Experience in Wroclaw, Poland by Kuba

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

Once upon a time there was a country with over a 1000 years of history. A country that at it's peak was the biggest state in Europe. Then it got locked behind the iron curtain and was forgotten. Now it's reborn again and you better take advatage of it while it's still cheap and not that crowded!
If I could choose to live in any Polish city I wouldn't hesitate for a second and I would still choose Wroclaw. It's a thriving, multicultural, vital place, full of students from all continents possible where hearing Spanish mixed with Russian is inseperable when using public transport. It's also a city full of cultural events and investments where new international companies open literally every week and building sites are as common as numerous parks. And don't worry, there are no bears on the streets. As the wormest region in Poland it can offer you up to 35'C during the summer and if it gets too hot, winter can bless your nose with 20'C... sub-zero. There are very few places in Europe where history meets modernity, western temper meets eastern soul and youth meets experience like in Wroclaw ...and don't forget about prices - it's where your wallet meets self-confidence ;) Many people hesitate before choosing Poland as their destiny because of the language bareer. I won't lie - Polish is a very difficult language but every young person in here speaks English and foreigners can easily find a job or study without speaking a word in Polish. And once here it learns by itself :) Beside, knowing just couple basic words in Polish can open more doors than you could imagine.

What is the student lifestyle like in Wroclaw?

The population of Wroclaw is around 640,000 people which makes it the 4th largest city in Poland. Students make up 20% of that number which really makes it a university city. That's something to live up to, therefore Wroclaw has a very student-friendly attitude, that concerning both inside and outside the university. There are tons of facilities, discounts and services meant just for students.

How much does it cost to live in Wroclaw?

Wroclaw, as most Polish cities offers high standard and low price and that goes for both accomodation and living. Renting a room can be as cheap as 120euro/month and renting a whole flat should take less than 500 euro/month (unless you want to live in Rynek).

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

It's quite easy, using facebook groups or google does the job. Don't be scared to ask somebody already living here for help - offers published just in Polish tend to be a bit cheaper.

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

Wroclaw is quite specific when it comes to food. As it changed it's national affiliation over the years it doesn't have it's own "wroclawian" cuisine. However nowhere else it's so easy to eat ukrainian borsch, follow it with polish pierogi and georgian khachapuri while drinking czech or german beer. But why would you if Wroclaw is full of it's own craft breweries and pubs. And by the way you need to try polish soups, they will blow your mind. But if for some reason you still prefer pasta or pizza then (g̶o̶ ̶t̶o̶ ̶i̶t̶a̶l̶y̶) they're on every corner too.

What places would you recommend visiting in Wroclaw?

Number one to see in Wroclaw is a traditional medival market square with a city hall and all kinds of restaurants in the middle of it called "Rynek". It's a signature place to visit in every Polish city really. Next on the list is the church island - "Ostrow Tumski" where the city historically had its beginnings. The rest of attractions inlclude huge multimedia musical fountain, monumental cycloramic painting depicting Kosciuszko uprising, multiple music venues, clubs, theatres, museums, cinemas, beach bars and many more. But if you are a student, in the night you should go to "Wyspa Slodowa", don't ask why, just find out by yourself.

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

Wroclaw will definetly not disappoint you when it comes to eating out. It offers all kinds of cuisines - Polish (<3), Mexican, Italian, Spanish, Greek, French, Ukrainian, Russian, all kinds of Asian but also African and many more. There are also some funny and expensive ones like German (don't try it). My personal treasure is Georgian cuisine with it's restaurants called "Chinkalnia". When in Wrocław you have to give it a try! Eating in the centre should cost you between 10 and 30 euros depending on place's "fanciness". But when your "student's days" will come and believe me they will come  there are plenty of milk bars where having a dinner will cost you no more than 3 euros.

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

It's really a city with two seperate lives - working/family-time one during the day and it's wild, worry less twin sibiling during the night. Because of it's student's nature the city is filled with clubs and bars with all range of prices, drinks, music types, styles, people and fun. Meeting people from all around the world is never easier than in the middle of the night in Wroclaw's old town. Maybe that's where the city's motto derives from - "Wroclaw - the meeting place". ...And once again, prices are surprisingly friendly.

What advice would you give future students heading to Wroclaw?

Don't think twice. Wroclaw is famous for it's erasmus spirit and every person that comes here falls in love with the city and the people. Some cry when it's time to leave, some decide to spare themselves crying and stay for longer or even forever. Just pack yourself and let's meet in Wroclaw.