Poland has become one of the most attractive Erasmus destinations in Europe with affordable living costs and a central location ideal for travelling. If you are planning your Erasmus in Poland, this guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
Study Abroad in Poland
Poland hosts thousands of international students every year and offers a wide range of courses taught in English.
Some of the most popular and academically respected universities for Erasmus students include:
PESEL number
The PESEL is the national identification number in Poland. It consists of 11 digits and is unique to every registered person.
While it is not legally required to rent an apartment in Poland, having a PESEL is strongly recommended. You may need it to visit a doctor, communicate with the authorities, or sign an employment contract.
The best part is that it’s completely free and very easy to obtain. All you need is a completed application form, your passport or ID, and depending on the office, proof of address or a rental contract.
Healthcare and Travel Insurance During Your Erasmus in Poland
Health is one of the most important things to sort out before starting your Erasmus experience. Poland has a public healthcare system, but access and costs can vary depending on where you come from.
If you are an EU citizen, you can use your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) to access necessary medical services during your stay. However, keep in mind that the EHIC only covers public healthcare and doesn’t include private services, repatriation, or additional expenses like lost luggage or travel delays. Even with a European Health Insurance Card, in some cases you will have to pay either 60% or 100% of medical costs upfront.
That’s why many students choose to complement the EHIC with a travel insurance for Erasmus students, which gives you full protection and peace of mind for both medical emergencies and travel-related issues.
Life and Travel Tips for Your Erasmus in Poland
Once you’ve handled the paperwork, it’s time to focus on the real Erasmus experience, living, traveling, and making the most of your time in Poland. Here are some practical tips to help you settle in and explore like a local:
Cost of living in Poland
On average, international students spend between 350€ and 550€ per month, depending on the city, lifestyle, and accommodation type. In larger cities such as Warsaw or Kraków, monthly expenses can rise to 500€ –850€, but even in the most expensive locations, Poland remains a budget-friendly destination for students.
Accommodation in Poland
There are two main accommodation options for Erasmus students in Poland:
University Dorms
- Price: €170–€200 per month
- Cheaper and of course, closer to campus
- Limited availability, so early application is essential
Private Rental Apartments
- Price: €350–€400 per month
- One-bedroom apartments in cities like Warsaw can cost €360–€500 per month
- Higher comfort and more privacy
You’ll have a big change of finding accommodation if you use platforms such as Otodom, Gratka, Pepehousing, or Facebook groups that are dedicated to accommodation in Poland like Wynajmę mieszkanie [city name].
The official currency in Poland is the Zloty (PLN).1 euro equals to around 4,20 Polish złoty. This exchange rate makes daily expenses particularly affordable for students coming from eurozone countries.
Food Costs
Average food costs in Poland for international student are somewhere around 100 to 150 euros a month. A three-course meal will cost you around 23 Euros.
Try going to Milk Bars (bar mleczny). These cafeterias serve classic Polish dishes at very low prices and are popular among students and locals alike.
Student discounts
Getting a student card entitles you to reduced prices (up to 51% off) on select means of public transport, including long-distance trains.
You can also use it to get discounts in certain restaurants, pubs and cafés, various entertentainment places like bowling alleys, escape rooms, ice skating rinks or gyms.
Then there’s also the ESNcard which gives you access to discounts on trips, events, and many other student-friendly businesses in their city, as well as those across Europe and online. You also get a 10% discount on your OnCampus Abroad Travel Insurance, so you can enjoy your Erasmus in Poland worry-free.
Language
While Polish is considered a challenging language, most Erasmus students study in English and universities often provide free or low-cost Polish language courses to help international students integrate.
In any case, here are some useful Polish phrases to help you get started:
Hi/Hello – Cześć (cheshch)
Please – Proszę (proh-sheh)
Thank you – Dziękuję (jen-koo-yeh)
Good morning – Dzień dobry (jen doh-bri)
Good afternoon – Dobry wieczór (doh-bri vyeh-choor)
Yes/No – Tak (tahk) / Nie (nyeh)
I don’t understand – Nie rozumiem (nyeh roh-zoo-myem)
Public transport
Remember that a student ID (both the polish one and the International Student Identity Card (ISIC) entitle you to a 51% discount on selected means of public transport (mainly trains and public buses operating in towns).
You can find the most convenient train connection between two cities using Koleo or this website, but be aware that in Poland there are many train companies.
You can also download the Jakdojade app to find the best connections between two points in a given city or town.
Jakdojade: public transport – Android Apps on Google Play
Jakdojade – Timetables – App Store
Weekend trips
Poland is considered one of the best-connected countries in Central and Eastern Europe. You can easily take weekend trips to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, and Budapest from most central cities.
Low-cost airlines
The dominant low-cost carriers in Poland are Wizz Air and Ryanair (including its subsidiary, Buzz), which offer extensive networks connecting major Polish cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and Katowice to Europe. Other budget options include EasyJet, Norwegian, and Jet2.
Hidden gems
Don’t limit yourself to the big names. Explore lesser-known cities like Poznan, Toruń, Bialystok, Olsztyn, or Lublin for a genuine Polish experience and fewer tourists.
University events
May is the time for Juwenalia, the biggest student event in Poland. These are 2 or 3 days of music festivals combined with many attractions such as food truck festivals, face painting or sports competitions. The biggest polish music stars perform, and student bands support them!
It is students who organise the entirety of Juwenalia. Also, you don’t have to study at and specific university to be able to attend its event. This means you can travel around Poland, enjoying Juwenalia organised by various institutions!
Cultural habits
Polish people often exercise silence in both social and professional settings. Unlike in many Western cultures where filling conversational gaps is the norm, Poles embrace silence. This can be interpreted as a sign of respect and contemplation rather than discomfort or disengagement.
Most popular Erasmus cities in Poland
Kraków
A historic and touristic city with a strong international community and one of Poland’s top universities. Close to the mountains and countries like Slovakia and Czechia.
Wrocław
A lively city with many rivers and channels across the city, It has got a large student population. Known for cultural events (it was a European Capital of Culture a few years back), and very close to Czechia and Germany.
Poznań
One of the best cities for student life quality. Less touristic, affordable, clean, and well connected to Berlin and Warsaw. Home to one of the highest student population ratios in Poland. It is also easier to find a job if you’re planning to stay.
Katowice
A modern, dynamic city known for nightlife, music festivals, and student-friendly prices. Excellent transport connections and a strong Erasmus atmosphere.
Warsaw
Poland’s capital and largest city, offering great international connections, and endless opportunities at a slightly higher cost.
Emergency numbers
General emergency assistance: 112
Police: 997
Fire brigade: 998
Emergency medical service: 999
Poland is one of those Erasmus destinations that grows on you quickly. Affordable, welcoming, and full of student life, it offers the perfect setting to study, travel, and live something new. Prepare well and don’t overthink it, your Erasmus in Poland will fall into place faster than you expect.
