ETH Zürich Exchange - Fall 2023
In reality every week of this exchange could have been it’s own self-contained trip. From schooling to travelling, there is more than can be put into a single report, so I’ll do my best to at least cover the highlights.
Studies:
- Analog Integrated Circuits - This was awesome to learn about, though on account of not having the pre-requisites, most of my learning came from watching online lectures from the author of the textbook.
- Machine Learning on Microcontrollers - This course has a very cool concept, and the project is super fun [ML-on-MCU]. The labs were not too clear and the lectures did not help much. Lots of self-learning in this course, but it is well worth it in my opinion.
- Control Systems II - Again, I didn’t have the pre-requisites so this was a difficult course, but the material from lecture and tutorials was very helpful. This is probably one of the more applicable courses to what I’ll do in engineering I suspect.
- ETH Zürich Seminar in Robotics and Control - The potential from seminar courses are sky high. UBC needs some of these. A poor lecturer can make you zone out, but a great one is invaluable. Fantastic course.
- Other notes:
- Don’t take too many courses (3 or 4 max), they’re pretty much all evaluated by a single final exam (unless otherwise stated) which is stressful.
- There are lots of resourses that come with your student status (discounts, fitness, events) and I highly recommend using them!
- The cafeteria provides the best value prepared food in all of Zürich so if you’re not into cooking, bring your student card and go there.
Hiking:
- Stoos - This beautiful hike overlooks some lakes when you reach the top. Be prepared for a tiring climb unless you’re willing to pay for the cable car.
- Mürren - The via ferrata here is a must! It is very thrilling and has an unmatched view off the cliff.
- Italy Dolomitis - Lovely and warm the Dolomitis are incredibly beautiful and are often overshadowed by the French and Swiss alps.
- Austria - The Innsbruck via ferrata was more challenging and involved than the Mürren and had beautiful views of Austrian hills, but not as jarring overhangs
- Glacier 3000 - It is heavenly up above the clouds. Remember to bring a coat and gloves.
Polyball and Christmas Markets:
- Polyball is a formal ball hosted in the university. The transformation is mesmerizing. If you’re in Europe it is a must to attend a formal ball. Formal clothes are requried so visit a thrift store if you’re missing apparel.
- Christmas markets are beautiful, but expensive. Walking around is worth it, but bring warm clothes and gloves. Mulled wine isn’t as good as it sounds.
- German Christmas markets are much better priced and have as much sausage as you could possibly imagine. They also have slightly better decor I think.
Skiing:
- I skied twice at Arosa mountain. Ski season starts a bit later into the winter and only a few places are open in December. Regardless, the surrounding mountains are so vast that it feels like the world was meant for one thing only: skiing.
Other:
- If you’re in Zürich for any reason and have down time, an unexpectedly fun experience is Super Body Kondi Attack. Sign up on the ASVZ website and attend at an ETH building for a fun and fulfilling workout.
- Food is expensive in Switzerland (especially Zürich), do groceries at Aldi or Lidl
- Swype has the best phone plan deals and offers e-sim
- If you’re planning to travel, get a travel pass and take advantage as much as you can. Specifically for youth under 26 the deals are well worth it.
- The Lindt chocolate factory is a well presented museum and guide to the history of chocolate. There is infinte chocolate to eat while you’re in the museum and if you can stuff your pockets full you can get even more value… but maybe don’t make it too obvious.
And similarly, just as there was too much to include every detail in writing, there are too many images to display all here and it’s much too diffficult to choose, so I’ve opted to leave this blank.
Word of the trip: Burpee
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