Geneva is an international city at the crossroads of French-speaking Switzerland and Europe. As a school within HES-SO Geneva, HEAD students have access to the network’s full range of services and resources, including information on housing, insurance, and cost of living, available on the Student Affairs website.
Several housing options are available to HEAD – Genève students, including the Geloge Foundation residences (Champel, Dassier, and Pinchat residences), the Geneva University Housing, and the 1h par m² program.
Other options include L’Étage Étudiant, the Henry-Dunant Residence, Point Commun, Grand Morillon, Omestay, and the La Ciguë housing cooperative.
Given the high demand for housing in Geneva, students are encouraged to start their search well in advance.
HEAD – Genève students have year-round access to job and internship opportunities posted on the University of Geneva Career Center’s job platform.
Upon arriving in Geneva, students should check their health and accident insurance coverage to ensure it remains valid throughout their studies, internships, and any stays abroad.
Health and accident insurance are mandatory for anyone residing in Switzerland. Depending on their circumstances, students may need to enroll with a Swiss health insurance provider or contact the Cantonal Health Insurance Service.
Private liability insurance is also recommended, particularly for housing and equipment borrowed from the school.
The HES-SO Geneva Health Center is dedicated to students’ physical and mental well-being, offering weekly drop-in hours on campus. Free services include primary care consultations, psychological assessments, and referrals to health care professionals.
Studying at HEAD – Genève involves expenses for materials, supplies, and computer equipment needed for projects and degree work. These costs vary depending on the program and the projects undertaken.
In Geneva, the average monthly budget for a student living in student housing is estimated at CHF 2,000–2,500, including tuition fees, health insurance, rent, transportation, and everyday expenses. A detailed budget estimate is available on the HES-SO Geneva website. Financial assistance may be available to students with limited financial resources.
Students who do not reside in Switzerland must independently complete the necessary administrative procedures before arriving in Geneva. Depending on their nationality and the length of their stay, an entry visa may be required.
For study stays lasting more than three months, students must apply for a residence permit through the Cantonal Office of Population and Migration (OCPM) within 14 days of arriving in Switzerland.