Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Gabriela

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

It was assigned to me by my university.

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How long did the scholarship last? How much financial help did you receive?

I, for example, come from a private university, so the scholarship that they give me is a lot less than what others may get, but they give you enough to live very comfortably here in Warsaw. In Poland it's actually very cheap to eat and go out, although the accommodation is a bit more expensive, but I think that's because they take advantage of students when it comes to renting out a flat. However, the residences are a bit more uncomfortable to live in, don't even go near Riviera or Babylon. I think that a flat is the most comfortable place to live, even though you do pay a bit more.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

It's great, to put it simply. It's the best thing about it. There are a lot of Erasmus students, especially from Spain and there's a lot of partying. There are people from all different cultures and social classes, you make a lot of good friends. They treat you really nicely and the ESN put on a lot of meet ups and activities so you can get to know people (although the ESN people are a bit weird... but they're cool). In short, the best thing to do is to just come over here, get involved in everything wherever you go you'll leave your mark and your footfrint, but above all, see everything! You'll only get to do this once in your life.

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

I'm not at the University of Warsaw. I'm at the SWPS (University of Social Sciences and Humanities) and I would recommend it to anyone because they make you go to classes even if you're Erasmus... But the city is really cool, a bit too big maybe but the public transport is great. My university is pretty bad because they don't take into account that you're Erasmus at all, that you'll always be drunk and that English is just a hobby. Honestly, they think that we're geniuses and give us really hard stuff to do, but if that means we have to go to class still drunk or hungover it's fine, right? Don't miss out on Erasmus for any reason in the world even if they make you go to my university! The people are really nice there and the boys and girls are really cute... They treat you really nicely, Anthony (our international coordinator) is really chill and will even get drunk with you during the ESN activities.

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What is the food like there?

The food in the canteen at the university is horrible, even though it might seem good, that's a total lie. But there are a lot of restaurants in Warsaw.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Warsaw?

Yes, very! I spent 20 days in the Warsaw Centrum hostel (it's really good there, very comfortable, cheap and cheap) but the Oki Doki is a much better one. I recommend you get a head start on looking for accommodation from Spain before you come here or else when you get here you'll have to look super quick and settle to scrounge for the leftover flats.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

Well it depends who you ask, but between €200 and €300 a month bills included, I think is a normal figure. If you pay less than €200, you're pretty smart and got lucky, and if you pay more than €300, like I am... it's because you're a loser.

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

The language was horrible... I didn't understand anyone but you can sign up for classes at the university. But be careful, because in a lot of places they don't speak English and you'll have to have to take a little course on gesticulation to be able to explain to the shop assistant in Carrefour that you need a plastic bag. You'll learn all the right gestures in the streets.

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

The cheapest way from Córdoba is to fly from Málaga airport to Chopin airport in Warsaw, because it's closer than Modlin and it's cheaper to get into the city from there. But it's not bad going from Madrid either. In reality, the Modlin airport has a great connection that will get you to the centre of Warsaw in 45-50 minutes (the Modlin bus).

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Where would you recommend for a night out in Warsaw?

This year you had:

Monday: chilling at Pawilony or drinking on someone's house

Tuesday: Remont Club

Wednesday: Park Club (the best one in Warsaw)

Thursday: Remont Club again

Friday: Capitol or Opera Club (the music is the same rubbish at both but they're great places and the photos are awesome) and also Sketch

Sábado: Capitol, Opera Club or Sketch.

Domingo: chilling at Pawilony or Pijalnia.

Then you also have Mazowiekza street, which is full of cool bars and parties.

These party places are for people who like to party, etc hahaha I know that it's normal for the clubs in Spain. If you want techno or things like that, ask my friends, they'll know more than me.

And to eat in Warsaw? Can you recommend some good restaurants?

The typical food is called Zapiecek, it's great. Then there's Manekin on Constitution Square, it's super cheap and the food is amazing. There's a place I love on the same square where you can get huge steak empanadas and really huge beers (the biggest I've ever seen), it's called U Szwejka.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

It's great there! there are loads of freetours in every important district in Warsaw and they're really good. The prettiest place is the Old Town. As for the rest, there's not much else apart from parks, museums, etc. It's pretty much a new, huge city.

To get on the freetours, go on the internet! There are loads at all times of day.

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

Get drunk a lot and meet a lot of people! Try everything you can, you'll only get the chance to have this experience once! Travel all over Europe, it's really cheap to go from Warsaw on the Polski Bus!

Be brave and good luck kids!