Hey! I’m Sofia Tjia, a third-year international affairs student currently spending the semester at the University of Zurich. I’ve been here since early February, so I thought I’d take a moment to reflect on my experience balancing the desire to travel and explore with the need to stick to a budget, especially in one of the world’s most expensive cities!
One of the best investments I’ve made is the monthly transportation card. With UZH’s campus spread out across the city, this pass has been absolutely worth it. It gives you access to Zurich’s trams, buses, and trains within the central zone. If you're planning to travel more broadly within Switzerland, I’d also recommend the Half Fare Travelcard. It costs around 120 CHF and is valid for a full year, cutting the price of train tickets within the country in half, which is perfect for weekend getaways or day trips!
When it comes to food, cooking at home has been the most effective way to save money. I’m lucky that my flat has a great kitchen and is close to three different grocery stores, which gives me flexibility in both pricing and food variety. Since most restaurants in Zurich are pretty pricey, preparing my own meals has helped me stay on track financially. I also recommend eating at the mensa, the campus dining halls or cafes, where meals and drinks are super affordable for students.
That said, being financially responsible doesn’t mean missing out on fun experiences. With a little planning and smart budgeting, there’s still plenty of room to enjoy a new coffee shop or spontaneous adventure now and then. One of my favorite budget-friendly activities is visiting secondhand shops in Switzerland, many have unique finds and are way more affordable than buying new.
Sofia Tjia
Spring 2025
GW Exchange - University of Zurich
Elliott School of International Affairs
International Affairs Major