Experience in Lublin, Poland by Anna

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

Lublin is a city of contrasts. I appreciate the fact I can experience eastern simple-mindedness and sociability without giving up the convenience of living in a city. Sometimes I get the impression the time has stopped here, but on the other hand I'm surprised by the number of cultural and artistic events held out in Lublin each year. It seems life is peaceful in Lublin, but there's definitely enough room for more adventurous people too.

Winters are usually cold and snowy. In summer it is one of the places where temperatures in Poland are the highest.

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What is the student lifestyle like in Lublin?

Lublin is propelled by students. It is especially visible during summer holidays when they come back to their hometowns and the city seems desert. It seems there are many international students (at least at my uni), which makes a wonderful multicultural atmosphere.

How much does it cost to live in Lublin?

The costs of living in Lublin are a bit lower than in other Polish cities. I think average Polish students spend 10-20 PLN on daily basics. Below I've listed some of the prices (in PLN):

• Lunch/dinner: 7-40
• Internet connection (per month): 40-70
• 30-min bus ticket: 1'40
• A month city card valid for all means and lines of public transport: 42
• 1, 5L bottle of water: 1-3
• Bread: 2-4
• Cinema ticket: 15-20
• Club admission: 10-20
• 0, 5L beer in a club/pub: 5-8

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

I think Lublin is well prepared to accommodate all of the students. There's a wide range of offers of different prices and standards. A room for less than €100 per month is no bargain really, as the accommodation isn't costly in Lublin. Sharing a flat is usually more comfortable and economical than living in a dorm. Be careful with the adverts written in English, as such flats are usually unreasonably more expensive. Try to find somebody to help with Polish. Below are some of the prices of accommodation (per month):

• Shared room in a flat: from 200 PLN
• Shared room in a dorm: 550 PLN
• Single room in a flat: from 400-600 PLN
• Single room in a dorm: 850 PLN
• Flat: from 1000 PLN

You can really find accommodation any time, but I think it is best to start the search in June/July.

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

Unfortunately, I can't think of many dishes that would be distinctive for Lublin. The only thing that comes to my mind is pierogi lubelskie, which are dumplings stuffed with buckwheat, white cheese, bacon and chopped onion. There's also cebularz - a roll with fried onion strips and poppyseed. This, however, is a kind of a snack rather than a dish.

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What places would you recommend visiting in Lublin?

The Old Town is a must-see. It is picturesque and bustling attracting tourists, students and the locals. It looks especially charming when it gets dark outside and the buildings illuminate the narrow, old streets. Nearby there's Zamek, Lublin Castle which is a museum offering many exhibitions.

I would also recommend visiting Ogród Saski, which is the biggest park in Lublin, freshly renovated to suit runners, cyclists and those who come to rest without certain purpose. There's a bandshell in the park, where concerts are held out in warmer months.

Many foreign tourists visit Lublin to see the State Museum at Majdanek which was founded on the grounds of former German concentration camp and commemorates the victims of the German occupation in Lublin during WWII.

For screenings, concerts, performances, exhibitions and other cultural/artistic events visit:

• Centrum Kultury
• Chatka Żaka
• Galeria Labirynt

If you want to learn some acrobatic tricks try these workshops sztukmistrze

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

I believe everyone can be well fed in Lublin. My favourite spots are Umea (Facebook) and Wegetarianin (Facebook) which serve very tasty vegan and vegetarian dishes in decent prices. I would also recommend Stół i Wół, where you can find delicious burgers, Święty Michał, Trybunalska and Czeska Piwnica.

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

There's a number of pubs and clubs in Lublin. My pub recommendations are: Święty Michał, U Szewca, Perłowa Pijalnia Piwa, Ostro and Browar. I think dance amateurs will enjoy themselves in Dom Kultury.

What advice would you give future students heading to Lublin?

Try to find the accommodation as close to your uni as possible, because the public transport in Lublin is not very efficient, especially in winter, when the city is stuck in the snow.

People seem to be eager to help, so don't panic.

Be happy, enjoy your time in Lublin and have fun!