Experience in Varsovia, Yoly's Poland

What it is like to live in Varsovia? Do you recommend it? What is the city like?

Warsaw is a beautiful place, there are many old buildings and it's busy in the centre of the city. There are lots of students and museums and forests to visit, and everything is green. I think it's a place too cold to live, however it's really nice and you should visit, especially in autumn (the best season of the year to visit because it is not too cold and the leaves on the trees change). Another important thing if you decide to come here is to learn a bit of Polish as there are many students in the centre of the city and you can find someone who knows English easily, but in small neighbourhoods out of the centre, it's more complicated; people are still very friendly (a little serious but nice) and try to help you even if they cannot speak English.

What is the student atmosphere like in Varsovia?

At weekends the centre is really busy especially with young people, there are lots of students and Erasmus students (especially Spaniards, Turks and Italians) and many places that do student discount with a student card. However, you must be careful here because drinks are very cheap (especially beer) so people drink a lot, you find a lot of drunk people so it's better to not be alone at night, and the same goes for the night buses.

How much does it cost to live in Varsovia?

Compared to the rest of the country, the capital is expensive, the normal price to pay for a student flat is about 900 zl (approximately 250 € per month) depending on which area it is in. The best area in the centre is close to the central station because there are more places to go out and only a step away (bars, restaurants, shops, there are many trams and buses as well as the metro. The food is quite cheap, I don't recommend taxi's because although they are cheaper than in Spain, they still cost.

Was it difficult to find accommodation in Varsovia? Can you give any advice?

There are lots of flats and it's not difficult to find a place, it's best to rent one flat for two or three people because studios are quite expensive and there is a really good web page with students looking for a flat or flatmate http://www.gumtree.pl

What is the food like from this country? What are your favourite dishes?

The food isn't very good but there are some dishes that are rich like Pierogi or Ziemniaczane. There are also some traditional sweets that are very rich, prunes coated in chocolate (Śliwka w czekoladzie).

What places would you recommend visiting in Varsovia?

One of Varsovia's most beautiful places is the Old Town, which is the oldest part of the city. Another place you should visit if you come here is Kampinos National Park, it's on the outskirts and is a giant forest, it is beautiful.

Any advice that you want to give to future students in Varsovia?

It's a really cold place so if you decide to come here prepare yourself with a good coat or a few and everything else (hat, gloves, scarf, some good boots) because you are going to need them, but it's worth the experience because it's a really beautiful place and the people are so friendly although a bit too serious for my taste.