We wear shoes and use the interwebs in Switzerland.
Hahahaha.... no really? what's your budget?
Thank you for the realism, I would love to pay less than 800 per month, so 1400 - 1900 is the Ideal range but when searching for houses I have always set my budget higher to see potentials.
I am also living in one of the most expensive housing markets in north america so I am used to high housing prices.
I have already been shamed for my Euro ignorance once so, I think it better to ask broad then get thrown down.
Seriously, you are NOT going to find a semi-detached house in the Geneva area for 2250chf. You're honestly unlikely to find a one-bed flat for that amount (unless you're able to live in rural France, and I think we've established that as an American you can’t).
It's not just that Geneva is expensive (it is), but that there's also a serious housing shortage going on at the moment and even those on the ground are having difficulty finding suitable housing.
Have you asked the school if they have a list of places that can offer students a room? That's probably more what you're going to have to accept as accommodation while you're here, then you can spend your pennies skiing, etc.
Just as an example, my son was paying 900chf for a studio flat on the outskirts of Geneva (Carouge) about fifteen years ago....he's currently paying 2200chf for a two-bed apartment in the same area, but that's only because he a} knows the owner, b} has been in the apartment for over ten years, once you're in rent don't rise that much per year.
www.homegate.ch will help you solidify your expectations for what you can get for your money rent-wise.
And speaking of renting.....just rent a car when you need one. If there's two of you it will be much more economical than shipping a car, modifying and importing it (potentially), servicing it, paying for parking, maintenance, winter tyres and more.
Or join Mobility and get a vehicle when you need one.
https://www.mobility.ch/en/private-customers/
I agree that 2,250 for a place in Geneva is pretty unrealistic, even if you think that sounds expensive. Of course, if you can live in neighbouring Vaud canton you’ll have more chance of finding something in that price range. Bear in mind when places are advertised here they don’t include kitchen/bathrooms in the room count. So a 3 room place will be 2 bedrooms and a living room, 3.5 will mean a small additional area for dining.
In Geneva the kitchen is counted as a room.