Try to learn even a little Zürituutsch, the local dialect. It is certainly not easy for foreigners but if you can make the effort, it will produce results. Good luck with finding an apartment. Out of town a little way might be easier and less expensive but that goes for any large city. Some people commute daily from Baden or Winterthur - cheaper.

How are the expats in zurich? I have never lived in a german part so i am a confused about the mentality of locals and expats there. I heard there's a huge english speaking community living in Zurich compared to Geneva?

Correct. Huge English-speaking expat community in Zürich, but also in Winterthur and Baden. Seems you are only going for one year, in which case, it might be beneficial for you to stick to the Expat crowd, but if you are going to be there longer, then an attempt to make local friends and to learn to speak the language would no doubt be appreciated.

Yea, i will be working there for a year and then I will probably move out for my graduate studies. 

ALso can someone tell me who's living in places like Zug or Winterthur and is working in Zurich, how's the commute? Is it easy? painful? during the rush hours.

People who are fortunate enough to find employment in Zug, generally live there locally as although rents are high, taxes are the lowest in Switzerland [or were until recently]. The commute from Winterthur takes 20 minutes by fast train [there are many] and the train journey is easy but of course, as Winterthur rents are less expensive than Zürich, thousands of people commute each day.

Have you also tried posting your questions in the Zurich forum?

R.

No. I will though! thanks.