Erasmus Experience in Lodz, Poland

Why did you choose to go to Lodz, Poland?

Erasmus exchange is a unique and unforgettable opportunity. For this reason, I decided that my Erasmus exchange would be in a different country, in a "strange" language and, preferably, in a cheap country.

Lodz stood out because it's a big city, right in the centre of Poland and also because it was said to have already received many foreign students. I was satisfied with my choice. But, sincerely and knowing what I know today about Poland, I don't know whether I would return there.

How long does the grant last? How much money do you receive for help?

My Erasmus grant lasted 4 months (October 2009 to January 2010). I received almost one thousand euros.

What is the student life like in Lodz?

Lodz is a combination, a mixture of old and new. And this is reflected in the people as well. You can see this mixture very well in the centre of Lodz. But it is, definitively, at night when the city transforms. And at this time of day you can find students (in bars and in restaurants). So it's even better!

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

That depends on the course you'd like to take. I know that the School of Cinema is one of the best in Europe. But from what I've heard the University of Lodz is a great university. That's coming from someone who studies there.

What is Polish food like?

Amazingly, you find more Turkish/Arabic food than Polish. That's to say, you can easily find a bar that serves kebabs and other things like that. But from what I saw, the Polish eat a lot of food based around potatoes and vegetables.

How did you find accommodation?

The accommodation was in the university residence (WSHE). But it's easy to find accommodation. In Piotrkwoska there are many things to rent.

What are the costs, regarding accommodation? And the costs in general?

From what I saw, it's about 400zL / 500zL.

How is the language? Did you participate in a language course in the university?

Polish is an extremely difficult language. Worst of all: the English of the Polish also isn't great. I had a place in a Polish course at the university. I passed quite easily.

What is the cheapest way to get to Rome from your city?

You can visit the Ryanair website and see: Porto - London - Lodz.

Where would you recommend for going out at night in Lodz?

I would recommend some bars/nightclubs: Heaven; Kokoo; Czekolada; Biblioteka; amongst others.

And eating out in Lodz? Can you tell us your favourite places?

Istambul (in Piotrkowska). It's Turkish food and it's very good.

You could also always go to Manufaktura, it's a shopping centre and has a good food hall.

And what about cultural visits?

The Jewish Cemetery (one of the biggest in Europe); Piotrkowska; Manufaktura; the station from where the Jews went to concentration camps, etc.

Do you have any advice that you would like to give to future students in Lodz?

Make the most of every single day. Don't leave it until tomorrow to do what you could do today... after all, tomorrow you might want to repeat it.

Try not to walk alone in areas that you don't know, since the Polish can sometimes be xenophobic.

Enjoy yourself!