I discovered Poland, Krakow and Myself.

Why did you choose to go to Krakow, Poland?

I met some Polish people before my stay as well as other people who knew the city. They sold it to me as a very lively, charming, dynamic and attractive place.

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How long is your stay? How much financial aid do you receive?

I received around 2000 euros in scholarships for the eight months I've spent in Krakow while enjoying it to the fullest. And it also allowed me to travel around Poland as well as visit a number of neighbouring capital cities.

What is the student environment like in Krakow?

The environment is fantastic. Krakow's parties are quite simply the best in Poland, without being chauvinistic. There are numerous events in the year (travel, sports, parties, paintball) and themed parties (tram party, Xmas, pirates... ) organised by different ESN unions. Contact with international students is quite easy; you show up in an environment where no one knows each other and everyone is looking for a great time to share and also to meet new people.

Would you recommend the city and Krakow's university to other students?

The University of Krakow is legendary in Europe and I defy anyone to contest its charisma and the place it holds among the greatest universities. The city is also full of stories and legends. Its walls on which Planty Park blooms today were able to keep the city's strength and beauty, which was formerly the trading route between eastern and western Europe. Being there as an Erasmus student is also taking a journey to a geographical and cultural centre of Europe, and living for some time within a community of inhabitants and students who are open-minded about the future of their country, as well as that of their neighbours.

How is the food in this country?

The food? Generous, hearty and also fine and rich. Polish restaurants are first of all welcoming and you are always served more than you can finish. Poland knows how to make the forks of those who are hungry tremble.

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How did you find your accommodation?

At first I tried to enquire online. After two weeks of hard and unsuccessful searches to visit a dozen or so apartments, me and two Spanish friends that I met during my search finally decided to move into an apartment offered by an agency (with the fees which follow).

How are rent prices? And the cost of living in general?

For Erasmus students? Around 300 euros with bills plus internet fees but a number of them managed to get around it by teaming up with Poles who can find accommodation for 150 euros a month. But Polish standards don't correspond very often to French norms. You have to be willing to share your room to save money, or apply for a room in a university dorm, where prices are unbeatable.

How is it learning the language? Have you had language lessons organised by the university?

At Politechnika lessons are free and take place for one hour twice a week. For Jagiellonian it depends on the department where you study; sometimes the lessons are free, other times you can spend more than 100 euros.

There are also CIEL classes where you have two intensive weeks as well as extra scholarships before the start of term.

What is the cheapest way of getting to Krakow from your city?

With the bus, you can take a maximum of two pieces of luggage to the baggage compartment as well as a bag with you. But that's also not taking into account the time saved by taking a train and a plane, which at certain periods of the year costs a lot while also being fast.

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Which places would you recommend for partying in Krakow?

Everywhere, anyone can find what they're looking for whether it is bars, restaurants or nightclubs.

My favourite area was Kazimierz, and for me the best bar would be The Alchemia in winter with its candles and its ambiance of a inn from the Dark Ages. Or for summer there's a bar that I have forgotten the name of where the terrace is stage right to the theatre of the atrocities told in the film "Schindler's List". Today it is terribly peaceful and calm.

And where are your favourite places to eat in Krakow?

I think everyone will notice the impressive food machine "Pod Wawelem" which, as its name suggests, is found next to the castle. But in general I particularly like the Mleczny bars - very cheap and more generic for enjoying typical Polish dishes such as pierogis or golabkis. But "U Babci Maliny" will charm you with its baroque decor in the basement, as well as the restaurants in the central square which serve the finest dishes.

What cultural visits do you recommend?

I advise going up and down the city's streets until you're exhausted and resting in the first kawiarnia that you see. There you will have already felt a little bit of Polish culture. Take a moment, breathe in the fresh air coming from the Tatras towards you and visit the museums like the new Pod Rynkiem (in the central square) or to the summit of the cathedral tower in the summer where you can pass the trumpeter at any hour. After all, every museum has its surprises.

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Salt mines can be found in close proximity to the city and are not to be missed. They make up part of the kingdom's richness and are part of UNESCO's World Heritage sites.

The only advice that I have to give would be to not visit the Oswiecim camps if the length of your stay is very short.

Go for an expedition to Zakopane in the mountains - very touristy but charming nonetheless.

Any advice to give to future students in Krakow?

Go to Krakow and see for yourself. You will never forget this city.