First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus? Learn how to handle accommodation, transport, shopping, and daily life in your first month - plus safe housing with Pepe Housing. To survive your first month in Warsaw as an Erasmus student, book verified accommodation before arrival, check your room carefully on move-in day, learn how public transport works, buy only essentials in your first week, and pick a neighborhood with an easy university commute. Pepe Housing helps students book verified rooms online before moving to Poland.
Your first month in Warsaw can feel exciting, confusing, and slightly overwhelming - sometimes all in the same day. You need to move into your room, figure out public transport, buy basic things, get to know your neighborhood, and start university life in a brand-new country.
The good news? A little preparation goes a long way. This guide walks you through the housing, transport, shopping, and survival tips every Erasmus student should know before and after arrival - so you can settle in faster and stress less.
Here's the short version if you're in a hurry:
Before you think about cafés, nightlife, or sightseeing, secure your room. Arriving in Warsaw without a confirmed place to stay can make your first week stressful, expensive, and chaotic. Booking last minute often means fewer options and a lot more pressure.
With Pepe Housing, students can compare verified rooms, check rental details, and book online before arrival - so you land in Warsaw with your biggest problem already solved.
Your move-in day isn't just about dropping your suitcase and collapsing on the bed. Spend 15 minutes checking the room and taking photos. It can save you from misunderstandings later.
Warsaw becomes much easier once you learn how to get around. According to Go To Warsaw, the city's public transport system includes the metro, trams, buses, and urban rail - and tickets must be validated immediately after you board or before passing the metro gates.
Getting from the airport is simple too. Warsaw Chopin Airport connects to the city center by bus and train, with train lines running to stations like Warszawa Śródmieście and Warszawa Centralna in around 20 minutes.
Pepe tip: Don't choose a room only by distance on the map. In Warsaw, a direct metro, tram, or bus connection can be more useful than living physically closer to your university.
Start by learning one route well: the one from your accommodation to your university. Apps like jakdojade.pl make it easy to plan journeys and check timetables. Once your daily commute feels automatic, exploring the rest of the city gets much easier.
Students may qualify for reduced fares, but you need the right document to claim them. Erasmus students holding an ISIC (International Student Identity Card) can be entitled to half-fare travel, provided they also carry a photo document confirming their date of birth. Always check the current rules before buying a discounted ticket, and keep your student ID with you.
For your first month, the best area isn't always the most famous one. Choose a neighborhood that makes your daily routine easy - university commute, groceries, transport, and basic services matter more than living next to tourist attractions.
Choose a room with a smart commute
Check verified Warsaw rooms on Pepe Housing and compare locations near public transport.
First-week shopping should focus on essentials, not decoration. And here's the golden rule: don't buy half of IKEA before checking your room. See what's already included, then buy only what you actually need.
Room essentials: bedding, pillow, blanket or duvet, towels, hangers, a desk lamp if needed, and an extension cord.
Bathroom essentials: toiletries, toilet paper, laundry detergent, a small laundry basket, and cleaning products.
Kitchen basics: a plate, bowl, mug, cutlery, a pan or pot if not provided, food containers, a sponge, and dish soap.
If you're in a shared apartment, ask your flatmates what kitchen equipment is shared before buying duplicates.
Your first-month budget can disappear fast if you eat out every day. Find your nearest grocery store in the first two days, compare a few prices before building habits, and learn a couple of simple meal routines.
Check how much fridge and kitchen space you actually have, plan basic meals around your university schedule, and always keep a few emergency snacks at home. First-month chaos is very real, and a full pantry helps.
The goal of your first week isn't to know the whole city. It's to make your daily life work: home, university, food, transport, contacts, and basic safety.
Your first month in Warsaw will be far easier once accommodation is sorted before arrival. With your room booked, you can focus on transport, university, shopping, and actually enjoying your Erasmus experience. Pepe Housing helps international students find verified rooms in Warsaw, compare rental conditions, and book safely online before moving to Poland.
Book verified student accommodation online with Pepe Housing before arrival - and start your semester one big worry lighter.
Go straight to your accommodation, check the room condition, take photos, confirm your keys and house rules, then learn your route to university and buy basic essentials for the first week. First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student
Yes. Booking before arrival gives you more choice, reduces stress, and helps you avoid last-minute decisions. Verified platforms like Pepe Housing are especially useful for students who can't view rooms in person before moving. First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student
Yes. Warsaw has a metro, trams, buses, and urban rail, making it easy to commute between your accommodation, university, and the city center. Remember to validate every ticket to avoid fines.
Students may be eligible for reduced fares, but you'll need the right document - such as a valid student ID or ISIC card. Always carry a photo document confirming your date of birth when using discounted tickets.
Start with essentials: bedding, towels, toiletries, laundry detergent, basic kitchen items, and cleaning products. Check what your room already includes before buying anything else. First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student
Popular student areas include Mokotów, Śródmieście, Wola, Ochota, Praga-Północ, Żoliborz, and Ursynów. The best choice depends on your university, budget, and commute. First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student First Month in Warsaw as an Erasmus Student
