So you've arrived in Poland for your Erasmus+ exchange, and you keep hearing about "ESN." People are talking about ESN events, ESN trips, ESN parties. You're wondering: What is ESN? Should I join? What do they actually do? And why does everyone seem to think it's so important?

Here's the thing: ESN (Erasmus Student Network) is basically your social lifeline during Erasmus+. It's a student organization that exists specifically to help Erasmus students integrate, have fun, and make the most of their exchange. If you're doing Erasmus+ in Poland and you're not involved with ESN, you're missing out on a huge part of the experience.

This guide will tell you everything you need to know about ESN in Poland – what it is, how it works, what they do, how to join, and why it's so important for your Erasmus+ experience. Because understanding ESN will help you understand how to have an amazing exchange. It's not just about parties (though there are plenty of those) – it's about community, support, and making your Erasmus+ experience unforgettable.

The reality check: ESN isn't mandatory, and you can have a good Erasmus+ experience without it. But the students who get the most out of Erasmus+ are almost always the ones who are active in ESN. It's that simple. So if you want to maximize your experience, get involved.

What Is ESN?

ESN stands for Erasmus Student Network. Here's what you need to know:

The Basics

ESN is:

  • A student organization – Run by students, for students
  • International network – Present in over 1,000 universities across Europe
  • Non-profit – Not a business, focused on helping students
  • Volunteer-run – Students volunteer to organize events and help others
  • Free to join – Membership is usually free or very cheap

ESN's mission:

  • Help Erasmus students integrate – Make them feel welcome and supported
  • Organize events and activities – Parties, trips, cultural events
  • Provide practical support – Help with accommodation, documents, daily life
  • Create community – Build connections between international and local students
  • Promote mobility – Encourage student exchanges

Reality check: ESN is a real organization with real impact. It's not just a social club – it's a support network that helps thousands of Erasmus students every year.

ESN Structure

How ESN is organized:

International level:

  • ESN International – The main organization coordinating everything
  • National level – ESN Poland coordinates all Polish sections
  • Local sections – Each city/university has its own ESN section

Local sections in Poland:

  • ESN Warsaw – Warsaw sections (different universities)
  • ESN Kraków – Kraków sections
  • ESN Wrocław – Wrocław sections
  • ESN Poznań – Poznań sections
  • ESN Gdańsk – Gdańsk sections
  • And many more – Most major student cities have ESN sections

Pro tip: Each city usually has multiple ESN sections (one per university or sometimes one for the whole city). Find the section for your university or city.

What Does ESN Actually Do?

ESN organizes a huge variety of activities. Here's what you can expect:

Social Events

Parties and social gatherings:

  • Welcome parties – For new Erasmus students
  • Regular parties – Weekly or bi-weekly social events
  • Themed parties – Halloween, Christmas, cultural nights
  • Farewell parties – For students leaving
  • Bar nights – Casual social gatherings at bars

Why they matter:

  • Meet people – Best way to meet other Erasmus students
  • Have fun – Social events are a huge part of Erasmus+
  • Feel included – Being part of a community
  • Create memories – These are the experiences you'll remember

Reality check: ESN parties are famous (or infamous, depending on your perspective). They're usually fun, social, and a great way to meet people. But they're not mandatory – participate as much or as little as you want.

Trips and Travel

ESN organizes trips:

  • City trips – Day trips to nearby cities
  • Weekend trips – Overnight trips to other cities or countries
  • Cultural trips – Visits to museums, historical sites, cultural events
  • Nature trips – Hiking, outdoor activities
  • International trips – Sometimes trips to other countries

Popular destinations from Poland:

  • Within Poland – Zakopane, Gdańsk, Wrocław, Kraków, Warsaw
  • Neighboring countries – Prague (Czech Republic), Berlin (Germany), Bratislava (Slovakia), Vienna (Austria)
  • Further destinations – Budapest, Vienna, sometimes even further

Why they're great:

  • Affordable – Group travel is cheaper
  • Organized – ESN handles logistics
  • Social – Travel with other students
  • Explore – See places you might not visit alone

Pro tip: ESN trips are usually well-organized and affordable. They're a great way to explore Poland and neighboring countries without the hassle of planning everything yourself.

Cultural Events

ESN organizes cultural activities:

  • Cultural nights – Students present their countries
  • Language exchange – Practice languages with other students
  • Cooking events – Learn to cook different cuisines
  • Film nights – Watch movies from different countries
  • Festivals and celebrations – Participate in local and international celebrations

Why they matter:

  • Learn about cultures – From all over Europe and beyond
  • Share your culture – Present your country to others
  • Cultural exchange – Real international experience
  • Fun and educational – Learn while having fun

Reality check: Cultural events are often the most meaningful part of ESN. They're where you really experience the international aspect of Erasmus+.

Practical Support

ESN helps with practical stuff:

  • Accommodation – Help finding housing
  • Documents – Guidance on paperwork and bureaucracy
  • Orientation – Help with getting started
  • Daily life – Advice on shopping, transport, etc.
  • Problems – Support when things go wrong

Why it's helpful:

  • Local knowledge – ESN members know the city
  • Experience – They've helped many students before
  • Language – They can help with language barriers
  • Support network – Someone to turn to for help

Pro tip: Don't be afraid to ask ESN for help with practical things. That's what they're there for, and they're usually happy to help.

Integration Activities

ESN helps you integrate:

  • Buddy programs – Pairing with local students
  • Language tandems – Practice Polish, help others with your language
  • Local events – Connecting with Polish culture
  • University integration – Help with academic life
  • City integration – Getting to know your city

Why it matters:

  • Feel at home – Integration makes you feel more comfortable
  • Understand culture – Learn about Polish culture
  • Make local friends – Connect with Polish students
  • Better experience – Integration improves your overall experience

Reality check: Integration takes effort, but ESN makes it easier. They create opportunities to connect with local culture and people.

How to Join ESN

Joining ESN is easy:

Finding Your Local ESN Section

How to find ESN:

  • Facebook – Search "ESN [your city]" or "ESN [your university]"
  • University – International office will have information
  • ESN website – esn.org (find your section)
  • Other students – Ask other Erasmus students
  • Orientation – ESN usually presents at orientation

Pro tip: Most ESN sections are very active on Facebook. That's usually the best place to find them and see what events they're organizing.

Joining Process

Usually very simple:

  • Find the section – Locate your local ESN
  • Attend an event – Go to a welcome event or party
  • Sign up – Usually just fill out a form or register online
  • Get ESN card – Some sections give membership cards
  • Start participating – Join events and activities

Reality check: Joining is usually free or very cheap (sometimes 10-20 PLN / €2-4). There's no complicated process – just show up and participate.

ESN Membership Benefits

What you get:

  • Access to events – All ESN events and activities
  • Discounts – Sometimes discounts on trips, events, or services
  • ESN card – Membership card (if your section provides it)
  • Community – Part of the ESN community
  • Support – Access to ESN support and help

Pro tip: Even if membership has a small fee, it's worth it. The events, trips, and community are invaluable.

ESN Events: What to Expect

Here's what typical ESN events look like:

Welcome Events

At the start of semester:

  • Welcome party – Big party for all new Erasmus students
  • City tour – Getting to know your city
  • Information session – About ESN, city, university
  • Meet and greet – Meeting other students

Why they're important:

  • Meet people early – Start making friends from day one
  • Get oriented – Learn about your city and ESN
  • Feel welcome – Start feeling part of the community

Pro tip: Go to welcome events! Even if you're tired or overwhelmed, they're the best way to meet people and get started.

Regular Events

Throughout the semester:

  • Weekly parties – Regular social events
  • Bar nights – Casual gatherings
  • Cultural events – Various cultural activities
  • Sports events – Sports and activities
  • Workshops – Learning activities

Frequency:

  • Usually 1-3 events per week – Depending on the section
  • Mix of types – Social, cultural, practical
  • Something for everyone – Different interests covered

Reality check: You don't have to go to everything. Pick and choose what interests you. But the more you participate, the more you'll get out of it.

Special Events

Bigger events:

  • National events – ESN Poland organizes country-wide events
  • International events – Sometimes events with other countries
  • Festivals – Participation in festivals and celebrations
  • Conferences – ESN conferences and meetings

Pro tip: Special events are often the highlights of the semester. If you can, participate in them – they're usually amazing experiences.

ESN Trips: Exploring Poland and Beyond

ESN trips are a huge part of the experience:

Types of Trips

Day trips:

  • Nearby cities – Visit cities within Poland
  • Nature – Hiking, outdoor activities
  • Cultural sites – Museums, historical places
  • Usually affordable – 50-150 PLN (€11-33)

Weekend trips:

  • Other Polish cities – Explore different parts of Poland
  • Neighboring countries – Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, etc.
  • Usually 200-500 PLN (€44-110) including transport and accommodation

International trips:

  • Further destinations – Sometimes trips to other countries
  • Usually more expensive – But still affordable as group travel
  • Amazing experiences – See places you might not visit alone

Pro tip: ESN trips are usually well-organized and great value. They're a fantastic way to explore without the hassle of planning.

Popular Destinations from Poland

Within Poland:

  • Zakopane – Mountains, hiking, skiing
  • Gdańsk – Beautiful coastal city
  • Wrocław – Stunning architecture, great atmosphere
  • Kraków – Historic city, amazing culture
  • Warsaw – Capital city, modern and historic

Neighboring countries:

  • Prague (Czech Republic) – Beautiful, affordable, close
  • Berlin (Germany) – Vibrant, cultural, close
  • Bratislava (Slovakia) – Charming, affordable
  • Vienna (Austria) – Beautiful, cultural
  • Budapest (Hungary) – Amazing, affordable

Reality check: Poland's central location makes it perfect for exploring. ESN trips take advantage of this, organizing affordable trips to amazing destinations.

ESN and Your Erasmus+ Experience

Why ESN matters for your Erasmus+:

Social Integration

ESN helps you:

  • Meet people – Other Erasmus and local students
  • Make friends – Build friendships that last
  • Feel included – Part of a community
  • Overcome isolation – Never feel alone

Reality check: The social aspect is huge. Erasmus+ can be lonely if you don't make an effort to meet people. ESN makes that easy.

Cultural Experience

ESN enhances cultural experience:

  • International community – Friends from all over Europe
  • Cultural exchange – Learn about different cultures
  • Polish culture – Connect with local culture
  • Global perspective – Broader worldview

Pro tip: The cultural exchange is one of the best parts of Erasmus+. ESN creates opportunities for real cultural learning and exchange.

Practical Support

ESN helps with practical stuff:

  • Accommodation – Finding housing
  • Documents – Navigating bureaucracy
  • Daily life – Practical advice
  • Problems – Support when needed

Reality check: Practical support is invaluable. Having someone to ask for help makes a huge difference, especially in the first weeks.

Making Memories

ESN creates experiences:

  • Unforgettable events – Parties, trips, activities
  • Friendships – Lifelong connections
  • Adventures – Exploring Poland and beyond
  • Stories – Experiences you'll remember forever

Pro tip: The memories you make through ESN will stay with you forever. These are the experiences that make Erasmus+ special.

How to Make the Most of ESN

Here's how to maximize your ESN experience:

Get Involved Early

Start from the beginning:

  • Go to welcome events – Meet people from day one
  • Join early – Don't wait, get involved immediately
  • Say yes – To invitations and activities
  • Be active – Participate in events

Pro tip: The earlier you get involved, the more you'll get out of it. Don't wait – start participating from the first week.

Try Different Types of Events

Don't just do one thing:

  • Social events – Parties and gatherings
  • Cultural events – Learn and share cultures
  • Trips – Explore and travel
  • Practical events – Workshops and information sessions

Reality check: Different events offer different experiences. Try a variety – you might discover interests you didn't know you had.

Volunteer (If Interested)

Some students volunteer:

  • Help organize events – Be part of the team
  • Gain experience – Leadership, organization, teamwork
  • Give back – Help other students
  • Deeper involvement – More connected to ESN

Pro tip: Volunteering is optional, but it's a great way to get more involved and gain valuable experience. Many ESN volunteers are former Erasmus students who want to give back.

Connect with Local Students

ESN includes local students:

  • Buddy programs – Pair with local students
  • Language exchange – Practice Polish, help with your language
  • Cultural connection – Learn about Polish culture
  • Local friends – Make Polish friends

Reality check: Connecting with local students enhances your experience. They help you understand the culture and feel more at home.

Common Questions About ESN

Here are answers to common questions:

Do I Have to Join ESN?

Answer: No, it's completely optional. But most Erasmus students do, and those who don't often regret it.

Is ESN Just About Partying?

Answer: No. ESN organizes parties, but also trips, cultural events, practical support, and much more. There's something for everyone.

Do I Have to Go to Every Event?

Answer: No. Participate as much or as little as you want. Pick what interests you.

Is ESN Expensive?

Answer: Usually free or very cheap to join. Events and trips have costs, but they're usually affordable and good value.

Can I Join If I'm Not Erasmus+?

Answer: Usually ESN is for Erasmus+ students, but some sections welcome other international students. Check with your local section.

Reality check: ESN is flexible. You can participate as much or as little as you want. There's no pressure – just opportunities.

The Bottom Line

ESN is essential for maximizing your Erasmus+ experience in Poland. It's not just about parties – it's about community, support, cultural exchange, and creating unforgettable memories. The students who get the most out of Erasmus+ are almost always the ones who are active in ESN.

The key takeaways:

  • ESN is a student organization – Run by students, for students
  • It's free or very cheap – Membership is affordable
  • It organizes everything – Parties, trips, cultural events, practical support
  • It's your social lifeline – Best way to meet people and have fun
  • Get involved early – The earlier you join, the more you'll get out of it
  • Participate actively – The more you participate, the better your experience

The reality check: You can have a good Erasmus+ experience without ESN, but you'll miss out on a huge part of what makes Erasmus+ special. ESN creates the community, the events, the trips, and the support that make Erasmus+ unforgettable. Get involved – you won't regret it.

Powodzenia! (Good luck!) ESN will be one of the best parts of your Erasmus+ experience. Join early, participate actively, and make the most of everything they offer. You'll meet amazing people, have incredible experiences, and create memories that last a lifetime. Welcome to the ESN family!