Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Lucile

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

I wanted to discover a capital of central Europe and also break some stereotypes that we have in France, like "there is nothing to see in Warsaw", "Poles drink a lot" and so on...

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

I receive 1000 € from my french region and 480 € from Erasmus scholarship. So about 1500€ for 5/6 months.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

The Erasmus is super, a lot of party, a lot of places to see, a lot of people to meet.

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

I am studying at SGGW, not University of Warsaw, but I definitely recommand this city !

What is the food like?

Pierogi, soups, nalesniki.....there are some tasty speciality, better in a milk bar of course !

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

Not really, I found my accomodation on Erasmusu quite fast even though I failed twice before finding the good one. But there are a lot of proposals on facebook and others websites too.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

Not a lot ! You can have very cheap accomodation, specialy at the dorms of your university. And food and entertainment are cheaper than in west european countries.

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

Not really : hard pronounciation for most of the foreigners. But language courses are available at SGGW and you can always find someone speaking english and willing to help you.

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

Plane

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

-Pawilony of course, a small place with more than 20 bars, a lot of different atmospheres
-PiwPaw with about 90 different beers
-Teatro Cubano to dance until the sunrise
-Harenda Club to enjoy jazz music during the jam session every monday
-11 Listopada, small place in Praga with bars/club and so particular atmosphere !

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

I don't know about good restaurant, I can only recommand milk bars, the easiest way to eat traditional polish food in typical old communist cantines.
Familijny, Rusalka (Praga) are for the moment my favorites. Of course, some modern version of milk bars openned, but something is missing compared to the old ones.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Palace of culture and science
Uprising museum
Polin Museum
Wilanow palace
Lazienski park

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

Warsaw is an amazing city, full of good surprises. Take the time to visit it by foot and immerse yourself in it deep beauty.