My Experience in Krakow, Poland as an exchange student

Why did you choose to go to Krakow, Poland?

My home university chose an appropriate university.

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

I don't receive any scholarships.

What is the student lifestyle like in Krakow?

They are active and participate in the class discussion. Students' lifestyle is different between each student, but usually, they have 2 classes a day. Sometimes we hang out with friends for shopping or coffee. When the exam days are close, we study hard much than usual.

Source

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

YES!

The universities in Krakow are very close to the city center, so you can feel the atmosphere of the traditional Polish city. It's convenient too. Wherever you live in Krakow there are buses and trams everywhere around the city center. It is also possible to do the shopping for food, clothes, books, medicines, etc.

What is the food like?

Polish food is simple but tastes so good. There are cheap restaurants like a cafeteria in the university, which is called "STOLOWKA". The price is basically cheap and it costs around 5-6 euros even if you eat too much. There is some rice, but the main is potatoes and pasta as same as the other European countries. There are lots of polish restaurants and Italian restaurants, some Asian restaurants in Krakow.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Krakow?

Not so much because there are so many shared flats and dorms in Krakow.

How much does it cost to live in Krakow?

Near the city center- from 1000PLN-1500PLN

I used to live in a dorm and it cost only 400PLN all included.

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

Polish is too hard to understand what people are saying. There is one-year course studying Polish at Jagiellonian University and it costs about 600PLN. But there are 2-week intensive programs during vacation, I think this is available for ERASMUS students. It costs around 1000PLN. You can apply for these courses through school of Polish language and culture at Jagiellonian University.

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

Airplane(from Tokyo)

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

The bar or club in the city center. I recommend you go to the pub which is located underground. During Christmas season it's beautiful to see Christmas market in the central square.

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

My recommendation is:

• Stodola
• Smakolyki Restaurant
• Sukiennice
• Gospoda koko

All are located in or near the city center.

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

National Museum, Saint Mary's Basilica, Wawel castle, Kazimierz District

There so many museums and monuments in Krakow. These two are a little far from Krakow, but you can go by bus to Wieliczka salt mine, Oswiecim (Auschwitz-Birkenau).

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

If you often use buses or trams it is cheaper to buy monthly ticket than buying every time.

Many shops are closed every Sunday, except the last Sunday of each month.

Some people don't speak English so I recommend you that you study Polish a little, at least basic phrase at supermarkets, stations, restaurants, etc.

In this country we have PESEL number for each of residents.