For most of us, the first thing after we arrive in Switzerland would be (in case of not being lucky enough to have our company to find a place for us) to find an apartment. I would like to share with you some tips which is a result of my own experience (one month of searching for an apartment which includes visiting about 17 apts. and sending application for about 6 of them) in Lausanne. These tips may be applicable to other cities, as well, and probably other people can add to it.
Assumptions: You are not Swiss, you do not have a C permit, and you don't have an-10K-salary (or more)!!
1) If you are a single person, be ready to go to the bottom of the applicants' list for larger apartments (3 pcs and more and even 2.5pcs, in some cases). This means that anythings that fits a family, will be given to a family, instead of just one person.
2) Letter of recommendation from your employer REALLYYYYYY makes a difference!! In fact, the last apartment which I visited and I liked and sent my application for, was the first one for which I also added such a letter to my file.
3) If the current tenant recommends you to the agency, you will likely get the apartment, unless there are "way better" applications than yours! Therefore, if the tenant is selling some furniture for some hundered francs, even if you necessarily don't like the items, it DOES WORTH buying them in exchange of a recommendation from his/her part.
4) Try to be the first to submit an application to the agency (the fastest of course is to go in person). In some cases, when they receive a good application, they stop reviewing others!
I wish you luck with this tough job!
Amin
