Karolina Wnuk kwnuk@o2.pl Open Letter ... - University of York

time where you have to take your ‘Certificate of Attendance’ with you to get it signed (after
the session). Your insurance proof will be checked.
Be ready that every weekend, on Saturday, the stores (also food stores) close at 5 or 6 o’clock
and they are closed on Sundays all day – make sure you do shopping before Sunday. Cost of
weekly shopping for food is around 60 Francs (£45 - £50).
It is a great idea to find a job in Geneva. Students from abroad usually teach English language
– private lessons (or other language, if you are an international student), that is usually paid
30-35 Swiss Francs per hour, or do baby-sitting - 15-20 Fr per hour. The easiest way to find a
job is to go to Bureau d’Emploi office and ask them to log you in the system (with your
university login and password) and then you can start reviewing the offers online. If you
seriously look for a job, I would recommend to do it every day and respond as soon as you see
the offer. It is a good idea to have your CV prepared – also a French version – there is a
service in Geneva that helps to review it for free – ask in the bureau d’emploi office.
Even though it seems it is close everywhere in Geneva I recommend to get a monthly ticket –
45 Francs. You can get it at Gare Cornavin at tpg unit. You will have to show your ID (you
need to be less than 25 y.o. to get the ticket half price – 45 Francs). One very convenient thing
about Geneva is that it is easy to get to the airport from practically anywhere. You just go to
Gare Cornavin and then take one stop by train – direction: Airport. It is easy to travel to
England (Easy jet) or to any other country (you can plan some travelling over Christmas or
Easter holiday eg with your new friends from Geneva).
If you like doing sports you will get a small booklet in the beginning of the year explaining
university sports offer. If you like swimming, it is worth to get a monthly pool ticket: it’s only
10 Francs (again, if you are less than 25 y. o. – piece of identity required) - you can use the
pool as much as you want for the whole month (eg Piscine de Vernets). Important note: you
have to come with your own padlock, only a locker is provided. Unlike Uni of York, in
Geneva you have to pay for most of the sports.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact me on kwnuk@o2.pl at any stage of
your trip to Geneva. Good luck!