Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Diana

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

I chose Warsaw for a few reasons - I read excellent reviews about the Art Academy where I spent one semester, a friend of mine also told me she is satisfied with her experience, the interesting thing for me artwise was the poster school that is so acclaimed and with all rights. Polish poster artists are indeed GRAND and I applause them. Lat but not least important was the fact that living costs were not high at all and since I could depend mainly on the erasmus grant it was the best option.

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

I was in Warsaw 4 months (only and that's unfair) My school made it absolutely clear that it is not allowed to stay longer and I can't imagine why..all the other students could freely choose how long to stay. I received 330 euro as a grant and it was sufficient for my living and transport costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

The student life was cool..loads of parties available and all kinds of other entertainment. It is definitely not boring ;) but it depends on the person of course.

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

I would HIGHLY recommend the Art Academy to all art students, yes! And also the city.I loved Warsaw when I was there.

What is the food like?

The food is yummie and not expensive. Best apples I ever tasted:D all in all the food experience is great and I suggest that you try as much as possible! Right now I wish for the different kinds of pierogie!

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

I found the place I lived in thanks to friends and it was not so expensive. Depends in which district it is. I lived in Mokotow and it was fine. Strongly suggest to look for a place before you go to Warsaw ;)

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

Not much really. People handle money differently but I was doing ok with the grant I had which was 330 euro.

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

Language courses were available in my academy yes. But I have to say that the language which was elementary for me (Bulgarian and Polish are quite similar ) was VERY difficult for non Slavic cultures and language speakers. Although I do remember that Pablo (Spanish) was doing ok. So again...it depends on the attitude.

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

By plane..this was the most direct and easy way to travel, even though LOT is not the cheapest company. Choose another one and book a flight earlier ;) There are options to combine cheaper flights and even see other places while traveling to you final destination. I was offered to go from Sofia to Budapest and from there to Warsaw. And it was a very low cost journey.

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

Try out all the places on the Main Street Krakowskie Pszedmiescie and other pubs all around are cool. Lots of nice cafes and clubs.Ask a local to give you a warm welcoming drinking tour. My first night I was taken on a similar tour by my host and it was awesome, Try out all the vodkas (in reasonable quantities of course;))

And for eating? Can you recommend some good restaurants in Warsaw?

Milk bars. Hands down. Especially one in the Old town.I adored this place.Unique atmosphere aaand a menu in 3 languages! There are also other restaurants of course but these and private dinner parties I enjoyed the most.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Old Town is very beautiful..like a fairy tale. The science center Copernicus, Warsaw National Museum, So many galleries! Palace of culture tower! Don't miss going to other cities too! It is absolutely wonderful seeing Gdansk and Sopot , just saying ;]

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

One advice I can give is DO NOT stick to your own comfortable language (especially when surrounded by some people of your own country too) and use English to make new foreign friends and don't be shy if it is not so fluent.Nobody's English is perfect there. After all this is a cultural exchange where you experience new stuff, right? ;)