Housing FAQ

Who is eligible for housing?
All students of Webster University Geneva are eligible for housing assistance through our Housing and Residential Life Office. Note that reservations can only be accepted from students already admitted to the university.

How is housing allocated?
Housing is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Freshman (first-year) students are required to live on campus in the Living and Learning Center in their first year, and accordingly these students are given priority for the Living and Learning Center. Students in the following circumstances may be exempted from this policy provided their request for exemption is granted:

  • Married students
  • Students with a child
  • Students living with their parents in the Geneva/Lausanne area

How do I apply for housing?
To apply for housing, fill out an application form and submit it together with your proof of payment of the CHF 500 housing deposit to:

Housing and Residential Life Office
Webster University Geneva
15, route de Collex,
CH-1293 Bellevue,
Switzerland

Please note that you need to apply and pay the deposit at least three months before your enrollment date at Webster University Geneva. (See below for application deadlines)

What is the deadline for housing applications?
The application deadline for housing for the fall semester is 15 May, and for the spring semester is 15 October.

Applications received after these dates will be processed in order received. However Webster cannot guarantee that housing will remain for the desired semester in cases of late application.

What happens to my deposit?
The CHF 500 security deposit will be refunded after your departure from University sponsored housing provided there is no damage to the room and any furnishings provided therein. In cases of damage you will be charged for required repairs or replacements. You deposit will remain on file until any damage charges have been billed and paid in full.

You will be responsible for cleaning your room during your stay and upon your departure. There will be an inspection on your move-out day.

How do I pay my rent?
Your student account will be charged each semester by the Housing and Residential Life Office based upon your signed housing contract. Housing deposits, tuition payments and housing payments from outside can be made via bank transfer.

Bank transfer details are:
Bank Address:     Account details:
UBS SA
35, rue des Noirettes
1227 Carouge, Geneva
Switzerland     Account holder: Fondation Webster
Account Nr.: 290052.00A
IBAN: CH98 0024 0204 2900 5200A
Swift (BIC): UBSWCHZH80A

When doing a bank transfer, please indicate the student's name as reference for proper crediting.

What does “living independently” mean?
Throughout your studies at Webster, you will have the support of our Housing and Residential Life Office for any issues that may arise. You will be living independently while residing in University sponsored housing. Consequently you are responsible for such things as cleaning your room, doing your laundry, cooking, buying groceries, getting to class on time, etc. It also means you are required to respect all housing laws of Switzerland as well as Webster University Geneva housing and student life policies and regulations. Further, as an independent student you will be held responsible for your actions (see below).

What does “fully furnished” mean?
The rooms in University sponsored housing are furnished. This means Webster provides:

  • Furniture — bed, desk, closet or wardrobe, desk chair, mattress
  • Kitchen — stove, refrigerator
  • Bathroom — toilet, shower

The rooms are not provided with computers, stereos, radios, TVs, or DVD players. They are also not usually provided with sheets, pillowcases, towels, window treatments, cutlery, or crockery.

See below for a list of essential items you need to supply for yourself.

Do I need to bring any household items?
You will need to supply the following essential items for yourself:

  • A bottom and top sheet and a pillowcase for a single bed (dimensions 90cm x 200cm)
  • Towels
  • A cup, plate, knife, fork, and spoons

You can also bring your own appliances, such as hair dryers, radios, stereos, computers, etc.

Are there any housing rules and regulations?
All resident students in University housing are required to respect all housing laws of Switzerland as well as Webster University Geneva policy and regulations.

Specific university policies and regulations relating to housing are outlined in the Housing Policy Booklet, the Housing Contract, and the Student Handbook.

Note that you will be held responsible for your behavior and actions, as well as for all objects within your room or area. This includes students in the presence of a policy violation. Harassment, irresponsible or inappropriate use of facilities, and failure to abide by the policies and procedures outlined in the above-mentioned publications are violations of the lease agreement and may subject you to eviction, university disciplinary action, and/or criminal or civil charges.

Can I move out at any time?
The Housing Contract you will sign will detail the conditions for leaving your apartment earlier than the date specified in the contract.