BeRoomie logo

🌍Expat Community Zurich

Moving to Zurich, Switzerland, offers incredible opportunities, but finding your footing in this vibrant yet sometimes reserved city can be a challenge. Zurich boasts a large and dynamic international community, driven by its status as a global financial hub and home to world-class educational institutions like ETH Zurich. For many newcomers, especially students and young professionals navigating the city's high cost of living, shared housing is a common reality. This guide is your essential companion to not just settling in, but truly connecting with the thriving expat network. From digital communities to in-person gatherings and established associations, we'll show you how to build your social circle and feel at home in Zurich.

Leveraging Digital Hubs for Connections

1

Join "Zurich Expats" Facebook Group

essential

This large, active group is essential for general questions, housing leads, event announcements, and connecting with a broad expat base.

2

Explore "Expats in Zurich" Facebook Group

essential

Another highly popular Facebook group, offering similar resources and discussions, ensuring you don't miss out on important local expat information.

3

Find Niche Facebook Groups

recommended

Look for specific groups like "Zurich English Speakers," "Zurich Hiking Group," or groups related to your nationality or hobbies for targeted connections.

4

Utilize Meetup.com Zurich

essential

Meetup is crucial for finding diverse events, from language exchanges and board game nights to hiking trips and professional networking. There's a group for almost every interest.

5

Join Specific Meetup Groups

recommended

Popular groups like "New In Zurich" or "Zurich International Social Group" are great starting points for newcomers to find welcoming events.

6

Engage with Internations.org Zurich

recommended

This platform connects global minds, offering professional networking events and social gatherings specifically tailored for the expat community in Zurich.

7

Connect on LinkedIn Local Groups

nice-to-have

Search for "Zurich Expats" or industry-specific groups on LinkedIn for professional networking, job opportunities, and relevant local discussions.

8

Join Event-Specific WhatsApp/Telegram Groups

recommended

Often, Meetup or Facebook events will have associated chat groups. Joining these allows for easier communication and follow-up with new contacts.

9

Browse Reddit's r/Zurich

nice-to-have

This subreddit offers a platform for asking questions, sharing local insights, and discovering events from a diverse local and expat perspective.

10

Check Local Online Forums

nice-to-have

Websites like English Forum Switzerland often have Zurich-specific sections for advice, classifieds, and community discussions.

Engaging in Local Events and Activities

1

Attend Meetup.com Events Regularly

essential

Consistently attending events from your chosen Meetup groups is the most effective way to meet new people and build genuine connections. Be proactive!

2

Participate in Language Exchange Nights

recommended

Many cafes and bars in Zurich host language exchange events, like those found through Tandem.net or specific Meetup groups, perfect for practicing German and meeting locals and expats.

3

Join English-Speaking Pub Quizzes

recommended

Venues like Kennedy's Irish Pub or Oliver Twist Pub host popular English pub quizzes, providing a relaxed and fun environment to socialize.

4

Explore University Social Events

recommended

If you're a student or young professional, check events at ETH Zurich or the University of Zurich; many are open to the public or host international student gatherings.

5

Volunteer for Local Initiatives

nice-to-have

Organizations like Züri rollt or various local charities offer volunteering opportunities, a great way to give back, meet people, and practice German.

6

Join a Sports Club or Group

recommended

Whether it's a hiking club, a football team, or a fitness class, shared physical activity is an excellent way to bond and form friendships in Zurich.

7

Attend Cultural Workshops

nice-to-have

Migros Klubschule and local community centers offer various courses, from cooking to crafts, providing a structured way to meet like-minded individuals.

8

Visit Local Festivals and Markets

nice-to-have

Zurich hosts numerous street festivals (e.g., Street Parade, Züri Fäscht) and farmers' markets (e.g., Bürkliplatz market) throughout the year, offering vibrant social atmospheres.

9

Check Out Co-working Space Events

recommended

Spaces like Kraftwerk or Westhive often host networking events, workshops, and social gatherings beneficial for professionals and freelancers.

10

Explore Local Bars and Cafes

nice-to-have

Frequent your local spots; becoming a regular at a cafe or pub can lead to casual conversations and connections with both locals and other expats.

Connecting with Established Expat Networks

1

Engage with Internations Zurich Chapter

essential

Internations offers curated events, from casual meetups to formal galas, specifically for international residents and global minds living in Zurich.

2

Join the American Women's Club of Zurich (AWCZ)

recommended

A well-established club providing social, cultural, and philanthropic activities for American women and other English-speaking women in the Zurich area.

3

Connect with the British-Swiss Chamber of Commerce (BSCC)

recommended

Ideal for business professionals, the BSCC hosts networking events, seminars, and provides a platform for British and Swiss business communities.

4

Explore the Zurich International Women's Association (ZIWA)

recommended

ZIWA brings together women of all nationalities for social gatherings, interest groups, cultural outings, and community service.

5

Research National Expat Associations

nice-to-have

Many nationalities have their own associations in Zurich, such as the Swiss-South African Association or the Hellenic Community, offering cultural events and support.

6

Consider Rotary Club Zurich International

recommended

For those interested in community service and high-level networking, Rotary offers a global network and local engagement opportunities.

7

Join Toastmasters International Zurich

recommended

Improve your public speaking and leadership skills while meeting a diverse group of professionals and expats in a supportive environment.

8

Attend Zurich Comedy Club Events

nice-to-have

Enjoy English-language comedy shows and even try performing yourself; it's a fantastic way to meet creative and fun-loving expats.

9

Check Embassy and Consulate Events

nice-to-have

Your country's embassy or consulate in Switzerland may host national holidays or cultural events, providing a chance to connect with fellow citizens.

10

Seek Out Alumni Networks

nice-to-have

If you attended an international university, check if they have an alumni chapter in Zurich; it's an instant connection point with shared backgrounds.

💡 Pro Tips

Always carry cash for smaller purchases and remember that Swiss punctuality is highly valued, even for casual meetups.

Don't just stick to English-speaking groups; try joining a local Verein (club) for a hobby to meet Swiss locals and integrate deeper.

Be proactive in suggesting follow-up plans after meeting new people; Swiss social circles can take time to open up, so persistence helps.

Utilize Zurich's excellent public transport to explore different neighborhoods for events; it's efficient and often a topic of conversation.

Learn a few basic Swiss German phrases like 'Grüezi' (hello) and 'Merci vielmal' (thank you very much); it's appreciated and shows effort.

Remember that the concept of 'Stammtisch' (regulars' table) exists in some local pubs. Finding one can lead to surprisingly deep connections over time.

🏙️ Why This Matters in Zurich

Zurich's unique blend of high cost of living, world-class institutions, and international business attracts a diverse expat population, making shared housing and community crucial. The city's incredibly efficient public transport network enables easy access to events and social hubs across all districts, facilitating connections. Furthermore, the presence of numerous international associations and language-specific groups directly addresses the needs of a global community in a predominantly German-speaking environment.

Find Your Room in Zurich

Browse rooms and flatshares in Zurich.

Browse Zurich →