Erasmus Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Samuel

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Why did you choose to go to Warsaw, Poland?

From NOHA program, if one wants to specialize in peace and humanitarian action, Warsaw university is the best place to do so. More particularly, one can hone practical experiences on the prevention of mass atrocities. Given the Charter of the United Nations, one can really make sense of what it means prevention of the next generations from the scourge of wars and working towards fundamental human rights as well as for the dignity and worth of the human person through field visits and workshops at the university.

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

The scholarship is one semester. I received some money that helped me with living costs.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

With a great and very attractive library and good communication networks, one can enjoy the teaching and learning process in historical buildings. One also has opportunities of meeting people from all over the world. I hope the number of African students will be rising soon. I met many people from Belarus, Ukraine, and Latin America as well as all over Europe. Apart from classroom life, one can enjoy Erasmus parties, group trips, and different events. The Jazz bars also were the sources of excitement for me. Enjoy the night clubs, historical museums, hiking, etc. It is also worth to visit concentration chambers and learn some of the crimes which forever remain as reminders of the darker sides of the history of humanity.

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

Yes, I definitely recommend the most beautiful university of Warsaw.

What is the food like?

Pierogi (dumplings) is one of my favourite food.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Warsaw?

The cost of accommodation in Warsaw is not as expensive as compared to other big European cities. One can also opt for a dormitory option if one thinks that the cost of accommodation outside the university is a little bit expensive.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

It all depends on your personal expenditures. But if one wants to rent outside the campus, one needs around 250 € per month.

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

I cannot say that the language is very easy, but anyone can get free access to the language course at the university.

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

The easiest way to travel depends on the timing and your location. Sometimes, you can only pay 5-10 € through cheap flight arrangements if you are able to book on time. Other times, you have to pay more and the train could be the best option. If one is willing to take buses, the option is there a cheaper price. One can get a good deal and a buy connection to major European cities.

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

I would like to go to the old town where you have more clubs and decent bars.

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

It is a pity that I don't exactly remember how to spell the name of the restaurant, but I recommend dumpling (Pierogi) restaurant that is at a walking distance from the University of Warsaw, the main campus. Other restaurants like Italian, Mexican and Indian restaurants are also among the lists of my recommendations.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Poland is full of cultural artifacts and historical milestones of humanity. The National Museum, Krakow, and other big cities can give you the flavour of the enormous cultural and historical artifacts.

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

Read a little bit about the city and the country. Besides, link up with the Erasmus community or the university staff to get accommodations before flying in.

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