Experience in Krakow, Poland by Damarys

Source

What is it like to live in Krakow? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Easy. To live in Krakow is easy in so many ways. Its cheap, its not so big so you can walk to a plot of places and the transport is easy to understand. Even the medical service is very good for students because there is a place called ScanMed next my building (near to many of the dormitories) where they speak English and you can go without appointment. Living here is easy and, of course, is great.

What is the student lifestyle like in Krakow?

A friend of mine once said: Erasmus life is party and supermarket. It's a good description that applies to almost every city. Krakow is a city full of students; you find Erasmus in every place you go: in the doctor, in the supermarket, in the streets, in the bus... so you never feel completely alone, even when you are surrounded by Polish speakers. Students have discount in a lot of places and most of professors know that you want to party and travel, so they are very flexible with exams and classes. We party, we sleep, go to classes and time to time we go out for a walk in one of the many parks that Krakow has.

How much does it cost to live in Krakow?

I spend around 350 euros, including dormitory, food, transportation and little trips (Zakopane, wroklaw, etc) and with some luxuries, I mean having dinner outside time to time or so. You spend less than 300 euros if you organise yourself.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Krakow? Is there any advice you can give?

In my blog I wrote an entrance about dormitory prices in Krakow (AGH) you can check it out there if you want. But no, its not hard. There are a lot of dormitories (each university has one) and you don't have to study in the University to live in the dormitory, but you pay a little more. I know a lot of people that came here without a place to stay and found one within 2 weeks. You can find flats for 150, 200 € and there are a lot of students so it shouldn't be hard to find flatmates

Source

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

I prefer Venezuelan food, of course. Around these countries people is not very creative with food. Pierogi are very nice to eat something quick but its not something you want to eat every day. The soups, like the zurek (with eggs and sausages) are good but again, its not something I will miss a lot. The cakes and so are not the best but they eat a lot of apple pie and this is good in every place. Something I do like a lot is the breakfast in Awitek. Awitek is a franchise and they have good coffee and something like bread with spinach and sausage inside that is very good and very cheap.

What places would you recommend visiting in Krakow?

For party my favourite place are Afera, Goranzka, Teatro Cubano... because I like Latin and Spanish music. If you don't like better to go to Prozac or Local. The place that everybody likes is Pijalnia or Banialuka; they are bars not clubs but you can drink bear and shots for four ZL and hang out with friend before the party.

To visit: the Park Jordana is nice to spend a Saturday; you need to do all the free walking tours; eat Zapiekanka in Kazimierz...

Is it good to eat out in Krakow? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes! Its good and cheap. You can have great dinners for 20, 25 zl (4 or 5 euros). You can go to Pod Wawelem, next to the Castle or Sukiennice that is the same but in the city centre. You can eat a complete menu in Bordo or Coco for 15 zl also in the city centre. You have also vegan places in which you can eat for 15 zl. At Huki Muki you can eat a great Hamburger for 8 zl, drink a bear for four and then going down to the Huki Muki club and have bear at 3 or 2 zl. There are so many places to eat!

Is the nightlife good in Krakow? Where is good to go?

Yes, its great because all clubs are very close. I already mentioned some places like Afera, Pijalnia, Huki Muki... there are very cheap and good places to party with all kind of music. I never thought I could dance reggaeton, salsa and merengue in Krakow!

What advice would you give future students heading to Krakow?

It's OK to listen to advises but be confident when you arrive you will live your own experience. Travel a lot (because is very easy to do it from Krakow to the rest of Poland and other countries) discover new places, meet people, and tell us your impressions! Enjoy!

Source