Your chances of finding a place (that fit your requirements and budget) increase exponentially outside of Zurich. This is regardless of your race, ethnicity, or gender. full stop.

This is definitely not true (in my experience). I lived in Brugg, as a "lowly" student-type and was accepted into the first apartment I looked at and applied to. I also helped a friend look for apartments in Brugg, and we looked at two together, and she got both of them--beating out all the "Swiss" people we met on the visit(s).

Are you not credible? Based on what you wrote in your opening post and what you have said about your German speaking ability (amongst other things), you seem to be a nicely "credible" candidate for many apartments.

I would add Homegate to your normal websites to search for apartments. The idea that there are too many scams listed there is a bit ridiculous in my opinion. This isn't the US (and I am American) and homegate isn't craigslist...although there is a craigslist for Switzerland with shared rooms available (here) which I had never searched before this.

Just take a step back and relax. Things in Switzerland happen in their own time. When you go to look at places, be very friendly and engaging. Ask questions and compliment the space (even if you aren't enthused). This isn't to say you haven't been, but I find this has been the most important part of the "interview" process for me. If they like you, they will vouch for you. If they really like you, they will help you out as much as they can. And follow up...with a standard "thank you for taking the time to show me the apartment" type email expressing your keen interest. Chin up. It will happen soon.

oh liche, I am sorry to hear that you are going through such a rough time.

First and foremost, I will go see a doctor with regards to your allergy. Try to get medication to control it. Who knows, it might help?

Also, another idea I can think of is to get written testimonials from your current professors at the ETH of your character. It might give you an edge over the hundreds of other people who are applying for the same room.

Finally, give homegate a go. There are ads on there offering one room in a large house often - or even a studio. A friend of mine managed to get a studio flat for 900CHF per month - and wait for it - at Selnau which is dead central! There are also loads of other tips on this forum as to how to make your application stand out - for example: fax your application form instead of posting. Follow up the next day, be polite and enthusiastic when you visit the apartment etc.

If it helps, ask a friend to help you write a cover letter in German as to why you'll be a good room mate.

Good luck and chin up, or in Mandarin, they say 加油！ - keep us posted on how you get on.

__________________
Remember when someone annoys you, it takes 42 muscles to frown, BUT it only takes 4 muscles to extend your arm and b****-slap the mother-f***er upside the head.

Sorry to hear about your troubles. We are currently renting 2 places because my husband is going to school for 6 months... our place in Chur sits empty...so if you are willing to take the hour long train ride, you're welcome to stay with us.
LG Jennifer

That is very kind of you, Jennifer and hope the OP gives it a serious consideration.

Thanks, summerrain. I really appreciate all the great advice.

Thank you very much Jennifer. I just checked the SBB timetable. So I think I'll give some more housing around Zurich a try. If nothing works, I will be happy to come to Chur temporarily. I really appreciate your kindness.

Do look at homegate. Two other websites to look at:

http://www.wgzimmer.ch/

http://www.ronorp.ch/zuerich/inserat...er-dem-kopf.25
http://www.ronorp.ch/zurich_en/class...r-your-head.25

(on the last two webpages, choose the appropriate category at the top of the page)

Good luck.

No problem. My husband tells me a lot of people live in Chur and take the train to Zurich. Otherwise I probably wouldn't have thought to even offer. You're very welcome to stay.