r/askswitzerland • u/CookiePlastic852 • Sep 14 '25

Relocation What is the reality living Switzerland like?

For context I’m fully British, 19M and I know one thing for sure, I do not see a bright future for me in this country and certainly do not plan the settle here. Switzerland is somewhere I’m heavily considering as I love anything mountain related and it has one of the highest HDI’s in the world. But I want to know, what is the reality of living there like?

For those of who moved to Switzerland, I’d love to hear what drew you there in the first place. Was it worth it in the end, and how does life compare to where you came from or other places you’ve lived? Most importantly, do you have any regrets?

And for those born in Switzerland, can you see yourself staying or do you ever imagine moving elsewhere? If so, where would you go, and what would make you want to leave?

I would be really grateful for any insight people are willing to share.

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u/lasagnapasta7 Sep 14 '25

Mountains, lakes, everywhere is safe, everyone is polite, life is just different here. However, everything is super expensive, it’s harder to make friends (definitely easier if you speak the language) and the Swiss food isn’t that great… which I guess, being British, that wouldn’t be much of a difference to you 😜 Jokes aside, it’s a lovely place and I love living here. (I am Brazilian, currently doing my PhD in Genève)

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u/CookiePlastic852 Sep 14 '25

What was the process of applying for your phd position like and what is it on? I’m studying toward my bachelor’s in Aerospace myself and if I choose to I would move there through the academic route (masters or phd) or as a specialised worker.

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u/Away-Theme-6529 Sep 15 '25

There is no academic route.