Tips for studying abroad in Krakow - Study abroad in Krakow

1. Tips for studying abroad in Krakow - Study abroad in Krakow
2. Cost of living in Krakow
3. How to get to Krakow - Getting to Krakow by plane, train, bus or car
4. Krakow neighborhoods - The most important districts of Krakow
5. Accommodation for students in Krakow - Top tips and advices
6. Nightlife in Krakow - Nightclub guide and going out in Krakow
7. Where to eat in Krakow - Best restaurants in Krakow
8. Polish cuisine - The gastronomy of Poland and traditional dishes
9. Public transport in Krakow - Getting around Krakow
10. Top Krakow attractions - The best things to do in Krakow
11. Day trips from Krakow - Places to visit and excursions around Krakow
12. Festivals in Krakow - Festivities and celebrations calendar
13. Krakow In 3 Days - What to see in Krakow in 3 days

Moving to another country or another city or even going on holiday abroad, somewhere we don’t know is always a challenge. It’s stressful, sometimes confusing, and requires a lot of preparation and time. I believe that we all ask ourselves the same questions: What should I take with me? How much money should I save before going? Where should I look for an apartment? Do they speak English over there? What is the weather like? Will I make friends? Tons and tons of questions. However, there’s no need to worry as we all have to face these questions, so we have put together some useful tips and hints to help you survive in Poland.

Money

If you are planning on going to Poland, you have to remember that even though Poland is part of the European Union, they do not use euros, but the Polish Zloty; so if you’re coming from one of the Eurozone countries, this will work to your advantage. For 1 Polish Zloty you will have to pay around 0.25 euros, for 4 zloty - 1 euro. What can you buy for 4 zloty? Well, two (discounted) bus tickets, a loaf of bread, two ice-creams from McDonald’s, one small beer, and much more.

If you can’t exchange your money before coming, you can do so at one of the exchange points (“kantor”, but avoid those at the airport), you can withdraw it from any cash machine (be careful with bank charges!) or just pay for everything by card. Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere in Poland.

Required documents

If your country is a member state of the European Union, then the only document you need is your ID or passport. Otherwise, you will need a visa.

If you are an Erasmus student, it would be a good idea to take your Learning Agreement with you and obtain the European Health Insurance Card, in case you get sick or need medical care.

Language

Let’s be honest, Polish is one of the most difficult languages to learn in the world. So if you’re going to Poland on your Erasmus or just spending a couple of days there, don’t worry if you only learn some basic words or expressions (or nothing at all). Almost everyone speaks English - especially students and young people. You could buy a pocket dictionary if you want to feel more comfortable or learn some basics that will help you with your day to day communication:

Weather

As you may know, Poland is not a tropical country, even though we have the sea and a beach! It is a country located in Central Europe (though many considered it to be Eastern European country), so be ready to experience cold winters (sometimes very cold), nice, warm summers, and beautiful autumns and springs.

If you are going to spend some time in Poland, please take a warm jacket, gloves, scarf, and a hat. During the winter months, it gets really cold (up to -20 ºC) and it snows quite a lot, especially in the south and east of Poland. Summers are really nice, the temperature can reach up to 35 ºC.

However, bear in mind that the weather in Poland changes a lot. One day it might be very sunny and the other very rainy. Buying an umbrella and a pair of wellingtons might be a really good idea.

Fines

In Poland, they are very strict when it comes to basic rules, like buying your bus or metro tickets, crossing the street on a green light, or peeing on the street. So, if you do not follow the law and the rules it may cost you some money:

• Crossing the street on a red light, running across the street, etc. - 100 zloty
• Urinating on the street - up to 500 zloty
• Traveling without a valid ticket - up to 150 zloty
• Drinking in public places - 100 zloty
• Not letting others sleep (between 6 am and 10 pm) - between 200 zloty and 5,000 zloty

• Continue to Cost of living in Krakow

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