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Frequently Asked Questions about European University Geneva
European University – The Geneva Business School, Switzerland
Student Life• What clubs and organizations do you have?
• How much do I need for personal expenses?
• Do I need to open a bank account? How would I do this?
• How or where do I change money?
• Do I need a student visa?
• What is the transition process like for transfer students?
• What do students do for fun off campus?
• What sporting activities do you offer?
• Do I need a car?
• Do I need a cell/mobile phone?
• What should I bring with me?
• Should I bring a computer from home or wait to buy one when I arrive?
Housing
• Is there Internet access in the classrooms?
• Can I ship some of my belongings ahead of time?
• Will I have a roommate?
• When will I find out my housing assignment?
• Can I stay on campus over the Christmas/summer break?
• What is the housing like (dorms, apartments, etc.)?
• Is there a meal plan?
Academics
• Are programs entirely taught in English?
• I have spent part of my education in UK/USA, do I need TOEFL/GMAT?
• What is the average class size?
• How many students attend?
• What is the student/teacher ratio?
• When do I register for classes?
• How many classes do students take each day?
Money and Financial Assistance
• Are scholarships available?
• What is the cost of tuition and accommodations?
• Do tuition fees cover book expenses?
• What other financial aid is available?
• Can I earn money by working on-campus?
• Do I need a work permit for on- or off-campus jobs?
• Do I pay in Euros or can I pay in other currencies?
Student Life
What clubs and organizations do you have?
EU has a student council, which in collaboration with the Student Advisor organizes a range of cultural and social activities. Student Council positions are elected in the fall; any EU student is eligible to run for office. The student council acts as the voice of the entire student body.
How much do I need for personal expenses?
The amount of money you will need depends on your spending habits. We recommend around 150–250 € per week as this should easily cover your food, travel and entertainment expenses.
Do I need to open a bank account? How would I do this?
Depending on how long you are planning on staying in Barcelona, you may or may not need to open a bank account. If you plan to be here for more than one semester we suggest you open a bank account. Upon request EU will issue you a letter for the bank stating that you are a student. If you take this letter to the bank you should not have a problem opening a student account.
How or where do I change money?
There are many places in the city to change money. You can use small private companies, American Express shops or banks. Exchange rates do vary so it may be best to look around before you exchange large amounts of money. Exchanging money is a very simple process, you just take your cash to one of the above places and they will calculate the exchange rate and make the exchange which generally takes less than five minutes. Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) can be found all over Switzerland. They usually give the best exchange rates and most of them accept bank cards from around the world.
Do I need a student visa?
All international students require a student visa, except European Union citizens.
What is the transition process like for transfer students?
When you apply to EU we will evaluate your transcripts and let you know how many credits will transfer. When you arrive you will meet with your academic advisor and discuss your educational goals and map out the rest of your degree program. Transfer students are welcomed to EU with open arms and soon feel at home. We offer many transfer opportunities across our worldwide campus network.
What do students do for fun off campus?
An easier question would probably be what students do not do off campus. As we are so well located, there is a huge range of leusure activities to choose from. Students also spend time at the many pubs, clubs, parks, movie theaters and so on while also traveling around the country and throughout Europe.
What sporting activities do you offer?
EU offers students the opportunity to organize and participate in local for football and basketball leagues.
Do I need a car?
As we are located within the metropolitan area so there is no need to have a car. There are many options for public transportation; we are located on tram and bus routes.
Do I need a cell/mobile phone?
This is personal choice. Most students buy a mobile (cell) phone when they are at EU. There are many kinds of phones, service providers, and payment plans you can purchase. The two main types of payment plans are ‘contract’ and ‘pay-as-you-go’. With a contract payment plan, you usually get a free phone, but it requires you to have a bank account, which the service provider can debit monthly. Generally, new students have not been resident in the EU long enough, or do not have enough money in their bank accounts, to get a phone contract and therefore opt for ‘pay-as-you-go’.
Most students prefer the flexibility of a ‘pay-as-you-go’ phone. In order for your phone to have service, you must add credit to it. This comes in the form of ‘top up’ vouchers, which come in denominations of 5–50 € and can be purchased everywhere. As your phone runs out of credit, you buy a ‘top up’ voucher, enter the voucher number into the phone, and it's ready to go again. You only get charged for the phone calls you place, not for incoming calls.
What should I bring with me?
• Credit Cards (with photocopies for your records)
• Debit/ATM Card (with photocopies)
• Document Folder to keep relevant documents:
- Valid Passport and student visa (and a photocopy)
- Copy of offer letter, visa letter, scholarship letter, any other materials sent to you by EU and receipts of payment for all fees
- Your medical records and certified copies of academic transcripts, educational work or work qualifications that you may have completed
• Electricity - the standard voltage throughout Europe is 220V, 50Hz. Plugs have two-round pins and adaptors are available
• Food - Students are responsible for their own food and meals, however there are plenty of supermarkets or affordable restaurants nearby if students do not want to cook. Students must be aware of the accumulated costs involved in eating out on a regular basis.
• Linen - sheets and bedding are provided in some of our housing facilities. Towels are not provided.
• Medical Insurance - Students studying at EU for less than 6 months should ensure they have adequate medical insurance
• Optical Needs - if you wear glasses or contact lenses you should bring spares
• Other personal items - you might find it useful to bring a battery operated alarm clock, a small sewing kit, medical prescriptions
Should I bring a computer from home or wait to buy one when I arrive?
You can purchase a computer either here or at home. For convenience a laptop is recommended. But please be aware that in Europe electrical appliances run on 220/240 voltage. For laptops it is better to buy a whole new power cord to use in Europe than to use the original power cord with a converter/adaptor. It is also best to compare prices for computers in your home country and in Europe.
Housing
Is there Internet access in the classrooms?
EU Campuses have Wi-Fi and study rooms with computer terminals.
Can I ship some of my belongings ahead of time?
Boxes can be sent ahead of time to the main campus. Please keep in mind that we will not be able to store very large boxes and that you will have to transport your belongings from the campus to the residence. If you have large boxes you will have to take a taxi to the residence.
Will I have a roommate?
More than likely you will have a roommate. There are a limited number of single rooms available and will be reserved for postgraduate students on a first-come, first-served basis. All other students will be placed in twin, triple or quad rooms. You could have 1–3 roommates. For more information about housing please visit http://www.euruni.edu
When will I find out my housing assignment?
The Admissions Office will contact you about a month before the beginning of the semester to help you with your room assignment. You can email admissions and we will be happy to help you look for housing.
Is there storage on campus?
There are no lockers on campus, books and various daily supplies will need to be carried with you. Luggage can be stored in the student council office during semester breaks, however items will be left at the owner’s risk. European University will not be held responsible for loss, theft or damage of items.
What is the housing like (dorms, apartment, etc.)?
Different types of accommodation available: student halls, rooms in shared apartments (private renting) or apartments (private renting). European University administration helps students find accommodation. Please contact our administration office in order to get an updated list of available apartments.
Is there a meal plan?
All students provide their own food. There are grocery stores and many reasonably priced restaurants and cafes to eat around the residences and the campus.
Academics
Are programs entirely taught in English?
Yes, all of our classes are taught in English
I have completed part of my education in UK/USA. Do I need TOEFL/GMAT?
The TOEFL is not required if you have proof of study in American or English schools. The GMAT is sometimes required for the MBA. Email admissions department if you have further questions.
What is the average class size?
15–20
How many students attend?
300–-320
What is the student/teacher ratio?
9:1
When do I register for classes?
Registration takes place on the first day of every semester. It is not possible for new students to register early.
How many classes do students take each day?
EU students take 8 classes a semester; these classes generally meet once or twice a week, from Monday to Friday. The number of classes a day varies depending on individual schedules.
Money and Financial Assistance
What is the cost of tuition?
Click here for complete details of our fees.
Do tuition fees cover book expenses?
No, the tuition fee only covers tuition. You will need approximately 500 € for book expenses.
What other financial aid is available?
Students from America or with a sponsor in America can apply for a low interest student loan from International Education Finance Corporation (IEFC). For more details and an application form please visit the IEFC website http://www.iefc.com.
Can I earn money by working on-campus?
EU has a limited number of student jobs on-campus. However, your student visa will allow you to work off-campus for up to 20 hours per week.
Do I need a work permit for on- or off-campus jobs?
Your student visa will allow you to work up to 20 hours per week during the semester and up to 40 hours per week during vacation. This applies to both on-campus and off-campus jobs.
Do I pay in US dollars ($) or Euros (€)?
All of our prices are in Euros. If you wish to pay in US dollars you can. The amount you pay will be based on the current exchange rate to Euros.
Tips for New Students
Accommodation:
You will be living in shared rooms or shared apartments in the Metropolitan area.
Luggage
Please check the weather before coming. It is not often extremely cold here but rain is not uncommon so a waterproof jacket is useful. Try not to bring too much luggage as storage space is limited and remember that the airlines usually limit you to two pieces of checked-in luggage.
Linen
Sheets, bedding and pillows are provided depending on your housing arrangement.
Computers
EU has Wi-Fi access as well as a computer lab with web access and printers.
Food
All students pay for their own food. However there are plenty of places to eat nearby if you do not want to cook.
