Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Giusy

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

Because the University of Warsa is one of the most ancient university as for the study of the English language. Moreover I wanted to experience a "real" winter since I am Italian (especially Sicilian :P) and we do not have a "real "winter with the snow and the cold :P.

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

The Erasmus scholarship varies according to the home University. Mine was of 5 months and it consisted of 250 euros per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

It is really good. Warsaw is an amazing city and I really loved it. There are a lot of students both international and polish of course. I met new people. Despite of the cold you can easily go out whenever you want, there is always something to do. It is incredible.

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

I strongly reccomend it :) Both the University and the city are wonderful and well organized.

What is the food like?

You have to get used to it :P It is different from the Italian cuisine of course, but it is good. There are differet flavours. Often I eat at my place and I cooked my own traditional dishes but it was very nice when I invite some of my polish friends to have dinner or lunch with me and I tried polish food and they tried the Italian one. It was really really nice.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

Not so much. I was very lucky. My owner was so kind and generous I did not have so many poblems.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

For a European citizens it is not so expensive. It was quite cheap :) Another pros goes to Warsaw!

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

Polish language :s I attended a polish course and get my Level A1 certificate XD but it is really difficult as a language especially for someone like me who speaks a Latin language @. @ but after living 5 months there I love it *-* and I am currently trying to revise it :P

Yes there a courses you can attend.

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

Well... there is no such easy way for a Sicilian person to travel! XD Just kidding, Warsaw is well connected with all major cities in the world so you can reach it easily. Moreover when you are there you can travel all around the Europe.

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

Warsaw! city center and there you go.. You can join the Erasmus community (ESN), they always organize something exciting to do :) Make some friends and go out.

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

As already said there are a lot of good place where you can go to eat (even in Ikea fod is really good XD I especially loved a pub (to drink and stay) it is called Kafefajka

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Warsaw is all history and culture. There are a lot of places you can go. If you love Music there is Chopin museum, if you like science there is Copernicus science centre, the Old Town, the main street (Nowy Swiat in winter is amazing, the different parks are very lovable, the Barbikan, th Palace of Culture and much more...

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

Go To Warsaw! you will never forget it :) Polish people are nice and kind and the city is beautiful.