Erasmus Experience in Krakow, Poland by Gonçalo

Why did you choose to go to Krakow, Poland?

Me and my buddies wanted our erasmus experience to be in one eastern european country

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

I was supposed to stay only for one semester, but I manage to stay the full year. I got a total of 1600(ish) euros for the first semester, and I would get the same for the second semester if i knew that i was going to stay for whole year. I was much less than I spent, but except the house, everything else was very cheap.

What is the student lifestyle like in Krakow?

Krakow is a city of students in Poland, so they have many events prepared for the students, according to the season. There are always many parties with people of in their 20's, everyday of the week.

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

Definitely. I did it before and I'm still doing it now. I'm sure the erasmus experience is pretty cool wherever you are going to stay, but I think that if the city has academic tradition, that experience will be even better.

What is the food like?

Compared to the Portuguese food, it is a little bit different, but im got used to it very easily. They have nice Polish tradicional dishes, like pierogy and zapiekanki. And you always have the option of getting a kebab, a burger or a slice of pizza around the corner. There are many of those opened in the center 24/7.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Krakow?

I paid 250€ a month. Although my house was fully equipped, well located and everything was included. I heard I was paying more than most of my friends.

How much does it cost to live in Krakow?

Besides the house, its very, very cheap. Food, drinks and public transportation are really cheap.

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

In UEK there was a good polish course. The language itself is pretty hard(it was considered the most difficult language in the world!). You will eventually know the basics, to go to the grocery shops and to order some food. Most of the population speaks English, which is nice.

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

By plane, since im from Lisbon, Portugal

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

Frantic and ministers2 were pretty cool. Prozak was good also. After this you will eventually end the night in kitsh. It will look gross in the begging, but you will love it more than any other after a few nights there.

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

Pod wawelem was very very good, and not expensive at all. There are many good restaurants in the city center, you should be also fine with any of those.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

You must definitely go to Auchwitz museum. I'ts not actually in Krakow, but it is fairly close, but do not leave krakow without going there.

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

Always lock all your doors and windows before going out, ive heard many stories that the burglars go thought the windows and steal your value items, like laptops, phones, cameras etc. Be also careful with who you take home. I had a friend who took a girl home and she then opened the door for some guys that steal him.