Ask the everyday questions
From university life and public transport to groceries and local routines, your buddy can help you find your feet.
Fall 2026 sign-ups are openA buddy for
A buddy for
everyday life.
Arriving in Zürich and looking for a friendly local connection? Already based here and ready to help someone feel at home? The Buddy System brings you together through shared interests, everyday support, and friendship.
2 Ways to Join
The same programme, seen from two different sides. Choose the journey that fits you.
Get a Local Buddy
Start your exchange with someone who already knows Zürich and can help make the first weeks feel less overwhelming and much more personal.
Enter student life with a familiar face
Join ESN events, cultural activities, social evenings, and city adventures together.
How it works
Four simple steps
- 01Create your Papaya account
Open the Papaya website and register with an email address and password.
- 02Wait for approval
Your registration is reviewed before you are accepted into the ESN Zürich system.
- 03Check your email
Use an address you monitor regularly and avoid Apple's Hide My Email option.
- 04Complete your profile
Add your exchange university, field of study, and gender preferences to activate your account.
- 05Wait to be matched
Matching usually happens at the beginning of the semester.
- 06Meet your local buddy
Reach out, introduce yourself, and agree on a first activity. You decide together how often you meet and what kind of connection works for both of you.
Who is it for?
For students new to Zürich
The programme is for international and exchange students in Zürich who would like a friendly local connection during their semester.
Fall 2026 matching
Register now and allow time: matching usually happens at the beginning of the semester and cannot be guaranteed.
Ready to join?
Sign up today and be part of the Buddy System for the upcoming semester.
A match should feel respectful and comfortable.
If your buddy does not respond, the match does not feel right, or another issue comes up, contact the Buddy System team. We will listen, handle your message discreetly, and look for a practical solution or a new match when possible.
Who can request a Local Buddy?
The programme is designed for exchange students arriving in Zürich who would like a personal local connection during their semester.
Who can become a Local Buddy?
Students based in Zürich who already know the city and local student life can register. You do not need to be Swiss or speak Swiss German; openness, reliability, and a genuine interest in helping someone settle in are what matter most.
When will Fall 2026 matching happen?
Matching is planned for August 2026, before the Fall semester begins. Registering early and completing your Papaya profile improves the chance that your information is ready for the matching round.
Does creating a Papaya account sign me up automatically?
No. First create and activate your account, then enroll separately in the current ESN Zürich Buddy System round.
Are matches guaranteed?
No. The Buddy System is very popular, and the balance between incoming students and available Local Buddies changes each semester. The team will try to accommodate as many participants as possible.
What happens after I receive my match?
Reach out, introduce yourself, and agree on a first low-pressure activity. You decide together how often you meet and what kind of connection works for both of you.
Do Local Buddies need to register every semester?
Yes. Sign up again each term when you would like to be matched with another incoming student.
What am I expected to do with my buddy?
There is no fixed schedule. Meet in ways that suit you both: answer questions, explore the city, attend an ESN activity, cook together, or simply have a coffee.