Back to School Shopping
The Swiss school year begins in mid August and runs until the end of June.
At this time of year you may notice many signs pointing to the start of the school year. Perhaps you own child is preparing for school too.
Shops Selling School Supplies
Department stores and many supermarkets (especially the larger ones) will be showing their stationery, school bags, reusable snack boxes and other items prominently in the hope you will buy your supplies from them!
Popular places to buy school supplies in the city of Basel include:
- Manor department store (3rd floor), Claraplatz–Rheingasse or Claraplatz tram stop on lines 6, 8, 14 and 15 or bus line 31, 34 and 38.
- Pfauen department store (4th floor), Freistrasse–Bankverein tram stop on lines 3, 11 and 15 or Barfüsserplatz tram stop on lines 6, 8, 14, 15, 16, 17
- Migros MMM, Untere Rebgasse–Rheingasse or Claraplatz tram stop on lines 6, 8, 14 and 15 or bus line 31, 34 and 38.
- Migros M-Parc, Münchensteinerstrasse 200–MParc tram stop on lines 10 and 11
Some Specifically Swiss Things...
Swiss children walk to school by themselves and so you will see them wearing a reflective V shape over their shoulders. These are given out by the school.
Children from Kindergarten can often be spotted carrying large, distinctively colourful backpacks.
If your child is requested by the school to bring Turnschläppchen, you can find these at most children’s shoe shops such as Dosenbach or in the children’s section of the department stores. They are soft elasticated indoor shoes rather like light plimsoles or slippers.
In all cases, if you take your school list (if you have one) to a shop assistant they will be sure to help you find the things you need. Swiss retail assistants in department stores are used to helping customers find what they need.
Swiss school children are prepared for whatever the weather so you may be asked to have rain gear and winter boots ready when the weather turns to autumn.