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!