Experience in Krakow, Poland by Marta

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

Krakow is a beautiful city which connects the modern with the old. Life there is very diverse and whether you are a student, have a family or a are a tourist, you will be able to find something to your taste. You can feel the big-city living while at the same time experiencing the pleasant atmosphere of a historical culture city. The people are very friendly and ever ready to help. For a foreigner, especially those from European countries with the Euro currency, it is well worth to visit Krakow (actually the whole of Poland! ).

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What is the student life in Krakow like?

You could say that Krakow is a student city. We have many universities, many quite prominent, for example the Jagiellonen University, AGH, Politechnika Krakowska... The student have the opportunity to learn a great deal, many Clubs on offer which are usually open the entire week.

How much does it cost to live in Krakow?

It varies depending on accommodation. A private accommodation can be found for mere 400 złoty (100 euros) though mostly it ranges between 500-600 złoty (approximately 140 euro). I'm not certain about the student accommodation, but I believe it is about 300-400 złoty. The food is inexpensive and very tasty!

Is it difficult to find accommodation? Have you any advice to give to other students?

Anyone who wishes to will be able to find accommodation. There are many internet sites offering accommodation (for example Gumtree). It is however very important to start searching early! Sometimes students will withdraw from their reserved accommodations for various reasons at the end of the spring semester, so in June, and then many apartments are available. Its good and easy to search with the help of Facebook! You should type in, for example, "kraków mieszkania do wynajecia".

How is the food? What are your favourite dishes?

The food in Poland is very very tasty. Naturally I like "pierogi" :)

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Which places must be visited in Krakow?

Entire Krakow is very interesting - the old part as well as the new. We have many museums, the theatre is very nice (Teatr Słowackiego), exhibitions, cinemas (wonderful old cinemas like for example Kino pod Baranami or Kino Ars). Almost every street has its very own interesting history and everywhere there is something to see. Naturally the trademark - Wawel. The old part of the city "Kazimierz", but the newer post-communist part "Nowa Huta" is also well worth a visit! If you are interested in culture, architecture, history, literature or music you will find more than ENOUGH to see.

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Can you eat well out in Krakow? Would you name your favourite places?

Yes.

Is the nightlife in Krakow good? Where is the best place to party?

It is very good, Clubs are open every day. All the Clubs around the main market place (Rynek) and those in Kazimierz... there is a club every few meters in the vicinity of Rynek Głowny.

What would you like to tell future students in Krakow?

Hmm. Have lots of fun! :) I would advise those of you who don't know a lot about Polish history to look it up. It makes life in Krakow even more interesting. You can see almost every century in Krakow. Students should definitely visit other cities in Poland. The connections are very good and it is well worth riding on the tramcar although trains in Poland are relatively inexpensive as well. :)

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