Hi there

I have been accepted in HTW Berlin for Msc in Business Administration & Engineering and UNISI for Msc in Management.

How is it between the two cities? Can anyone give me some kind of comparison, please?

I am not particularly fond of the cold weather (weather in Berlin is worse than Lugano, right?)

How is the public transportation in the 2 cities?

I would be traveling over the weekends, which one would give me a broader choice? (Would Lugano be better, since it is nearer to Italian border)

Lastly, have anyone been to either university? Can you please kindly comment about it?

I am kinda confused. The total cost in Berlin for 2 years would be slightly cheaper than Lugano, not that substantial, i think.

Please kindly shed some light, as I have never been to any of these two countries/city, and would not have a chance to visit.

Thank you very much!

Berlin is a big exciting city with lots of cultural activity and social life.

Lugano is a small beautiful city with lots of nature and outdoor activities near. I suppose Milan is easy to get to for some big city things.

Berlin is much cheaper than Switzerland.

Traveling, well, Lugano will be much closer to travel to France, Italy, Spain by train. Berlin will have better air connections.


My two cents, probably all it is worth.

Thanks Dakman.

During my calculation, I expect my monthly expenses in Berlin to be 750euro, and Lugano to be 1000euro~1500chf.

Everything from rent, food, transportation all included.

Is that a realistic assumption? I understand that monthly expenses may differ depending on lifestyle, but under normal circumstances as a student, is it realistic?

I read about monthly expenses in other part of CH, but havent come across one for Lugano yet.

Thank you for your help!.

Lugano is a peaceful, idyllic place. But Berlin is a hip, happening place. If you are under 30, or even 40 for that matter, I think you would feel more alive in Berlin than in Lugano. If you're over 50, then go Lugano.

i've only visited lugano, not studied or lived there, so i can't really comment on the city, your course or the university. You can think about which course corresponds to your needs and interests better, and which university is better for your program of choice, esp in terms of resources, networking etc. this will go a long way to getting the job or internship u want when u graduate, if the employer can more easily identify a university. for my money, i'd go to Berlin anytime. actually, i did

Berlin practically pulsates, and locals and students alike are very engaged with current affairs. You'd probably see and experience more there. indeed berlin is farther from italy than lugano, but is well-connected by flights and 2 years really isnt a long time.

finally... any band/singer who tours will make a stop in Berlin

Not to mention, in Berlin, die Blondinnen are very friendly.

I am 22.

But somehow I feel that Berlin would be too hip/happening.
I think I am a more peaceful kind of young guy, a boring one for that matter.

Of course I like big cities, like Berlin, NY, but only for a short period. I dont think I can picture myself living in big cities.

Berlin has excellent international air connection, where in Lugano, I ll have to go to Zurich or Milan.

And, I looked at the academic calendar for both schools.

Berlin's Christmas break is only 2weeks, whereas Lugano's is 1month.

Berlin's summer break is in August-september, and Lugano's is June-july.

I am leaning towards Lugano, but will still keep my mind open.

Noooo! Don't ruin your life Boy!

Just kidding.

I live in lugano, and I go to USI, not for mgnt, but I'm doing masters. Lugano is a very BORING city.. there are things going on, but not as much as a normal city .. after all, lugano barely qualifies to be a city ..

Keep in mind, there are always hidden fees here and there. Currently we (foreign students) are fighting the Ticino government's new policy that prohibits students from getting subsidies for their mandatory health insurance!!! We're keeping fingers crossed for this matter, which saves us 200chf/month...
Meat, and food in general is VERY expensive in Switzerland in general. So, if you're a meat eater, you can get your share relatively cheaper from Como or Milano (you're only allowed 500gr of meat to bring in switzerland). Things limit you a lot here.. getting an appartment, transfering to a new one, transportation cost, etc.

I would choose Berlin over Lugano, but follow your heart I say. If you like to stay home most of the time, and have less people around you (village life) then Lugano is really for you. If don't mind spending ~1500 chf/mo, you'll have your fun (in milano, como, lugano, etc), GREAT NATURE to enjoy everyday, and a great tranquielity everytime you wanna 'study' :-) we have people from Berlin doing Mgmt in USI too ;-)

Hello Piyaz

Unfortunately, for better or worse, i have decided to go to Lugano. haha.
I am currently looking for apartment, and have been in contact with Castalia.

How much are your cost monthly? If you dont mind sharing.

Thank you for your reply.

I think you've answered it for you. Personally I'd go to Berlin any day, but I'm a city person. Lugano is peaceful, orderly, easy to get around and comfortable. But most certainly not exciting, very little nightlife etc. It does have students of course but it's generally more a bankers and retirees place. Slightly busier in summer of course. Your budget of 1000-1500Euro sounds right, if you go shopping in Italy you might actually get by with under 1k Euro.

edit: oops, should have finished reading the thread...

BERLIN !!! You can live quiet there if you like and still have all the options to go wild if you feel like it. And WAY cheaper, esp if you live in the Eastern part.

He's already in Lugano the poor guy!

Haha yeah

Thanks everyone for their replies.

You chose Lugano over Berlin for student life? Oh my... I hope you don't regret it...

Berline is amazing, I lived there for 6 years.

Is there still time to change your decision? I've lived in Lugano and also know Berlin quite well. The advantages of Lugano are 1) much better climate, 2) closer to the Mediterranean, 3) closer to the mountains, 4) Italian lifestyle - this is all nice once your married with children. But for a 22-year old, this place is BORING as hell (well, actually, hell is probably more fun). Just read through all the previous threads of foreign students in Ticino complaining about being lonely and bored.

I also think that this decision seriously limits your career options.

Berlin all the way! Lugano is more a village than a city.

I would estimate the expenses in Lugano about 3000 per month.
Food in Switzerland is very expensive.

Hi everyone!

Haha... Lugano is boring worse than hell...

The only thing keeping me happy here is just the slightly better weather.

USI is a very very poor university by my standard. Perhaps european unis are all like that?

Overcrowded classes, taking 2 classes at the same time, no housing, no knowledge on immigration stuffs, expensive everything, very poor online student services, and I dont really appreciate the nature much.

Regrets? yea sure but, here I am.

I am looking into the possibilities of moving to another uni.

Any idea on how hard it is to transfer my classes?

Thanks in advance.

Transfer to Berlin!