Hello everybody - yet another new person, well im moving to switzerland in 3 weeks time, i have a contract in the zurich area. only secured the job a few days ago and so far this is where im at:

1. Dont really know what to expect at work - a bit of a career change for me
2. I cant find anywhere to rent i have emailed 25+ possible flats - they all seem very expensive even the ones that look like something from a 80's butlins holiday camp
3. It;s the first time ive ever taken a job outside of the UK
4. Dont know anyone in switzerland or speak any German
5. Dont know where to live good/bad area's i havnt a clue
6. Everything seems expensive - and extra's everywhere - insurance to ride a bike, having to pay into a swiss pension, paying alll sort of tax's/insurance/tolls

tempted to stay in the UK at least i know who is robbing me

You will love it.

It is probably wise to try and share accomodation considering you are doing contract work.

Hello, Its not easy to make the move but the first thing to remember is "DON'T PANIC" as AnAustralian said, you will love it. Some of those concerns you have will be taken care of by your employer, As for some of the others eg, bike insurance, they are easily sorted once you are here. This site might help you find temporary accomodation, there are a few with short term availabilty, its run through the University. Please feel free to email me if you want to ask any questions regarding location etc. sorry but it is all in German. Good luck.....Gazzy
http://www.marktplatz.unizh.ch/index.cgi?lang=0

Hi
try living here,if you don`t like it here after a few months go home.

Annie

thanks for the replies - i going to book into a cheap hotel for a few weeks to see how i get on - can anyone recommend somewhere good near the airport

Good news: there are no "bad areas" in Switzerland. For more details check the thread on Best place to live in Zürich city?.

Try Formula 1 in Oerlikon...not far from the airport. Goodluck

http://www.hotelformule1.com/formule...he_hotel.shtml

My husband's cousin (Swiss) works in Zurich. He lives in a HUGE, modern flat/apartment just on the outskirts of the city....the bus system is awesome and he takes it to the main train hub. in the city,' bout a 10 minute ride. He's a conductor/driver on the Forchbahn...(not sure 'bout the spelling).

I guess it's like any major city...I lived in Hoboken for years it's just across the river from Manhattan....NO WAY could I afford an apt. in the middle of the city. Thank the Universe we now have a house just outside of St. Gallen...15-20min by car.

Just a suggestion! ^__^

I'll see if I can get info on the areas just outside of the metropolitan area.

Where are you actually going to be working....if you dont need to be in Zurich, also take a look at Winterthur....Im moving from Zurich to Winti and its not too bad.....good rail service to city and airport.

Sound advice! Top Marks.

What do you mean no bad areas in Switzerland.... you very obviously have never neen to Basel... Its a dump! IMHO

I think by "bad areas" it was meant as "unsafe areas." Unfortunate you find Basel to be a dump. I've never heard anybody say that before.

To be honest. you probably don't know who is robbing you in the UK. Have a look at the thread over here. Follow the thread at least through to Nathu's link about Tesco, and read that too.

Yes, Switzerland is expensive, but you get to see where the money goes in terms of general infrastructure, and the public transport system not only works but is affordable.

In short, welcome; I'm sure you will enjoy it once you have tried.

i have been looking for places in Zurich but it does seem pretty expensive while places north of the city seem to be nice, i'm going to be working in opfikon i currently live next to Ascot so i'm used to nice green open spaces - i have been trawling through this site all weekend looking for good places to live - there seems to be a few reasonable hotels by the airport for about £70 a night guess im going to book in there for a month until i find my feet

Gazzy how comes your moving from Zurich ?