Erasmus Experience in Białystok, Poland by Laura

Why did you choose to go to Białystok, Poland?

It was an area I could take more subjects. Besides, with the money that you get from Spain, you can save up and do extra activities that you couldn't do in other places due to the high cost of living. Meaning, with your grant and the cost of living in Poland, you can do a lot while still saving money.

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

My scholarship lasted 11 months. I got around €300 every month.

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

The city has an interesting climate, the people are of a particular character, but at the university, it's much better. They don't speak English in the shops, but if you get some help from your tutors beforehand, doing your shopping won't be that much of a challenge.

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What is the food like?

The food there is similar to Spanish food in some ways. You can buy anything in the supermarket and they have a lot of Spanish products. The meat is good, although they always serve it with something like cauliflower salad that overpowers the flavour of the meat. But the food is good. Besides, next to the university, there's a cheap restaurant run by a Galician guy, so you can eat here if you want.

Was it hard to find acommodation in Białystok?

No, the university and it's signature helped me get a place in the residence.

How much does it cost to live in Białystok?

Per month, around €200 to rent a room, get Internet and buy food.

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

The language is complicated. The university put on a course in basic Polish during the first semester. But you'll pick up words as you go along. It's quite like Russian but it doesn't use the Cyrillic alphabet.

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

I took a flight from Madrid to Warsaw and then a bus from the terminal that will take you directly to Białystok.

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

Rococo, Passion Beach (for latin music), Pronozy and Diamont is really cool but more for summer because it has a great terrace upstairs.

And to eat in Białystok? What were your favourite places?

My friends liked the Spanish place. There's also a German place on the plaza at the town hall, it's expensive but the food is very good.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The buffalo reserve is really cool.

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

Take it easy for the first few days, settling in isn't easy. Above all, try and enjoy the experience.