Erasmus experience in Warsaw, Poland

Why did you decide to go to Warsaw, Poland?

Because it was one of the biggest cities I could choose and the University of Warsaw offered many courses compatible with the ones I had to take in Italy. The decisive factor was the advice given to me by my Erasmus coordinator professor.

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How long does the scholarship last? How much money do you receive to help you with expenses?

The scholarship lasts from between 3 to 12 months. It is usually granted for 5 or 10 months, 1 or 2 semesters respectively.

All European students receive an average of 240 euros monthly from the European Union; then other integrating funds can be allocated depending on what is available at the university. There is otherwise further financial support from the local authorities.

What's the student environment like in Warsaw?

Night life is certainly one of Warsaw's best characteristics and it is characterised by the huge presence of students around the city. Apart from Sundays and Mondays, it is easy to find many events to have a great time at, nearly every day of the week. I highly recommend the free beer parties in the student clubs. The student organizations are very active and always in the process of organising trips and events like ice skating, flash mobs, paint-ball, etc.

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

Certainly. It is very cheap compared to other capitals and it offers all kind of services and entertainments that only a city of two million inhabitants can give you.

What about local food?

Honestly, this is perhaps the country's only weakness. However, I have to say that I am Italian so my standards of quality are quite high. Students from Southern Europe are certainly the ones suffering the most. It is nothing serious anyway. You can find everything in the supermarkets.

How did you find your accommodation?

Luckily, Warsaw University assigned me a place in a dormitory. This allowed me to save a lot of money and avoid any initial problems. The quality of the dormitory was excellent but being in the newest one, I can not tell you the same about the others around the city.

What's the price for rent? And the costs in general?

I recommend everyone to ask a Polish mentor for help in order to find a flat. Otherwise, there is a risk you will be scammed. An honest price should not exceed 200 euros. I recommend the zone "Rondo ONZ" where you can find a flat in a modern building, for an affordable price.

How is it going with the language? Did you attend any courses at University?

My English improved a lot. I didn't even try to learn Polish. Perhaps it would have been useful but you need to put a lot of effort in because of how difficult it is.

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

Without a doubt, Wizzair flights.

Which places do you recommend to go out in the evening in Warsaw?

"70 Club" on Mondays, "Remont" on Tuesdays, "Klub Park" on Wednesdays, "Medyk" on Thursdays: these are the free beer clubs during the week. Then on the weekend, you simply have too many options to choose from. The website Aktivist can certainly help you.

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What about eating in Warsaw? Could you tell us about your favourite places?

There is a restaurant in "Konstytucji" Square, where you can get a huge breaded cutlet and a litre of beer for approximately 7 euros on Monday evenings. Highly recommended! There is also a very nice restaurant with moderate prices on the market square.

What about cultural places to visit?

Warsaw was almost entirely destroyed during the Second World War. Just the Old Town and many parks around the city remain.

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Any suggestion you would like to give to future students to Warsaw?

Warsaw offers a lot. However, it's not easy to find out about at first so I suggest you inform yourself on all the active student organizations in the city. I recommend ESN University of Warsaw which organizes amazing trips. Try to get to know students from all the other universities (there are around 10) in Warsaw.