Experience in Lodz, Poland by Milena

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

The city contains many different style of architecture, mixes old and new. You can find here old manufactures museums, huge shopping malls, beautiful palaces, green parks but also grey old streets- all mixed it has it's own charm. The city is full of students and has diverse and rich cultural life.

For incoming students there are organised different events, city games, parties by ESN of University of Lodz. Also if someone wants to travel along Poland- Lodz is situated in the center, so it's close to any other part of the country. I highly recommend this city, I was not born here, but after spending some time here I moved in to Lodz for good, and I'm very happy.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Lodz?

University of Lodz is quite big, but the faculties are situated in a convenient way. Dormitory settlement "Lumumbowo" is like a small city itself, it has, shops, bakery, bank, small post office and it's own student dispensary, canteen and a sport center. From Lumumby you can easily get by a tram or a bus to the city center. There are many festivals, so you have entertainment during daytime, but also very rich nightlife- which is actually what we call here "student's life" (school in daytime, party all night).

How much does it cost to live in Lodz?

Poland in general is cheaper than the rest of Europe and Lodz also. Not only it is cheap to go out, eat and drink, but also ESN card gives you a lot of discounts in the city. The only thing that I wouldn't recommend is buying clothes in international shops- that is expensive. So before someone comes to Lodz, he/she should buy all the clothes at home, but here travel and go out for a very good price.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Lodz? Is there any advice you can give?

Every Erasmus student who comes to University of Lodz gets a dormitory- that is a rule of International Student Office- they always make sure that everyone has a place. However some students prefer to rent a flat, which is quite easy, because Lodz is a student city and many people earn money just from renting flats- there are many to chose from. I wouldn't recommend hostels, there are not many and it is better to stay at dorm (if they have free beds you can stay at the dorm just as in a hostel and it's cheaper than normal hostel/hotel).

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Polish food is most often chicken, pork or beef. There are many soups- different types for different holiday. But the most traditional are dumplings (pierogi).

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What places would you recommend visiting in Lodz?

Lodz is an old manufacture city, so there are many museums that show how the old manufactures looked like in the past. So there is Poznanski Palace, Herbst Palace, White Fabric. It is also city of 4 cultures: Polish, Russian, German and Jewish. So you can go to Jewish cemetery or Russian church. Also Lodz is famous in Poland as a film-city, as there is the best film school in the country, there are museums of cinematography, few cinemas and many theatres.

There is also a ZOO and botanic garden.

Is it good to eat out in Lodz? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Piotrkowska Street is only for pedestrians and it is full of restaurants and clubs- just walk it and you won't be able to decide where to go! Near this street is a place with the best pancakes I've ever tried- restaurant called Manekin, the entrance is on Moniuszki Street, you can see it from Piotrkowska Street.

Is the nightlife good in Lodz? Where is good to go?

Of course Piotrkowska Street! It's in the city center, many restaurants, pubs and clubs are on this street, also night buses are managed in a way that all night you have a possibility to come to Piotrkowska and go back.

While walking Piotrkowska at night you will see many people walking to a party or coming back from it. This street never sleeps and all night you can find a place to eat, drink or dance.

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What advice would you give future students heading to Lodz?

Buy warm clothes before you come, because our winter can be freezing, but Polish people hearts are warm, so you will not feel cold.

Lodz is a city with many attractions and it's in the heart of Poland so you can easily travel along whole country.