A city to live, full of surprises! Warsaw, Poland by Martina

Why did you decide to go to Warsaw, Poland?

To be totally honest, Warsaw wasn't my first choice, since I wanted to go to Scandinavia. A few guys who were there in the past years told me they liked it a lot and even professors told me they heard about a lot of positive experiences from the past years. Therefore, after searching for other information, I decided to trust them and give it a shot.

For how long can you get the scholarship? And how much was it?

I am going to be in Warsaw for a semester (around 5 months), but it's possible to ask for an extension of the period of stay. I get a 370 euros scholarship, since Poland is considered among the cheapest destinations, but other students can get up to 420 euros. If you choose to live in a dorm and you pay attention to your expenses, the money you get can be almost enough, since the living cost is very low compared to other European countries.

How is the student environment in Warsaw?

It's crazy! The university is organized in a different way compared to Italy, in the sense that here you often have the possibility to do group works and presentations. The university offers the students a lot of opportunities, even beyond the school sphere. A great contribution, I must admit, comes from the guys who works for the ESN, who are very active: they always organize activities, trips, laboratories, meetings, etc. Let's say there is always something to do, even too much. Also for what concerns the nightlife there are a lot of things to do: many pubs and clubs, which are very cheap compared to Italy (If you decide to come here to spend your erasmus, be prepared to drink a lot of vodka :)).

Would you recomment the city and the university of Warsaw to other students?

Yes, absolutely. Warsaw is a growing city and it's interesting the contrast you can notice between the old town and the new one, full of skyscrapers and modern buildings, which at the same time conflict with the post-IIWW grey buildings, which Polish people hate, raised during the communist era.

How's the food?

The food is certainly different from the Italian kitchen. Traditions are different, but the food is not bad at all and anyway it always can be seen as a good occasion to try new food. Prices are generally low, for example, if you go to one of the so called "milk bar", built in the communist period, you can definitely have lunch (soup+main course) without spending more than 18/20 zl (around 5 euros). Some milk bars are very good! Also Zapiecek, a famous polish food chain, is very good and affordable: you can spend 30/40 zl (8-10 euros) for a full meal in the heart of the city.

Was it difficult to find an accommodation in Warsaw?

Unfortunately yes. I decided not to live in a dorm, so I started searching for a place back at home before going there, but I found it just when I got here. I must say that it has been better to search for it while here, so that I could understand where the places where located and the prices better. I advice to avoid Real Estate agencies, especially those for Erasmus students, because they try to take advantages from the fact that you are a foreigner. Better if you ask to your buddy for help, because landlords often don't even talk in English or they prefer not to rent their properties to foreigners.

How's the living cost in Warsaw?

Living in Warsaw is quite cheap: I think that 500 euros per month could be enough, especially if you don't pay much for the lease.

What about the language? Did you take a language course at the university?

For me the language is difficult because it is completely different from Italian, both for the grammar and especially for the pronunciation, but I find it interesting. The university offers some free language courses that you can also include in your Learning Agreement.

What's the cheapest way to get to Warsaw from your city?

The cheapest way to go to Warsaw is to take a Ryanair or Wizzair flight. I think the cheapest northern Italian airports where to travel from are Bergamo or Milano.

What places would you recommend for hanging out at night?

I would recommend Klubokawiarnia, Capitol, Opera or places like Klub Park and Remont, which organize also Erasmus nights, which cost like 10 or 12 zl (2. 50/3 euros) and where you can find free beer until 1 am.

And to eat out?

Zapiecek, Aioli, Bambino and milk bars.

What cultural sites would you recommend?

The old town, even if it has been rebuilt, since it was completely destroyed by the nazi during the II world war, the Palace of Culture, the royal castle, the Wilanow palace, Lazienki park and a lot of museums.

What advice would you give to future students who are going to study in Warsaw?

Come to Warsaw, you won't regret it! :)