Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Camila

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

In a few days stay two years ago I found out that the city was amazing and that Poles are awesome. It also appears that Polish artists kick asses in illustration and graphic design and guess what I study.

How long is the scholarship? How much money do you receive to help you with living costs?

I studyed in Warsaw for a semester. The amount of money I recieved for this Erasmus experience is about 400-500 euros. But the school i attend in my homecountry is not finances by the education ministery but by culture minitery so if you're in a regular university I guess you can expect a bit more thant this.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

Well, Warsaw is full of museums, art galleries, restaurants, and the night life is pretty cool so if you add this to the fact that life (food, museum and transport tickets...) is less expensive than in most European countries, I'd say that it's awesome to be a student in Warsaw. Morevoer, Poles are the most hospitable and welcoming people so it's quite easy to find friends and people to hang out with.

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

Oh Yes I sure do ! Those 8 months i spent in Warsaw were awesome and unforgettable !
The University, the way of teaching and learning were quite different from what experienced before so it worth trying. It was a rich exeprience

What is the food like?

The food is nice, I'd say it is healthy and you can have very good meals for a very affordable price.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

Finding an accomodation was quite easy (maybe I was lucky) I took me a week to find a girl looking for a flatmate and to move in her place. Once again the rent was reasonable (something like 250 euros). As public transportation is fine, you can easily pick a flat a bit far from the center so you can have a cheaper rent.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

If I remember well : food+clubs+cigarettes+museum+1 round trip by train to some other cities in Poland+ rent (of course)+paper, books and so on ... a bit less than 400 euros I'd say (Do not try to do the same in Paris or London)

Is the language easy to get to grips with? Are there language courses available at the University?

Polish is beautiful but difficult language, do not expect to handle it in a semester or two but if you're not too lazy or too French, you can be able to order something correctly or to ask your way in Polish (maaaybe). The university was offerring two optional hours of Polish lessons.

What's the easiest or most economical way to travel to Warsaw from your city?

low cost plane was the cheapest way (i could actually find buses for the same prices but it was 9 times longer so ...)

Where would you recommend to go on a night out in Warsaw?

It depends on what you're looking for ... You will find it for sure, anyway.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

The Uprising museum is for sure the one you absolutely have to visit. The photoplastikon in the very center is actually a tiny but lovely one too, the national gallery ... There are a lot I loved.

Is there any other advice that you could give to students going to Warsaw in the future?

1)I never had trouble in Warsaw but I wouldn't recommand Praga district all alone by night.
2)Try not to spend all your time with erasmus people and make Polish friends, you'll learn more about the culture and you'll have a chance to speak a bit of Polish by the end of your stay
3)Winter is cold, really, freezing cold, not kidding.
4) There are a lort of amazing cities in Poland an train is cheap, go enjoy the whole country !
5) Warsaw is awesome so don't forget to enjoy.