How To UZH

Welcome to the UZH! This Page should help you getting started with the Studi-Life at the University of Zürich.


Starting at UZH

What logins & platforms do I need to set up first?

  • Identity Manager: change password, manage accounts
  • Student Portal: module booking, schedule, grades overview
  • UZH Now: timetable, digital student card, menus, grades
  • OLAT: course materials (except Math 1 & 2)
  • Moodle: extra learning platform for some courses
  • Webmail: Outlook / M365 / Teams
  • VPN: remote access to UZH resources


How do I connect to UZH Wi-Fi?

  • uzh-5GHz: best and most stable (especially for exams)
  • uzh: standard campus network
  • eduroam: works also at ETH

Login: UZH email or shortname, password = your UZH password. If it doesn't work, contact Zentrale Informatik (IT support).

Which operating system should I use?

Windows, macOS, and Linux all work. If something is OS-specific, you can use a VM, dual-boot, or a university lab computer.

What laptop is recommended?

Any decent laptop is fine. If you want suggestions:

  • All-round (Windows): Lenovo Yoga Slim 7i Gen 9, Dell XPS 13, Acer Swift 14/16 AI
  • 2-in-1 / Stylus: MSI Summit 13 AI+ Evo, HP OmniBook Ultra, Surface Pro
  • Budget: ThinkBook 14 Gen 7, ThinkPad E16 Gen 2, Inspiron 14 Plus
  • Mac: MacBook Air (M2/M3/M4), MacBook Pro (M3 Pro+)

Aim for ≥ 16 GB RAM, 32 GB if you want long-term / ML-heavy work. Check student discounts (e.g. Projekt Neptun).

Academics & Study Routine

How many ECTS should I take per semester?

30 ECTS = official full-time load. After the first year many students choose about 27-30 ECTS, depending on other committments. You can speed up or slow down at any time.

How many hours per week will I study?

Expect a full-time workload in the assessment year. Later many students combine studies with a 20–40% job.

Where do I find official program information?

Always rely on official documents first: Informatics BSc · Informatics MSc

Should I do an exchange semester?

Consider it early. Clarify recognition, timing, and requirements with study coordination before applying. International Office info.

What are VVZ and Modulbuchung?

  • VVZ: online course catalogue listing all modules.
  • Modulbuchung: system where you actually book modules and exams.

Do I need to attend all exercise sessions?

Often not mandatory, but highly recommended. You see exam-style questions, get feedback, and can ask questions. You register for one slot, but can often visit others if there is space. Hand-ins usually follow your registered group.

Are bonus exercises worth it?

Yes. Even if they don't directly count, they train problem-solving and usually correlate strongly with better exam performance.

Can I change my major or minor?

Changing your minor via the Student Portal is straightforward. Switching between SoSy and Information Systems (major) is possible but may cost some ECTS. Switching to another faculty usually means (partly) losing accumulated ECTS.

Campus Life & Support

What if I feel overwhelmed?

You're not the only one — it's normal.

  • UZH/ETH Psychological Counseling: free & confidential.
  • Nightline Zurich: student helpline in the evenings.
  • Student communities & ICU: talk to others early.

And yes: you can always email us; we're busy, but happy to help. Our email: studies@icuzh.ch

Where can I print, heat food, and study?

  • Print: library & computer room printers (UZHPrintPlus).
  • Microwaves: Mensa, ICU Lounge.
  • Study weekends: BIN, Irchel library, UZH Tower (Stock K), Zentralbibliothek (ZB).
  • External monitors: BIN library (UB Psychologie), IFI lab study rooms.
  • Meetings: book rooms at BIN via booked-UB.

How can I learn German?

Take DaF courses at the UZH/ETH Language Center. You'll meet other internationals there too.

How do I find accommodation in Zurich?

  • Shared flats: flatfox.ch, wgzimmer.ch
  • Student housing: WOKO, JUWO

Start early — housing is competitive.

Which apps are most useful?

UZH now, SBB Mobile, MeteoSwiss, TooGoodToGo, TWINT, Bestande, Outlook, ASVZ.

Where can I find student jobs & internships?

  • IFI company list & department positions
  • ICU Job Mailing List
  • AIESEC & IAESTE for internships abroad
  • UZH Career Portal & career events
  • UZH vacancies & local start-up hubs

Is ASVZ free? Is it easy to make friends?

ASVZ: Yes, included in your semester fees. Use your UZH login.

Friends: lectures, labs, ASVZ, student associations, ICU events — you'll meet people quickly if you show up regularly.

Assessment Year & Scripts

What is the assessment year?

The assessment year is the first Bachelor year at the WWF faculty. Subjects are fixed and must be passed within two years after you start. If you do not pass within this time → exclusion from the program.

Where do I get assessment scripts & old exams?

  • Bestande — summaries & scripts
  • Uniboard — materials, discussions, old exams

Always combine them with official lecture notes & exercises.