Karolina's Erasmus Experience in Rzeszów, Poland

Do you like Rzeszów as a city to live in? Would you recommend it? How is the city like?

Rzeszów is a small city (with a population of 160, 000 inhabitants) located in the southeast of Poland. It may not be the most interesting city in Poland but is cosy and very cheap. It will only take you two weeks to know the get to know the city quite well but it has a lot of charm and, more importantly, it has an airport from which you can take flights to to Girona (Spain), London, Paris, Rome and many more cities with low-cost airlines.

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What is the student life like?

Although Rzeszów has only two universities and some private Schools, the student population keeps growing and the atmosphere is getting more and more lively. Nigtlife takes place right in the city centre where most bars and clubs are. It's true that there are not many of them, don't expect to find a new club or disco every night, nor to party all night long until 7 am because they're all closed at that time.

How much is the cost of living?

Compared to Spain or to bigger cities such as Warsaw, it's very cheap, which can be a huge advantage for Erasmus students. You'll still be able to find spots to drink half a litre beer for €1 and a whole meal for just € 3. The rent will not bankrupt your parents either.

Was it difficult for you to find accommodation? Could you give some advice?

There are student halls where you could apply for to get a room, but I think it's better to rent a shared flat with friends. I don't really know what the prices are.

What about Polish cuisine? Which are your favourite dishes?

Pierogi, pierogi and one more time: pierogi! You must try all the types of them. Also, Poland boasts a great variety of soups and dishes cooked from cabbage as well as sweets that you won't be able to find in Spain, for instance, poppy seed cakes.

Anyway, traditional Polish restaurants such as Bar Retro are worth a visit.

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What cultural sites would you recommend to visit?

To be honest, there's not much to do in Rzeszów. You may enjoy going to the new cinema complex located close to the beautiful Aleja pod Kasztanami street. There's also an underground route in the city centre through which you can visit the basements where some centuries ago alcohol barrels were stored. Some of them have 4 or 5 floors underground. Some 15 km away from Rzeszów is the Lańcut Castle with a great collection of carriages and a park.

What about eating out in Rzeszów? Could you mention your favourite spots?

The previously mentioned Bar Retro, Niebieskie Migdały for a meal or just a cup of coffee, Keks, the best cake shop in Rzeszów and Česká Hospoda where you can try Czech cuisine (and beer).

Which places would you recommend for a night out in Rzeszów

Nora Aktora and Ad Rem are my favourite bars and Graciarnia u Plastyków keeps surprising me.

Is there any piece of advice you would like to give to future students going to Rzeszów?

Enjoy the nature! There are a lot of great rivers near Rzeszów for canoeing, awesome mountains (Bieszczady is just 2 hours awayfrom the city), places for horse riding on green hills and the spring in Poland is truly beautiful.