Erasmus Experience in Wroclaw, Poland by ezgi

Why did you choose to go to Wroclaw, Poland?

I visited several European countries and Poland was on my list to go next. Also I heard Poland has really good student life and cheaper than my home town.

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

I stayed for 10 months. Scholarship fee was 345$/month, but due to some bureaucratic complications in my home University, I actually get the total amount combined after I returned to Istanbul. Because of this I payed for everything during my stay.

What is the student lifestyle like in Wroclaw?

There are lots of students in Wroclaw especially foreign students. So there are lots of activities for students around the town and local people are friendly since they are used to see foreigners all the time.

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

I totally recommend the city and the University of Wroclaw. I studied at the Architecture Faculty which is out of the main campus near a beautiful park with a pond. The building is gorgeous and historical, great for architects:) The park is a great place to hangout with friends between classes, even sunbathing in summer time. Main campus is along the riverside and has great scenery and modern beautiful buildings to hangout.

What is the food like?

Because my country has one of the richest cuisines of the World, for me there is a lack of variety in Polish cuisine. But the food I tried was so delicious, especially "pierogi". I still go to polish restaurants in Istanbul to eat pierogi.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Wroclaw?

I stayed in a dorm which arranged by the University of Wroclaw before I arrived.

How much does it cost to live in Wroclaw?

I live in a flat by myself in downtown Istanbul, since I stayed in a dorm in Wroclaw and not payed for extra bills other than dorm fee it was 6-7 times cheaper to stay in Wroclaw. This means more money for travelling, dininig out, drinking and partying:)

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

There was no courses in Wroclaw, I attended language courses in Jagiellonian University, Krakow. They say Polish is one of the mot difficult languages to learn but I find it not so hard to learn basic stuff for daily talks.

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

Only one airline (THY) has a direct flight from Istanbul to Poland. One departure and one arrival flights daily from Istanbul to Warsaw, because of that it quite expensive. Since Wroclaw is close to Germany and there are tons of flight to Germany from Istanbul, flying to Germany first, then travel to Wroclaw via plane or train is more economical and convenient.

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

My favourite place is "Bezsennosc" (insomnia).
In the same area there is good places like "Niebo" and "Mundo71".
"Antidotum" great ambiance, student parties in thursdays.
"Eter" is a really big club which you should see at least once.
"Daytona" has lots of Erasmus parties but too loud for my taste.
"Wlodkowica 21" is a good place if you want to see more locals than erasmusers.
If you are staying at the dorms around Plac Grunwaldzki "Alibi"is a good place for last minute - spontaneous plans.

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

"Pod Papugami" enjoyable atmosphere and good food!
"Szajnochy 11" for sushi lovers.
"Restauracja Miki" maybe not fancy looking but tastes great if you like to try Polish cuisine.
"Va Bene Trattoria" great Italian food.

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Main square "The Rynek" of course.
"Hala Stulecia" for a relaxing afternoon and there is a water and light show in late spring.
"Panorama Racławicka", museums like "Wrocław Contemporary Museum","National Museum","Museum of Architecture"

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

Just have a great time and don't miss any opportunities :)