Erasmus Experience in Poznan, Poland by Vita

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Why did you choose to go to Poznan, Poland?

Because I thought that Polish people have similar mentality, and I wasn't wrong. They are my kind of people - responsible but know how to have fun.

Also, Polish prices were appealing and I knew that the scholarship would be enough.

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

My Erasmus scholarship was enough for rent, bills, living expenses, going out and occasional trips. Maybe in June I will need some help from my parents, but that is still far away from now fortunately.

What is the student lifestyle like in Poznan?

It's fantastic. There's always something to do here, either on your own or with the ESN crew who organizes many events for Erasmus students.

In the evening there is always some party somewhere, and during the day city offers many interesting stuff. Erasmus students don't have many obligations regarding studies so we have plenty of free time to do whatever we feel like doing.

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

Apsolutely! I fell in love with Poznan the first day I was here. It's very welcoming, there's always something to do, people are friendly and most of them speak English.

Adam Mickiewicz University is the biggest and oldest university in Poznan, so everything is pretty well organized and they have ESN which really makes an effort for us foreigners.

What is the food like?

Traditional food here is pierogi (dumplings), nalesniki (pancakes) and žurek (soup with sausage and eggs). They stuff pierogi and nalesniki with wide variety of flavoures so one can always pick the one that likes the most. And it's delicious!

But Poznan offers food from all over the world so you can always find something you love.

In stores food is really cheap, especially in Biedronka, supermarket chain that everybody adores, especially students.

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Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Poznan?

No, a girl contacted me on Facebook after seeing my post in Erasmus group.

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How much does it cost to live in Poznan?

From 100 Euros for dormitory to around 200 Euros and more for a single room. I am paying 650 zloty/month, bills included for a double room in the centre, right next to main square.

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

For me it was because Polish and Croatian have the same roots (Slavic languages), and I can understand most of the stuff they are talking about. But for the others I think it's pretty hard. But it all depends if the person is eager to learn a new language or not.

In my university we could choose 4, 6 or 10 hourse of Polish per week. It's free of charge and we get ECTS credits for attending.

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

I went from Zagreb to Berlin by plane and then took a bus to Poznan. It was little bit more expensive than bus from Croatia but much shorter route.

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

First Pijalnia if you're not invited to some dorm/flat party first, and after that Cuba Libre (Monday is Erasmus day, beer for 5 zl)

Kultowa is a rock place I like to visit. Also Tanners Irish pub is great for gigs. I was there for Saint Patrick's day and it was great.

SQ, Slodownia, Colloquium, Czekolada,...

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

Manekin is my no. 1. The best place for pancakes in every flavour you can imagine! They also serve Žurek in bread.

Milch bars for a cheap but tasty meal and a true spirit of working class.

Piccolo for cheap Italian food.

Da Grasso has really good pizza (you can also order take out)

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What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Old market square, Malta lake, Plac Wolnosci, Palm house, Cytadel park, Lake Rusalka, Botanical garden, Old and New Zoo, Imperial castle, Town Hall, Library, Cathedral, many museums etc.

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

Just use your time the best you can. Don't spend days in your room but go out and discover as many places as you can because time passes too fast here.