r/ethz

Heyy everyone!!

I am interested in pursuing a phd from ETH Zurich and as i was surfing through the website i found out i need a masters for the same.

But the issue is i have a masters in Economics but would be interested in pursuing a phd in informatics and electrical engineering OR computer science

I do have my bachelors in electrical and electronics engineering so i just wanted to ask if my masters degree be a problem in getting me admitted for some other phd programme even if i manage to find a professor who is ready to be my supervisor?

Thank You

Hi, I'm starting my Bachelor's degree in two years and I'd like to know the biggest differences in academics, research, campus life, etc., compared to other universities like EPFL and other large US universities.

Heyy!

I'm starting my Master's at ETH Zurich this September and finding accommodation has been really difficult. I just got an offer from the housing office for a room at Uetlibergstrasse 111b, and I have about 48 hours to decide, so I'd love to hear some opinions before accepting.

From the pictures, the building and the rooms look nice. The rent is around 900 CHF, which isn't cheap, but, from what I've seen, seems to be around the normal range for Zurich student housing.

My main concern is that my program is at the Hönggerberg campus, and the commute seems to take around 45–50 minutes by public transport. Since I'm from a big city and that's usually my average commute I don't necessarily mind. But, do you think it's worth trying to find something closer or is this still considered a good option for ETH students?

I'd also love to hear more about what the accommodation/community is like there. Is it social? Are there many ETH students/international students living there?

Hallo zusammen! Mein Name ist Fabian, ich habe die Aufnahmeprüfung für 2026 bestanden und beginne dieses Jahr mein Mathe studium an der ETH Zürich. Wir helfen allen, die sich für die Aufnahmeprüfung vorbereiten, auf Discord. Wenn ihr Fragen zum Mathe studium habt, könnt ihr euch gerne an uns wenden. Viel Erfolg!

Hey everyone!

My name is Alyne, I'm a UX/UI Design student at IronHack. As part of my final project, I'm researching the online and in-store shopping experience at large Swiss retailers (think Manor, Globus, Zalando, Coop City etc.)

I'm looking for 5 people for a casual 30 minute video call this week about their shopping habits. No preparation needed at all, just a relaxed chat!

You'd be a great fit if you:

✅ Are between 25 and 55 years old

✅ Shop both online and in physical stores in Switzerland

✅ Have used Click & Collect or returned an online order at least once

As a thank you there's a small gift card for your time!

If you're interested or know someone who fits the profile, please DM me or comment below.

Thank you so much!

Hello! I honestly don't know where to find roommates for this, so if anyone knows a better platform, please let me know!

I am a student coming from the US and planning to get my master's at ETH Zurich this coming fall! I heard finding housing is extremely hard and very expensive so I'd love to share a flat with one or more people! I'm looking for women around the same age (I'm turning 22 before I get to Zurich) who are also looking for a flat, I'm looking to pay ~1000 USD if I can but understand it'll likely be closer to 1200/1300 a month (or more 😞)! Hopefully having our own rooms but sharing an apartment (:

Also, a little about me, personally! I graduated from UCLA with Physics + Math of Comp degree, I love cats, like playing guitar, love animated movies + ratatouille, I love to cook, and love rock climbing, ice skating, scuba diving, and skiing! I also like to draw/paint, and like planning cute activities like tea parties and watch-a-movie-while-I-make-the-food nights. I'd love to get to know you, and I'm super excited to move to Zurich

If you're interested, please comment/DM me!

Hi, I'm an undergrad student of aerospace engineering. I'd like to pursue a master's degree in CSE at ETH Zurich. From a mathematical perspective, I'm all good for the requirements, but from a computer science side, I lack some requirements due to the undergrad course I'm pursuing. So, would it be a bad idea to first get another master's degree, somewhere else, in a course which would fill the holes I have in CS, and then go for ETH?

the guy was asian (maybe taiwanese, vietnamese) , had a red tshirt on, studies physics (2nd or 4th semester) and had a nice smile. he was in the group named the splashers.

Hello everyone, I m posting this as I am seeking some advice.

I am currently in my last semester at EPFL doing a bachelor in mechanical engineering and I’ll be attending ETHZ as of next semester to do my masters in Mechanical engineering as well.

Since of the beginning of this year, I have been pursuing an internship part time (15h/week) in Geneva. The company is super flexible, I can work from home whenever I want, I can start at whatever time I want and I also get to choose what days I work.

This internship was for 6 months, but last week my boss spoke to me and she said she would like to keep me for another 6 months.

I personally want to pursue a phd after my masters immediately (if the opportunity arrises ofc) preferably at ETHZ or EPFL. And here is why I am hesitant about accepting the extension:

1. I’m not sure how good my grades need to be to get a phd position at EPFL or ETHZ. I wasn’t the brightest at the bachelor level so I know I need to put in the hours to achieve good grades for my masters.

2. I know my work is flexible and my boss is super nice, but still it might happen that I will not be able to attend a few classes, will that be a big deal? (In general at EPFL I almost never attended classes).

3. Although the company I work at is quite known, and I know it s always good to have industry experience on your CV, but what I do is not really in line with the Labs and research I’m interested in… so is it really worth it (in terms of increasing my opportunity of getting a phd position)?

But on the positive points:

1. the money from that internship /part-time job is good :)

2. The people at the company like me, and they are hoping to keep me after my masters (so that is also good in case I don’t get a phd position, especially that I’m non EU).

In short my biggest worry is that me taking this will affect my grades and therefore affect my future plans in pursuing a phd, and also maybe affecting my master’s experience in a sense that I will meet less people, get out less etc.

So what would you have done if you were me? All kind of advice is welcome! Thanks a lot in advance!

Hey everyone - I'm leaving for 5 weeks starting June 1st and it feels like a waste to let my flat sit empty during this time. I failed finding someone to sub-let for that period so I thought lets do someone a favour and give it away for that time - this is what this is about.

I do have preferences: I need to be able to trust you - get to know you a bit before we hand over the keys and, maybe lets do a 500-1k chf Kaution and formal sub-letting contract for the period (although price set to 0 chf) - how does that sound?

Also, my top priority goes to people who can profit most from it -

Priority 1) people in stressful life circumstances where this would offer relief:

- e.g. people with low income that could need a break / tiny vaccation

- caretakers of people in need (family friends whoever) that need a break themselves

- people in the education process that e.g. have to commute long or are doing an internship but didnt find a room nearby, or students who need a break from WG-life.

- Also prefer students who get a stipendium due to low income of parents (also if you read this and are unsure - pls check e.g. stipendium.ch)

Priority 2) people who would genuinely have a good time, recharge their batteries (dont use too much power though please, lol) e.g.:

- just a change of place of living for a month

- hobbies align with local offerings

- a way to get capacity to do smth good for others (e.g. volunteering work)

About the flat:

65 qm - living room kitchen combined, bedroom & homeoffice separately

4th floor, top floor of building, renovated in 2019

3min to public park with lake access (literally across the street)

5min to coop / migros & Bahnhof

15 min to Zurich HB with S-Bahn, 12 minutes to Stadelhofen

lake view from the balcony

free gym membership - 2min walk - we have arm-bracelets, I'll leave it here so you can use the gym as well, comes with sauna

Living room / kitchen, Balcony with lake view

Anything else?

Did I miss something? If you read this and think "omg this is a horrible idea because xyz" please tell me! :)

How to apply & whats next

make a comment why you should get it or if you know someone why they should (why person / couple / family X would be helped with this) - (if its private stuff pls just DM me) - I'll consider all posts next week & take contact with someone from there!

if anything comes to mind as well - please let me know too!

Hey guys! Long shot but is anyone here studying mechanical engineering or energy systems and is secretly itching to build something? I’m working on a cleantech startup here in Zurich. We have a working prototype and the tech is genuinely interesting (can’t say much publicly but happy to chat). Looking for a co-founder who can help take it to the next level technically. This isn’t an internship — you’d actually co-own it. If this sounds like you or someone you know, drop me a DM 🙂

I was listening to a podcast and a guy from italy doing his masters degree at eth said that you can't apply for a semester abroad, but only for internships if you're not swiss

How true is that? I can find no information about this

Hi, I did the MScQF at ETH and UZH and finding a job nowadays in Zurich seems like an impossible task, even as an EU citizen. I was wondering how easy or hard is it to find a job in Paris without speaking French fluently (A1), London and/or Frankfurt. I do speak German at B2 level, English and a couple of other languages. Have any of you gone through a similar situation? Thanks in advance.

Urgent Help Needed in Zurich for My Mother

Hello everyone,

I am writing this with a lot of hope and desperation. My mother is currently alone in Zurich and going through an extremely difficult situation after the recent loss of my father.

She has no family or close support system in Switzerland and is currently under urgent pressure to vacate her apartment. Due to medical and physical limitations, she is unable to lift heavy items or manage the apartment clearance on her own. She is also facing language difficulties, which has made everything even harder for her emotionally and practically.

The apartment still contains furniture, household items, and personal belongings collected over many years. Since she cannot take everything back to India, she would also like to donate many usable items instead of throwing them away.

At this moment, we are desperately looking for anyone in Zurich — especially from the Indian community — who may be able to help with:
- Packing belongings
- Moving or disposing furniture
- Apartment clearance
- Donation pickup for usable items
- Guidance regarding affordable services or social support

Even small help, guidance, or simply connecting us to the right people would mean a lot to us during this difficult time.

If anyone is willing to help or knows someone who can, please send me a direct message.

Thank you so much for reading and for any kindness or support.

I was offered a room at Uetlibergstrasse 111b, 8045 Zürich through ETH Zürich for CHF 897/month. Does anyone here live there or has lived there before? I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience with the accommodation and the area.

Also, the offer didn’t specify whether it’s a studio or a shared flat (WG). Does anyone know if room no. 270101 is a studio or part of a flatshare?

P.S. Yeah, I already requested more info about the room, but I only have 48 hours to accept the offer and they still haven’t replied to my email. So I thought I’d ask here in case anyone knows and I can get some info faster.

Hey everyone. I’m an incoming MSc student and I just finished my BS, and do not have a large amount of savings in my bank account. I’m planning to try to work at the uni and take out student loans from my home country as needed to pay for my MSc. How do people in a similar situation typically go about showing the proof of 21,000 CHF available in their account? My parents are able to help, but not the full 21,000 CHF. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!!

I’m currently a second-year Computer Engineering student from a tier-3 college in India, and my long-term goal is to pursue a research-oriented master’s program in AI/ML at ETH Zurich (or similar universities like EPFL, CMU, etc.).

Right now, I’m trying to realistically understand where I stand and what I should improve over the next 1.5–2 years.

Current profile:
• Research internship involving multitask learning and medical AI (reading papers + survival analysis + architecture understanding)
• Another ML internship involving brain tumor MRI classification, benchmarking models, and potentially writing an analytical research paper
• IIT Bombay AI hackathon finalist
• Hackathon wins/finals at other events
• Experience building and deploying projects (computer vision, NLP, AWS deployment, Docker, etc.)
• Interested in efficient ML systems, deployment, and applied AI

What I’m currently trying to improve:
• Stronger research depth instead of just projects
• Better analytical understanding and experimentation
• GRE/TOEFL preparation
• Building stronger relationships with professors for meaningful LoRs
• More consistency and long-term focus

I’d genuinely appreciate advice from people who:
• got into ETH/EPFL/top MSCS programs
• came from non-IIT/non-elite backgrounds
• transitioned from “project-building” to actual research depth

Mainly trying to understand:

1. What made the biggest difference in your application?
2. What gaps do students usually underestimate?
3. What should someone in my position prioritize most over the next 2 years?

Would appreciate honest advice rather than motivation. Thanks.

my_qualifications: 2nd year B.Tech Computer Engineering student from a tier-3 college in India, currently doing ML/research internships and working on medical AI projects.

Hi everyone,

I’m a non-EU student admitted to the ETH MSc Cyber Security programme. One thing I’m worried about is the internship. From what I understand, the programme does not really have a compulsory internship, and for non-EU students this might make Swiss internships difficult because of the work permit rules.

So I’m wondering: in practice, how do non-EU students in programmes like this get local experience? Is it basically unrealistic to do a proper internship in Switzerland?

I’m also curious about the job market after graduation. For cs graduates, are general SWE / AI / ML engineer roles usually more realistic than security roles?

I know this depends a lot on the person and the market, but I’d really appreciate honest experiences and any advices from current students or people working in Switzerland.

Thanks!

I just got an email that my application documents for the master were incomplete and a deadline to resubmit. When I looked at it, the only issue is that my CV should be in German or English. It was in French. This is confusing to me, the High School Diploma, and the bachelor diploma, can be in French or Italian, but somehow the CV not? Did this happen to any of you also?

So Romands and Ticinesi have to translate their CV in English or German? That seems so pointless since German/French/Italian/Rumantsch are all Swiss national languages, and ETH Zurich is a Swiss federal institute, not cantonal.