Erasmus Experience in Gdansk, Poland by Marina

Why did you choose to go to Gdansk, Poland?

I choose gdansk Poland because other students have been here before and we had already a learning agreement to analyse.
But honestly, that was just the useful point. The main reason was because poland is VERY differnt from my country (Portugal) and i knew that, becase of that, i would find here many challenges and i would have to go out of my confort zone. That's what i found, and that's what i was looking for !
Also, it is a very cheap country for traveling, which i love, and which is giving me a change to explorer poland, and even some cities of other countries.

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

I received 1100 € , it helps me with the house bills and a part of the plane ticket. Besides that, i honestly have to cover everything on my own.

What is the student lifestyle like in Gdansk?

The student lifestyle in gdansk is very relaxed. There's not much pressure to do big research and work. You have time to do everything you should do here on erasmus don't worry!

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

Yes for sure!
I recomend gdansk because, i have already had the oportunity to see others citys, which i liked also, but for living not has much.
Gdansk has a perfect atmosfere for students and for sightsee. the old town s absolutly AMAZING, one of the prettiest ones !
As for the university, i think overall it's a good one. But of course has some things to work on , as many other schools.

What is the food like?

Hostly did not went to restaurants yet ! I'm on a Budget Erasmus ! xD

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Gdansk?

Yess, very much....
The worst thing is that not many people talks in english here in poland, and if you don't have a polish person helping you... it's not impossible cause i've made it. but VERY VERY hard..

How much does it cost to live in Gdansk?

I spend between 400€ - 500€ with a little bit of everything: shopping, sightsee, traveling and rent. But i must tell you the big trips ae about to come, so will spend more of course.

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

the language is very very hard i must tell ! xD
classes are in english for erasmus.
And we have spanish, english, polish, german, and some other language courses.

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

POLSKIBUS ! & PKP intercity if not possible by polskibus

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

I can show you, but i can't tell you cause names are hard to memorise! xD

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

No, budget!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Old town has BUCH of attractions, and things are very close to one another. Go to tourist information, they will provide you maps and all there is to know !

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Gdansk?

ENJOY, life for the moment.
Don't think that much (altough is hard) in what you are leaving in your country, and instead embrace what you find cause this is not forever, this is a experience.
BE YOURSELF, don't fall in social pressure. (not just in gdansk, poland. Everywhere you do erasmus)
Be open to new environments, good people, good memories.
Do what you've never done, live what you've never got a chance to live.