Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Marina Yvette

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

Because its location allows you to travel through Europe without needing to do huge long trips. It is a pretty cheap country to live in (especially if you are a student), their food is delicious and variated and they have some interesting customs and history.

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

In my case I recieved 1900€ in the middle of October. I am staying 7 months and I am also a beneficiary of another scholarship from the Ministery of Education of my country (Spain).

I am not sure If I will recieve more money in the near future (beause my stay is longer) or not.

Anyways, even if the scholarship helps, it is not enugouh to live just from it.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

Student lifestyle is pretty active. You have a lot of events destinted to Erasmus students and there is always a party for you to go.

In my case I dont't like partying or drinking, but from my other Erasmus friends I can say that they are not getting bored.

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

I am studying at the Academy of Fine Arts, Faculty of Painting.

The classes are pretty interesting but the rhythm is quite relaxed so, if you need to have a concrete schedule or someone behind you to do the work, it is not your place.

On the other hand, if you want to develop your own pieces and like the freedom, it is perfect for you.

What is the food like?

Their gastronomy is rich and variated. They have a lot of soups, meats, stews, pastry, sweets, dumplings (pierogi here), etc. You never get bored.

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Actually I am vegan and I have had no trouble finding places to eat (it is full of vegan restaurants too! ).

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

I was looking for something quite specific so it took me some time. But over all there were a lot of places to rent. It was hard for me because I was picky, not for the lack of offers.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

If you study Fine Arts like me it is going to be expensive despite the place you go because of all the materials.

But the food is cheap, the transport is super cheap and the events are too.

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

We had a free course in our academy. But If you want to really learn the language I recomend you to go to a language academy and enroll in a course.

The dificulty of the language depends on where you are from. For example: it is easier for a Spanish than for an English. The pronunciation seems weird at first but the sounds are always the same and quite similar to the Spanish or Italian ones.

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

By plane with Ryanair. (Warsaw - Alicante, Spain)

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

I just can recommend Vegan ones:

1. Vega- traditional, cheap and simple Polish food (huge portions).
2. Mango Vegan Street Food- fast Vegan food.
3. Vege Bistro- super faithfull replicas of traditional Polish dishes.
4. Tel Aviv Urban Food- Oriental food.
5. Loving Hut- thai.
6. Vegan Ramen Shop- ramen.
7. Leonardo Verde- pizzas.
8. Coco Bowls- smothie bowls, ice creams and granola bowls (to die for).
9. Oh my Goji- vegan pastry.
10. Juice Press People- juices, smothies, lunches and breakfast.
11. Au Lac- chinese vegan food (amazing and cheap).
12. Nancy Lee- pastry, brunch and breakfast.
13. N'Ice Cream Factory- you can create your own ice cream chosing a base (soy milkfor vegan option) and your toppings. Huge portions.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Polish National Opera and Ballet.

A lot of art museums.

Museum of Jew history.

Science museum Kopernic.

A lot of cafés offer Chopinconcerts.

Ethnologic Museum of Warsaw.

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

Do not worry, at first evrything seems overwhelming: new country, different culture, new language, new currency, new food, new weather... But in the end, 'new' is no longer a scary word. New things become exciting.

Good luck!