FAQ: Everything You Need to Know Before Moving In
Got questions about moving to Lugano? We answer the most common questions about contracts, visas, what to bring, and registration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Moving to a new country involves a lot of planning. To help you prepare, we’ve compiled the most frequent questions we receive from incoming students.
1. Do I need a visa to study in Switzerland?
- EU/EFTA Citizens: You do not need a visa, but you must register for a residence permit (Permit L or B) within 14 days of arrival.
- Non-EU Citizens: Yes, you typically need a Type D student visa applied for at the Swiss embassy in your home country before coming.
2. What documents do I need for the residency permit?
You will need to go to the “Ufficio Controllo Abitanti” in Lugano. Bring:
- Valid Passport/ID
- USI/SUPSI acceptance letter
- Your Rental Contract (we provide this!)
- Proof of financial means
- 2 passport photos
3. What is included in my room rent?
At Casa Studenti Lugano, we believe in transparency. Your rent covers:
- ✅ Electricity, water, and heating
- ✅ High-speed Wi-Fi
- ✅ Furniture (bed, desk, wardrobe)
- ✅ Access to shared kitchen & laundry
- ✅ Bi-weekly cleaning of common areas
4. What should I bring with me?
Our rooms are fully furnished, so you just need:
- Bed linen (sheets, pillowcase, duvet cover)
- Towels
- Personal toiletries
- Kitchen basics if you have preferences (though kitchens are equipped)
- Your clothes and laptop!
5. Can I have guests?
Yes, daytime guests are welcome! For overnight guests, please consult the house rules and inform your flatmates out of courtesy.
6. How do I book a room?
It’s simple. Send us a message with your dates and preferred room type. We require a deposit to secure the booking.
“The team at Casa Studenti helped me so much with the registration documents. It made the bureaucracy much less scary.”
— John, US Student
Still have questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help!