Accommodation
Given that CERN is situated on the French-Swiss border, you must decide in which country you are going to live.
Geneva is a predominantly urban district, where public transport is highly developed.
Nearby France is mainly countryside, situated between the Swiss border and the foothills of the Jura Mountain. Most of the students who are living in France, choose Saint-Genis Pouilly, Ferney-Voltaire, Prevessin or Thoiry.
Please note that we do not encourage students to start their contract in July/August since it is difficult to find an accommodation at this period and the CERN hostel is fully booked.
CERN has a Housing Service which can help you find accommodation or make a reservation at the CERN Hostel.
You can also have a look at the CERN market, C, and at some of the Hotels in the area.
Health Insurance
Membership (Main Members | CERN Health Insurance Scheme (chis.cern)) of the CERN health insurance scheme (CHIS) is compulsory*. CHIS provides for reimbursement of a major portion of reasonable and customary expenses resulting from medical treatment within the conditions specified in its Rules, incurred by its Members. CERN pays 7.71% of the monthly basic allowance and the member pays 4.86% of the monthly basic allowance. CERN also pays an additional premium which covers professional accidents and illness insurance (0.12% of the monthly basic allowance). Further information can be found on the CHIS: CERN Health Insurance Scheme website or by contacting the Third-Party Administrator UNIQA | CERN Health Insurance Scheme
The Organization shall not take any measures to safeguard students against the financial consequences of old-age and disability, and unemployment. Should no cover for disability be provided by the home institute the students are under the strict obligation to obtain it themselves. There is a possibility to purchase such insurance from the CERN UNIQA office.
* Unless the students are subject to compulsory health insurance in Switzerland (Lamal), in which case CERN...
Should no cover for disability be provided by your home institute, you are under the strict obligation to obtain it yourself. The Social Affairs Service at CERN will be able to help you find an appropriate insurance and there is also a possibility to purchase such insurance from the CERN UNIQA office.
Leisure and Social Activities
Of course! Technical and administrative students are assigned to a student already at CERN. CERN is not only about working and learning but also sharing, being in an intercultural environment and meeting new people from all over the world. You will receive an email which contains the name and email your buddy. Please contact this student if you have any questions regarding the life in the area. Once you will be at CERN, it will be your turn to help a future student.
The CERN Contract
Students will get 2.5 days per month. In addition, CERN is closed during the Christmas period for 2 weeks without deduction of annual leave.
Please note that any leave you have remaining from another CERN status cannot be transferred to your Student contract.