Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Irina

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

Initially I wanted to go to Prague but now I'm very happy to be in Warsaw. The polish lifestyle is more similar to mine and I fell in love with the culture, history, people... Also Warsaw has great universities and it is a safe city.

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

My scholarship lasts for the number of days that I will be attending the university. I will receive around 860€ and due to the low prices in Warsaw it pays my rent for the whole stay and there is still some money left for extras.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

Student lifestyle is great. The universities in Warsaw are good and the schedules generally are good too. The teachers are very accessible and relaxed, at least compared to the ones I have in Portugal.

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

I definitely would, Warsaw is a great surprise and Collegium Civitas is great too.

What is the food like?

The typical polish food for me isn't very good. Many of the things have a very weird texture and a weird taste. But the most typical dish, the pierogis, is good and also the winter tea.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

I actually found my dormitory very fast but only because I looked for it with a long time ahead. I know from other Erasmus colleagues that they had a hard time finding accomodation and that for the first 2 weeks they stayed in a Hostel.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

The cost of living in warsaw is very cheap. A decent meal in a restaurant is around 20zl (less than 5 euros) and McDonald's is around 15zl. Shopping in a supermarket is also very cheap, you can buy a lot of food with 40zl (around 10 euros) and the nightlife is also cheap with bars with beer at 4zl.

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

For me, since I'm portuguese, the language is quite hard but after going to classes and getting used to it is a bit easier. The problem in Warsaw is that not that many people on the street or in shops speak English and in banks is the same thing. My university offers a polish coursE, but it is optional.

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

The easiest and most economical way to travel from Portugal to Warsaw is by plane. Our national airline company, TAP, offers a promotion for Erasmus students. You can take a bag until 23kg and another until 10kg if you show a paper from your university saying that you are an Erasmus syudent.

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

For a night out I would recommend starting the night at the street Nowy Swiat, a street that has many bars at very good prices, like the 4zl beer bar and the 3zl shots bar. After it I would recommend Foksal XVIII, a club on street Foksal (paralel to Nowy Swiat) or Club Capitol at Ulica Marshalkowska. Also there are great pubs in the Old Town

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

For typical polish cuisine I would recommend Zapiecek, it is very cheap and good and it has many restaurants around town. Also I would recommend Warsaw Potato in Nowy Swiat.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Warsaw has great cultural sites. My favorites are the uprising museum and the Tomb of the Unknown Sooldier. Also there is a great museum for the polish jews, named Polin and great parks like Lazienki or the palace in Wilanow or the royal palace in the Old Town.

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

The transportation lines are very good and cheap. Try to visit other great cities of Poland like Gdansk or Krakow. Also, be prepared for the cold!