Living in Poland – Postgraduate Guide

Accommodation

There are two main sources of accommodation for international Masters students in Poland: university residences (or dormitories) and private rentals.

• University dormitories should be available at most institutions. Spaces will be limited, but international students may be prioritised if applying early enough. Prices will vary, but shared rooms will generally cost €60-80 per month, and private rooms €100-150.
• Private rentals will be available in all large university cities. You may be able to rent a solo apartment, but sharing with other students will usually be cheaper. Your university's international office may be able to help you find housemates and suitable accommodation. Average monthly rent for a room in a shared apartment is around €150-200.The price of renting a private apartment will vary according to location, but will start from €300 per month in Warsaw.

Living costs

Poland is generally an affordable destination for postgraduate study, with moderate fees and a low cost of living. Of course, your own costs will depend on your lifestyle, interests and budgeting ability. Students who are determined to try every variety of wódka they can find should expect to pay a little more than those who are content to relax amidst local parks or explore museums.

Student living costs in Poland

Average monthy living costs (including rent) for students in Poland range from €330 to €430 per month. Students might spend between €350 and €900, however, depending on their lifestyle.

As a rough guide, an inexpensive meal costs around €9.37, a cinema ticket is around €6.80 and a monthly transport pass is around €28.

Learn more about studying in Poland

Looking for more information about Masters study in Poland? Our detailed guide covers everything from university rankings and courses to fees, funding and applications.

Working whilst studying

If you are a citizen of a country within the EU or the EEA you will be able to work in Poland without a permit. Employers in university regions will often be used to hiring a student workforce and you should be able to find opportunities that fit around your study.

Learning some Polish may help you acquire work, though in popular tourist regions (such as Kraków or Warsaw) you may actually find that the ability to speak a foreign language is its own advantage.

If you'd like to see what opportunities might be available before you arrive, you can try searching websites such as the European Jobs Network.

Non EU/EEA nationals will usually be able to work during the summer (July to September) but will need a permit for the rest of the year. This is awarded dependent on holding a valid residence permit.

Further information

Hopefully you now have all the information you need to begin preparing for your study abroad experience in Poland. You should be able to find accommodation, budget for living costs and perhaps find a part-time job.

With that done, you'll have a bit of time left to experience some of the country's beautiful heritage sites and perhaps try some of the excellent local food and drink before getting ready to begin studying your Masters.

There are a few other details you may find helpful before you go though.

Travel and transportation

Polish cities are served by regular tram, rail and bus services and students may receive substantial discounts (up to 50%!) on some routes.

International travel can also be undertaken by rail or by plane. The country's main airport is Warsaw-Chopin, but international airports are also available in or near to other major cities.

Ferry routes are also available to ports on Poland's northern Baltic coastline.

Money and banking

Poland has not yet adopted the Euro (€) though there are plans to do so in the future. Because of this you will probably need to exchange currency to Polish Zloty (PLN / zl) before or after arrival.

Private currency exchange counters called kantors are common in Poland and will not usually charge commission (though the exchange rates they offer may vary). Kantors usually accept major international currencies, but others may need to be taken to a bank or converted into travellers' cheques before you arrive.

Banks are normally open during the week and ATMs are common in towns and cities. Opening an account will usually require you to show your passport; some knowledge of Polish may also be helpful, though your university's international office may be able to assist you if you have problems communicating.

Communications

Post offices are located in towns and cities (opening between Monday and Friday) and post boxes are also available (use red boxes for international mail).

Public phones do not usually accept cash or tokens – instead you will probably need to purchase a pre-paid telephone card (you can do this from most post offices and newsagents).