Experience in Warsaw, Poland by Wioleta

What is it like to live in Warsaw? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

Warsaw is a middle size EU city. It is very energetic city. You can find many green places in the centre (parks, squares, small paths) to sit and rest. As we have got some amount of money from EU, you can see quite a lot build places. The newest thing is opening of transit road, what makes the city center less occupied by cars. Therefore you can reach your place of destinantion quite quick. The city is more like Roma - all you want to see in the centre is on walking distance. But unfortunately we have not got many things to see left after the II WW.

What is the student lifestyle like in Warsaw?

There are some big universities in Warsaw and there are many students there. There are many pubs, students clubs. The majority of students arrive here from all districts of Poland. Therefore it is interesting to live in a dorm amont all representatives of Polish young people.

How much does it cost to live in Warsaw?

Comparing to other EU countries is a little bit chiper. The rent is the biggest part of costs. But food is rather chip. For shopping you need twice less money than in London or Paris. To make rent price less the students have 1 flat for 3-4 people and share the price.

Is it difficult to find accommodation in Warsaw? Is there any advice you can give?

It is easy to find expensive place. To find a chip - it is a tricky thing. If you want to have a nice place for a reasonable price it is better to have a person to share the rent or 2 persons. The accomodation nearest to tube line is one of the most expensive. It is better to find some polish speaking person (student organization could help) to cooperate with you with such searching. In my opinion the worst option is to find something for 1 person for short period for reasonable price.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

Poland has a long time rural culture. Therefore there is plenty of fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits. Plenty and chip. You can find small fairs in every district in Warsaw. It is better to go for food shopping to that fairs than to any mall. You can find selfmade delishous cured meat, fresh meet and eggs from villages. Food is fresh and tasty. More or less food what in EU is called organic and eco is in Poland typical and pretty common. You can find small home-cooked cousine places. The most popular in Poland is tomato soup and broth. Soups are the main dish in Poland.

What places would you recommend visiting in Warsaw?

I do recommend to buy the quide book "Warsaw" from Hatchette publishing house: http://www.hachette.com.pl/jerzy-s-majewski/p,warsaw,20.html.
I like the Copernicus Science Centre and Planetarium. I like Lazienki Park and Palace on the Water. You can find many fine places in Warsaw during your stay.

Is it good to eat out in Warsaw? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Eatig outside is not so popular in Warsaw as in the other EU capitols. It is expensive for average polish student. But for forigner it could be OK. You can find many fine places and mix of cousines here.

Is the nightlife good in Warsaw? Where is good to go?

There are places worth to go and it is better to go with group. The best way is to find polish friends and let them to take you on party. A party in private home is the best.

What advice would you give future students heading to Warsaw?

Buy the guidebood before the departure. Try to find some help from student organization before you start to find a place to live. Find polish friends here and spend time among them.