Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by FILIPPOS

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

It was a country that nobody of my close friends had been. I have never heard opinions about it, so I went.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

5 months, and I get 400 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

Well, in Warsaw, more or less, everything is about drinking and clubbing. It is a very cheap city in general, but the most expensive in Poland. If you like the more alternative type of entertainment, there is of course a lot of it! But it requires a lot of searching, especially in sites which are only in Polish.

Would you recommend the city and the University of Warsaw to other students?

For Erasmus is a very good option, because:
1) It is cheap
2) Many many students
3) A lot of nightlife
4) Walkable
5)Central Europe=cheap flights to other countries


The bad thing is that not so many people speak english, so the first days are really difficult.
Plus, the police is always present, which in turn make you feel a little bit supervised all the time.

What is the food like?

In general not good.
But they have really good soups, and Kebab places.
LOOK FOR THE "MILK BARS", "bar mleczny" in polish. They serve many
local dishes, and you can get a three-course meal (i.e. soup,salad,main dish) for 4 euro or less.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

I found easily a flat, for 310 euros per month.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

For a week, if you cook at home, you can leave with more or less 50 euros per week, if you go out every day. If you want to eat out as well you will need around 80-90 euros. Some prices:
1)Regular beers: 1,5-3 euros
2)Kebab 2.5 euros
3)Subway 2 euros
4)Milk bar typical meal 3-5 euros
5)Regular Live concerts' entrance 2-5 euros

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

The language is VERY VERY DIFFICULT.
There are courses, for erasmus students is free, at the university.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Warsaw from your city?

Airplane

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Warsaw?

The most typical places are:
1)Pawilony
2)Czupito
3)Piw-paw
4)Kufle i Kapsle

But I recommend bar "Gorączka Złota". Trust me. I am a beer lover.

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Warsaw?

1) Mondays: U szwejka (huge shnichel at potatoes for 4 euros, and 1 liter of beer for 2.5 euros)
2) Kebab Bajka: Huge kebab for 2.5 euros
3) Wilczy glod: 5 euros for a TOP QUALITY 3-course meal, with unlimited salad. Trust me.
4) Sharlotte for breakfast (very good croissant)
5) Barn Burger for burgers
6) chwast food
7) KROWARZYWA Vegan Burger
8) Bar bambino

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Old town, up-rising museum, kopernikus science center are the most important, but in general in two days, you can see more or less everything.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Warsaw in the future?

GO EVERY PARK OF WARSAW!!! THEY ARE VERY GOOD!!!