Uni vs. High School

The academic year at UZH is divided into two semesters: the Fall Semester (FS) starts in early August and ends in late January, while the Spring Semester (SS) runs from the beginning of February to the end of July. Courses in the Fall Semester start in mid-September and end before Christmas, and courses in the Spring Semester take place from mid-February to the end of June. In the intervening class-free time you’ll have exams, work deadlines and time for vacation.
Dates and addresses: Semester Dates

As a student you may have to commute longer than you did before, or decide to look for accommodation closer to uni. On top of this, you’ll have to take more responsibility for your finances – from budgeting to paying tuition fees, insurance, rent and other expenses. You’ll find more on accommodation options for students and on planning your finances under “Life at UZH”.
Life at UZH: Accommodation
Life at UZH: Finance and Insurances

There are currently some 28,000 students enrolled at UZH (as at December 2024). In popular study programs such as psychology and law, there may be up to 500 people in your year. You’ll find an overview of student numbers, with a breakdown by faculty and subject on the main UZH website:
University of Zurich: Figures

Unlike high school, the relationship with teaching staff is less personal at university. You’ll come into contact with many different instructors and professors who teach your subject areas in different ways. There are also fewer attendance checks – you’re responsible for keeping on top of the subject matter and meeting the necessary conditions to successfully pass a module.

The number of hours that you spend in courses on site at uni depends on your study program. But for most subjects it’s fewer than at high school. Instead, you’ll usually need longer to prepare for and follow up on lectures and classes. Some subjects also offer lectures as podcasts, in other words a recording of the lecture. All of this gives you greater flexibility but also calls for a high level of organization and personal responsibility.

In many study programs at uni you’re responsible for planning your own schedule. You only have to attend and pass the compulsory modules in your study program. From the core elective and elective courses you can select those that you’re most interested in and that best fit into your timetable. This freedom to plan your own schedule allows you to pursue other activities alongside your studies. The sample curriculum in your program regulation is mainly intended as a guide. This is because depending on the study program you can also complete your studies on a part-time basis. You’ll find more information on the Student Advisory Services website:
Student Advisory Services: Part-time study

Unlike high school, you generally have fewer subjects at university, but you study them in greater depth. The advantage of this is that you can focus more on what really interests you and concentrate on your subject area.

At university you’re required to think more independently and develop your own ideas. Critical thinking is not only expected, but actively promoted – you’ll be encouraged to ask questions, challenge arguments and keep reflecting on what you know.

At uni you learn much more independently than at high school. You spend more time in self-study and in deepening your knowledge of the material on your own. Exams are generally more extensive and more demanding, but they usually only take place once or twice a semester, and in some study programs only once a year.

At uni you set your own priorities and plan your own schedule. It won’t always be easy, but you’ll learn to prioritize your tasks. If you ever get stuck, it’s important to reach out and get help in time – whether from your fellow students, instructors or from the Student Advisory Services.
Advice and Support: Student Advisory Services
Advice and Support: Psychological Counseling