Erasmus experience in Warsaw, Poland by Océane

Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

I have chosen Warsaw because I wished to specialize in the course of my studies in eastern Europe. Warsaw was the only city proposed in this region. Moreover, the price of living down there is really cheap, which is pretty appealing when you are a student. People speak English very well, so it is also a good way to make more progress in this language for a smaller budget than in England, for example.

How long are you going to stay? What is the sum of money you are receiving?

I'm in Warsaw for five months. I arrived mid February and I'm leaving at the end of June. The Erasmus scholarship that I get is a little more than 250 euro per month.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

The life is really great! There are really a lot of Erasmus students in this city. Evenings out are regularly organized, which makes it possible to meet a lot of people! I'm not bored at all and it's really a great experience! I meet people from all over the world and it is very enriching.

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

The university in which I am is called Collegium Civitas, it is a small school located in the building of Culture and Science. The premises are kind of nice. I recommend this school, the courses are totally in English and the students come from all over the world. Studies are centered on international relations, which for me is perfect because this is my field of study. The professors are really responsive, in short I find this school really great.

What is the food like in this country?

The Polish food is not bad but very greasy. A must-visit restaurant is Zapiecek, a Polish restaurant chain, but you can find plenty of other traditional Polish restaurants, especially in the old town. Otherwise there are really a lot of restaurant in Warsaw, of all kind (Italian, Japanese, Chinese, Thai, American, French, etc. ) so there is a selection. I really recommend to test the restaurant Manekin, there is one in the center and the other is in Constitution square. There is often a queue but it's definitely worth it and it's not expensive! Otherwise a very very good place is the Hala Kosziky, ideal for a drink or a bite! The scenery is great, it's in an old factory and on Friday there are concerts.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Warsaw?

Since this is my first experience alone abroad, I had booked via the site Erasmusu a lodging before my arrival but in the end I regretted it somewhat. I really recommend to choose your accommodation on site, it's much simpler and you will definitely find something better and cheaper. At last, the distances here are really not great compared to what you can see on Google map, feel free to take a lodging in Mokotov for example.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

I have a budget of 420€ per month excluding housing and I am doing really well. The food here is not at all expensive! For a packed grocery bag for a week or more I pay about 20€. For a beer I pay approx. 2€. For a nightclub entry, it is between 2 and 5€. For a restaurant, it goes from 3 to 10€. With regard to transportation, when you have an international or Polish student card (which will be given to you in your university), all transport is half price. For three months I paid 30€ for a transport card in the city (Bus, tram and metro). The train to travel around Poland is not expensive either, and the buses neither.

How was the language? Did you attend any courses at the university?

I'm taking polish classes offered by the school. Pronunciation is not easy but it is doable. I already practice Russian and word or phrases making is quite similar, which is making things little easier. Besides it is not necessary to speak Polish to live in Warsaw. It is a very cosmopolitan city and there are a lot of foreigners, so most people speak English.

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What's the most cost-effective way to get to Warsaw from your hometown?

I left from Paris. The plane is definitely the best solution. I travelled with RyanAir and I paid my ticket about 60 euros plus baggage in hold. Otherwise the Air France tickets cost around 120€ without checked luggage.

Where would you recommend for a night out in Warsaw?

My favorite place is the Klub Park. The atmosphere is really great and there are almost only Erasmus which allows to meet a lot of people. The evenings out are usually every Wednesday. There are otherwise plenty of other clubs all over the city: the Capitol, the Bank club, etc. From May to the end of September, they also organize festivals on the Vistula river. I haven't try it yet but I'm really looking forward to it, it looks great!

What about eating out in Warsaw? Can you tell us some of your favourite places?

There are really plenty of good places! I would say Manekin is really good and cheap, it's a restaurant that offer a wide range of pancake in all shapes, it's a treat. If not, at Hala Kaszinky there is any type of food and one cool characteristic is that if you are several, you are not obligated to eat in the same restaurant to eat together.

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What is there in terms of cultural places to visit?

The old town obviously. This is the more historic side of Warsaw. There are colorful houses everywhere and small traditional restaurants on every street corner. The big square with the Royal Palace is superb, especially when there is a bright sunshine. Otherwise, the Palace of Culture and Science that is impressive, we see it from all over the city. The banks of the Vistula are also very nice for a stroll or just a picnic. Between the centre and the old town there is the Saxon Garden where the tomb of the Unknown Soldier is kept guarded 24 hours a day by Polish soldiers. The Insurrection Museum is also super interesting, however expect a lot of time to visit it as it is very large.

Any advice for students going to Warsaw in the future?

Feel free to come to Warsaw or Poland. Many people still have the image of old Soviet Poland but the city is very developed and modern, it is the perfect blend between Western Europe with its building everywhere, we could find equally a lot of shops and signs that we also have in France, and eastern Europe, especially in the old town and in the construction of the city. I do not regret at all coming here.

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