Study Together, Not Alone

Studying is simply easier when you’re not on your own. That applies to late-night revision just as much as your living situation. When your shared flat (WG) feels like home and your flatmates feel like friends, it’s easier to concentrate, stay motivated and truly settle in. That’s why team building matters – even in a student flat. And the good news? It’s not as complicated as it sounds.

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🧳 New to the Flat? Here’s How to Get Off to a Good Start

You’ve just moved to a new city, started your studies – and now you’re living with strangers? Don’t worry! Moving in is the perfect moment to break the ice. If you’re open and friendly from the beginning, you’ll help create a relaxed atmosphere for everyone.

Simple steps that go a long way:

• Say hi to your flatmates when you move in and have a quick chat.
• Ask if anyone’s up for some homemade iced tea, a little apéro, or a weekend brunch.
• Show interest in daily WG life – small gestures often go a long way.

This is how the first real conversations start – and how flatmates can become true friends.

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🏡 Living Together Means: Respect, Communication, Team Spirit

A successful shared flat is more than just a place to live – it’s a team effort. It’s based on respect, openness and the little things you do for each other every day. When everyone actively takes part in WG life, it creates an environment where people feel good – and that has a positive effect on your entire study experience.

What good flatmate team building looks like:

• Regular agreements: Creating a cleaning schedule together avoids tension and ensures fairness.
• Clear communication: Talk about wishes or issues early on – be honest, kind and solution-focused.
• Reliability: Whether it’s doing the dishes or contributing to the flat’s kitty for bin bags and cleaning supplies – being dependable builds trust.

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🍝 Shared Time Builds a Shared Feeling

Spending time together every now and then builds a sense of “we”. And it doesn’t have to be fancy: a casual dinner, a games night or a short kitchen chat is all it takes. These little moments help create a supportive environment for everyone.

Ideas to boost the community spirit:

• A WG dinner night with favourite dishes from different countries
• Movie night with popcorn – everyone brings their favourite film
• Weekend breakfast – start the day slow and sociable

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🌍 Differences? Of Course – and That’s a Good Thing!

In student flats, cultures, languages and study fields often mix – and that’s what makes them so exciting. Instead of focusing on differences, try looking for things you have in common. Maybe you all love pasta, binge cheesy reality shows or miss your pets back home. These are the small connections that bring shared living to life – often in heartwarming and surprising ways.

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🎓 Flatmate Teamwork Also Helps Your Studies

Team building in your shared flat has a direct impact on your academic life. When you feel at home in your living situation, it’s easier to focus on exams and stay motivated. Many students say that a good WG helps them manage stressful periods more easily.

Pro tip:
Plan shared study sessions or remind each other to take breaks. In a flat where people support one another, no one gets left behind.

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🌐 Furnished Rooms – Move In, Feel at Home, Focus on Your Studies

Our furnished student rooms in Bern, Lucerne and Brugg-Windisch offer more than just a ready-to-use space. They offer the chance to join a real WG community. Team building begins the moment you move in – easy, open, and friendly.

➡️ Check out available rooms: www.stuwo.ch
➡️ Move in, feel good, and get started – together!

How to Get Financial Support for Your Studies

🎓🇨🇭

Studying in Switzerland can be expensive – rent, books, and living costs add up quickly. But don’t worry: there are plenty of scholarships available to help you finance your studies. Below is an overview of cantonal, national, and private funding opportunities.

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🏛️ Cantonal Scholarship Offices – For Swiss Students

If you live and study in Switzerland, the cantonal scholarship office in your parents’ place of residence is usually responsible for processing your application.

👉 Official list of all cantonal scholarship offices:
🔗 www.edk.ch – Cantonal Scholarship Offices

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🌍 International Scholarships & Exchange Programs

Erasmus+ / Movetia (CH & EU)

This program supports education and exchange semesters across Europe and Switzerland.
🔗 Erasmus+ via Movetia

Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships are aimed at foreign researchers (with a Master’s or PhD) and artists (with a Bachelor’s degree) who wish to study or conduct research in Switzerland. Monthly support of up to CHF 1,920.– is available.
🔗 Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships

📝 Application deadline: around October each year. Requirements include:

• A Master’s in Arts or a PhD program
• Excellent academic performance
• Letters of recommendation & comprehensive documentation

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💼 Private Foundations in Switzerland

Many Swiss foundations also award scholarships to students annually – often based on talent or specific projects.

🧾 Platforms & Directories:

• Stipendium.ch – Submit your application once and reach multiple private foundations
• Swiss Foundation Directory (EDI) – Find and contact foundations directly

🎓 Well-known Foundations:

• Swiss Study Foundation – For particularly gifted Swiss students
• Fritz Gerber Foundation – For young talents in crafts, culture, and sports

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🎉 Success Story: Exchange Student Receives CHF 1,920.– Scholarship

One of our exchange students was awarded a Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship – CHF 1,920 per month for her Master’s in Arts. 💪
This shows that applying for a scholarship early and thoroughly is worth it!

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🏡 Still Looking for a Student Room in Switzerland?

If you’re studying in Bern, Lucerne or Windisch and looking for a fully furnished student room:
👉 Find your furnished student room at Stuwo.ch

Affordable Academic Books for Your Studies – How to Find Used Books in Switzerland

At the start of each semester, not only lectures pile up – but also the costs for textbooks. But study materials don’t have to be expensive! Here’s how you can get the books you need at low cost – or even for free. Perfect for students in Switzerland.

💡 Money-saving tips for academic books
Get them from upper-year students
Ask fellow students in higher semesters if they’re selling or lending their books. The course content often stays the same – and you’ll save a lot of money.

Browse second-hand books on university marketplaces
➤ UNIBOARD Book Marketplace

Compare prices online
➤ billigbuch.ch
➤ buchsuch.ch

Use your university library
➤ University Library of Bern

These tips are useful not only for students in Bern but also for those studying in Lucerne or Brugg Windisch.

🏡 Still looking for a room for the new semester?
If you’re not only looking for affordable textbooks but also a fully furnished shared flat in Bern, Windisch, or Lucerne:
👉 Check out our modern, fully equipped student rooms – all inclusive.

Are you looking for a suitable roommate for your Stuwo WG room in Switzerland?
From now on, finding a roommate at Stuwo is much easier – thanks to our new WG matching database!

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👥 Why is a good roommate important?
A harmonious WG makes everyday life more enjoyable. Similar interests, fields of study, or hobbies can help find the perfect match.
Ideally, your Stuwo WG becomes not just a shared apartment, but your second home. 🫶

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🔍 What is the matching database?
With the new matching tool, Stuwo tenants get exclusive access to an internal database of current housing seekers.
The goal: to make finding roommates for WG rooms easier, more targeted, and faster.

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✅ How it works:
WG looking for a roommate?
Request your personal password from Stuwo.
Access the database:
View profiles of all people who have registered in the last 2 months.
Two-way contact possible:
➤ Housing seekers contact WGs
➤ WG members actively search for suitable roommates

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💬 Advantages of the matching database
Find roommates who fit together – similar interests, hobbies, or study programs can be criteria. Ideally, your Stuwo WG with your roommates is like your second family.

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🔍 New matching database for WG roommates
Interested party matching
Find suitable roommates: by interests, study program, or lifestyle
Save time: targeted search instead of chance
More control: you decide who fits your WG

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⚠️ What you should keep in mind:
The feature is currently in the test phase:
The database is not moderated – some people might not meet all criteria (e.g., no enrollment or pets).
Filter functions are limited – e.g., no exact search by age or university.
Still, the tool is a helpful resource to find suitable WG roommates faster in Switzerland.

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🚀 Get started now:
Is your WG looking for a new roommate?
👉 Ask Stuwo for the password to access the database. Maybe your next WG buddy is just one click away!

Living at Stuwo means more than just having a roof over your head – it’s a lifestyle.

Student life can be challenging — exams, new experiences, and the everyday dynamics of flatshare living. That’s why it’s essential to take care of your mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Your Stuwo flatshare is the perfect place to grow together and support each other. Join the Stuwolaner Challenge and boost your wellbeing – together with your flatmates.

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🧠 Mental Power – Strengthening Your Mind in Flatshare Life

Maintain balance for your mind and thoughts right in the heart of student life.
Try these activities to stay mentally strong:

• Breathing techniques & meditation like Kundalini Yoga
• Cold & warm experiences: winter swimming in the Aare river followed by sauna sessions – inspired by the Wim Hof method
• Reduce stress and regain focus

🎯 Challenge I:
Take a winter swim in the Aare with your flatmates, hold your breath underwater, and capture the moment with a photo! ❄️📸

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❤️ Matters of the Heart – Emotional Balance

Good vibes come from real connections.
Open your heart and share closeness:

• Dance styles like Lindy Hop, Salsa, or Tango – learn and laugh together
• Physical touch & affection: pet a furry friend or share hugs more often
• Experience your flatshare as a second family

🎯 Challenge II:
Dance with every one of your Stuwo flatmates and take a group photo! 🕺💃📸

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💪 Body Matters – Stay Fit & Energized in Flatshare Life

Movement keeps you healthy – even during intense study phases.
Sport is a perfect stress reliever:

• Jogging, strength training, or group stretching
• Stay consistent and motivated: enjoy the endorphin boost!
• Better sleep and more self-confidence

🎯 Challenge III:
Run at least 8 km together as a flatshare and document your run with a photo! 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️📸

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🏆 Win the Stuwolaner Prize!

Complete all three challenges together as a flatshare, submit your photos, and win great prizes! Show how active, healthy, and connected student living at Stuwo can be.

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By promoting wellbeing in mind, heart, and body, Stuwo creates not just a place to live, but a vibrant community where students thrive. Discover your perfect flatshare at www.stuwo.ch.

When you prepare for an exam silence and no distraction are key-elements. At the stuwo flat mostly everyone is calm and busy studying. However try out one of the facilities providing a study place, pack your books and papers and start on a empty desk with a silence surrounding, it has a positive effect on your learning progress. Find a suitable place at one of the workplaces in the link below when you study at UNIBE.

https://www.ub.unibe.ch/services/study_spaces/index_eng.html

My Advice: When you learn for your exams, try to do it in the same way as if you are at the exam. Because as studies have proven, your brain connects the information that you read also with the situation / noises / places / smells / light / feelings /. In a similar situation the brain can easier and faster recall the information. Therefore try to integrate this knowledge in your studies and prepare in a way it helps.

“When there are other students around you, it can simulate a kind of an exam situation. When you learn in this environment your brain can later on in the exam recall the necessary information better. “

Learning Places, Does and Don’ts:
When you change your study habits from time to time, your brain may be better at absorbing information. For myself, to be honest, I have used various things from my studies, including reading books on the Aare, at the stuwo kitchen-table, and also in bed, because I thought it should be more fun, and it did. But I noticed that my sleep wasn’t as good as it was before, suddenly the bed became a place to work and I couldn’t relax in it like before. The work-spaces at Unibe some equiped with flip-charts or a cafeteria definitely helped me to improve my studies.

Brain booster yes or no:
Coffee, energy drinks, caffeine, the positive wish-effect is that you can concentrate on working longer. But after a while the amount has to be increased, otherwise you feel tired again, and there are sometimes side effects such as headache-dizziness, or simply too much adrenaline, which also leads to tension, cramping and nervousness …after 5pm you should stop to drink coffee. And all those brain booster pills that you can find online without knowing what’s inside, be careful …

Naturally healthy and balanced:
I recommend healthy, balanced and light meals especially at dinner. And find out if you are intolerante to some food ingredients. It has made a big difference for me to know what not to eat. This also helps: Sport, good motivational music, drink plenty of water, jump into the Aare, get into momentum and stay in the flow.

Furnished Living as a Student – Smart or Not?

Bringing your own furniture might seem cheaper at first. After all, many students could use furniture from home. But is all that effort really worth it?

Mobility Instead of Furniture Stress

Many students are much more mobile during their studies than they initially expect. Who knows whether you’ll stay in the same city for three years? A semester abroad, an internship in another city, or moving in with your partner – plans can change quickly. In this phase of life, flexibility is a real asset.

A furnished room can make life much easier: no heavy transport, no need to organize help, and no assembly required. Anyone who’s ever carried a big bed and wardrobe up several flights of stairs knows what that means.

What a Furnished Room Can Offer

In cities like Bern, Lucerne or Windisch, there are plenty of housing options for students. A furnished room can be a stress-free, time-saving solution – especially if it already includes everything you need:

• Bed, desk with chair, wardrobe, chest of drawers
• Internet (Wi-Fi)
• Electricity, heating, and all utilities included
• Serafe

Especially during intense study phases, it’s helpful to focus on your education without having to worry about moving furniture or unexpected extra costs.

Two Places to Live – No Contradiction

Some students keep their room at home – to meet friends on weekends or stay connected with their family. At the same time, a furnished room at your study location allows for a structured daily routine, short commutes to university, and a quiet environment for studying.

WG Viewings: A Must – Even for Furnished Rooms

Not every shared apartment functions the same. There are often differences in cleanliness, rules, or consideration. That’s why it’s worth visiting in person beforehand – even if the room is already furnished. In many cases, housing providers carry out yearly walkthroughs to talk with residents about order and cohabitation.

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Conclusion

A furnished shared flat can be a smart choice for many students in Switzerland – especially if flexibility, saving time, and a focused study environment are priorities. If you’d rather put your energy into studying than moving, furnished options offer an easy alternative.

At Stuwo, the monthly rent is fixed – including furniture, electricity, Wi-Fi, internet, heating, and utilities. The Serafe fee is reimbursed. Each room includes: (a large bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, desk, chair)

6 Practical Strategies for Students in Switzerland

Exams can be a major source of stress for many students – often weeks or even months before the actual exam day. Sleep issues, nervous tension and constant overthinking can make everyday life difficult. Because exam anxiety is rarely logical, effective strategies often involve emotional and mental techniques – not just more studying.

Here are six proven methods to overcome exam stress, restore inner calm and improve focus – especially helpful for students living and studying in Switzerland.

1. Move your body outdoors – ideally with others

Exercise in nature – hiking, jogging or skiing – is proven to reduce stress and boost mental strength. Time spent outdoors increases energy and helps you clear your mind. Even better: go with friends. Shared activity helps you disconnect from pressure and recharge.

2. Interrupt the digital overload

Constant scrolling on Instagram, news sites or TikTok can increase anxiety without us realizing it. A digital detox – even just for a few days – slows the mental noise and improves concentration. Try deleting certain apps or blocking them temporarily.

3. Mental techniques to calm your mind

🎧 Listen to mantras: Repeating calming mantras can break the cycle of anxious thoughts and create a state of peace. It might feel strange at first, but many students report surprising benefits.

🧘 Meditation & inner child work: Visualise meeting your younger self with kindness and support. This emotional self-care technique can dissolve tension and restore self-confidence. Practiced regularly, it builds mental resilience before exams. Tip: Katie Byron

4. Use positive affirmations to shift thinking

Statements like “I am enough” or “It’s okay to fail – I learn from it” can replace negative thought loops with empowering beliefs. Record affirmations in your own voice or listen to someone you identify with – repetition strengthens their impact.

5. Try Kundalini yoga and breathing techniques

Focused breathing in Kundalini yoga helps release emotional blocks and promotes inner balance. These techniques are especially powerful for students dealing with exam pressure. Many classes are available in Switzerland, including in Bern and Lucerne.

🧘 Bonus Tips for Relaxation and Focus

Kundalini Yoga in Switzerland:
Discover local classes and online resources to learn Kundalini yoga techniques for deep breathing, balance and stress relief.
👉 kundalini-yoga.ch

Wim Hof Breathing Method:
This popular technique combines controlled breathing and cold exposure to improve mental clarity and reduce anxiety. Try a guided session here:
👉 Watch on YouTube

6. Hypnosis for long-term stress relief

Hypnotherapy can effectively reduce anxiety and promote calm. Whether in-person, in groups or through YouTube sessions, it supports deep mental change. Popular approaches include:

• Anchor technique: Linking a colour (e.g. light blue) with a feeling of calm.
• Visualisation journey: Imagining your worries floating away in a hot-air balloon.
• Changing your perspective: Instead of thinking “I must pass or I’m a failure,” remind yourself that success comes in many forms – your self-worth is not tied to exam results.

Looking for a calm place to study and live?

Stuwo offers fully furnished student rooms in shared flats (WGs) in Bern, Windisch and Lucerne. Our modern, all-inclusive living spaces come with fast Wi-Fi, a desk, bed, wardrobe and more – ideal for focused study and stress-free living. All rooms are rented at a fixed monthly price with no hidden costs.

Join a friendly student community and concentrate on what really matters: your education and wellbeing.

👉 www.stuwo.ch – Student Housing in Switzerland Without the Stress

Discipline, Motivation & Focus – The MOMENTUM for Successful Studying

Successfully completing a degree requires a lot of discipline, diligence, and above all, focus on your goal. Here’s a personal story: During my first degree in Industrial Engineering at FHNW Brugg, I didn’t want to give up. I spent hours trying to solve tasks, but without real progress or motivation. I started blaming processes, lecturers, and organizational issues, losing myself in criticism. Unfortunately, I did not successfully finish my first degree. This was probably because too many modules didn’t interest me — the program was simply too difficult. It is recommended that at least 60% of the modules truly interest you to maintain strong intrinsic motivation.

I studied the habits and methods of successful students and applied them during my second degree, which I completed successfully.

Focus on Your Goal – The Diploma

Stay focused on your goal: passing all your modules! The ultimate goal is and remains the diploma — but not for the diploma’s sake alone. It symbolizes that you have acquired relevant and practical knowledge during your studies. Those who see the diploma as a milestone understand that the real value of studying is the knowledge you retain and can apply.

Focus on passing each module! Do not try to change or revolutionize the curriculum, question university procedures, or challenge the system. Course content and university processes evolve slowly but steadily. Even if you could revolutionize everything, by the time you did, the module and exams would be over. Another common pitfall is getting lost in learning. While it is important to thoroughly understand the material, don’t lose sight of your main goal: the diploma.

Organizational Skills – Key to Success

Ask yourself these important questions:

1. What is graded?
2. How is the grading composed?
3. When and where are the deadlines or exams?

A. Organize Learning Materials
Keep all scripts and documents for each module well organized. Invest in good folders and binders. Punch holes and sort sheets thematically for easy access.

B. Gather Past Exams
Collect past exams from higher semesters. Ask your lecturers if they can provide “zero exams” as early as possible.

C. Take Notes & Create Summaries
Write notes during lectures on your notebook and revise them later into clear, structured summaries.

D. Take Homework Seriously
Complete your assigned homework conscientiously. This reveals where you have difficulties early on. It’s common that not all tasks get solved — always aim to complete at least 70%. Many fellow students will not solve all tasks and many will not pass the module. It is normal for 30–40% of first-year students to drop out.

E. Ask Questions
If you have doubts about homework, ask your peers first. If they can’t help, contact your lecturer via email or directly after class.

F. Plan Regular Reviews
Regularly review material covered in previous weeks to be well prepared for exams.

G. Use Your Time Wisely
Keep track of all your modules and deadlines. Invest time where it’s most needed to pass all modules. Excelling in one module but failing another is not goal-oriented.

H. Form Study Groups
Identify fellow students who are motivated and dedicated. Join or form a small study group with them. Be part of the momentum.

I. Use Tutorials
If a module is difficult, check if a tutor is available. Organize study sessions with your group and the tutor to cover challenging topics.

J. Seek External Help
If you need to repeat a module and struggle to understand certain topics, find someone who can explain it to you — and be willing to pay for this help. This investment is worthwhile.

K. Create a Study Plan for Exam Periods
Plan your study-free exam periods in advance and schedule your study phases. Design a daily routine and calendar, deciding which modules to study when. Start with the harder modules, then proceed to the easier ones. You can review up to four modules per day: two in the morning and two in the afternoon.

L. Maintain Balance
During exam periods, structure your day with breaks, physical activity, and social contacts – friends, family, and your shared flat community.

M. Improve Quality of Life
Invest in your wellbeing: eat healthily, develop good habits, get enough sleep. Reduce or avoid social media (Facebook, Instagram, Messenger), brief news, gossip, movies, and video clips.

N. Overcome Exam Anxiety
Read more about how to manage exam anxiety in my other blog post: Letting Go of Exam Anxiety.

At Stuwo, we understand the challenges students face. That’s why our furnished shared apartments with all-inclusive pricing and supportive flat communities across Bern, Windisch, and Lucerne are designed to help you focus on what matters most — your studies and personal growth. Discover your perfect student home at www.stuwo.ch and succeed with the right environment and network!