Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Irmak

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

Poland is located in a strategical part in EU. So, I can state that it is such a melting pot of the europe culture. Also, I am personally very interested in history and Poland has a vulnerable and very unique history. The other reason I chose to study in Warsae is that its currency, even if it is a member of the EU, its currency is zolty and its economy is recently developing so traveling and living standards are very cheap according to TL.

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

I recieved 347€ monthly as I can remember but 80% of the grant is given before you go and if you become successful of 3/5 of your courses, the 20% of the grant was given after you return. My advice is don't depend on the grant. The housing is the same as in Turkey if you are not living in the dormitory.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

Shot bars at every 100mt. to warm up. Party a lot. Some classes has attendancy rules but most of them hasn't.

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

I have attended warsaw school of economics, SGH. Iwould recommend it. It has successful professors and on the list of forbes top 100 universities. Some say Krakow is more like a student loving city but warsaw is the capital and the most urban

What is the food like?

Fast good is similar but traditional kitchen is very different ofcouse. You can find almost everything.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

I have stayed at student house. I rented my room from a polish student who were about togo France for erasmus and our erasmus due was the in the same period. While she was erasmus in France, I was erasmus in Warsaw at her room. It had cost 350zloty per month.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

approximately around 700-800zloty

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

polish language is one of the hardest languages. I hadn't even attempt to learn polish but in daily life you eventually get some words. There were also language classes available and you can make credits count as electives if you will.

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

when you go to the erasmus office of the university you should ask for student ID. with tha ID you can buy student discounted tickets from everywhere and to whereever you want to travel.

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

opera club is the one of the places I was going with friends at nights. It is maybe the most expensive & luxurious club and there is a dress code also. But there are also some places like Asmali Mescit in Istanbul, Nowy Swiat street is very popular and there are underground clubs, bars also. In the summer and spring time, there are very good, fun places on the riverside.

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

I should definitely go to Old Town.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

there is War Mesuem where you can see and understand the suffer of the war era and destruction of the city. There are also very good churches where polish Pope Juan Paul visited. Also old town is very cultural place. Stalin's building which is called centralny cultural is also a place where you can see scientific museum and a movie theatre

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

Enjoy the city and don't forget to travel in Europe, it is very much close to almost everywhere?