Erasmus Experience in Wrocław, Poland by João

Why did you choose to go to Wroclaw, Poland?

This city was my second choice after Prague. There were some problems about Prague (ECTS and lessons in czech) so I ended up choosing Wroclaw and it was the best choice ever. I mainly choose this city because it was in central Europe so I could easily travel around other interesting places and because of the cheap cost of living. I was really lucky on the semester I chose to do Erasmus because I had the opportunity to live in the European Capital of Culture 2016 with many activities every day.

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

I received about 1000 euros for almost 5 months (200e/month).

What is the student lifestyle like in Wroclaw?

Amazing. Possibly the best thing about Wroclaw. Since it is a student city (with almost 180. 000 students) you meet people from all over the world. You have things to do every day and many places to discover. Everywhere you go you see a student or a bunch of young people.

Would you recommend the city and the Wroclaw School of Banking (WSB) to other students?

Without a doubt! Not only the city is great but also my experience in the university was very valuable.

What is the food like?

Polish food is for strong people! In my first days there I tried some dishes (pierogi, kielbasa, a little bit of tartar and a version of Żurek) and I was not impressed. In the end it was more times that I cooked my own meals or tried the fast food restaurants than I tried polish food. It's a really heavy food, with a lot of potatoes, cabbage and vegetables but it's not that bad.

Did it cost you to find your accommodation in Wroclaw?

Yeah, it cost me bit of time. When I arrived to Wroclaw I had to stay in a city center hostel for a week and look for accommodation. The dorms were not able for me (since I didn't study in a public school) and my school didn't have their own dorm so I had to search for an apartment to rent. I was with two colleagues from my home university so we decided to rent a house for the three. We paid about 500e/month for a double-room apartment very well located but not with the best conditions possible. The dorms (Olowek and Kredka) are quite reasonable and the parties there are incredible so I definitely recommend them.

How much does it cost to live in Wroclaw?

Living a luxurious life for a student (private room, eating quite often at the restaurants, going out 3 or 4 times a week) I would say 400e/month. Since I cooked almost every day and rented a house with 2 more people, I was able to live confortably in Wroclaw with 275/300e per month.

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

I learnt very few words in Polish and I don't find it mandatory to be able to live the Erasmus lifestyle. If you can communicate in english you will not have any problem. Although, if you try to speak with the elders in english you will have a bad time. Try to learn the basics.

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

By plane. I bought a one-way ticket from Lisbon to Warsaw and then from Warsaw to Wroclaw but it's quite expensive. There are no direct filghts from Lisbon to Wroclaw. When my experience was over and I had to return home, I went from Wroclaw to Warsaw by PolskiBus and then by plane to Lisbon. PolskiBus will be your best friend if you want to meet other cities in Europe.

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

Pasaz Niepolda is the place where you have 6 or 7 clubs but with a decent-low quality. On the weekend you pay the entrance (about 5e or 20zl) but during the week it's free. On mondays it is Eramus night in Alibi (quite distant from the city center) and it's maaad! Normally there are pre-parties in the dorms in front of Alibi but you have to know the right people. In the city center you have Czupito (a shot bar) which was my second home in Wroclaw. High quality shots for 5zl each (about 1, 20e). But you will be entertained no matter where you go. When the weather allows it, everyone goes to Wyspa Slodowa (The Drinking/Student Island) and make barbecues there.

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

There are really good restaurants in the city center that are quite cheap for the quality food you eat. My favourite is Hala Targowa but it's more expensive than the usual (about 9 or 10 euros for a meal).

What good cultural sites are there to visit?

Hala Stulecia, the Zoo, Japonese Garden, The Water Fountain, Rynek and Wyspa Slodowa. The majority of the city is really beatiful and you will have time to check every location, I recommend you attend the Free City walking tours to know a bit more of the city.