features that are important to you easily.

Student flats and spare rooms near UNIGE

Below we provide you with the considerations you should keep in mind when searching for the perfect place to stay that fits your ideal location.

Where is the University of Geneva located?

It has several campuses and buildings scattered throughout the city. These are the most notable campuses and places:

Uni Bastions

It’s one of the main campuses of the university. It is located in the district of Les Bastions and houses several faculties, including:

• Faculty of Arts
• Autonomous Faculty of Protestant Theology

The main building, known as “Les Bastions”, is an architectural and cultural landmark of Geneva.

Uni Dufour

Located between Les Bastions and Plaine de Plainpalais, this building houses the Rectorate and the central administration of the University.

Science Campus

This campus is located on the banks of the Arve River, in the Ansermet district. It houses the Faculty of Sciences, which includes departments of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics.

Uni Mail / Uni Pignon

The Uni Mail building is one of the largest in Switzerland dedicated to the Humanities and Social Sciences. It is located in the Du-Bois-Melly district, very close to the campus named in the previous point. Among the faculties in which classes are taught here are:

• Law
• Economy and Administration
• Social Sciences
• Psychology and Education
• Translation and Interpreting

As for Uni Pignon, it’s located next to Uni Mail and houses part of the Faculty of Psychology and Interpreting.

Battelle Campus

This campus is located in the Carouge district, south of the centre of Geneva. Classes are taught here mainly at the University Computer Center.

University Medical Center (CMU)

The institution's University Medical Center is located in Plainpalais, very close to Champel, southeast of the city centre. Classes from the Faculty of Medical Sciences are taught there and it has the Geneva University Hospital (HUG).

Campus Biotech

Located in the industrial district of Sécheron, north of downtown and near Lake Geneva, this campus specialises in research in fields such as Biotechnology and Life Sciences.

Uni Philosophes

This building is located in the neighbourhood with the same name and very close to Uni Bastions. It was renovated due to a fire in 2008 but still retains its historic appearance. It houses the Faculty of Philosophy.

Best neighbourhoods to live in near UNIGE

The following are some neighbourhoods most chosen by young people who want to live near the institution:

Plainpalais

Plainpalais is a lively and culturally diverse neighbourhood, which many students choose to live in because of its access to UNIGE’s central campuses. However, the cost of rent here is usually quite high, since it is located close to the city centre.

Jonction

This neighbourhood is known for its relaxed atmosphere and its proximity to the Rhône River. It is a quiet and picturesque option for those who prefer a more peaceful environment and who want to be close to buildings such as Uni Dufour, Campus de Sciences, Uni Mail, Uni Pignon and Uni Philosophes.

Carouge

Known as "Geneva's Little Italy", this is a picturesque, bohemian neighbourhood with pedestrian streets, designer shops and a vibrant cultural scene. It is ideal if you are going to go to Battelle Campus, which is located right there. In addition, the cost of rent is often a little more affordable compared to the city centre.

Student residences near the University of Geneva

The University halls are located in the so-called Cité Universitaire de Genève. Places in them are in high demand, even from the university itself they insist that you apply as soon as possible. With regards to the private student halls, in Geneva, there is usually not much to offer, but young people usually choose rooms in private shared apartments.

Erasmus at the University of Geneva

Keep these details in mind when making your exchange, so you can make the most of it:

• Geneva is a French-speaking city, so learning or improving your French is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. The university generally offers language courses for international students, and you can also join language exchange groups.
• The university organises a variety of cultural and academic events throughout the year, such as conferences, exhibitions, concerts and film screenings. These events allow you to meet other students and immerse yourself in Geneva's cultural scene.

FAQ about the University of Geneva