My Erasmus Exchange in Poznan, Poland - by Susana

Why did you choose to go to Posnan, Poland?

Because I was really attracted by the country, its culture, and above all its cheap cost of living which would allow me to live comfortably while there.

How long did your exchange last? How much were you paid?

My exchange lasted for five months, and the money was around 800 euros. I didn't even receive the first 20% while I was there though - instead I was paid all the money when I got back, meaning that I initially had to fund my Erasmus myself.

What's the student life like in Posnan?

Incredible. If you're going with the intention of actually learning anything for your course though, forget it now, since at the WSUS university I was at, at least, we barely had any classes.

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

I'd recommend it to everyone, both to Erasmus students and to people who want to travel, it's a beautiful, welcoming city. The people there are great and the parties amazing!

What's Polish food like?

The food's great, and the portions huge.

I liked pieroggies and Szurek soup the best (I don't know if I've spelled the names right! ).

Did you find it hard to find somewhere to live in Poznan?

Yes, I found it really hard, it really wasn't an easy thing to do. In the end, I ended up spending a lot of money during the first month as I rented quite an expensive room, but after the second week of being there and getting to know new people I found a much cheaper place with much nicer people. It was a student flat with lots of Poles, meaning that I learned a lot more about their culture.

I would recommend the Strusia halls of residences.

How expensive is living in Poznan?

If you don't go mad, a night out won't cost you very much.

If you pace yourself well, you can get by on 250 euros a month.

How are you finding the language? Have you signed up to a language class at the university?

Polish is utterly impossible, and the problem is that not many people speak English there, but you learn to get by. In shops and supermarkets the assistants tend to speak English as they are older people.

There were English classes on at the university, but no Polish ones.

What's the cheapest way of getting to Poznan from your home city?

I'm from Madrid, and when I went to Poznan the first time there were direct flights there with Ryanair, but they stopped running them, so you have to do a tour of Europe now just to get there.

The first time I did this, I flew from Poznan to London, and then on to Madrid; the second time from Poznan to Rome, then on to Madrid. The final time, I got a Polskibus (the low cost bus company in Poland, but at the same time the best bus company in the country, better even than some in Spain) to Berlin and from there a direct flight to Madrid.

What are the best places for partying in Poznan?

If you're Spanish, places to dance and party are Cuba Libre, Czkolada, 8bit, Colloquim Corner...

Piljania, too, which is a 24 hour bar where everything costs one euro (4 zloty). You can pay with euros too, and it's a good place to round off your night and meet other Erasmus students!

What about eating out in Poznan? What are your favourite places?

I don't remember the names of this place, but there's somewhere on the same street as Cuba Libre called Babuka Bakunin or something similar where they serve traditional Polish food, which is amazing.

Of course there's always Mario Pizza Poznan for those improvised dinners, the best pizzeria anywhere with enormous portions!

What does Poznan have to offer in terms of culture?

Not much, but it's all very interesting to see: the citadel is an enormous park, which in reality is a large Soviet cemetery, and there's also a tank museum, where you can see bunkers from the Second World War.

Do you have any advice for future students coming to Poznan?

Enjoy yourselves, you don't know how much I envy you!