Erasmus Experience in Krakow, Poland by Marina

Why did you choose to go to Krakow, Poland?

Poland was an undiscovered country for me, so I decided to come here and travel around (also it is very well located in Europe to go to many more places easily). It is also very cheap and there are lots of students everywhere here in Krakow, which creates a very nice environment. You will never be bored!

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

I am staying here for 10 months, but my scholarship only covers 7. I get 200€/month, so 1400€ in total

What is the student lifestyle like in Krakow?

A lot of partying at nights, but also many more activities (sports, cultural... ), very nice cafes full of students chatting... you will always see young people walking on the streets!

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

Yes, definitely

What is the food like?

It contains a lot of meat (so maybe it's not the best for vegetarians), I think sometimes it's a little to greasy but still very good. My favorite things are zapiekanka, goulash and pierogi!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Krakow?

I have to admit that it was pretty stressful. Renting a flat in Krakow is more expensive than I expected and also most flats are pretty small (for 2-3 people), or without living room/common area. Don't desperate, eventually you will find a flat that you like!

How much does it cost to live in Krakow?

I would say around 500€/month including the flat, food, transportations, party...

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

Polish is hard to speak and very different to any other language that I ever learned. There are language courses avaliable, but I didn't take them. Since I have all my classes in English, I think it is not worth it to put so much effort on learning the local language. Still, it is always nice to know some words (like thank you, please or good morning) but you will learn those in a couple of days

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

Airplane. The distance from Spain is so huge that makes it impossible to come here any other way. Ryanair has usually very good prices if you book it in advance.

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

The coolest area with a lot pf burs and pubs is Kazimierz (Jewish quarter)

Also if a club is what you want, there are many around the Old Town: Lokal, Afera, Coco, Prozac, Teatro Cubano...

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

The grandmother (Babci Maliny) for traditional polish, Pod Wawelem for meat and eating until you can't anymore, Bordo for a very cheap and nice menu, Przystanek pierogarnia for the best pierogis, Moa burger for very nice burgers....

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Of course eveyone who comes to Krakow has to go to Auschwitz-Birkenau. Moreover, there are a lot of interesting museums around the city, many concerts...

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

Enjoy everyday, they go by so fast!