So you've got your visa sorted, your accommodation booked (or at least you're working on it), and you've learned how to say "dzień dobry" without sounding like you're choking. Great! But here's the thing – there's a whole world of practical stuff that nobody tells you about until you're standing in a Polish bank trying to explain why you need an account, or staring at a menu in a milk bar wondering if you're supposed to order at the counter or wait for a table.

This is your "everything else" guide. The stuff that falls through the cracks. The things that make the difference between surviving and actually thriving in Poland. We're talking about the practical, everyday things that can make or break your experience. From opening a bank account to understanding why Poles stare at you (they're not being rude, promise), this is your cheat sheet to the real Poland.

Banking & Money Matters

Opening a Bank Account

You'll need a Polish bank account. Trust me on this one. While you can survive on cash and international cards for a while, having a local account makes everything easier – from paying rent to getting a phone contract to receiving money transfers.

What you'll need:

  • Passport (obviously)
  • Student ID (legitymacja studencka) – once you get it
  • Proof of address – rental agreement or dormitory confirmation
  • PESEL number – Polish identification number (you'll get this when you register your address)

Popular student-friendly banks:

  • PKO Bank Polski – Largest bank, lots of ATMs, student accounts often free
  • mBank – Great online banking, very student-friendly
  • ING Bank Śląski – Good mobile app, student discounts

Pro tip: Many banks offer free accounts for students under 26. Always ask about student discounts – they're everywhere in Poland, and banks are no exception.

Cash vs. Card Culture

Poland is surprisingly card-friendly. You can pay by card almost everywhere – even in small shops and market stalls. But here's the thing: always carry some cash. Not much, maybe 50-100 złoty. Some places (especially smaller ones, taxis, or market vendors) prefer cash, and you don't want to be that person holding up the line because you only have a card.

Quick money facts:

  • Currency: Złoty (PLN) – written as "zł" or "złoty"
  • Coins: 1, 2, 5 złoty + grosze (cents): 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 groszy
  • Bills: 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 złoty
  • ATMs are everywhere – called "bankomat"
  • Tipping: 10% is standard in restaurants, but not mandatory

Phone & Internet: Staying Connected

Getting a Polish SIM Card

Your international roaming will drain your wallet faster than you can say "przepraszam." Get a Polish SIM card. It's cheap, easy, and you'll thank yourself later.

What you need:

  • Passport (sometimes they ask for PESEL, but passport usually works)
  • That's it. Seriously, it's that simple.

Popular providers:

  • Orange – Good coverage, student plans available
  • Play – Often cheapest, good for data-heavy users
  • T-Mobile – Reliable, good customer service
  • Plus – Decent coverage, competitive prices

Student tip: Many providers offer special student plans with more data for less money. Ask about "oferta studencka" (student offer).

Internet & WiFi

At your accommodation:

  • Dormitories usually have WiFi included (quality varies)
  • Private apartments – you'll need to set up internet yourself
  • Popular providers: Orange, UPC, Vectra
  • Setup can take 1-2 weeks, so plan ahead

Public WiFi:

  • Most cafes, restaurants, and public spaces have free WiFi
  • Shopping malls, libraries, and universities have WiFi
  • Quality varies, but it's usually decent

Pro tip: Download offline maps before you arrive. Google Maps works great in Poland, but having offline access saves data and battery.

Cultural Quirks & Social Etiquette

The Staring Thing

Poles stare. Not in a creepy way, just... they look. They observe. It's not rude, it's just how they are. Don't take it personally. They're probably just curious or thinking about something completely unrelated to you.

Queuing (Or Lack Thereof)

Polish queues are... flexible. Sometimes there's a clear line, sometimes it's more of a "who got here first" situation. In shops, look for ticket machines (take a number) or just observe how others are doing it. When in doubt, ask "Kto ostatni?" (Who's last?) – it's the polite way to check the queue order.

Formality vs. Informality

Poles use formal language ("Pan/Pani" – Mr./Mrs.) more than you might expect. With professors, shopkeepers, and strangers, use formal. With classmates and people your age, informal is fine. When in doubt, start formal – they'll tell you to switch to informal if they want.

Direct Communication

Poles are direct. They say what they mean. This isn't rudeness – it's efficiency. Don't be offended if someone is straight to the point. They're not being mean, they're just being clear.

The "No" Culture

Poles say "no" a lot. Not because they're negative, but because they're honest. If something isn't possible, they'll tell you. This is actually helpful – you know where you stand. But it can feel harsh if you're used to softer communication styles.

Shopping & Daily Life

Types of Shops

Żabka – The 24/7 convenience store. They're everywhere. Overpriced? Yes. Convenient? Absolutely. Your late-night snack savior.

Biedronka – The budget supermarket. Cheap, decent quality, very popular with students. The logo is a ladybug (biedronka = ladybug in Polish).

Carrefour, Tesco, Auchan – Big supermarkets. Good for big shopping trips.

Milk bars (Bar mleczny) – Traditional Polish canteens. Super cheap, authentic food. Order at the counter, pay, then find a seat. Don't expect fancy service, but the food is good and the prices are unbeatable.

Shopping Hours

  • Supermarkets: Usually 6 AM - 10 PM (some 24/7)
  • Small shops: Vary, but often 8 AM - 8 PM
  • Shopping malls: 9 AM - 9 PM or 10 PM
  • Sunday shopping: Limited. Most shops closed, except some in train stations, airports, and some convenience stores

Pro tip: Sunday is a quiet day in Poland. Many things are closed. Plan your shopping accordingly.

Health & Pharmacies

Pharmacies (Apteka)

Pharmacies are everywhere and well-stocked. You can get most medications without a prescription that would require one elsewhere. Pharmacists are knowledgeable and usually speak English.

Important:

  • Apteka = pharmacy (look for the green cross sign)
  • Many medications are cheaper than in Western Europe
  • Keep your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Polish insurance card with you

Medical Appointments

  • NFZ (public healthcare): Free with insurance, but waiting times can be long
  • Private clinics: Faster, but you pay (usually 100-300 zł for a visit)
  • University health services: Often available for students, check with your university

Emergency number: 112 (like 911) – works for police, fire, and medical emergencies

Work & Legal Stuff

Working While Studying

EU students: Can work freely without restrictions.

Non-EU students:

  • Can work during studies (with some restrictions)
  • Need a work permit for some jobs
  • Part-time work is usually allowed
  • Check your visa conditions

Popular student jobs:

  • Tutoring (especially English)
  • Hospitality (bars, restaurants)
  • Retail
  • Delivery services
  • Online work (freelancing, remote)

Pro tip: Many universities have job boards or career centers. Check there first.

Taxes

If you work in Poland, you'll pay taxes. The good news? Students often get tax breaks. The bad news? Tax law is complicated. If you're working, consider talking to a tax advisor or using online resources.

Transportation Hacks

Public Transport

  • Student discounts: Show your legitymacja studencka for 50% off
  • Monthly passes: Usually cheaper if you use transport regularly
  • Validate your ticket: On trams/buses, validate immediately or risk a fine
  • Apps: Use Jakdojade.pl or mobile apps for routes and schedules

Bikes

Many Polish cities are bike-friendly. Bike-sharing systems are common (Nextbike, Veturilo in Warsaw). Great for short trips and exploring.

Trains

PKP Intercity – Long-distance trains. Book in advance for cheaper tickets.

Regional trains – Cheaper, slower, but fine for shorter trips.

Student discounts: 51% off with student ID (legitymacja studencka)

Food Culture

Meal Times

  • Breakfast (Śniadanie): Usually 7-9 AM
  • Lunch (Obiad): 1-3 PM (this is the main meal)
  • Dinner (Kolacja): 7-9 PM (lighter than lunch)

Pro tip: Many restaurants offer "danie dnia" (dish of the day) – usually cheaper and good value.

Tipping

10% is standard. Not mandatory, but appreciated. Round up the bill or leave 10%. In cafes, rounding up is fine.

Dietary Restrictions

Poland is getting better at accommodating dietary needs, but it's still catching up. Vegetarian options are more common now. Vegan and gluten-free options exist but are less widespread. Learn to say "Jestem wegetarianinem/wegetarianką" (I'm vegetarian) or "Nie jem mięsa" (I don't eat meat).

Safety & Common Scams

Safety

Poland is generally very safe. Violent crime is rare. Petty theft (pickpocketing) happens in tourist areas, but it's not worse than other European countries.

Common sense applies:

  • Don't leave valuables unattended
  • Be careful in crowded places
  • Watch your bags on public transport
  • Don't walk alone late at night in unfamiliar areas

Common Scams to Watch For

  • Taxi scams: Use apps (Uber, Bolt) or reputable taxi companies
  • ATM skimming: Use ATMs at banks, not random street ones
  • Fake police: Real police will show ID. If someone claiming to be police asks for money, it's a scam
  • Overpriced restaurants: Check prices before ordering in tourist areas

Integration & Making Friends

Join Student Organizations

Universities have tons of clubs and organizations. Join something – anything. Sports, culture, academic, whatever interests you. It's the easiest way to meet people.

Language Exchange

Many cities have language exchange meetups. Great way to practice Polish and meet locals. Check Facebook groups or apps like Meetup.

Be Open

Poles can seem reserved at first, but once you break through, they're warm and welcoming. Don't be discouraged if initial interactions feel formal. Keep trying, be friendly, and you'll make connections.

Things That Might Surprise You

Sundays Are Quiet

Most shops closed, streets quieter. It's a day of rest. Plan accordingly.

Cash is Still King (Sometimes)

While cards work everywhere, some places prefer cash. Always have some on you.

Smoking Culture

Smoking is still more common than in some Western countries. You'll see people smoking outside cafes, at bus stops, etc. It's legal in designated areas.

Drinking Culture

Alcohol is part of social life. Going for a beer is a common way to socialize. It's not about getting drunk (usually) – it's about spending time together.

The Weather

Polish weather is... unpredictable. Summer can be hot (30°C+), winter can be cold (-10°C or colder). Layers are your friend. Always check the weather forecast.

Practical Pro Tips

  1. Get a PESEL number ASAP – Makes everything easier (banking, phone, etc.)

  2. Download these apps:

    • Jakdojade (public transport)
    • Google Translate (with offline Polish)
    • Banking app (once you have an account)
    • Uber/Bolt (taxis)

  3. Learn to read Polish numbers – Prices, addresses, phone numbers

  4. Keep copies of important documents – Passport, visa, insurance, student ID

  5. Join Facebook groups – "Expats in [Your City]" or "[Your City] International Students"

  6. Get a student ID card (legitymacja studencka) immediately – Discounts everywhere

  7. Learn basic Polish – Even "dzień dobry" and "dziękuję" go a long way

  8. Don't be afraid to ask – Poles are helpful, even if they seem reserved

  9. Embrace the culture – Try new foods, go to events, explore

  10. Be patient with yourself – Adjusting takes time. It's normal to feel overwhelmed sometimes.

The Bottom Line

Studying in Poland is an adventure. There will be moments of confusion, frustration, and "wait, what?" But there will also be moments of discovery, connection, and "this is amazing." The practical stuff matters – knowing how to open a bank account, understanding cultural quirks, figuring out public transport. But don't get so caught up in the logistics that you forget to enjoy the experience.

You're not just here to study. You're here to live. To experience a new culture, make new friends, and grow. The "everything else" stuff is just the foundation. The real magic happens when you step out of your comfort zone, try that weird-looking food, strike up a conversation with a classmate, or explore a new part of your city.

Powodzenia! (Good luck!) You've got this. And remember – every international student has been where you are. You're not alone, and you're going to figure it out. One "dzień dobry" and bank account at a time.