Hello everyone.

I am an American moving to Zurich first week of November. I recently finished my PhD and will be working at a Biotech company here. I am quite excited about the experience ahead. As expected for most newcomers to this city, I am struggling to find a roof over my head.

If anyone knows of any particularly cosy space under some bridge, feel free to PM me.

Cheers!

Welcome to the forum.

Have you already looked at the adverts on here ?

http://www.englishforum.ch/adverts-property/

Hello and welcome to EF.

Good luck with your property search.

*waves hello back* welcome to the forum

Thanks!! I feel like I have friends already

Yep! Been also stalking homegate.ch, wgzimmer.ch, comparis, etc. Gave a call to lot of agencies last week too. But, it seems to be quite difficult to arrange for something from abroad. In most cases, they want me to come for a viewing. Quite a few of the agents told me flat out that I have no chance at renting a flat without being in Zurich.

Now, I am hoping to find something to sublet for first 2-3 months! Time is running short, but I am hopeful.

I am afraid the advice given is largely correct - they need to see your permit and are obliged to show you the place before personally signing off the contract, in German if in Zürich.

Search this site for scam, scammer etc. and avoid traps when looking at certain ads on the internet.

Some students I know stay temporarily in a hotel or youth hostel until they are ready to move on to a more permanent lodging.

You might also want to check out the Uni Market Place ( DE - run through Google Chrome browser or a suitable translator ):

http://www.marktplatz.uzh.ch/wohnungen/

Yikes.

At worst, I was hoping to find a flat share or sublet for first few months. Getting a bit old for hostels, but I guess it beats a cardboard under a bridge.

Thanks! I did not have that link!

Maybe this thread can provide alternatives:

Studenthouse Vinzenz-anyone?