You've decided to study in Poland. Great choice. Now comes the practical part: understanding how the system actually works, what you need to do, and what to expect. This isn't about selling you on Poland – you're already sold. This is about making sure you know what you're getting into.

Here's everything you actually need to know about studying in Poland, without the marketing fluff.

The Polish Higher Education System: How It Works

Academic Structure

Polish higher education follows the Bologna Process, which means it's compatible with the rest of Europe.

Three-cycle system:

First Cycle: Licencjat/Inżynier (Bachelor's)

  • Duration: 3-4 years (engineering usually 3.5-4 years)
  • Credits: 180-240 ECTS
  • Result: Bachelor's degree (Licencjat for general fields, Inżynier for engineering)
  • Entry requirement: High school diploma

Second Cycle: Magister (Master's)

  • Duration: 1.5-2 years
  • Credits: 90-120 ECTS
  • Result: Master's degree (Magister - abbreviated Mgr)
  • Entry requirement: Bachelor's in related field

Third Cycle: Doktor (PhD)

  • Duration: 3-4 years
  • Research-focused
  • Result: Doctoral degree (Doktor)
  • Entry requirement: Master's degree

Long-cycle programs (no separate Bachelor's):

  • Medicine: 6 years
  • Law: 5 years
  • Pharmacy: 5.5 years
  • Veterinary medicine: 5.5 years

These fields grant Master's-level degree directly (no Bachelor's step).

Academic Year Structure

Two semesters:

Winter Semester:

  • October 1 - February/mid-March
  • Christmas break: ~2 weeks (late December-early January)
  • Exam session: January-February

Summer Semester:

  • February/March - June/July
  • Easter break: few days
  • Exam session: June-July
  • Summer break: July-September (long!)

Academic rhythm:

  • Classes: October-January, March-May
  • Exams: January-February, June-July
  • Retake exams: September (if you failed)

Reality check: Polish academic year gives you a genuine 2-month summer break. Use it for internships, travel, or going home.

Types of Studies: What's Available

By Language

Polish-language programs:

  • Most programs available
  • Usually free for EU citizens
  • Non-EU citizens pay tuition (lower than English programs)
  • Requires Polish language proficiency (B2 level minimum)
  • Certificate from Polish language preparatory program accepted

English-language programs:

  • Growing number, especially in sciences, medicine, engineering, business
  • Everyone pays tuition (including Polish/EU citizens)
  • Costs: 1,000-14,000 EUR/year depending on field
  • No Polish language requirement (but helpful for daily life)
  • Primarily at major universities in big cities

Reality: If you speak Polish or willing to learn, you have more options and potentially free education (if EU citizen). If English-only, you're limited but still have good options in most fields.

By Mode of Study

Full-time (Studia stacjonarne/dzienne):

  • Classes mostly during daytime
  • Monday-Friday schedule
  • More prestige and recognition
  • Better student benefits (discounts, dormitories)
  • What most international students do

Part-time/Weekend (Studia niestacjonarne/zaoczne):

  • Classes on weekends or evenings
  • For working people
  • Same degree ultimately
  • Often cheaper
  • Less student benefits
  • Mostly Polish citizens do this

For international students: Choose full-time. You're coming to Poland for the full student experience, not weekend classes.

By Study Level

Undergraduate (Studia pierwszego stopnia):

  • Bachelor's level
  • Most international students start here
  • Age range: mostly 19-23 but varies

Graduate (Studia drugiego stopnia):

  • Master's level
  • Can apply directly if you have Bachelor's
  • Sometimes easier admission than Bachelor's
  • Popular for 1-2 year programs

Long-cycle (Studia jednolite):

  • Medicine, law, pharmacy
  • No Bachelor's step
  • Start directly, finish with Master's equivalent
  • Most demanding programs

Admission Process: Step by Step

What You Need (Standard Requirements)

For Bachelor's programs:

1. High school diploma

  • Original or certified copy
  • Must be equivalent to Polish "matura" (school-leaving exam)
  • Usually needs apostille (international certification)
  • Translation to Polish or English (certified translation)

2. Academic transcript

  • Record of grades from high school
  • Certified translation

3. English language certificate (for English-taught programs)

  • IELTS: usually 5.5-6.5 (varies by program)
  • TOEFL iBT: usually 80-90
  • Cambridge: FCE/CAE
  • Some universities accept: Duolingo, TOEIC
  • Native English speakers sometimes exempt (check requirements)

4. Passport/ID

  • Valid for entire study period
  • Copy of photo page

5. Photos

  • Passport-style photos (usually 4-6 pieces)
  • Specific size requirements (check each university)

6. Application form

  • Filled out online usually
  • Personal statement/motivation letter sometimes required

7. Application fee

  • 50-200 EUR typically
  • Non-refundable
  • Paid online usually

Additional requirements for specific programs:

  • Medicine: Often entrance exam, interview
  • Arts/Architecture: Portfolio required
  • Music: Audition required
  • Some universities: SAT/ACT scores accepted
  • Top programs: Recommendation letters

For Master's programs:

Everything above, plus:

  • Bachelor's degree diploma (certified, translated)
  • Bachelor's transcript
  • Sometimes: recommendation letters
  • Sometimes: GMAT/GRE (business schools)
  • Proof that Bachelor's field matches Master's field

Application Timeline

Typical schedule:

January-March:

  • Universities open applications
  • Research and prepare documents
  • Get translations and apostilles

April-June:

  • Submit applications
  • Most deadlines in June-July
  • Some universities have earlier deadlines (especially medicine)

June-August:

  • Admission decisions released
  • Accept offer, pay deposit
  • Apply for visa/residence permit

September:

  • Arrive in Poland
  • Register at university
  • Orientation week

October 1:

  • Academic year officially begins

Critical advice: Start preparing 6-8 months before you want to begin studying. Document preparation takes longer than you think.

Apostille: What Is It and Why You Need It

Apostille is international certification that your documents are genuine.

The Hague Convention countries (including most countries) use apostille system. Your high school diploma needs apostille to be recognized in Poland.

How to get apostille:

  1. Contact authority in your country (Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Education Ministry, or designated office)
  2. Submit original document
  3. Pay fee (varies by country)
  4. Receive document with apostille stamp/certificate
  5. Get certified translation to Polish or English

Non-Hague Convention countries: Need consular legalization (more complicated, ask Polish embassy).

Time required: 1-6 weeks depending on country. Don't wait until last minute.

Visa and Residence Permit: What You Need to Stay

EU/EEA/Switzerland Citizens

Good news: You don't need visa or residence permit for studies.

What you do need:

  • Valid ID card or passport
  • Register at university
  • Can stay and study freely
  • Can work without restrictions

If staying longer than 3 months: Register your residence at local town hall (formality, not difficult).

Non-EU Citizens

You need residence permit for studies (Karta Pobytu).

Two options:

Option 1: National visa + apply for residence permit in Poland

  1. Apply for national (D) visa at Polish embassy/consulate in home country
  2. Provide: admission letter, proof of funds, health insurance, accommodation proof
  3. Enter Poland on visa
  4. Apply for residence permit within days of arrival
  5. Wait for residence card (weeks to months)

Option 2: Apply for residence permit from abroad (if available)

  • Some Polish embassies allow applying for residence permit directly
  • Longer processing but you enter Poland with permit approved
  • Check if your embassy offers this

Required documents for residence permit:

  • University admission/enrollment letter
  • Proof of financial means (usually €500-600/month for living costs)
  • Health insurance (European Health Insurance Card or private insurance)
  • Accommodation proof (dormitory letter, rental agreement)
  • Passport-style photos
  • Application fee

Processing time: 1-3 months typically (you can stay in Poland while waiting).

Work rights: Student residence permit allows up to 20 hours/week work during semester, unlimited during holidays.

Cost of Visa/Residence Permit

  • Visa application: €80-120 typically
  • Residence permit application: ~€50-100
  • Photos, translations, notarizations: ~€50-100

Budget €200-300 total for visa/permit process.

Money Matters: What You'll Actually Pay

Tuition Fees

Polish-language programs:

  • EU citizens: FREE at public universities
  • Non-EU citizens: €1,000-2,500/year typically

English-language programs (everyone pays):

  • Humanities/Social Sciences: €1,000-2,500/year
  • Business/Economics: €2,000-4,000/year
  • Engineering/IT: €2,500-4,500/year
  • Medicine: €10,000-14,000/year
  • Dentistry: €11,000-15,000/year
  • Pharmacy: €3,500-6,000/year

Payment schedule:

  • Usually paid in two installments (per semester)
  • First payment before enrollment
  • Can sometimes pay full year upfront (sometimes small discount)

Living Costs (Monthly)

Student budget breakdown:

Accommodation:

  • University dormitory: €80-150/month (cheapest)
  • Private room in shared apartment: €200-400/month
  • Studio apartment: €350-600/month
  • Varies dramatically by city (Warsaw most expensive)

Food:

  • Budget cooking at home: €150-250/month
  • Including eating out occasionally: €250-400/month
  • Student canteen meals: €3-5

Transport:

  • Student monthly pass: €10-25/month (usually 50% discount)
  • In some cities: free for students under 26
  • Bike: free after initial purchase

Phone/Internet:

  • Mobile phone: €5-15/month (prepaid)
  • Internet at home: usually included in rent or €10-20/month

Entertainment/Social:

  • Beer at bar: €2-4
  • Cinema ticket: €5-7 (student discount)
  • Gym membership: €20-40/month
  • Netflix/Spotify: standard global pricing

Total monthly costs:

  • Minimum survival budget: €400-500/month
  • Comfortable student life: €600-800/month
  • Living well: €800-1,200/month

Depends on: City (Warsaw vs Łódź = huge difference), lifestyle, accommodation type.

Student Discounts

With Polish student ID (Legitymacja studencka):

  • 50% discount on public transport
  • 50% discount on museum tickets
  • Discounts at cinemas (usually 25-50%)
  • Discounts at some restaurants/cafes
  • Discounts on domestic train tickets (37-51%)
  • Discounts on some international trains

Under 26 years old:

  • Additional discounts (PKP trains sometimes free on weekends for under-26)
  • Student theater/cinema prices
  • Some cities: free public transport for students under 26

The student ID is powerful in Poland. Use it everywhere.

Health Insurance: You Must Have It

EU/EEA/Switzerland Citizens

Get European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) from your home country before arrival.

EHIC covers:

  • Necessary medical care in public health system
  • Emergency treatment
  • Basic healthcare

Free healthcare in Poland with EHIC at public facilities.

Consider additional private insurance for:

  • Better/faster service
  • Private clinics (English-speaking doctors)
  • Dental care beyond emergencies
  • Repatriation

Non-EU Citizens

You must have health insurance to get residence permit.

Options:

1. University health insurance scheme:

  • Some universities offer insurance packages
  • Usually €30-60/month
  • Covers basic needs
  • Convenient (university handles it)

2. Private health insurance:

  • Buy from Polish or international providers
  • Must meet legal requirements for residence permit
  • Usually €30-80/month depending on coverage
  • Can include better coverage, English-speaking clinics

3. Insurance from home country:

  • If comprehensive and valid in Poland
  • Must provide documentation in Polish/English
  • Check if residence permit office accepts it

Minimum coverage required: €30,000 typically for residence permit.

Healthcare Reality in Poland

Public healthcare:

  • Free with EHIC or Polish health insurance
  • Can be slow for non-emergencies
  • Language barrier (few doctors speak English)
  • Good quality for serious issues
  • Long waits for specialists

Private healthcare:

  • Pay per visit or monthly subscription
  • Fast appointments
  • Modern facilities
  • More English-speaking doctors
  • €30-100 per visit without insurance
  • Worth considering for international students

Emergencies: Call 112 (European emergency number). Emergency care is free for everyone.

Accommodation: Where You'll Live

University Dormitories (Akademiki)

Pros:

  • Cheapest option (€80-150/month)
  • On or near campus
  • Meet other students easily
  • Utilities included
  • Safe environment
  • No complicated contracts

Cons:

  • Shared rooms often (2-3 people)
  • Shared bathrooms (sometimes)
  • Strict rules (guests, noise)
  • Limited privacy
  • Basic facilities (but functional)
  • Not always available for all students

How to get:

  • Apply during admission process
  • First-come, first-served usually
  • Priority sometimes for international students
  • Register early

Reality: Polish dorms aren't luxury, but they're clean, safe, functional, and incredibly affordable. Great first-year option.

Private Accommodation

Options:

Room in shared apartment:

  • €200-400/month depending on city
  • Share kitchen, bathroom with 2-4 people
  • More independence than dormitory
  • Need to find flatmates
  • Most common option for students

Studio apartment:

  • €350-600/month depending on city
  • Privacy and independence
  • More expensive
  • Responsible for everything
  • Suitable for couples or those who prefer alone living

Apartment with friends:

  • €200-400/month per person
  • Split costs with trusted friends
  • More space than dorm
  • More responsibility

How to find:

  • OLX.pl – Polish Craigslist, most listings
  • Otodom.pl – Property portal
  • Facebook groups (search "[City] accommodation students")
  • University notice boards
  • Student organizations

What to expect:

  • First month + deposit (usually one month rent)
  • Bills often separate (€50-100/month for utilities)
  • Contracts in Polish (get someone to help translate)
  • Landlords prefer longer commitments (academic year minimum)

Red flags:

  • Landlord refuses proper contract
  • Suspiciously cheap (likely scam)
  • Demands large deposit upfront before viewing
  • Property looks very different from photos

Costs by City (approximate monthly rent)

Warsaw: €350-600 (room in shared apartment in decent area) Kraków: €250-450 Wrocław: €250-400 Poznań: €200-350 Gdańsk: €250-400 Łódź: €150-300 Lublin: €150-300 Białystok: €150-250

Working While Studying

Can You Work?

EU/EEA citizens: Yes, freely. No restrictions.

Non-EU citizens: Yes, with student residence permit.

  • Up to 20 hours/week during semester
  • Unlimited during holidays (July-September, Christmas, Easter)
  • Don't need separate work permit
  • Must not interfere with studies

Typical Student Jobs

Common options:

  • English teaching/tutoring (€10-20/hour)
  • Hospitality (cafes, restaurants) – €4-6/hour
  • Retail – €4-6/hour
  • Call centers (English support) – €5-8/hour
  • Freelancing (if you have skills) – varies
  • University jobs (research assistant, etc.) – varies

Reality: Polish minimum wage is ~€4-5/hour. Not high, but covers living costs. Many international students work 10-15 hours/week and cover accommodation and food.

Where to Find Jobs

  • OLX.pl – job listings
  • Pracuj.pl – major job portal
  • Indeed Poland
  • University career offices
  • Facebook groups for English speakers in Poland
  • International companies in Poland (often hire English speakers)
  • Language schools (always need native English teachers)

English is your advantage. Many companies in Poland need English speakers for international operations.

The Academic Experience: What to Expect

Teaching Style

Lecture-based system:

  • Lectures (Wykład): Professor presents, you listen and take notes, 100-300 students
  • Classes/Tutorials (Ćwiczenia): Smaller groups, 15-30 students, interactive
  • Labs (Laboratorium): Hands-on work for sciences/engineering
  • Seminars (Seminarium): Discussion-based, smaller groups

Attendance:

  • Lectures: Often optional
  • Classes/Labs/Seminars: Mandatory (usually 80% minimum)
  • Absence limits enforced

Assessment:

  • Written exams (mostly)
  • Oral exams (some subjects)
  • Projects and presentations
  • Lab reports
  • Final thesis (especially for Master's)

Grading scale:

  • 2.0 = Fail (Niedostateczny)
  • 3.0 = Sufficient/Pass (Dostateczny)
  • 3.5 = Sufficient Plus
  • 4.0 = Good (Dobry)
  • 4.5 = Good Plus
  • 5.0 = Very Good (Bardzo Dobry)
  • 5.5 = Excellent (Celujący) – rare

Pass requirement: 3.0 minimum (50-60% usually).

Academic Culture

More formal than UK/US:

  • Address professors as "Professor [Last name]" or "Doctor [Last name]"
  • Students stand when professor enters (sometimes)
  • More hierarchical relationship
  • Less casual than Anglo-American universities

More independent learning:

  • Less hand-holding
  • Expected to study and learn independently
  • Professors available during office hours but won't chase you
  • You're responsible for your progress

Exams matter:

  • Final exam often 60-100% of grade
  • Continuous assessment less common than in UK/US
  • High-stakes exams
  • Can retake failed exams (limits apply)

Different pace:

  • Less coursework during semester
  • Intense exam periods (all exams in January-February and June-July)
  • Long summer break

ECTS Credits

European Credit Transfer System:

  • Each course worth certain ECTS credits
  • 1 ECTS = ~25-30 hours of total work (lectures + self-study)
  • 60 ECTS per academic year
  • 30 ECTS per semester typically
  • Need specific credits to graduate

Example Bachelor's: 180-240 ECTS total over 3-4 years.

Student Life Practicalities

Student ID (Legitymacja Studencka)

You get this after enrollment. It's your golden ticket.

What it does:

  • Proves you're a student
  • Gets you discounts everywhere
  • Required for student transport passes
  • Sometimes accepted as ID (for citizens)
  • Can be linked to mObywatel app

Don't lose it. Replacing it is bureaucratic hassle.

Bank Account

Should you open Polish bank account?

Yes, if:

  • Staying full academic year or longer
  • Paying rent, bills locally
  • Working in Poland (salary payments)

Popular student-friendly banks:

  • mBank – modern, English app, student accounts
  • PKO BP – largest bank, everywhere
  • ING Bank Śląski – good online banking
  • Millennium – student-friendly

What you need:

  • Passport/ID
  • Enrollment certificate from university
  • Proof of Polish address
  • Sometimes: PESEL number (Polish national ID number)

Alternatives:

  • Revolut, Wise – international banking apps, very popular among international students
  • Keep using home country bank (but fees add up)

Mobile Phone

Options:

Prepaid SIM cards:

  • No contract, no credit check
  • €5-15/month
  • Good data packages
  • Buy at any shop
  • Top up online or at kiosks

Popular providers:

  • Play
  • Orange
  • T-Mobile
  • Plus

What you get: Unlimited calls/texts + 20-50 GB data for €5-15/month (prepaid plans).

To buy: Bring passport to any mobile shop. Takes 5 minutes.

EU citizens: Your home country SIM works in Poland (EU roaming rules), but Polish SIM cheaper for longer stays.

Cultural Adjustment: What to Expect

Language Barrier

Reality: Polish is hard. Really hard. One of the hardest languages to learn.

But:

  • Young people in big cities often speak English
  • Universities have English support
  • You can survive with English in major cities
  • Basic Polish goes a long way (people appreciate effort)

Learn these immediately:

  • Dzień dobry (jen dob-rih) – Hello/Good morning
  • Dziękuję (jen-koo-yeh) – Thank you
  • Przepraszam (psheh-pra-sham) – Excuse me/Sorry
  • Nie mówię po polsku (nyeh moo-vyeh po pol-skoo) – I don't speak Polish

Social Culture

Polish people:

  • Reserved with strangers (not rude, just cultural)
  • Warm with friends and family
  • Direct communication (say what they mean)
  • Value honesty over politeness sometimes
  • Hospitality is big deal (invited to home = honor)

Social tips:

  • Don't expect American-style small talk
  • Smiling at strangers isn't common (doesn't mean unhappy)
  • Making Polish friends takes time but worth it
  • Join student organizations (ESN, international clubs)
  • Other international students will be your initial friend group

Weather

Be prepared for:

  • Real winter (November-March, can be -10°C to -20°C)
  • Snow (lots of it, especially January-February)
  • Gray November (depressing but manageable)
  • Beautiful autumn (September-October)
  • Hot summer (June-August, 25-35°C)

What you need:

  • Proper winter jacket (buy in Poland, cheaper and better)
  • Winter boots (snow is real)
  • Layers (buildings are heated well)
  • Vitamin D supplements (winter is dark)

Food

Polish cuisine basics:

  • Pierogi (dumplings) – everywhere, cheap, delicious
  • Bigos (hunter's stew)
  • Żurek (sour rye soup)
  • Kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet)
  • Zapiekanka (street food, must try)

Grocery shopping:

  • Biedronka – cheapest, everywhere
  • Lidl – cheap, good quality
  • Żabka – convenience store (expensive but 24/7)
  • Carrefour – mid-range
  • Kaufland – good selection

Eating out:

  • Bar mleczny (milk bar) – traditional Polish canteen, very cheap, authentic
  • Pierogarnie – pierogi specialty restaurants
  • Kebab shops – everywhere, cheap, good
  • Asian restaurants – surprisingly good and affordable

Safety

Poland is very safe by European standards.

Crime rates: Low for violent crime, moderate for petty theft.

Be aware of:

  • Pickpockets in tourist areas (Kraków especially)
  • Drink spiking (rare but happens, watch your drink)
  • Taxi scams (use Uber/Bolt instead)
  • Drunk people at night (not dangerous, just annoying)

As international student: You're safer in Polish cities than most Western European capitals. But use common sense.

Official Documents and Bureaucracy

PESEL Number

What is it: Polish national identification number.

Do you need it?

  • Staying longer than 3 months: Yes (often)
  • Opening bank account: Often required
  • Healthcare registration: Sometimes needed
  • Working: Required
  • Signing contracts: Often required

How to get: Register at local town hall (Urząd Miasta) with enrollment certificate and residence proof.

Registration at University

When you arrive, you must:

  1. Report to International Office
  2. Provide all documents (originals + copies)
  3. Sign enrollment documents
  4. Pay first tuition installment
  5. Get student ID
  6. Register for courses
  7. Attend orientation

Bring to registration:

  • Passport/ID
  • All original documents (diploma, transcript, certificates)
  • Photos
  • Proof of payment
  • Residence permit/visa
  • Health insurance proof

This takes several days. Don't arrive October 1 and expect to start classes immediately.

First Week Survival Guide

Before You Arrive

✅ Accommodation arranged ✅ Residence permit/visa sorted ✅ Health insurance purchased ✅ Flight booked ✅ University contacted about arrival ✅ Join Facebook groups (university, city, international students) ✅ Pack appropriately (especially if arriving in winter) ✅ Some euros/Polish złoty cash ✅ Copies of all documents (digital + physical)

Upon Arrival

Day 1-2:

  • Get from airport to accommodation (Uber/Bolt works, or bus/train)
  • Rest, recover from travel
  • Buy groceries (find nearest Biedronka/Lidl)
  • Buy Polish SIM card
  • Orient yourself in neighborhood

Day 3-5:

  • Register at university
  • Get student ID
  • Open bank account (if needed)
  • Register courses
  • Attend orientation events
  • Meet other international students

Day 6-7:

  • Explore city
  • Learn public transport
  • Find essential locations (pharmacy, supermarket, university buildings)
  • Register at town hall for PESEL (if needed)
  • Join student organizations

Week 2:

  • Classes begin
  • Settle into routine
  • Make friends
  • Explore more
  • Handle any remaining bureaucracy

Common Problems and Solutions

"My residence permit is taking forever"

Normal. Processing takes 1-3 months. You get receipt (stamp in passport) that allows you to stay and study while waiting. Don't worry.

"I can't find accommodation"

Solutions:

  • Check OLX.pl daily (new listings appear constantly)
  • Join Facebook housing groups for your city
  • Ask university international office for help
  • Contact student organizations
  • Look for temporary accommodation while searching
  • Check university dormitory waiting list

"I don't speak Polish and feeling isolated"

Solutions:

  • Join ESN (Erasmus Student Network) – international student organization
  • Attend university international events
  • Join clubs/societies at university
  • Find language exchange partners
  • Take Polish language classes (usually offered free for students)
  • Connect with other international students online before arrival
  • Give it time – adjustment takes few months

"Classes are too hard / I'm failing"

Solutions:

  • Talk to professors during office hours
  • Form study groups with classmates
  • Use university tutoring services
  • Adjust study methods (more independent study needed than some countries)
  • Consider whether you're in right program
  • Don't be afraid to retake exams (normal in Poland)

"I'm running out of money"

Solutions:

  • Apply for part-time work (English teaching easiest)
  • Cut costs (cheaper accommodation, cook at home, use student discounts)
  • Check if your country offers study abroad grants
  • Polish universities sometimes have emergency funds for students
  • Consider taking fewer courses and working more (if allowed by visa)

"I hate the winter / weather"

Solutions:

  • Vitamin D supplements (seriously, they help)
  • Stay active (gym, sports)
  • Travel during breaks (cheap flights)
  • Embrace it (winter activities, skiing)
  • Remember: summer is coming (and it's beautiful)
  • Connect with others (shared suffering bonds people)

"Bureaucracy is driving me crazy"

Welcome to Poland.

Solutions:

  • Ask for help (university international office, Polish friends)
  • Be patient (everything takes longer than expected)
  • Bring all documents always (you'll need something you didn't expect)
  • Make copies of everything
  • Start processes early
  • Accept that it's frustrating for everyone, not just you

Resources and Useful Links

Official Resources

  • Study in Poland: studyinpoland.pl – Official government portal
  • NAWA: nawa.gov.pl/en – Polish National Agency for Academic Exchange
  • Immigration Office: gov.pl/web/uw-mazowiecki/cudzoziemcy – Residence permits

Practical Resources

  • OLX.pl – Accommodation, jobs, everything
  • Jakdojade.pl – Public transport app (essential!)
  • Google Maps – Works perfectly in Poland

Student Organizations

  • ESN (Erasmus Student Network) – International student organization, has sections in all major cities
  • Your university's international student association
  • City-specific Facebook groups for international students

Emergency Numbers

  • 112 – Emergency (police, ambulance, fire)
  • Your embassy contact – Save before arrival

The Real Talk: Is It Worth It?

Challenges you will face:

  • Language barrier
  • Bureaucracy
  • Cultural adjustment
  • Cold winters
  • Being far from home
  • Academic pressure
  • Occasional homesickness

But also:

  • Quality education at affordable price
  • Real international experience
  • European adventure
  • Independence and growth
  • Unique stories and memories
  • Diverse friend network
  • Career opportunities in growing market

Bottom line: Studying in Poland isn't always easy, but it's manageable, affordable, and ultimately rewarding. You'll struggle sometimes, laugh often, and grow significantly.

Come prepared, stay flexible, ask for help when needed, and embrace the experience.

Witamy w Polsce! (Welcome to Poland!)

Ready to dive deeper? Check out our guide to choosing a university and city guides.