My heart is half Krakovian, Poland by Iñaki

Why did you choose to go to Krakow, Poland?

It was a last minute choise, I was acceptet to go to the Netherlands, but I had some troubles with the university there, and I decided to change to Kraków, even I didn't knew too much about that city and the country.

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

I am from Barcelona, Spain, and I didn't get that much of a scholarship. I Spent there 6 months and I got a total of 2.000, but Kraków is a student city so it's easy to find cheap plans!

What is the student lifestyle like in Krakow?

Bussy, bussy and bussy! But not because huge amounts of work, because meetings with other people, parties, plans, new people, and fun!

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

Yes, to everyone that has the chance to go there! The city is full of students,more than 200.000!! And the education in Poland is one of the bests of Europe (if you don't believe me, look it on the internet!).
I was in the AGH, university of science and technology, and it was quite better than my university in Spain.

What is the food like?

Good, everything was tasty and cheap. A hot bowl of zurek (awesome soup) in winter is one of the best feelings your belly can feel! But I felt that the gastronomy there lacked of variety. Maybe it's because I come from Spain, and I am well used to excellent food!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Krakow?

No, not at all. This is a student and Erasmus city, so there are plenty of agencies that helps you to find flats for rent, but because they are focused on Erasmus people, its quite expensive (in relation to the economic level of the country).
But almost all universities have dormitories that are pretty affordable.

How much does it cost to live in Krakow?

Poland is cheaper than the countries form west and north Europe, so the living costs are not expensive. The food is pretty cheap even in the restaurants and bars, and the transport too. If you live in a flat rented from an agency will be probably the expensier thing. But if you live in the dorms, you can pass the months with 500€/months and enjoying the city and activities.

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

The language is really really difficult for somebody that doesn't speak a Slavan language, but the basics for surviving can be learned. And all thge young people speaks English.
Also, all universities have a Polish Language course, I did one and I liked it a lot! Polish people likes foreingers trying to lear their language.

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

From Barcelona, the cheapest way was by plane, flying with RyanAir from Girona Airport.

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

Everywhere, the Stare Miasto (city center) and Kazimierz (the jew district) are full of awesome bars and clubs, most of then open every day of the week (and also full of people). The majority of them have free entrance and each one has his own nice things! The best is to try them all! ^^

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

Try Pod Wawelem, an awesome place to eat meat! Also try the Grandma's Pace, Koko and every milk bar you find, with awesome traditional food!
You also have Ambasada Śledzia and BaniaLuka, awesome bars with every shot and beer for 4zl (arround 1€), and they also have nice dishes, and the best, they almost always open!!

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Don't miss Auschwitz, it's a place that need to be visited to remember what humanity is able to do and what should never happen again. Visit also all the city museums, historical places and atraccions. And it's a must to visit the Poloniny National Park, specially Zakopane and the mountains that delimitates the border with Slovakia.

Is there any other advice that you could give to future students who are going to Krakow?

Don't think it again!! If you have the chance to go to Kraków, use it! It's a city where you will meet houndreds of new people from Poland and everywhere arround the world. It's the student's city by excelence!