Life in Geneva

Table of contents

Table of contents

The embodiment of a global city, a professional hub, and exceptionally comfortable to live in, Geneva is one of Europe's best kept secrets.

What is Geneva like?

A few figures

  • 2nd largest city in Switzerland
  • 41 international organizations
  • 750 non-governmental organizations
  • 50% proportion of foreign residents
  • 196 nationalities represented in Geneva
  • 19000 students between our two parent institutions
  • 20 european capitals less than 2 hours away by plane
  • 5Km distance to the airport from the city center

A global hub

Located in the heart of Europe, a few minutes away from the French border, a train-ride away from Italy or Germany, home to numerous international organizations, NGOs, and multinational companies, and with a sizeable foreign population, Geneva is an inherently international city. No matter where you're from, you can be sure to find a community in Geneva.

One of the world's most liveable cities

Geneva regularly ranks as one of the world's most liveable cities. A cosmopolitan city, Geneva stands out in education and research, with an excellent school system and many world-leading higher education programs and research institutions. It is also known as an exceptionally safe and clean city, with robust infrastructure, effective public transport, and numerous outdoor public spaces. With many different festivals throughout the year focused on food, music, arts, films, Geneva also boasts a vibrant cultural life. A leisure and sports-friendly city, workplaces in Geneva also often offer a better work-life balance than most other international hubs. 

Stunning outdoors

Spending time outdoors in Geneva can feel like stepping into a postcard—where the stunning backdrop of the Alps meets the shimmering waters of Lake Geneva. Whether strolling along the lakeside promenades or hiking through nearby trails, nature effortlessly blends with the city’s refined charm.

What to do while in Geneva?

What to do (when not studying) in Geneva?

Geneva routinely organizes festivals and activities for its residents–notable among them, L’Escalade, La Fête de la Musique, Les Caves Ouvertes and Christmas Markets. Keep an eye on social media platforms for them.

Explore outside Geneva

Switzerland’s natural beauty is unparalleled. With efficient public transport, it is possible to visit famous spots on a day trip from Geneva: Interlaken, Zermatt, Gruyères, Montreux and other cities like Basel, Lucerne, Zurich and Bern. 

The Cornavin train station, located in the city center, also provides convenient access to major international cities in France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, Spain, and more, within 2 to 10 hours of train travel. 

The Geneva Airport is also closely located to the city, with quick public transport access by bus and train (only 7 minutes to the Cornavin station).

More on Geneva

Video

More from our parent institutions

Follow in a Geneva Graduate Institute Student's Footsteps

Follow in a Geneva Graduate Institute Student's Footsteps

University of Geneva: Campus Life

University of Geneva: Campus Life

Learn more

Campus

Studying at the heart of Geneva, our students enjoy state-of-the-art teaching facilities with Lake Geneva and the Alps as a backdrop.

Services & Facilities

By virtue of the joint nature of the MIDS, students can take advantage of the services and facilities of two universities at once.

Housing

Our students have access to a range of options, depending on their budget and preferences, to find their "home away from home" in Geneva.