Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

I wanted an adventure, a country that’s well located geographically, far away from Portugal, with a different language and where I had to communicate in English.

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How long does the grant last? How much money do you get for help?

The amount of the grant varies from college to college; I do not remember how much mine was, but the monthly amount was not even enough to pay for the accommodation alone.

What is the student environment like in Warsaw?

It's a big city, so I can compare it to Lisbon. Nothing like Coimbra or even Porto; However there are many Erasmus parties, mostly organized by the ESN.

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

I would only recommend it after knowing what the other students would want from their Erasmus experience. If you want lot’s of familiarity, a small environment in which all the students know each other, NO; unless you find a residence, which is not easy. I myself have been trying all year and I have not been able to.

How about the country's food?

It depends on your ability to adapt. Lots of stuffed pasta, lots of kebabs and chips. For us Portuguese, their food looks like fast food.

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How did you find accommodation?

Through my mentor. Residences are very difficult to get and, as far as apartments are concerned, landlords are not always willing to rent the house to the Portuguese (we have a bit of a bad reputation among the Polish adult generation).

How are the prices of accommodation? And the prices in general?

In terms of transport, fantastic: 30 euros every 3 months for all modes of transport; Food: in large areas such as Carrefour, quite cheap; in mini-markets the same as Lisbon; Accommodation: residences about 80 euros per month bills included; In my apartment I paid about 300 euros per month for a single room 20 minutes from the center by, in a townhouse, water, electricity and internet. Usually the houses are not furnished.

How is the language? Did you attend a language course at the University?

Some different letters, quite peculiar sounds and fairly complex grammar. I took a course before going to Warsaw, in another Polish city, when I arrived I had classes in Polish, but it is really a very difficult language for us. And you have to be prepared because very few people speak English on the streets.

What is the cheapest way to get to Warsaw from your city?

I live in Lisbon so it’s taking a plane to Poznan or Berlin and then taking the train to Warsaw. Lisbon / Warsaw flights cost around €300 for a round trip

Which sites do you recommend for a night out in Warsaw?

Honestly, I don’t know. My parties were in houses and in the residences. Anyway, there's no need to worry. The ESN organises many nights in discos. It is not always easy to get into normal club-nights, especially when you are foreigners. They always say "private party".

And eating out in Warsaw? Can you name your favorite places?

The Czech restaurant. It may sound silly but it is the best restaurant in town that a student can afford. Any other more typical restaurant is extremely expensive; Or are chop-houses. The Czech restaurant has a menu with promotions for certain dishes every day of the week and has a choice from breakfast to main meals. It’s, without a doubt, fantastic. It's what I miss the most!

And in terms of cultural visits?

There are many museums, parks and even the historic part of the city. The city is beautiful, huge, full of history in several places. It is best to buy Warsaw guides and go to a touristic point to ask for references. But I advise you to go beyond Warsaw; Take the train on a Friday and return on a Sunday. My last months of Erasmus have been like this and it is what I remember most. Every weekend a different city.....

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Do you have any advice you would like to give to future students in Warsaw?

Poland is a fantastic country, Warsaw a magnificent city and a has great people as well. But we must not forget that it is a completely different culture from ours and that we are facing a country that has, for many years, lived under a communist influence and that, therefore, you must go with an open mind, a lot of adaptability and with the knowledge that it’s not always easy... even because there is almost no sun and the language is a huge obstacle. I also would advise you not to go alone, but with at least two people, because I went through complicated situations that I wouldn’t know how to get out of, if it went wrong; Also it is much better to have someone to share the adventures and fears with.